10 13 2009

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

13

Doggy Delight

TUESDAY Volume 99, Issue 20

OCT

www.UniversityStar.com

The 7th annual Pet Fest celebrated man’s best friend Saturday with performances and fundrasiers. For the story, see Trends page 6.

Students participate in National Equality March, hear president

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS pages 1-3 Elevator repairs relieve residents in tallest dorm

By Kaycee Toller The University Star

Officials search for new methods in emergency alert system

Texas State student Kurt Mitchell knew exactly what he was marching for at the National Equality March Sunday in Washington D.C. “I was marching for my life,” said Mitchell, a social work student. “Every issue we were marching for directly and intimately affects my life.”

Four Texas State students drove nearly 24 hours to join thousands of supporters in the largest demonstration for gay rights in Washington, D.C. in almost a decade.

The group, along with other students from Texas, met with thousands of other demonstrators to show their support for same-sex marriage, push for an end to hate crimes and fight the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy of the U.S. military.

The students missed class to show their support.

“Three of us are social work majors, and we had to tell our professors we were going to miss class,” Mitchell said . “I’d say the School of Social Work showed tremendous support for this by hav-

OPINIONS page 4 MAIN POINT: Slumping school spirit ‘Campus beautification’ includes littering prevention

TRENDS page 5-6 Local library hopes to profit from book sale Center celebrates 10 years of preserving music culture, history Sights and sounds will charge admission for first year

web extra Tina Phan/Star photo The Bobcat football team lost 51-50 to Southeastern Louisiana in overtime Saturday.

SPORTS page 8 Soccer takes early leads Volleyball players increase edge.

Conference Catastrophe See page 8 for the story

Newly appointed liaison focuses on veteran affairs See the Photos Online at www.universitystar.com

By Bianca Davis News Reporter

Today’s Weather

81°/72° Scattered T-Storms Precipitation: 40% Humidity: 84% UV: 5 Moderate Wind: SE 10 mph

Wednesday Partly Cloudy Temp: 85°/72° Precip: 20%

Thursday

Sunny Temp: 88°/61° Precip: 0%

See the Video Online at

www.universitystar.com

ASG Senators passed a bill Monday night creating a veteran’s liaison, and a memorandum confirming President Chris Covo’s appointment of Jude Prather.

Covo said he nominated Prather, public admisitration senior, because of his involvement in advocating for veterans in the community.

“He’s finishing his undergrad and he just returned from Iraq,” Covo said. “He’s very

involved with the city and the veterans institution here.”

Sen. Daniel Burrow questioned the necessity of creating another administrative position within ASG. “Do we really need to make another liaison?” asked Burrow, English junior.

Prather said this position was necessary because the general population is uninformed about veteran affairs.

“The thing about veterans’ issues is a lot of you all do not know any better because you all aren’t even aware with the

problems veterans go through,” he said.

The veteran’s liaison will attend the senate meetings weekly and provide updates to ASG. “(The liaison) is going to be basically a champion for veterans here on campus and in the community of San Marcos,” Prather said. “We’re talking about a segment of our student population of 1,100 people out of 21,000 on this campus.

That’s around 5 percent.” see ‘ASG,’ page 3

ing three different professors excuse us from class.”

The march was Sunday, following Obama’s speech regarding gay rights Saturday night.

Some demonstrators were pleased with Obama’s speech while others were disappointed he gave no concrete plan for gay equality.

“He says he supports us, but he has not acted on this support,” Mitchell said.

Christina Epp, social work junior who went to the march, said she was pleased the president addressed the gay community.

“I feel like Obama is trying to be an ally in the best way he can,” Epp said.

Both Epp and Mitchell said they hoped the march would give attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals who are denied rights others enjoy.

“I hope the people who are watching at home see the faces of the people marching in Washington and realize this could be somebody in their family who is fighting for equal rights,” Epp said. see ‘EQUALITY,’ page 3

Federal bill grants funds to Texas State An appropriation bill has recently granted $300,000 in funds to a Texas State program aimed at improving watershed management.

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies appropriations bill by U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison allotted money for the Gilbert M. Grosvenor Center’s Watershed project.

“This funding to the Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education will help ensure water supplies, which are important for both economic development and maintenance of ecosystem health, are adequate,” Hutchison said in a press release.

Richard Boehm, director of the Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education, said the money is being used to produce a professional development web-based program for teachers on watershed management.

“We believe the best way to educate the citizens of tomorrow, who are our students, is

by making our teachers more knowledgeable and making them into better and more effective teachers,” Boehm said.

Boehm said the program is distributed throughout the country.

“Thousands of teachers get to use the program,” Boehm said. “And hundreds of thousands of students get to use the program.”

Boehm said the funds came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He said the Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education could receive more funds from the department. “(The U.S. Department of Agriculture) is very interested in water because they’re all about food production,” Boehm said.

“We have already talked to them about a second program on food production, and they’re very interested in that as well.”

Hutchison office could not be reached for comment.

— News report compiled by Chase Birthisel

Alamo franchise drafts plans for local location

By Chase Birthisel Assistant News Editor

A previous plan to build an Alamo Drafthouse at the Springtown Shopping center never came to fruition. The proposed theater was met with mixed reviews from the City Council and opposition from the San Marcos Downtown Association.

“There were going to be a lot of big box bars and restaurants and that is not really what we are trying to move toward in San Marcos,” said Brian Montgomery, president of the San Marcos Downtown Association and owner of The Wine Cellar in an Aug. 28 issue of The University Star. “We are not opposed to the development of the center. We had some challenges with the way the process was handled. Quite a bit of money was going to be given to businesses that aren’t from San Marcos.”

In the Aug. 28 issue of The University Star, City Councilmember Fred Terry, Place 3, said the development would

Moviegoers are gearing up for an Alamo Drafthouse being built in San Marcos, though developers say the project is in its ‘preview’ stage.

Triple Tap Ventures LLC has acquired two existing company-owned Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in the Houston metropolitan area. Triple Tap has plans to construct new properties in the Houston market as well as Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa and San Marcos, according to a press release.

Neil Billingsley-Michaelsen, president of Triple Tap Ventures, said the business is actively working on bringing an Alamo Drafthouse to San Marcos, but there are no specifics of a date or site.

“We would be well received by Texas State students, along with the community,” Billingsley-Michaelsen said. “There is strong brand recognition in San Marcos see ‘DRAFTHOUSE,’ page 3 of the Alamo Drafthouse.”

Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo DINNER AND A MOVIE: An Alamo Drafthouse could be in the works for the residents of San Marcos.

Page Two

2 - The University Star

Correction

STARS OF TEXAS STATE Volleyball player Amber Calhoun chipped in 10 kills and four block assists for the highest hitting percentage of the night for the Bobcats with .368. The team beat visiting UT Arlington three to zero Friday night in front of a crowd full of pinkshirted fans supporting breast cancer research. The girls will hit the floor again Wednesday.

— Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

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

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

In Thursday’s issue of The University Star, the University Curriculum Committee brought to the Faculty Senate a motion to create a department of health information management. The proposal to create the department is based on disciplinary recognition and recent increases in majors and faculty.

— The Star regrets this error

CRIME ON THIS BLOTTER DAY IN Oct. 2, 12:01 a.m.

Criminal Mischief-under $500/Bobcat Village Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer her vehicle was intentionally damaged while parked. The case is under investigation

HISTORY

1775:The Continental Congress ordered the construction of a naval fleet.

1792: The cornerstone of the White House was laid during a ceremony in the District of Oct. 2, 10:06 a.m.

Columbia.

Duty to Give Information 1845: Texas ratified a state and Render Aid/Comanche constitution.

Street 1903: The Boston Americans A nonstudent reported her beat the Pittsburgh Pirates company vehicle was hit 3-0 to win the first World by another vehicle while Series five games to three. driving. The case is under 1960: Richard M. Nixon and investigation.

John F. Kennedy participated in the third televised debate Oct. 2, 10:56 a.m. of the presidential campaign, Graffiti - Loss under $500/ with Nixon in Hollywood, Evans Liberal Arts Building Calif., and Kennedy in New A nonstudent reported to York. a police officer university 1974: TV host Ed Sullivan property had been died at age 73. vandalized. The case is 1981: Egyptians voted in under investigation. a referendum to elect Vice President Hosni Mubarak Oct. 2, 2:20 p.m. the new president, one week Reckless Driving/Speck after the assassination of Parking Lot Anwar Sadat.

A police officer was 2000: South Korean dispatched to the location President Kim Dae-jung was for an accident report. named winner of the Nobel Upon further investigation, Peace Prize. a student was arrested 2006: Rep. Bob Ney, for reckless driving and R-Ohio, pleaded guilty transported to Hays County in an influence-peddling Law Enforcement Center investigation of Congress. and is awaiting a court date.

— Courtesy of the New York — Courtesy of University Times Police Department

Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo RUNNING THE PRESS: Hosanna McGowen, studio art senior, works late inking prints for her printmaking class.

Hoagland reads at Wittliff Collections, Katherine Anne Porter House Award-winning poet Tony Hoagland will give readings 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Witliff Collections in the Alkek Library on the Texas State campus and 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Katherine Anne Porter House.

Hoagland is the author of three volumes of poetry: Sweet Ruin, winner of the Brittingham Prize in Poetry; Donkey Gospel, winner of the James Laughlin Award of the Academy of American Poets; and What Narcissism Means to Me, as well as Real Sofistakashun, a collection of essays about poetry, all published

by Graywolf Press. He is currently a teacher in the poetry program

at the University of Houston.

The Katherine Anne Porter House is located at 508 W. Center Street in Kyle. Therese Kayser Lindsey Reading Series and the Texas State English department are sponsoring the readings.

They are free and open to the public.

Contact Michael Noll at 512-268-6637 or e-mail mn19@txstate. edu for further information.

— Courtesy of University News Service

News

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The University Star - 3

Elevator repairs relieve Drafthouse residents in tallest dorm

By Clay Thorp News Reporter Following extensive maintenance to the mechanics in the tower section of the Jackson Hall elevators, students in the 12-floor complex can now get to their rooms without having to take the stairs.

“Last summer we found out there were problems (with the elevators) that needed to be addressed,” said Kyle Estes, associate director of Housing and Residential Life.

Estes said the university hired North American Elevator Consultants to assess what parts would be needed and how long it would take to repair the aging elevator equipment.

The contract to repair the elevators was then awarded to Tejas Elevator Company who would work on the elevators one at a time.

“We decided to do a replacement,” Estes said. “The

only problem was ... the parts would take 12 weeks to get here ... (and) it was going to be right in the middle of opening.

I can’t have the elevators down at that time. The students need those elevators and the parents need those elevators.

You’ve got to keep at least one elevator working at all times.”

At certain points in the semester, however, students reported both elevators were not operating.

“It’s an on and off thing,” said Kris Thele, aquatic biology freshman and 12th-floor resident.

“Sometimes you press the button and wait five minutes,” she said. “You never really know when you’ll be late for class.”

Some students who live in Jackson Hall expressed approval of how university officials handled the elevator maintenance, including twoyear Jackson Hall resident Mel Ferari, president of the Resi-

dence Hall Association, “I live on the third floor so it wasn’t that bad for me,” Ferari said.

The Residence Hall Association takes student complaints and concerns to respective university officials.

“I think they (the university officials) have done a great job,” Ferari said. “Rarely were both elevators out. Most of the time there has always been at least one elevator.”

Both elevators are now operational and are expected to serve students and other visitors without issue.

Jackson Hall, located between the LBJ Student Center and the Student Health Center, is said to be the highest point in San Marcos.

Built in 1967, Jackson Hall is the fourth largest hall on campus, in terms of student population, and currently houses about 400 students, Estes said.

ed to make a replacement text system for Mobile Campus.

Most of the information in the case of an emergency can be found on the university Web site with Texas State currently lacking a text messaging alert system. However, this method may not be as effective, according to the 2009 Pew Internet and American Life Project. According to the study, e-mail use is decreasing among teens and young adults, and 73 percent surveyed said they regularly use e-mail opposed to 89 percent in 2004.

The methods used in the event of an emergency, listed on the university Web site include the home page, e-mails from the university news service or police department, messages recorded on the university news hot line, voice mail messages sent to campus telephones, local media announcements and through the Texas State weather emergency siren system.

Mark Hendricks, director of the university news service, said he is considering creating a Twitter page.

“Because of technological advances, our news service has gotten very timely,” Hendricks said. “We have had to practice to be quick on our feet and flexible in getting out information to the university community.”

Cannon said among the other resources, the Thorguard system alerts the campus if elements for lightning are present.

Cannon said the system could be used in the case of other emergencies.

Alert patterns for the system include two 15-second alerts when there are elements present for lightning, one one-min-

ute blast when there is another type of emergency and three five-second blasts when either situation is clear.

Cannon said there are currently updates scheduled for the signboards on campus, which include a firmware upgrade for the master clock system and a hardware upgrade for the same device.

Cannon said the updates on the signboards will provide for better functioning.

Wyatt said he is confident

by December they will be entered into a new contract reaching the large population of students.

“One of the issues with Mobile Campus was it depended on students voluntarily giving their numbers,” Wyatt said.

“However, we are focused on harvesting as many students’ numbers as possible for the new system.”

Lindsay Welch, management junior, said it is difficult to say whether the texting system was beneficial when it was rarely utilized.

“As long as students are utilizing the Internet, they should be fine,” Welch said. “But I don’t really have an opinion on it.”

Joanne Smith, vice president of student affairs, said Mobile Campus alerts were used two times soon after the Virginia Tech incident. Smith said she could not comment on the issue further because of protocol with emergency alert situations.

“We want to have as safe a campus as possible,” Smith said. “So the Emergency Management Committee regularly reviews the state of the campus and what we can do to provide safety for Texas State.”

have provided more entertainment opportunities for families and underage students as well as draw visitors into San Marcos.

Springtown shopping center is currently semi-vacant.

Chris Mosel, manager of Starplex Cinema in San Marcos, said he is not worried about

Equality

continued from page

the pending Drafthouse.

“You’re looking at a different market for the Drafthouse,” Mosel said. “We could complement each other.”

Mosel said the Starplex is taking a “wait and see” attitude.

“They have been talking about it for years, and nobody

continued from page

Amy Russell, assistant professor in the School of Social Work, said the gay rights movement is supported by those in her department because social workers pursue equality in national and state policy. She said she supports the students’ decision to join the National Equality March.

“It’s great a younger generation can be so involved in this,” Russell said. “Hopefully, the students who are politically active can make big changes

1 has even put up a wall yet,” Mosel said.

The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce could not be reached for comment.

Brian Montgomery, president of the San Marcos Downtown Association, could not be reached for comment.

1

for the future.”

The National Equality March prompted Jose Arreola, premass communication freshman, to be more involved in the gay rights movement at Texas State.

“We went to a workshop Saturday called Courage Camp to help us take what we learned in Washington back home with us,” he said. “I hope to share my stories and beliefs to make a difference.”

Arreola said he plans to be

involved with Bobcat Equality Alliance, a student organization supporting equality for LBGTQ students, faculty and staff.

Natalie Diaz, social work graduate student, expressed pride in those who participated in the march.

“It’s great these students felt empowered to go to Washington and make their voices heard,” she said.

Officials search for new methods in emergency alert system

By Amanda Givens News Reporter University officials across the nation have been re-evaluating communication systems and safety procedures in the aftermath of the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings.

University officials came to an agreement Aug. 2 that the contract would no longer be in effect because of Mobile Campus not fulfilling their terms in the contract.

However, there are still several resources on campus utilized to communicate information in the event of an emergency with the Mobile Campus contract being terminated.

Mobile Campus, a Floridabased venture, offered text alerts to the university for no cost. However, Mobile Campus’ support from the university went south when Mobile Campus decided to ask for a charge.

“The loss of Mobile Campus is not going to change how we alert the university community,” said Jennifer Cannon, Texas State UPD emergency management coordinator administrative assistant. “With technology resources researching the solution to adding another method of sending text messages to campus, this will not be an issue for long.”

According to IT facts, a statistics Web site, texting alert systems are important. The site states 90 percent of college students carry cell phones and 70 percent use text messaging regularly.

Carl Van Wyatt, vice president for information technology, confirmed the technology resources department is working on completing steps need-

universitystar.com

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Boyd

ASG

continued from page

Prather said he is working with city officials to increase benefits for veterans.

“There are a number of issues that I am asking the city to look about and to take on the next agenda,” Prather said. “One of which is waving the utilities deposit for their apartment or their house if they show their military ID or discharge papers.

Issues the veterans liaison presents to the City Council will first be heard by the ASG Senate.

Sen. Francesca Flores, international studies senior, said she voted against creating the liaison position because the vote was taken up by voice

1

without following Roberts Rules of Order.

The bill was granted emergency status in accordance with current guidelines, a “two-thirds vote of the student senate or by declaration of the chairperson of the senate.”

The bill to amend emergency legislation protocol was adopted by the senate and will be voted on after a second reading at the next ASG meeting.

Sen. Johnny Riggs, author of the bill, added guidelines for paper copies of the bill to be distributed.

According to the amendment proposed, “If the author wishes his/her (bill) to be considered for emergency sta-

tus, it is the author’s responsibility to provide no fewer than one copy of proposed (bill) for every two members of the current student senate.”

According to the bill, current guidelines regarding granting emergency status do not allow senators “sufficient opportunity for thorough research and analysis.”

Sen. Lisa Paulson, lead sponsor of the bill, said voting on proposed legislation granted emergency status is difficult.

“Things can happen so quickly,” said Paulson, exercise and sports science senior. “It’s hard to remember the exact wording a lot of times.”

Opinions 4 – The University Star

the main

point.

D isloyalty should never be a badge of honor.

Alas, on the Texas State campus it runs rampant.

Students wearing other universities’ logos and mascots — namely, the University of Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech are prevalent on campus.

News flash: the Texas State mascot is a bobcat. Have students forgotten where they are enrolled? It sure seems that way.

Worse still, businesses in San Marcos sell other universities’ merchandise.

These vendors often have a plethora of gear from other schools while the Texas State merchandise gets placed in a corner or worse, behind a hulking tower of burnt orange hats, shirts and jerseys.

According to the Collegiate Licensing Company’s 2008 to 2009 fiscal year report released in May, UT comes in first for college merchandise sold. Texas Tech came in at 25. Texas State ranked 75th.

However, rankings are not the real issue. The act of wearing university apparel other than Texas State’s speaks volumes about a larger problem — school pride.

School pride — or the lack thereof — has long been a struggle at the university.

It is one of the reasons why on average, Texas State receives fewer donations from alumni than other universities comparable in size. It’s one of the reasons why an aggressive tailgate campaign to drive Bobcat football fans to the stadium has been a highpriority for the student government and administration.

And, of course, it is one of the reasons why student’s boasting burnt orange can be found

What’s your Opinion?

Send your thoughts to staropinion@txstate.edu Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Slumping school spirit in Texas State classrooms.

Perhaps this could be justified if Texas State were a second-rate university. However, that is far from the truth. Opportunities to students provided by the university are endless. For some, Texas State may be a commuter school, or a second-choice “back-up university,” but those cases are the exception — not the norm. For many students, Texas State is home and was their first choice.

University officials are working hard to ensure the Texas State campus grows, both physically and academically.

There is a way for students who are feeling guilty right about now to fix the problem.

The Alumni Association hosts Trade Up, a semester event aimed at providing students with a Texas State T-shirt in exchange for another university’s. The University Star would never advocate students shedding their clothes in The Quad, but for this cause, it may be necessary.

The event will take place Wednesday and is also trading canned food for Texas State shirts, so students can feed the hungry while supporting the Bobcats.

Texas State pride is important. With the changes campus is undergoing, the recent Bobcat football defeat and the ever-growing student population, school spirit has never been more essential.

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board.

Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

Zach Ashburn/Star Illustration

‘Campus beautification’ includes littering prevention

By Kaycee Toller Opinions Columnist There’s a lot of talk about campus beautification. Texas State’s 10-year Master Plan has some major construction planned to make campus more aesthetically pleasing.

Unfortunately, the easiest step in campus beautification is being ignored.

Grounds crews struggle each day to battle the constant

influx of cigarette butts, drink containers and other trash left on the ground. There is no way they can be expected to keep campus clean for more than a short while.

The most effective step in campus beautification is to reduce the amount of litter left around campus.

Littering is both unethical and illegal.

Litterbugs can get a $500 ticket if they get caught, and the fine increases with each offense. University Police don’t enforce this policy as much as possible.

“We just don’t have the resources to patrol for litter violations,” said UPD Officer Otto Glenewinkel.

However, it may only take a

few tickets for word to spread among students that litter laws are being enforced.

Officers shouldn’t patrol for litter violations, but maybe they could issue a ticket or two if they happen to see a student litter. Students will be less likely to litter if they know there may be repercussions.

Another way to beautify campus in terms of reducing litter is by telling people about the problems litter causes.

Most litter comes in the form of cigarette butts.

This could be because people believe cigarette butts are biodegradable, which they are not.

Letting people know cigarette butts take years to decompose and are full of harmful chemicals may keep

a good portion of butts in ashtrays where they belong.

Speaking of ashtrays, has anybody noticed how few there are on campus?

Many areas around campus do not have ashtrays. In order to avoid passing through the smoke-free Quad, smokers have to walk along routes with few places to properly dispose of cigarettes.

Perhaps students would be more responsible with their waste if they were given more opportunities to discard of it properly.

Items related to food account for 29 percent of littered material in the state, according to the Don’t Mess with Texas Web site.

It’s not too hard to find water

bottles, Styrofoam containers, candy wrappers and disposable cups around campus.

For some reason, cups can often be found sitting at the base of the trashcan. This could be because students don’t want to touch disgusting trashcan lids while trying to discard them.

Nasty lids offer no excuse for litterbugs anymore. Trashcan lids around campus have been flipped open for a few weeks, allowing students a less gross discarding experience.

Fliers also land on the ground far too often.

Nobody actually wants the flier about taking online surveys, but everybody feels obligated to take one.

Many of these annoying fliers

do make it to a recycle bin or trashcan, but others are tossed carelessly to the ground.

Perhaps fliers should only be given to people by request.

Fliers that aren’t forced into the hands of unsuspecting students are much less likely to end up on the ground.

Fewer fliers handed out means fewer on the ground.

Litter makes Texas State look, well, trashy.

If we really want to beautify our campus, Texas State students, faculty and staff need to put forth a real effort to keep litter off the ground. After all, nobody wants to attend Trashy State University.

a better time to take home a grateful dog awaiting adoption at the local animal shelter.

Not every dog may be perfect for everyone, but every homeless dog is perfect for someone, if only that someone would come along. That’s why, as a shelter volunteer, it’s baffling to me people still turn to pet stores, classified ads or breeders. All of these contribute to the animal overpopulation crisis, when animal shelters across the United States are overflowing with lovable, friendly, healthy dogs who would make wonderful companions.

Dogs in shelters are victims of circumstances beyond their

control, such as divorce or an allergic guardian. The recession and the foreclosure crisis have flooded shelters because owners could no longer afford to care for them, or who moved into living situations where dogs aren’t welcome.

Others were surrendered because their guardians acquired them on a whim and lost interest in caring for them once they discovered veterinarian visits cost money. Dogs need exercise and something interesting to do. Cute little puppies chew and soil things, then quickly grow to be big, rambunctious dogs. Many have been left homeless simply because someone didn’t

spay or neuter his or her dog and an unwanted litter was born. Adopting pre-loved dogs has advantages.

They are likely to be housetrained, pros at basic skills such as walking on a leash and familiar with good behavior and proper canine etiquette. Animal shelters have plenty of adorable puppies who need homes. With adult dogs, “what you see is what you get” in terms of the dog’s size, grooming needs, energy level and personality.

About 25 percent of shelter dogs are purebreds for those whose hearts are set on a pedigreed pup. Web sites such as PetFinder.com make it pos-

sible for adopters to find the breed of their choice and still rescue a dog.

Of course, mixed-breed dogs make equally great companions, and they don’t suffer from many of the genetic health problems that plague purebreds. Another reason to visit a local shelter is dogs in animal shelters are usually screened for health and temperament issues, spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed and vaccinated. Trained adoption counselors at animal shelters help match potential adopters with the dog who will be the best fit for their personality and lifestyle. Shelters

offer free training classes and follow-up support to help make the dog’s transition to a new home successful. People who have adopted shelter dogs – myself included – say their canine companions are exceptionally devoted to them and they seem to be especially grateful for a warm home, soft bed, nutritious food and human who adores them. So if you’re considering adding a canine companion to your family, why wait any longer?

October is the perfect time to fetch a dog from a local animal shelter. Not only will you save a life, you’ll also make a best friend.

—Kaycee Toller is a mass communication senior

October brings ‘Adopt a Shelter Dog’ month

By Lindsay Pollard-Post People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Walk into almost any animal shelter, and there will be row after row of homeless dogs with wagging tails and pleading eyes. Their wet noses jammed between the cage bars as if to say, “Pick me, pick me!”

All of them – purebreds and mutts alike – are desperate for attention, for love and someone to take them home. October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month,” and for people who have the time, patience, money, energy and love needed to care for an animal, there has never been

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Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

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

Copyright Tuesday, October 13. 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

Prison Prizes

T.I. won two trophies at the B.E.T. Hip-Hop Awards from prison, receiving the best collaboration with Rihanna and album of the year. The rapper is in an Arkansas penitentiary for a federal weapons conviction. His fiancée accepted his awards and read a letter by T.I. thanking fans for the support.

The University Star – 5

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Local library hopes to profit from book sale Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor The Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall was full of unmistakable, old book smell.

Tables were covered with gently used books, separated by genre.

Bargain shoppers congregated around the fiction and non-fiction selections. Book prices ranged from 50 cents paperbacks to $1 hard covers.

Kim Gayer, a real estate broker from Austin, came into town with her friend Gail Moore, whom Gayer described as an avid book reader.

“We came here to shop for plants, but when Gail saw the book sale was going on, she begged us to stop in,” Gayer said. “She is always on the hunt for books.”

Gail Moore said she has been going to book sales across the country for years, but this was her first San Marcos sale.

“I’ve done the Monster book store in Austin, and when I lived in D.C. I went to the Friends of the Library book sale there,” Moore said.

“I am always looking for a great deal.”

Moore said she uses the book sales as a chance to expand the library for the Montessori school she consults.

“I am always looking for things that will help the school and the library books hold up really well,” Moore said. “For a dollar, how can you go wrong?”

Moore said she thinks book sales are the best way to expand one’s personal library.

Loretta Alcala, president of Friends of the Library, said the funds raised from the book sale would help furnish the new portion of the San Marcos Public Library if the city signs off on its expansion. The Friends of the Library work to raise money to provide the library with new equipment and support the children’s programs.

Alcala said the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall is not the original location of the book sale.

“We normally have it over where the Lion’s Club tube rental is, but there was a fire,” Alcala said. “The VFW hall

was generous enough to open their doors to use for free – they normally rent the hall out for quite a bit of money.”

Alcala said Friday morning is the best day to come to the sale.

“We have book dealers that come out in the morning,” Alcala said. “Of course we have good deals all three days, but you get the pick of the litter on Friday.”

Suzanne Whitney, student in the aquatic resources doctorate program, said after her move to Texas she had to get rid of boxes of books and was there to replenish her shelves.

“I have this very unrealistic idea of what my life is going to be like,” Whitney said. “In reality these books are going to sit on my shelf for the next year.”

Whitney said she was searching for authors like Vonnegut and Heller – books that would serve as a distraction from the science she studies.

“I just like to be surrounded by books,” Whitney said.

“I like to have full shelves of books so when I come home from being at work I have a lot of options.”

in the history department.

The center was founded in 1999 after Hartman and another Texas State history professor, Greg Andrews, discovered no academic programs in the state were committed to the study of music from Texas.

A diverse group of nationalities have settled within the Lone Star State throughout history, each one bringing its own unique culture and identity. The center offers courses focusing on some of these cultures’ contributions

to Texas’ musical heritage.

“Although we don’t see the distinct ethnic divisions from centuries earlier, there are still many ethnic communities across the state that celebrate their musical traditions using their ancestral languages and their older musical customs,” said Hartman on the diverse cultures that settled in Texas.

According to a December 2008 article in Hillview magazine, the center is involved in several projects around the country. The Washington, D.C.-

Bobby Scheidemann/ Star photo BOOK BARGAIN: The public library in San Marcos held a used book sale during this weekend at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Halls.

Center celebrates 10 years of preserving music culture, history

By Patrick Berger Features Reporter The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State is celebrating the 10th anniversary of being an academic institution dedicated to the study and preservation of the different types of music to come from the State of Texas.

“Music is very important to Texas culture, as a means of both expressing and reflecting our cultural heritage,” said Gary Hartman, director at the center and professor

based Smithsonian Institute co-produced The Handbook of Texas Music with the Texas State Historical Association as a companion to an exhibit on Texas history. Texas State students wrote one-third of the articles in the book.

The center is responsible for the publication of The Journal of Texas Music History. Currently, in its sixth year of publication, the journal focuses on southwestern music and has subscribers from all over the world.

The center releases CDs to

help raise funds for its programs, which includes one live concert recording and three compilations, according to the center’s Web site.

According to the Hillview article, the center created its own nationally televised PBS show called Texas Music Café in January 2008, featuring performances from Texas musicians along with interviews and historic film footage meant to bolster the historical significance of the music featured in that episode.

The center also hosts a

short program on National Public Radio called This Week in Texas Music History, narrated by Hartman.

Hartman said music could be used as a window to the deeper understanding of a culture.

“Most ethnic communities throughout the state’s history have not had a strong tradition of literacy,” Hartman said. “Music was a very important means of expressing ethnic culture and passing down ideas, values and information from one generation to the next.”

TRends

6 - The University Star

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Sights and Sounds will charge admission for first year

By Lisa Carter Sports Editor Sights and Sounds of San Marcos, an event that draws nearly 50,000 people each year, will charge admission for the first time in its 23 years.

According to a press release, the organization members decided to charge admission because of declining sponsorships and rising costs.

Entrance fees are $1 for children ages 2 to 11 and $2 for guests 11 or older during the Dec. 3 to Dec. 5 event at San Marcos Plaza Park. A limited

number of three-day advance passes will be sold for $4.

Volunteers will not have to pay the admission fee for the days they work.

Robert Cotner, a director of Sights and Sounds of San Marcos, said committee members will not have to cut back costs by charging admission fees.

“If we did not charge at the gate, we would not have Sights and Sounds,” Cotner said. “We didn’t want to charge, but it’s the only way we can keep the event going.”

Rodney Cobb, president of

the Sights and Sounds board of directors, said canceling the event would hurt fundraising for community organizations.

“If we had made the decision to cancel Sights and Sounds, we would…have cut off fundraising opportunities for any number of local non-profit organizations,” Cobb said in the press release.

Cotner said revenue from last year’s Sights and Sounds of San Marcos fell short by $1,000.

“With the economy, we’re not getting the money we’re used to getting,” Cotner said.

“People aren’t digging in their pocketbooks as much.”

Tarra Conte, interior design senior, has attended Sights and Sounds of San Marcos for the past four years. Conte said she will attend the event this year regardless of the admission fee.

“I’ll definitely be willing (to pay admission),” Conte said.

“It’s not much money at all for a night at the festival. I’m OK with giving money to Sights and Sounds. It’s one of my favorite things to do here in San Marcos every year.”

Emily Morse, exercise and sports science junior, said she is willing to pay the admission fee, but believes some people

may not do the same.

“I would (pay the entrance fee) just because there is a bundle of things to do,” Morse said. “But once you are in, there is usually more stuff to spend money on, so I think (the event) would lose some people (by charging) admission because some people go just for the atmosphere.”

Cotner said most of the revenue from the event goes directly back to the community and vendors.

“The Sights and Sounds committee only makes money from some of the concessions,”

Cotner said. “We charge (under $300) for arts and crafts booths and the vendors keep the rest of the money made.”

Cobb said he anticipates attendees will recognize the reasons behind the entrance fee charge.

“We are hopeful this sense of cooperation will continue and the public will be understanding about our dilemma,” Cobb said in the press release. “There are so many people who have worked hard to make it a San Marcos tradition and we want that to continue.”

Dogs dine on human affections at Pet Fest Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Reporter A chorus of yips and barks rang from San Marcos park plaza, signaling the beginning of the seventh annual Pet Fest. Dogs of all sizes and ages anxiously greeted one another Saturday while their owners attempted to untangle the leashes.

Hosted by Prevent a Litter of Central Texas, Pet Fest offered moon bounces, photo souvenirs and magic acts.

One highlight of the day was Silver, the miniature dancing horse. Silver performed tricks like dice-counting, all for the promise of a sugar cube.

Fashion was the name of the game as the cool weather provided pets with an opportunity to show off their latest in winter wear.

There was a black Labrador showing his support of the University of Texas Longhorns in an orange T-shirt and a Yorkshire terrier rooting for the Dallas

Cowboys. Two Dachshunds were accessorized with furlined hoodies, one in plaid and the other in camouflage.

Different tents provided pet-food samples, clothes and accessories.

Petco arranged for participants to spin a wheel for the chance of winning food, toys and Frisbees at its tent.

Lindsey Hamm, pre-mass communication junior, and her dog Charlie, a Border Collie mix, were there to volunteer with Hamm’s advertising group. Hamm said Charlie was a Paws for Cause dog and they wanted to support the group.

“I got her two years ago. She was the only red head from the whole batch, and I knew she was mine,” Hamm said. “I think Paws for Cause pets and shelter pets are the best. They need good homes.”

Hamm said the tents had very interesting items, but she registered for heartworm and flea medication for a year and hoped to win. Hamm said she loved meeting other people

and their dogs, learning a few training tips and garnering pet advice.

Sadie and Lucy were the largest dogs at the event. Both Great Danes gave truth to the term “gentle giant.”

Julie Massengale, regular Pet Fest attendee, and her dog Hallie-lula were dressed to the nines. Massengale wore wearing a knit sweater displaying an assortment of dogs, even displaying them on her earrings and necklace.

Massengale said her dog’s name was inspired by her faith.

“I praise God for giving me such a blessing,” Massengale said of Hallie. “We came out today to support the cause.

This is (Hallie’s) first Pet Fest.”

Massengale said the weather was a nice aspect to this year’s event.

“The event is much more organized,” Massengale said.

“My favorite event so far was the dancing dogs. They were really cute.”

Alana Harrison, pre-mass communication freshman, was volunteered with the hearing and service dogs.

“The service dogs aid those who are disabled, and by donating you help the disabled who can’t afford a service dog,” Harrison said.

“Most of the time students don’t get involved, and I think it is really important to Lindsey Goldstein/Star get out here and support the LOOK ALIKES: One of the competitions at Petfest Saturday in the San Marcos Plaza Park was an community.” owner and pet look alike contest. Lauren Myers, respiratory care sophomore, and her poodle, Tinkaa, took first place in the contest.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

c ro s s w o rd

Diversions

The University Star - 7

Thursday’s Puzzle Solution

sudoku

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All strays from the Kyle, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Uhland and some of Buda (non-city) areas are taken to San Marcos. Hours: Mon. and Fri. 11:30 to 5:30; Tues., Wed., Thurs. 11:30 to 4:30; Sat. 11:30 to 4:30. Please go in person rather than call, you are the only one who can identify and reclaim your beloved pet! Remember, an ID tag is a ticket home!

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Sports 8 - The University Star

Sam Houston State Nicholls

POLL PLUNGE Texas State has dropped out of the Sports Network FCS College Football Poll after its loss to Southeastern Louisiana Saturday. Central Arkansas is the highest-ranked Southland Conference team at No. 10, followed by McNeese State at No. 13 and Stephen F. Austin at No. 20. Texas State also fell out of the rivals.com FCS Coaches Poll. McNeese State and SFA are ranked eighth and 21st, respectively.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu

44 Stephen F. Austin 21 McNeese State

’CAT COUNTER Saturday’s attendance: 12,003 Home game attendance to date: 38,873 (12,958 average)

16 13

Football Scores

Northwestern State Central Arkansas

0 Texas State 34 Southeastern Louisiana

Unlucky number 13 Lions claw Bobcats in 13th meeting

By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter

In a game that garnered 101 combined points, it was two extra-point attempts that decided the 51-50 loss for the Bobcats. “(Going into overtime) I told them it’s going to come down to who wants it the most,” said Coach Brad Wright. “And the thing is, I don’t think it really boiled down to that. We came down and we scored. I don’t think Justin Garelick meant to miss that extra point, though.

I’m sure he wanted it just as much as anybody.”

Garelick, freshman kicker, missed his first extra point with 11:44 left in the fourth quarter.

It did not seem too detrimental, as the Bobcats hoisted a 44-20 lead.

The Lions tied the game at 44 after three consecutive touchStacie Andrews/Star photo downs and three two-point HOLDING ON: Karrington Bush, junior running back, attempts to score a touchdown against Southconversions, which sent the match into overtime. The game eastern Louisiana Saturday.

would never have reached overtime if Garelick had not missed the kick.

“It’s tough to swallow,” said Bradley George, senior quarterback. “They scored three touchdowns with three straight two-point conversions, back to back to back. You can blame our defense if you want but the way I see it is offensively. We should have scored a touchdown or field goal or anything or held the ball long enough so that they couldn’t do that.”

Each team wasted little time finding the end zone in overtime with the Lions first and then the Bobcats.

The Bobcat fans cheered loudly as Da’Marcus Griggs, junior wide receiver, made the diving catch in the end zone.

A pin drop could have been heard if it was not for the Lions celebrating at midfield after Garelick’s second missed extra point. It was the Lions’ sole victory over the Bobcats after failing 12 previous times.

50 51

In order for Texas State to move to the Football Bowl Subdivision, there must be an average of 15,000 fans in attendance at each home game.

“I’ve been (coaching) since 1981 and it’s still hard,” Wright said. “Just because you’ve been doing it a long time doesn’t make it easy.”

The loss leaves the Bobcats with a 0-1 conference record, 2-3 overall.

Preseason polls predicted the Bobcat football team would breeze through the Southland Conference on its way to a second consecutive championship. The Bobcats are ranked sixth out of eight teams in the SLC six weeks into the season.

Wright spoke to his players about improving camaraderie and the determination to win.

“Right now, we are our only friends,” Wright said. “We got to circle the wagons and get better. We got to hang in there and come back tomorrow, watch film and get better.”

The Bobcats will travel to Thibodaux, La. 1 p.m. Saturday to play Nicholls State. The Colonels have a 1-4 overall record and are 0-1 in conference play.

Soccer takes early leads ‘We’re a couple games away from the championship’ -Coach Kat Conner

By Cameron Irvine Sports Reporter Losing big leads this weekend was not a factor for the women’s soccer team Sunday.

The 59-degree weather did not stop the Bobcats (4-0 in Southland Conference play) from scoring three goals in the first half, all coming from Brittney Curry, junior forward. The goals were her 12th, 13th and

14th of the season thus far, giving her 14 goals in 14 games.

“When you get a goal, it pumps you up so much,” Curry said. “You just want to keep going and put the nail in the coffin.”

It seemed as if Texas State had finalized the score, but the Cowgirls (0-4 in SLC play) had other plans. In the second half, they did what no other conference opponent has done to the

Bobcats this year — outshoot them. The shot count was 8-4 in favor of McNeese State in the second half along with a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks going to the Cowgirls.

Coach Kat Conner said it appeared the Bobcats had lost their edge throughout the second half.

“When you have a team on the ropes, you have to put them down,” Conner said.

The 3-1 win over the Cowgirls puts the Bobcats at 4-0 in conference play.

Texas State blanked the Lamar Cardinals 2-0 Friday in front of 411 fans allowing Lamar one shot the entire 90 minutes. Erica Michaud, sophomore forward, assisted Curry in the 11th minute for the first goal. Taylor Person, freshman defender, got her first goal of the season in the 68th minute,

By Eric Harper Sports Reporter

Wolpman had the hot hand in the beginning of the match.

“She had a great first two sets,” Chisum said. “I thought she might set a record.”

Wolpman is not the only middle blocker with increased productivity in recent matches.

Amber Calhoun, sophomore middle blocker, has helped the Bobcats with 10 kills in Friday’s victory. Calhoun has averaged 4.8 kills per match in SLC play.

Calhoun had her first five-kill match against Baylor Sept. 8 and has reached the 10-kill mark three times since then. Calhoun is third on the team in attack percentage with .282 and first among players with more than 100 attack attempts.

Chisum said the Bobcats were bringing Calhoun and Wolpman along slowly to start the season, but always knew they would need both players to be successful.

“We knew we had to get them involved and they have stepped up,” Chisum said.

Lydia Werchan, freshman defensive specialist, got her first start in the Bobcats’ win against UTA. Werchan led the Bobcats in digs with 10 for the match.

Different players have made contributions to the team this season. Wolpman said the players know they are needed after getting the chance to contribute.

“We can’t screw up,” Wolpman said. “The adrenaline really helps us.”

Chisum said she has been able

sealing the victory.

“We’re a couple games away from the championship,” Conner said. “It’s getting closer and closer now and they see it. The light’s at the end of the tunnel and they know they have to get more wins in any way they can.”

Curry said the win instilled motivation in the players.

“It gives us a lot of confidence,” Curry said. “We all have

that one common goal and it’s that we’re going to win that title again. When we’re winning it puts everybody in a good mood.”

The title quest continues this week when the Bobcats face Nicholls State Friday and Southeastern Louisiana Sunday. Nicholls State holds a 0-3 SLC record and Southeastern Louisiana is undefeated in conference play.

Volleyball players increase edge A player’s contribution to his or her team can change with each game. One game may not have any effect on the next.

Jillian Wolpman, sophomore middle blocker, began the season as one of volleyball’s new players. She did not record more than five kills until the Bobcats’ 3-1 loss to Southern Methodist Sept. 18. Wolpman had a seasonhigh seven kills in that game.

Wolpman played her first season of college volleyball at San Diego before transferring to Texas State her sophomore year. Wolpman said the change of teams caused issues when the season began.

“It’s hard to change schools,” Wolpman said. “It’s hard to create cohesiveness with the other players.”

Wolpman has averaged 5.2 kills per match since the start of Southland Conference play Sept.

24 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. These efforts included a .444 attack percentage with five kills in the Bobcats’ victory over the Islanders. She had a .400 attack percentage with six kills in the Bobcats’ Oct. 1 loss to Sam Houston State.

Wolpman contributed in the Bobcats’ 3-0 win Friday against Texas-Arlington. She had seven kills on nine attacks for a .778 hitting percentage as the Bobcats took the first two sets.

Coach Karen Chisum said

Ben Rondeau/Star photo JUMP FOR JOY: Lydia Werchan, freshman defensive specialist, celebrates Friday night’s win with teammate Mo Middleton, junior outside hitter. The Bobcats swept Texas-Arlington Friday.

to rely on another one player if one is having an off game.

“It’s what we call a team,”

Chisum said. “I feel comfortable if somebody is having an off game. I can go to my bench.”