10 21 2009

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS Pages 1-3

Challenge thee to a duel

Volume 99, Issue 24

21

WEDNESDAY

OCT

www.UniversityStar.com

Check out teaser footage from upcoming stories and videos on the Society for Creative Anachronism. Exclusively at UniversityStar.com

Network films police, students for new TV series

See the

By Chase Birthisel Assistant News Editor

Panda Express opens on Students could flip on their campus next week Boko might not be the only televisions and see classmates animal stealing the spotlight in front of red and blue flashing lights. this fall.

Camera crews have paired up with the San Marcos Police DeASG senator hopes to partment to film students durextend meal trade hours in ing their encounters with police The Lair officers.

Cineflix Productions, in association with the G4 network, is filming footage for its coming OPINIONS series Campus PD. According Page 5 to Cineflix Productions’ official Inappropriate remarks keep potential donations away Growing population needs proper accomodation

TRENDS

By Rachel Nelson News Reporter

Local government has found a place in the growing social A taste of San Marcos networking phenomenon.

Farmers market offers variety City Councilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1, utilizes of homemade breads, fresh Twitter to get the word out produce about issues in San Marcos.

“I think it’s a good way to Local model search proves communicate with people,” successful Porterfield said. “It’s a way to draw attention to issues and Texans set aside time to hopefully get people engaged celebrate local brews in the community. I tweet about things that happen at Where the Wild Things Are City Council, and about volunteer opportunities on campus Not and in the community.””

Mayor Susan Narvaiz is on Big event planning Facebook but said she has nevpanel focuses on social er considered using Twitter. networking generation She sees the benefits of tweeting in local government.

DIVERSIONS “I think each member finds the methods that work best Page 9 for them,” Narvaiz said in an email. “I like to meet my citizens SPORTS face to face and have coffees at Pages 10 City Hall, walk neighborhoods

San Antonio tournament produces positive results: Golf team places 10th in Lone Star Invitational Joe Knows: Referee lockouts create ‘watereddown’ version of NBA

Today’s Weather

73°/64° Showers Precipitation: 60% Humidity: 85% UV: 3 Moderate Wind: SSE 11 mph

Thursday

Showers Temp: 71°/49° Precip: 70%

Friday

Mostly Sunny Temp: 70°/50° Precip: 10%

“The whole series is preying on young adults. They wanted to see students making fools of themselves.”

-UPD Chief Ralph Meyer Web site, the show will “depict university life from the perspective of the law enforcement professionals who police them.”

Howard Williams, SMPD police chief, said the network first approached him two months ago. He said filming will contin-

ue until the end of this week.

“They told me they were looking to film officers in a university town, so they could show how policing in a university setting is a little different,” Williams said.

Williams said he was con-

cerned about the image of students at Texas State.

“I explained to them if they were trying to make our students look bad, I was not interested in doing it,” Williams said. “They assured me that it was not what they are trying to do. Of course, I have no control over what they ultimately put out there.”

Williams said SMPD does not receive any money for cooperating with the network.

“We’re hoping to get a little bit of good publicity for San Marcos out of it,” Williams said.

www.un “We want them to get some footage of putting the students in a good light. I want the university to look good because I’m a student there now.”

Ralph Meyer, university police chief, said the G4 network contacted him last spring. He Seeunthe P told the network UPD was www.un interested.

“The whole series is preying on young adults,” Meyer said.

“They wanted to see students making fools of themselves.”

Meyer said the Campus PD see POLICE, page 3

Porterfield communicates 140 characters at a time

Pages 6-7

A feeling of perseverance: Sport club provides outlet of accomplishing goal Competing in a triathlon is perhaps the most grueling of all sports because it features not one, but three activities – biking, running and swimming.

web extra

and have ‘Monday’s with Mayor’ events.”

Narvaiz recognizes Twitter’s capacity to reach the masses.

“I think government needs to use the methods that reach the majority of their citizens,” Narvaiz said. “As their communication habits change, so will the government’s habits.”

Porterfield uses her iPhone to update Twitter and has embraced the “re-tweeting” feature to forward the messages of others to her followers. She said news of the recent closing of Commons Dining Hall because of a rat infestation spread on the site.

“That got re-tweeted all over the place by lot of different people,” Porterfield said.

Jordan Stewart, geography graduate student, is among Porterfield’s 117 followers on Twitter.

“I followed her because she is an active figure at Texas State see TWITTER, page 3

Sara Strick/Star photo TWEET: City Councilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1, uses Twitter to send out breaking information concerning City Council via Twitter.

Art majors may still be without Bobcat victories could soon mean discounts adequate class offerings

By Lori Jones News Reporter Limited course offerings do not paint a pretty picture for art and design majors.

Students are still having difficulty signing up for the courses they need despite university officials’ attempts to answer the call for more art classes.

“I don’t think I can graduate on time because of the schedule and lack of classes,” said KC Cowan, communication design senior. “Everything I need (to take) as a senior takes place on the same days at the same times, and they only offer one

class that everyone needs.”

Cancelled art classes have created scheduling problems for students, Cowan said.

“It’s an issue of funding, space and (having) qualified instructors,” said Erik Nielsen, director of the School of Art and Design. “We are offering as many classes as we can with the resources we have.”

Nielsen said university officials hope recently added Saturday and evening classes will remedy the situation.

“Because of the growth of the school, we are struggling,” Nielsen said. “Administration is considering more enrollment restrictions in communica-

tion design and photography.

It’s not a great solution, but you can only do so much with the resources you have been given.”

He said university officials are considering higher GPA requirements.

Nielsen said the photography minor could be eliminated to provide more physical space for classes.

“At first, it sounds unfair, but the facilities are starting to get more crowded already,” said Hollie Brown, photography junior. “I think the minor should be taken away until we have see CLASSES, page 3

on university apparel

By Billy Crawford News Reporter

Texas State apparel may soon be offered at discounted rates.

The ASG University Relations Committee is working with the University Bookstore to offer Bobcat apparel at a discounted rate after home athletic events.

Details are still being worked out, but Lauren Williams, marketing manager at the bookstore, said the proposal will offer a 30 to 50 percent discount on maroon apparel, depending on the Bobcats’ performance.

“A lot of schools do things like that,” Williams said.

“We’re not opposed to (offering discounts). We’re here to help the university, and that’s our goal.”

Williams met with ASG representatives Tuesday, and an official decision should be announced soon.

Colter Ray, chairman of the University Relations Committee, said he hopes offering merchandise at a discounted price will boost school spirit and support of athletics.

“I’m sick and tired of seeing so much burnt orange around here,” Ray said. “I think it would give the student body an opportunity to go out and get Bobcat gear, and that (is) something that would be a good thing.”

Williams said there are several variations of the idea being considered, such as offering a percentage off of merchandise equal to the number of points the Bobcats score.

Another option is to pass out Stacie Andrews/Star photo illustration coupons at home games. That EXTENDED DINING: Students await a verdict on possible extended hours at The Lair in the LBJ way, only students who attend

‘Finding a happy medium’

Student Center. See story on page 3

the game can take advantage of the lower rates.

“The stands really clear out in the third quarter,” Williams said. “(With a coupon system) students would be more inclined to attend the games.”

Several other universities in the state are currently offering similar incentives to their students. Texas Tech, Southern Methodist University, Rice and University of Texas-El Paso officials all acknowledged having a discount program after home games.

“We have what we call the ‘Monday Morning Buy Back’ where we offer a 10 percent discount after any win on spirit merchandise, such as clothing,” said Mary Mebus, general manager of the SMU bookstore. “It’s a fun promotion. I think people get hyped after a win and want to show support for the school and the team, and it’s just a warm fuzzy (feeling).”

The University of Houston recently initiated a similar discount program, and has seen positive results since. The UH bookstore offers a 10 to 25 percent discount based on the number of points the Cougars win by.

“It’s been fantastic for students and alumni,” said Felix Robinson, general manager of the UH bookstore. “We’ve had a great year and our sales are definitely up.”

Williams said the income raised from the bookstore serves to finance campus activities, such as offering school supplies to groups, sponsoring recreation and nearly every department. see DISCOUNTS, page 3

Page Two

2 - The University Star

STARS OF TEXAS STATE

Senior Jeff Gerlich led the Bobcats through the Lone Star Invitational at Briggs Ranch with a (+3) 219. The senior fired a 1-under par 143 through day one, and shot a 76 in Monday’s round to finish tied for 14th.

— Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

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

ON THIS

DAY IN

HISTORY 1879: Thomas Edison invented a workable electric light at his laboratory in Menlo Park, N.J. 1917: American soldiers first saw action in World War I on the front lines in France.

1967: Tens of thousands of Vietnam War protesters marched in Washington, D.C. 1988: Former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda, were indicted in New York on charges of fraud and racketeering.

2001: Washington postal worker Thomas L. Morris Jr. died of inhaled anthrax.

Allie Moncrief/Star photo PENNY PINCHERS: Multiple fraternities and sororities compete in Penny Wars, a competition to raise money for Delta Gamma’s philanthropy, Service for Sight.

San Marcos police respond to vehicle crash on campus A student totaled his pickup truck causing extensive damage to the brick wall along side Comanche street next to the McCoy College of Business. He was not available for comment.

Office Garner Ames of the San Marcos Police Department said the wreck took place at 6:45 p.m. Ames was dispatched shortly after.

“He (the student) said he was just driving down the road and drove too close to the curb,” Ames said. “He then went up on the curb and hit the wall.”

The driver told officials he was not aware he was too close to the wall.

“He said he was reaching for his phone, it is my opinion he was actually sending a

text message,” Ames said.

Ames said neither the driver nor any bystanders were injured. The student refused emergency medical services and said, “he had worn his seat belt.”

“The air bags did deploy, but he wasn’t hurt,” Ames said.

No charges have been filed. Ames said the driver’s cooperation with officers was sufficient.

“Since he stayed here there are really no criminal charges to file,” Ames said. “I could have written him a citation, but he totaled his new truck so I’ll let that be a lesson for him.”

Joe Robles, facilities maintenance worker, said he would wait for a clean-up

crew to come remove the fallen brick.

Ames said the university will most likely charge the student’s insurance to pay for the property damage.

–Staff report compiled by Lora Collins

Clay Thorp/Staff photo

2002: A car packed with explosives blew up next to a bus in northern Israel during rush hour; 14 people were killed in addition to two suicide attackers.

2003: Invoking a hastilypassed law, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush ordered a feeding tube reinserted into Terry Schiavo, a brain-damaged woman at the center of a bitter right-todie battle.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

CRIME

BLOTTER

Oct. 11, 1:43 a.m.

Public Intoxication/Hopkins Street An officer on patrol observed a suspicious individual. Upon further investigation, the individual was found to be under the influence of alcohol and had outstanding warrants.

The individual was arrested and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center. A citation was issued for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Oct. 11, 3:01 a.m.

Public Intoxication/Korner K An officer on patrol observed two suspicious individuals in the parking lot of the location. Upon further investigation, one individual was found to have damaged the store door and was under the influence of alcohol.

The subject was arrested for public intoxication and criminal mischief; he was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await a court date.

2003: The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution demanding Israel tear down a barrier jutting into the West Bank.

Oct. 11, 5:52 a.m.

Public Intoxication/Korner K An officer on patrol observed an individual attempting to enter a closed convenience store. Upon further investigation, the individual was found to be intoxicated.

The subject was arrested for public intoxication and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await a court date.

— Courtesy of New York Times

— Courtesy of University Police

News

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

ASG senator hopes to extend Police meal trade hours in The Lair

By Heidi Morrison News Reporter A new schedule allowing students the option to use meal trades earlier than 1 p.m. at The Lair could become a reality.

ASG Sen. Fidencio Leija said Chartwells officials recently asked if the student government had any questions or concerns, and The Lair was on the top of his list.

“I brought up that you have to wait until 1 p.m. to use your swipes,” Leija said. “The question I had is ‘Why can’t we use it at noon?’”

The Lair is the only place on campus with a set time that students can use meal trades.

“That’s the way it’s always been, and it’s been that way for a very specific reason,” said John Root, director of auxiliary services. “When the student center was opened, it was decided this food court would be the primary source of retail business.”

“Retail business” signifies commuters and students living off-campus who don’t have meal plans but still purchase food on campus.

However, the rule only applies to the basement dining services: Chick-fil-A, Blimpie’s and Pizza Hut. “You still can eat in the student center on a meal trade before 1 o’clock,” Root said.

Last year, the second floor changed to be open for meal trades all day, as those locations were not as busy during lunch as the places downstairs, Root said. As a result, he said both retail students and those

Classes

with meal plans have been served effectively.

However, students are still dissatisfied certain places do not open for meal trades until 1 p.m.

“We do have the more popular items down here, the national brands: Chick-fil-A, Blimpie’s and Pizza Hut,” Root said. “And that’s why we’ve really got to maintain that 1 o’clock moratorium.”

Leslie Bulkley, Chartwells resident district manager, said other students who need to eat have to be considered.

“If we were to open the meal trades, the lines would be huge and those people who don’t have meal plans don’t have a place to eat,” she said.

However, Leija said students should have an opportunity to choose from a variety of places, The Lair being one of them.

“Most classes are going to let out at 12:20 and students are going to have to wait basically for 40 minutes if they want to eat at The Lair,” Leija said. “I don’t think students appreciate that.”

Stefanie Poerschke, pre-geography sophomore, said she likes the idea of meal-trade hours extending to noon.

“I always eat lunch at 12 and it’s really frustrating not being able to eat Chick-fil-A,” she said. “One time I went through the line and I had my food and I had to end up paying for it, and it was just kind of inconvenient and I haven’t gone back since.”

Leija said it has affected him as well, and he knows students who do not consider The Lair

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more space and teachers.”

Brown said she has observed students forced to share equipment because there is not enough to go around.

“Maybe instead of adding a giant facade to the football stadium, we could do something about these art classes,” Brown said. “I think Texas State should be proud of our art department and, when the demand is high, you have to accommodate that.”

Nielsen said the course changes are a result of a petition circulated last semester to add more art classes.

“Things like this make us take a look at what’s going on and make adjustments,” he said. “When students voice concerns, the university listens.”

Erika Molina, art junior, who started a petition to add art course offerings, denied comment.

The School of Art and Design will receive $320,000 a year to hire new faculty and buy more equipment, Nielsen said.

“We have a lot of equipmentintensive studios,” Nielsen said. “It is expensive creating these labs.”

Nielsen said a waiting-list book has been provided in the main office for students who are not able to get into the classes they need.

“We need eight to 10 signatures for one class before we can consider adding more class times,” Nielsen said.

Out of the approximately 15 classes recorded in the waiting-list book, no page had

By Maurah Ruiz News Reporter

Erica Natal, accounting sophomore, said she is not thrilled about the opening of Panda Express.

“I just don’t think a lot of people like Chinese food,” she said.

Natal said they served her too little at her last visit to the Panda Express off the Interstate-35.

“I just hope they serve a decent amount of the entrée at the Panda Express in Jones,” Natal said. “I went there last week and they just gave me a whole bunch of rice.”

Outtakes, the new convenience store at The Den, opened this August. Since its opening, Bulkley said the sales at Outtakes have almost doubled those at Zatarain’s.

“We saw a need for graband-go snacks for students,” Bulkley said. “That’s why we decided to open Outtakes. We have to have the right mix of things for students.”

Reyes said she always goes to Outtakes.

“I live at Sterry and sometimes I really don’t have time to stop and eat,” Reyes said.

“So I stop by the store in The Den and grab some peanuts before class. It’s just so convenient.”

Students need not hold their breath for any additions to on-campus dining next semester. Bulkley said there are

as a dining option.

Commons is another selection students no longer have access to. With approximately 7,000 students on meal plans this year, which is likely to increase as student population rises every year, dining choices remain limited.

However, during lunchtime, Bulkley said she sees more retail than meal trade transactions at The Lair. Consequently, the idea of The Lair being geared more towards commuters has proven correct, she said.

“We’ve already got a crowded facility between 11 and one,” Root said. “And to add more people in there — it frustrates the retail students.

It’s not going to be a good experience for even the resident students with the meal plan who have to wait in the same line.”

Bulkley said it is important to find a happy medium for everyone.

“It’s given the rest of the 23,000 students who don’t have meal plans an option to eat somewhere without having to wait,” she said. “We just try to keep one place where people can come in and purchase (food) without having to stand in those lines.”

Leija said he still plans to meet with Chartwells to look at the factors that would go into extending the hours.

“They were saying if the students have a loud enough voice, then it’s a possibility we could change it back to noon,” Leija said. “But it would take some work.”

continued from page

film crew attended the tailgating event. He said UPD forced the crew to leave the area.

Williams said the crew was shooting B-roll film, which is used to tie scenes together, at the tailgate. He said the crew also filmed at the Tanger Outlet Mall.

Shannon Fitzpatrick, attorney for students, said the filming crew must have permission to show a student’s face.

“This is a commercial enterprise, so generally what they do is fuzz out people’s

Twitter

1

faces until they can get a release,” Fitzpatrick said. “But (the crew) can certainly film them if it is a public place.”

Fitzpatrick said only a signature is necessary for permission.

“You either waive your rights and say, ‘Yes, you can show this on TV,’” Fitzpatrick said. “Or you can say ‘for an exchange for a sum, I will allow you to show my face.’ It is a contractual agreement.”

Fitzpatrick said rarely do shows like Campus PD allow

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Discounts

no plans of opening any new convenience store or restaurant in the near future.

“We just opened Starbucks last year,” she said.

“That alone cost us around $300,000. However, we’d like to keep bringing variety to our students. This year we brought Panda Express. Maybe next year we’ll be looking at opening up something else.”

Since Commons Hall’s temporary closing, other dining halls have adjusted to meet the needs of students.

Jones, which used to be strictly meal trades or dining dollars, now offers all-youcan-eat style breakfast and brunch. The crew at Harris adds variety to the menu with Chef Boko nights.

“We research foods from other countries like Russia and Honduras and place those items on the menu (for Chef Boko nights),” she said.

“And for student convenience, a white bus with the letters Harris on it stops in front of Commons to go to Harris. The bus is continuous and makes no stops.”

Bulkley said she hopes more students will begin to take advantage of the great facility and menu Harris has to offer.

“It’s a hidden secret,” she said.

universitystar.com

people who sign a waiver to see the footage being used.

“They want to be in control over what the final product is,” Fitzpatrick said. “It is really dangerous. I would never recommend anyone doing that.”

Kristina Levsky, a representative of the G4 network, said the company will not release the launch date of ‘Campus PD’. She said the company did not wish to release any information about the show at this time.

1

and in San Marcos,” Stewart and could not follow the game said in an e-mail. other wise.

Stewart said she created Porterfield said she also her Twitter account three tweets for entertainment value. years ago.

“I’m kind of a very nosy “I only updated it sparingly person,” she said. “It’s a little for a while because I looked at creepy sometimes, but I reit as simply being the equiva- ally enjoy reading what other lent of a Facebook status with- people are tweeting.” out Facebook,” she said. “But, Porterfield said she tweets as it has grown, and as news about issues, such as the noise organizations, bands and mil- ordinance, directly from City lions of people began using Council meetings. it, (Twitter) has turned into “There are U.S. congressmen a revolutionary method of who tweet during their sesglobal communication, in my sions,” Porterfield said. “I’ve opinion.” found that it’s difficult and Porterfield can be spotted might be inappropriate, so on Faceboook, which she be- I try to do it before and after gan using first. meetings.”

“I’m really trying to stay up Stewart said Twitter has with the times,” Porterfield said. “changed the global commu“It was a natural progression nication landscape” and feels from Facebook to tweeting.” it’s a good idea for local govPorterfield, who has been ernments to stay in touch on tweeting for about a year, now social networking sites. uses the two sites simultane“(Twitter) is becoming a ously. good way to quickly dissemi“My tweets update my Fa- nate information, especially cebook status, and so a lot of in the case of an emergency,” times people start responding Stewart said. “It also allows to my Facebook status from people to be more directly inthe tweets,” she said. volved with their city and its’ Re-tweeting scores dur- leaders.” ing Texas State’s first footStewart has mixed feelings ball game this season was about Twitter’s limit of 140 something Porterfield said characters in length. generated several responses, “I still don’t like the brevincluding a “thank you” from ity required to post on Twitmore than three signatures as a person who was traveling ter because it seems to water of Oct. 9.

University officials are using Catsweb as a tool to monitor continued from page 1 which classes are filled first, “We get 10 to 12 sponsor- school kids who come for Nielsen said.

“We also try to work with ship requests each week,” campus tours.” these students on an indi- Williams said. “We support Williams said the merchanvidual level,” he said. “At some everything from Hip-Hop dise will be discounted, but point we just can’t let students Congress to Bobcat Build to the expected increase in sales in because the teaching re- the groups of elementary will help the Bookstore mainsources are not there.”

Nielsen said the only option is to utilize Friday and Saturday classes until more funding is available.

“Most of the schools and departments are struggling to have enough seats,” Nielsen said. “The School of Art and Design is no different. The main thing to realize is administration is trying.”

Panda Express opens on campus next week Boko might not be the only animal stealing the spotlight this fall.

Along with the new convenience store located at The Den, students will now have Panda Express as an option for on-campus dining.

Leslie Bulkley, resident district manager of Cartwells, said Panda Express is expected to open early next week at Jones.

“We are already starting to get the crew for Panda Express in for training,” she said.

Francine Reyes, psychology freshman, said she is happy there is going to be a new restaurant at Jones.

Reyes said she usually goes to The Den or The Lair to eat but is considering Jones now because of Panda Express.

“I really love Chinese food,” she said. “I think I might actually go now just for that food.”

The new restaurant, which is replacing Maui’s Tacos, was chosen through a majority vote by students.

“We put options such as Taco Cabanna, Maui’s Taco’s and others on a ballot and set them out at Jones,” Bulkley said. “When we did the tallying, more than 70 percent of the votes went to Panda Express.”

The University Star - 3

down communication in some ways,” Stewart said. “But on the other hand it forces people to be concise and not drone on about everything, so I see it as a positive too.”

E-mailing and text messaging have provided convenient ways for people to keep in touch, but Porterfield said lately “it seems like tweeting is the way to go.”

“It’s a great way to communicate with people who you other wise wouldn’t communicate with and trying to get people involved in local government, in volunteerism and in the community,” she said.

“It’s another way to get the word out, and it’s free.”

Twitter users intertwine the social networking media with their cell phones.

“Perhaps the best thing is being able to communicate with people with Twitter no matter where they live, even if I don’t have their phone numbers,” Stewart said.

Porterfield notes she is among many who are embracing Twitter and other social networking tools.

“I definitely see it as a trend for communication amongst government, non-profits and within organizations,” Porterfield said.

tain its current income.

“It’s better to shop on campus where the money spent stays on campus rather than going somewhere else,” Williams said.

4 - The University Star

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Opinions

What’s your Opinion?

Send your thoughts to staropinion@txstate.edu

The University Star – 5

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Dear President Denise Trauth the main

point.

V ery few people will ever

know what stress comes along with being president of a university.

To say it is like being mayor of a small city is quite an understatement. On top of having to worry about issues such as infrastructure and overcrowding, you also have to manage an ever-growing community of faculty, staff and students.

To help you manage these pressing issues is a fine coalition of administrators, faculty senators and student government representatives. A good number of these people do a fine job representing their respective areas of academia.

Of course, we aren’t writing this to tell you what you already know.

We want to say there needs to be more open-door days. Attribute it to the inherent flaw of representative government, but a select few are insufficient to properly represent a population of more than 30,000.

Of course, there’s no way to properly take note of every single person at Texas State. But if a student wants to be heard, and he or she feels ASG has not properly communicated their concern to top decision makers, open door days are the chance for that person to know university leaders care.

Currently, you hold these sessions twice a semester. Students might see fliers posted to bulletin boards advertising the event. But this is simply not enough. The latest session was especially obscure, as evidenced by the low attendance.

We must get more than four students involved in the deci-

sion- making process. Increasing the amount of times these sessions are held would surely increase awareness. Ideally, holding the open-door sessions for an hour or two every week would help make the administration more transparent and open, as well as more connected to the student body. We understand you have a busy schedule, but connecting with the students is surely one of the most important items on any agenda.

Furthermore, the open-door sessions should be better advertised. A personal e-mail in every inbox would help. It would be perfectly reasonable to request faculty simply remind students of the session at the beginning of classes. After all, with such an inadequate marketing push one must wonder why the session is held at all.

Furthermore, your office is not exactly the most accessible or recognizable place on campus. Perhaps a venue such as the LBJ Student Center or a room in Alkek Library would serve better.

The reason we have used this space as an open letter, rather than a traditional staff editorial, is because this decision lies with you, University President Trauth, and you alone. Most of the time when we call for some reform, the process has to go through dozens of people. But this is a rare instance where the decision goes down to one person. If you decide you want more open door sessions, who will tell you no?

— The editorial board of The University Star.

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

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

Juan Ramirez/Star Illustration

Inappropriate remarks keep potential donations away

By Kaycee Toller Opinions Columnist Excuse me, but do you have any spare change of attitude?

I’m not asking for money, but I would like to ask for a little manners.

It’s impossible to avoid groups of people who are working hard to earn money for some very deserving charities.

Students are out in full force collecting donations for causes

ranging from the environment to cancer research and everything in between.

It’s great to know our campus organizations are passionate about helping others, and I’m proud of my fellow students who are working hard for a good cause.

Unfortunately, this pride can be overshadowed by disappointment in the students who conduct themselves in a completely unacceptable manner while collecting donations for worthy causes.

Students don’t always have change, and rummaging through a backpack for loose coins is not always possible during the 10-minute breaks between classes.

A student should not be treated with disrespect, when they choose not to fill a decorated coffee can with spare change.

“Thanks for not caring about kids!” “Fine, don’t expect any help when you get cancer!” and “Enjoy your sight, (expletive deleted to keep this classy)!” are not appropriate responses when someone decides not to donate to your cause.

Accusing someone of not caring about (insert issue here) is a pretty lofty allegation. Just because somebody does not help a certain charity does not mean they don’t support those in need.

Such behavior does not make people want to stop and empty

their pockets at your booth. If anything, it creates a bad name for both the student organization and the charity.

Emily Hunt, assistant director of the canvassing office for Environment Texas, thinks people asking for donations may need some training on how to conduct their behavior.

“At Environment Texas, we have to go through training about how to interact with others,” Hunt said. “(Student organizations) have a lack of experience.”

There isn’t any specific training the university requires students to have before they request donations for a charitable cause. However, it may be a good rule of thumb so these

organizations don’t say anything they wouldn’t say to their grandmothers while collecting donations.

“These people are passionate about helping, and that’s great,” Hunt said. “I guess they get a little too enthusiastic about getting donations, and that’s when it causes problems.”

For individuals who are unsure about how to respond to a non-donor, remember the adage, “You catch more flies with honey.” Sure it’s a cheesy, old saying, but it’s true when trying to get students to support a charitable cause.

Instead of insulting people who don’t donate, students should focus on the objective of

the charity they are supporting.

It’s wonderful student organizations do so much to show their support for noble causes.

Students collecting change to help a charity do an excellent job. Unfortunately, it takes a few people with the wrong attitude to ruin something great.

If you really want to make the world a better place, start by representing your organization, cause and university in an appropriate manner. The money will come once students see something great come from some spare change in a coffee can.

rising. Technology increases life expectancy, and the Stars and Bars are on the forefront of providing us the longest life imaginable.

The advantages of being able to attend yoga at the ripe old age of 85 are appealing to even the most cynical of persons.

However, there are certain disadvantages to living in a country so vastly populated, yet concerned about the “foot prints” we leave.

Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is a group dedicated to providing efficient transportation while acknowledging the need for environmental awareness and accommodation for future projections of our civilization.

The group is planning a railway system from Austin to San Antonio, along with smaller highways and adjacent rail systems, according to their Web site. The railways would provide efficient transportation to and from metropolitan areas.

Sights are set on reducing single-driver vehicles that cause the detrimental pollution we are by now all aware.

There are two possible routes (no pun intended) toward development, and both are illustrated on campotexas. org. The “Trend” model is the minimalist approach to installing rail and highway systems.

It would provide the rail from Austin to San Antonio, along with elevated highways extend-

ing away from Austin headed east toward Elgin, northwest off Interstate-35. The highways would travel to other small additions in and around the city center.

Greg Griffin, of the organization, illustrated the environmental problems inherent in this plan.

“If we provide a highway to a relatively rural location, we face the possibility of more people wanting to develop in the area, which would be cheaper than living in Austin, but worse for the environment,” he said in reference to the highway to Elgin.

The plan would basically give people an incentive to move out of the city and a

shiny new highway to scuttle back. Another highway means more homes and more pollution. The planning organization has a possible solution to the pollution.

According to the “Centers” model, a more extensive rail system would be built. The presence of these rail systems would in turn promote the development of a more futuristic city center, which could cause less harm to the environment in a multitude of ways. Rather than everyone driving 30 miles from their starter homes to their jobs in Austin, a highly efficient city center, imagine them gathered around a rail system that would provide transportation for thousands of people.

Transportation would come at a fraction of the cost to fill an Escalade, or even a Prius.

There is a resounding tone in the environmental movement that sings loud and clear here, too. If we want the “Centers” model, the cleaner model, we will have to fork out the dough. More rails mean more taxes to cover the costs of construction.

If we are going to continue to grow, which seems inevitable, action must be taken to accommodate our numbers. We must resist the convenience of driving impractical distances to and from our daily destinations.

— Kaycee Toller is a mass communication senior

Growing population needs proper accommodation

By Garrett McSpadden Opinions Columnist

Enrollment at Texas State has reached 30,000 students this year. It is not because we are the rising star of Texas, pulling potential students from other colleges.

Our enrollment represents a reality of our time: growing population.

Anyone with a few wrinkles will say our numbers are

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— Garrett McSpadden is a pre-geography junior

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

Copyright Wednesday, October 21. 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

Wild Win

Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things Are debuted at No. 1 with $32.5 million, followed by Law Abiding Citizen with $21.3 million, according to msnbc.com. Viewers 18 and older accounted for 43 percent of the audience for the Jonze film, while parents with children were at a low 27 percent, according to distributor Warner Bros.

6 – The University Star

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A Taste of San Marcos

Where the wild things are

NOT

Farmers market offers variety of homemade breads, fresh produce

Right:

By Brent Vickers Trends Columnist Where the Wild Things Are creators tried hard to live up to the hype that was attributed to it by viral marketing, nostalgic hipsters and literary critics.

They tried. Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers tried. But for some reason, the formula was not really there – something was missing.

I challenge each reader to find the missing link because, try as I might, I could not quite put my finger on what made Where the Wild Things Are good but not great.

The cinematography was spectacular. The acting was superb. Maybe the writing didn’t give the beloved Maurice Sendak picture book the justice it deserved.

Part of the problem could be the daunting task of turning such a short, seemingly simple book into a full-length film, but that excuse seems like a cop-out.

Maurice Sendak incorporated, through images and metaphor, enough in the book to fill a film with. Why was the adaptation lacking?

For one, there was absolutely no plot. Max is a spoiled brat who was going through a stage most male children reach, especially coming from a broken home.

During a childish fit, Max runs away from home and sails to the land of the wild things where they make him king and ask him to fix their problems.

Unfortunately, it was unclear to me what problems they were having, much less of how it would seem to a child.

In my opinion, the film would have been exponentially better with a cohesive plot, and if Max had been a psychoanalyst.

FRESH PRODUCE: Every Tuesday, residents of San Marcos can purchase a variety of vegetables and other produce from the Famers Market on Edward G. Gary Street.

Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo

Bottom Right:

HEARTY BREAD: San Marcos residents taste fresh bread samples at one of the booths at the Farmers Market.

Bobby Scheidemann/Star Photo

‘I’ve been eating a lot healthier (since) I started working at the farmers market’ —Shannon O’Shea/Music Senior

By Brittany E. Wilson Trends Reporter The white tents of the San Marcos Farmers Market shade tables full of baked breads, fresh produce, vegetables and plants. One of those tables, full of banana nut bread, corn-jalapeno muffins and chocolate chip cookies belongs to Belinda Zints of Busy B’s Bakery.

Zints started baking bread when she was 5 years old. Her mother is one of nine children, and her grandmother taught her to bake when the family got together.

“It’s really good memories, and all of my recipes are my family’s that have been around for years and years,” Zints said.

Zints usually makes breads, but said because she is from Louisana, there are other specialties she enjoys. Zints is working on a cookbook for all

her recipes that she hopes will be available for purchase next year.

Zints said she began participating in the San Marcos Farmers Market after friends persuaded her.

“I was doing arts and crafts, and I had some people say ‘You should bring your bread and try to sell it,’” Zints said. “So I started, and I’ve been here for five years.”

Zints bakes breads out of a commercial kitchen she rents in Wimberley and sells her wares across the street from MeMaw’s Country Restaurant and the Wimberley Market Days.

“I have a lot of customers from Texas State,” Zints said. “I have a lot of regulars that come and see me, which is exciting.

Gary Mears, physical education graduate, said Zints’ jalapeno muffins were delicious and he plans to return to the farmers market to sample breads

next week. Mears said he likes how customers can sample goods before they buy them.

Shannon O’Shea, music senior, is a vendor at the Farmers Market and represents Phoenix Rising Bakery. According to their Web site, Phoenix Rising Bakery makes organic breads baked fresh daily in a wood-fired brick oven.

O’Shea said customer numbers at the market usually decrease in the fall months because of the nasty weather.

O’Shea said the benefit of working in a farmers market is the close proximity to healthy foods.

“I buy a lot more vegetables from the people here, and I’ve been eating a lot healthier (since) I started working at the farmers market,” O’Shea said.

The San Marcos Farmers Market is open 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Tuesday at 204 S. Edward Gary St.

Big-event planning panel focuses on social networking generation

By Colleen Gaddis Features Reporter

Panelists who have worked big events, including South

by Southwest and Lollapalooza, discussed the closeted tips of their trade at Tuesday’s “The Secrets Behind Big Event Planning” panel as part of Mass Comm Week.

“Our main job is figuring out how to keep up. The right way changes, and we have to change with it,” said Michael Feferman, panelist and digital and interactive director at C3 Presents.

One changed aspect of big event planning is how to connect with target audiences.

A common topic among the

panelists was innovations behind social networking sites and all they offer for planning and promotions.

“The only reason any of us are on Facebook or Twitter is to chase you guys,” said Danielle Thomas, panelist from Big Green House Presents. “We have to constantly create a bigger presence on-

line — be something worth following.”

The panelists explained that an important part of big events like music festivals are connections people make with each other. Panelists emphasized how shared experiences help to essentially market the event.

South by Southwest, ACL

and similar music festivals create their own pages and advertisements on sites to join the social networking demographics.

Panelists said future event planners need to be resourceful, plan for the worst and never settle for just “OK.” Panelists emphasized showcasing work for poten-

tial clients and employers to view because experience matters most in the communications field.

Shawn O’Keefe, panelist from South by Southwest Interactive, said what matters is a great event or product to promote.

“You do cool stuff, people will come,” said O’Keefe.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Local model search proves successful

By Elizabeth Barbee Features Reporter

A swarm of model hopefuls gathered at the LBJ Student Center Thursday and participated in Fashion Nation’s second annual model search.

Courtni Martin, president of Fashion Nation, said a total of 104 contenders came to audition.

“We narrowed it down to 53 girls,” said Martin, fashion merchandising junior.

“We had a great turnout. It was like America’s Next Top Model or something.”

Martin said the model search helped the organization build a “database” of models.

“Fashion Nation is almost

“You must have a flirty cardigan and a pair of boots” —Courtni

Martin, president of Fashion Nation

like an agency,” Martin said.

“Local boutiques can contact us when they need models.”

Dominique Bedford said she and Melarie Benson, both fashion merchandising seniors, founded Fashion Nation last year because they felt the university needed an organization educating students on all aspects of the industry, including design, photography, cosmetology and modeling.

“We are fashion merchandising majors, so we knew a lot of people who would be interested in this kind of organization,” Bedford said.

Courtney Morris, vice president, said Fashion Nation welcomes new members of all disciplines.

“Honestly, there is a place in fashion for everybody,” said Morris, public relations junior. “This is an organization that includes all aspects of the industry. It provides great networking opportu-

nities for photographers, make-up artists and everyone else involved.”

Members of Fashion Nation will combine their talents this spring during the organization’s second fashion week.

Bedford said the event, tentatively titled “Fashion Fights Back,” will promote cancer awareness.

“We want to feature cancer survivors in the show,” Bedford said. “There will be make-up artists on site to give the women mini-makeovers and help make them (the survivors) feel beautiful.”

Fashion Nation will host an environmentally friendly runway show, “Go Green,” on Nov. 13 at George’s. Instead of purchasing new clothes for the event, the group members said they will collect student donations in The Quad to demonstrate one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

“I think as a college student, and with the economy the way it is, being fashion savvy is very important,” Morris said. “You don’t have to buy a new outfit every time you go out. Instead of throwing out an old shirt, you can just update it a bit with accessories.”

Martin said she appreciates the classics, but there are a few trendy items everyone should have for the upcoming season.

“You must have a flirty cardigan and a pair of boots,” Martin said. “Ankle boots are very in, and of course, you’ve got to have leggings and a nice leather coat.”

The club members have meetings at 5 p.m. every Thursday in the LBJ Student Center, room 3.5-1. Guest speakers from different fields lead the meetings and offer industry advice when the organization is not planning runway shows or talking about the latest trends.

Individuals interested in helping with “Fashion Fights Back” or “Go Green” can visit Fashion Nation’s Facebook page, Twitter account or Web Site.

Trends

The University Star - 7

Texans set aside time to celebrate local brews Alejandro Martinez Features Reporter “O ‘zapft is!” signals the start of Oktoberfest, held every year in Munich, Germany.

The celebration lasts from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 after the first keg of special brewed Oktoberfest beer is tapped. The festival traditionally honors Bavarian culture and beer.

This year’s gathering marks the 176th year of the world fair.

The massive amounts of flowing suds and spirit from this event can be followed all the way down to Texas.

Several cities in the area surrounding San Marcos host their own Oktoberfests, honoring German heritage and its famous beers and food. Wurst Fest, a “Ten-day salute to sausage,” is held annually from Oct. 30 to Nov. 8 in New Braunfuls.

Austin will host its first Oktoberfest at Waterloo Park Oct. 24, complete with a micro-brew beer garden.

The festivals have an emphasis on beer and consumption, which can overwhelm younger, less experienced drinkers. The German word “Bierleichen,” lit-

erally meaning beer corpses, is used to describe the younger people who pass out early from drinking too much oat soda too fast.

Beau Roper, Taproom bartender, said people in San Marcos get excited about drinking beer.

“People who come here (Taproom) look for selection,” Roper said. “Every beer has its distinctive qualities.”

The traditional beer of Oktoberfest is called Marzen, which is brewed in March before the festival. However, the event encourages appreciation for the varieties of beer and its tastes.

Suzanne Sauter, Taproom employee, said she is a “Guinness girl,” but Texas beers are always a hit at The Taproom, which has more than 40 beers on tap.

“Beer is like wine,” Sauter said. “It has ranges of flavor, from light to dark ... the spectrum is huge.”

The Yellow Store also offers selection for San Marcos beer lovers.

“It’s a varied culture,” said Damon Joswick, Yellow Store employee. “The majority of college kids go for cheap domestic

beers ... but there are people who enjoy good beers.”

Joswick said he does not even like beer, event though he works at a store specializing in the beverage.

However, Joswick said he is a fan of blonde ales.

“I’ve tried all the beer in the store,” Joswick said. “(Blonde ales) are even mixed, but not

overwhelming.”

The Beer spirit has found its way to the Web in local blogs.

Web sites such as texasbeer. blogspot.com and beertownaustin.com offer fellow enthusiasts a forum where they can find local beer news and topics. Subjects range from micro brewing, beer maps, pub crawls and reviews.

Bobby Scheidemann/Star Photo SUPREME BEER: A variety of beer can be found at the Taproom on The Square in San Marcos.

8 - The University Star

Advertisement

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

c ro s s w o rd

diversions

The University Star - 9

by doug pollard

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Classifieds

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

Classifieds Contact – starclassifieds@txstate.edu

Announcements

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All workshops will be held in LBJ Student Center 3-14.1 For more info or accommodations due to disability call 245-2208 or check www.counseling.txstate.edu.

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SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39. For application go to www.123donate.com

Sports 10 - The University Star

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AWARDS The Southland Conference announced the women’s soccer Players of the Week Tuesday. Two Bobcats — Erica Michaud, sophomore forward, and Mandi Mawyer, senior goalkeeper — were given honorable mentions for Offensive Player of the Week and Goalkeeper of the Week, respectively.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu

San Antonio tournament produces positive results Golf team places 10th in Lone Star Invitational

By Dustin Porterfield Sports Reporter The Texas State men’s golf team finished 10th overall this weekend in the Lone Star Invitational played at Briggs Ranch Golf Club in San Antonio.

Jeff Gerlich, mass communication senior, had the best outing individually for the Bobcats with a 3-over-par 219. Gerlich stood at two strokes under par through one round, but struggled in the next two, shooting a combined 5-over-par.

“Jeff played solid from the

beginning,” said Coach Shane Howell. “I thought he hit the ball (well). He didn’t have his best stuff in the third round where he shot a 76, but I think he played real well in a strong field.”

Gerlich said he performed well in the tournament individually, but believes the team can improve in certain areas.

“I played pretty well,” Gerlich said. “I couldn’t shoot the score I wanted and couldn’t get the ball in the hole a couple of times.

Hopefully we can get some things corrected (as a team) and

move forward from there.”

The inaugural tournament hosted by Texas-San Antonio featured a 12-team field comprised of only schools from Texas.

“This was the first year for it and it turned out to be a nice event,” Howell said. “All the Texas teams were there except for Texas Tech and (Texas Christian). I believe five of the 12 teams were ranked in the top 50 nationally.

That shows the strength of college golf in Texas at the moment. This was one of the more unique tournaments I

have played or coached in.”

The Bobcats’ second finisher was Philip Krebsbach, accounting junior. Krebsbach finished tied for 28th with an 8-over-par 224.

True Graves, management freshman, finished tied for 44th with a 230. Carson Gibson tied for 51st with a 233 and Michael Carnes tied for 55th with a 237.

“The rest of the guys struggled a bit,” Coach Howell said. “We got off to a bad start and it snowballed from there. We are a lot better of a team than we went out and

a

showed this tournament.”

Texas A&M won the tournament with a team score of 16-under-par 848, followed by Texas, which shot a 6-under-par 858. Texas State shot a 298 in the first round, 301 in the second and a 302 in the third for a combined score of 901.

Texas State won its last tournament, the Oral Roberts Shootout in Tulsa Sept.

28 and Sept. 29. The team travels to Los Cruces, N.M. to compete in the Herb Wimberley Intercollegiate beginning Monday.

feeling of

Golf

Averages (through Sept. 30)

Michael Carnes Carson Gibson Luis Thiele Jeff Gerlich Alastair Jones Andrew Bryant Guy Goodspeed Philip Krebsbach Tom Moore

74.0 74.2 74.3 75.0 75.7 76.7 77.0 77.0 78.0

‘The toughest part about

training is everything that has nothing to do with training’

perseverance

—Edward Lomeli Applied Sociology Junior

Sport club provides outlet of accomplishing goal

By Dustin Porterfield Sports Reporter Competing in a triathlon is not a sport for the faint of heart. It is perhaps the most grueling of all sports because it features not one, but three activities – biking, running and swimming.

The Olympic-style triathlon events consist of a 1,500-meter swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run.

Triathlons have provided Edward Lomeli, applied sociology junior, a means of weight loss and a feeling of perseverance.

“I played football and ran track until my sophomore year in high school,” Lomeli said. “But when I quit those (sports), I was pretty inactive until I joined the triathlon club.”

Lomeli weighed about 240 pounds when he joined the triathlon club last year.

“It was the second day of Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo school when I contacted the FAST LANE: Michael Quiroz, electrical engineering senior, swims laps during the triathlon club club and wanted to join,” Lompractice Tuesday at the Student Recreation Center. The club is practicing for the Iron Man triathlon eli said. “I originally joined the competition.

triathlon club to accomplish a high school goal of competing in a triathlon. I had talked about doing a triathlon since I was in ninth grade, but I was too busy to look into it. I used to bike a little bit, but nothing that compares to a triathlon.

When I joined, I couldn’t even run a mile. I could barely even make it to the other end of the pool (swimming).”

Neal Lucas, triathlon club president, said Lomeli exemplifies the ideal athlete who has met his goals.

“When I first met Eddie, he looked like someone who was looking to get active,” said Lucas, finance sophomore.

“Oftentimes people think in order to join the team, you have to already be in shape and ready to compete. Not true. Eddie is a prime example.

Now he’s competing for a top age-group spot at the Longhorn 70.3 (Half-Iron Man). Because of the effort Eddie puts forth at practice and outside of practice, he is improving dramatically.”

Lomeli said he did not get

involved in triathlons for the sole purpose of losing weight, but he does not mind what being in the triathlon club has done for him. Lomeli has lost 80 pounds in his second year of competing in triathlons while maintaing a 4.0 GPA. “The best part of losing so much weight is the newfound energy I have. I’m constantly doing something. I’m like the energizer bunny — I keep going and going,” Lomeli said.

“What’s bad is none of my clothes fit me. It seems every few months I have to buy clothes. I’m a college student (and) money is scarce.”

Lomeli said contrary to what people might think, training is not the hardest part of being a tri-athlete.

“The toughest part about training is everything that has nothing to do with training,” Lomeli said. “It’s all the other stuff. Having to go to work, (keeping) up with my grades and a girlfriend while at the same time, maintaining a social life. The training is the easy part.”

Joe Knows

Referee lockouts create ‘watered-down’ version of NBA Should NBA fans have to pay full price to see a depleted product on the court?

Well, that’s what will happen if the NBA and its referees do not reach an agreement on a labor contract.

I know they are “just” the refs, but they are undoubtedly the best in the world at what they do.

There is a saying, “You don’t appreciate something until it’s gone.” The NBA Joseph O. Garcia coaches know this all too well.

Sports Columnist Thus far this pre-season, Charlotte Bobcats’ coach Larry Brown has been fined $60,000 for publicly criticizing the replacement referees. Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy was fined $35,000, and Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins was fined $25,000.

Even Israeli and Euroleague coaching legend Pini Gershon had an argument with the NBA’s replacement referees and it took a rabbi – along with security guards – to get the situation defused.

League policy strictly prohibits public criticism of referees – with violators subject to fines – and that includes criticism of

the replacements.

Derek Fisher, president of the league players’ union, has made it public players are on the side of the referees as well, stating, “We feel strongly about them being out there with us.”

Players and coaches openly and frequently griped about the poor quality of the replacements during the NBA’s last lockout of referees in 1995. However, no one was fined then, although the rules were in place.

The NBA has hired 62 replacements, but league officials have declined to provide the full list.

Of the replacements, league officials said, 36 came from the NBA’s Development League. The league said they are better prepared than those used in 1995 because most replacements come from the NBA pipeline and have been trained by officials.

Even so, the refs currently locked out are best suited to call NBA games. They not only are familiar with the players and the speed of the game, but they know how to handle these NBA stars unlike any others.

You don’t think Rasheed Wallace isn’t more likely to respect a guy like Dick Bavetta, Joey Crawford or Steve Javy than some no-name replacement referee?

I know players and coaches will always argue about play

calls, but for the most part, they get them right.

There have already been more fouls called in this preseason than in the previous one. There had been an average of 55.9 fouls called per pre-season game Oct. 14 compared to last year’s, which averaged 49 fouls, according to a recent Associated Press report.

Starting players will wind up sitting on the bench more than usual, getting fouled out more often and probably accumulating more technical fouls along the way should this trend continue. This means Rasheed Wallace will likely get ejected, fined and suspended quite frequently.

This is where the fans don’t get their money’s worth. I don’t go to a Spurs game to see Theo Ratliff play – I want to see Tim Duncan.

The NBA locked out its regular officials at the beginning of training camp. The contract between the league and its officials expired Sept.1, and the two sides have been trying to reach a new two-year deal. The referees rejected the latest contract offer by a 43-14 vote.

The NBA regular season tips off Tuesday. I hope NBA commissioner David Stern will find a solution so fans don’t suffer and pay full price to see a watered-down version of perhaps the best sports league in the world.