10 29 2009

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS Pages 1-4 University Bookstore gives students incentive for game attendance IFC presidential candidates plan greek improvements

OPINIONS Page 5-6

ASG’s view of ‘Campus PD’ too harsh, unrepresentative Free STI screening?

TRENDS

Pages 7-11

‘Two Susans’ identify selves in memoirs A Bobcat to Know: Cook listens to more than meal orders Student ponders how to offer unique, nutritious alternatives Blues band keeps it real with audience

DIVERSIONS Page 13

SPORTS Pages 15-16

Bobcat volleyball looks to break SLC tied record with Lumberjacks Cameron’s Commentary: Arena football comeback could prove difficult in recession Women’s basketball prepares newcomers for season Soccer hopes to keep conference title in I-35 Rivalry game Friday The pressure is on: Bobcats take on conference leader for homecoming

Volume 99, Issue 28

29

THURSDAY

OCT

www.UniversityStar.com

Homecoming Hopes

Health, counseling centers overwhelmed with services for veterans’ needs

By Clay Thorp News Reporter As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan enter their sixth and ninth year respectively, the Texas State Counseling Center and Student Health Center are overwhelmed with demand for mental health services.

Under the direction of Gregory Snodgrass, the Counseling Center’s staff of seven psychologists and three counselors has the task of providing mental health services to more than 1,100 veterans on campus.

Snodgrass, licensed psychologist and Vietnam veteran, said he began preparing for an influx of veterans about four years ago.

“We were getting a lot of information from the military that there was a really high incidence of war-zone stress reactions, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said. “There’s (also) a high incidence of traumatic brain injury, which affects concentration and processing information.”

According to the U.S. Depart-

ment of Veterans Affairs Web site, the disorder causes a person to relive traumatic events. Otherwise know as “flashbacks,” sights and sounds such as a car backfiring or loud construction can trigger them. Post-traumatuc stress disorder causes the sufferer to always be on alert, slightly angered, irritable, not able to sleep and easily startled.

Snodgrass said soldiers who were assigned to national guard or reserve units — those who were “not necessarily career military” — currently suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety and “some depression.”

Snodgrass said, of the veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2008, 89 percent had been ambushed, 77 percent had been fired upon, 86 percent know a soldier injured or killed and 95 percent had seen corpses.

“Many are in a state of constant vigilance or constant threat (from being) in a combat zone for extended periods,”

The Bobcat football team faces top-ranked Southland Conference opponent Stephen F. Austin in Saturday’s homecoming game. See story page 16

A Celebration of the Dead

Ben Rondeau/Star photo CELEBRATION: Both students and community members came together Wednesday night to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos outside Old Main. For story see page 7

For an exclusive audio slideshow of the Day of the Dead festivities, visit UniversityStar.com

web extra

see VETERANS, page 4

City Council candidates University officials hold tuition, fee increase hearing fundraise, prepare for Election Day Nov. 3

See the Video O

www.universitys

By Kosaku Narioka News Reporter

University officials are planning to propose tuition and fee hikes at the system Board of Regents meeting in November, said Bill Nance, vice president for finance and support services.

The increase rates will likely be 5 percent for tuition and 2.5 percent for the fees that require no student referendum.

Those rates are the maximum allowed under the system policy set last November by the board.

Joanne Smith, vice president for Student Affairs, said

university officials will hold a hearing about the increases at 4 p.m. Monday at the LBJ Student Center, room 3-14.1.

Nance said the university needs more money than the additional revenue would bring in, but “this is all we could propose at this time.”

University officials are planning to spend $5.5 million to raise faculty and staff salary by 3 percent and $1.3 million to boost student financial aids with the additional revenue.

Officials are planning to hire additional academic advisers to lower the ratio to students 300:1. The current rate is about 400:1 students to one

adviser.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents will meet Nov. 19 to Nov. 20 at Lamar University.

University officials have been planning for the hikes since August.

According to the minutes, University President Denise Trauth said at the Aug. 10 cabinet meeting they need to begin planning for tuition and fee increases for the 2011 fiscal year.

Trauth asked university officials at the meeting to begin preparing for a potential 10 see TUITION, page 4

See the Photos O www.universitys

By Clay Thorp News Reporter John Thomaides, the only incumbent running for City Council, is out-spending his opponents in Place 6 by more than three to one.

According to campaign finance reports obtained from the City Clerk’s Office Monday, Thomaides’ political contributions and expenditures — $12,233 and $8,175, respectively — are higher than the other five Place 5 and 6 candidates.

Thomaides’ opponents

for Place 6, Anita Fuller and Monica Garcia, reported no money contributed and $527 in expenditures and $4,469 in contributions and $2,264 in expenditures, respectively.

However, candidates in Place 5 have raised and spent similar amounts.

Ryan Thomason leads the candidates for Place 5 with $6,825 in contributions and $5,181 in expenditures.

Shaune Maycock raised $2,336 in contributions and $4,716 in expenditures. Lisa see ELECTION, page 4

City officials plan downtown improvements

By Megan Holt News Reporter

Today’s Weather

74°/52° T-Storms Precipitation: 40% Humidity: 76% UV: 4 Moderate Wind: WSW 16 mph

Friday

Showers Temp: 57°/41° Precip: 40%

Saturday

Sunny Temp: 71°/45° Precip: 0%

EXPANSION: One-way roads going through downtown San Marcos could soon become two-way.

The possibility of two-way roads could be in store for downtown, according to a city official.

Steve Guajardo, San Marcos project manager, discussed plans for improved roads, sidewalks and a reduced speed limit with the Downtown Association and local residents Wednesday evening.

“Construction (downtown), regardless of one or two-way streets, is still a year out,” Guajardo said. “We’re looking at a year to two before a final decision is made.”

City Council will consider possible street changes as part of the Downtown Master Plan.

“I would say they (the street changes) are in the preliminary stage of the process,” said Scott Booth, traffic engineer for Broaddus & Associates, a project management and planning firm.

“We are at a point in time where we are presenting to the citizens (of San Marcos) for comments, suggestions and improvements to the plan before it’s carried out,” Booth said.

Mary Mazzei, senior project manager for Broaddus & AsSara Strick/Star photo sociates, said the downtown development plan was implemented with drainage and see SQUARE, page 4

Page Two

2 - The University Star

STARS OF TEXAS STATE

Women’s soccer freshman Alissa Scott was named Defensive Player of the Week after her efforts against Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State last weekend. The team is one game away from back-to-back undefeated conference seasons, and will look to close the deal Friday night at 7 p.m. The Bobcats will host the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners in their final game of the regular season.

— Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

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

Thursday, October 29, 2009

ON THIS CRIME BLOTTER

DAY IN

HISTORY 1682: The founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn, landed at what is now Chester, Pa.

1901: President William McKinley’s assassin, Leon Czolgosz, was electrocuted.

1911: American newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer died at age 64.

1923: The Republic of Turkey was proclaimed.

Oct. 22, 9:10 a.m.

Student Code of Conduct Violation/J.C. Kellam Administration Building A staff member reported to a police officer a student verbally assaulted her. Student Justice was notified of the incident.

Oct. 22, 10:47 a.m.

Suspicious Activity/ University Police Department-Lobby A student reported to a police officer an unknown individual was acting suspiciously at Falls Hall.

A report was made of the incident.

Oct. 22, 1:19 p.m.

Theft-Under $1500.00/ 1929: Stock prices collapsed on the New York Alkek Library Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo Stock Exchange amid A nonstudent reported to BENCH LUNCH: Zach Wagoner, exercise and sports science freshman, and John Nelson, biology senior, have lunch outside. a police officer university panic selling. Thousands property had been of investors were wiped taken without consent. out.

The case is under investigation.

1940: Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson drew the Oct. 22, 3:11 p.m.

Faculty members who need materials the resources are available as one-time cost. Members of the Research Grant first number — 158 — in Elevator Rescue/Mitte not in the library collection to support purchases and may be accessed by more Subcommittee will recommend funding America’s first peacetime Art Building their research are invited to submit a than one user. recipients to the Library Committee. military draft.

A police officer was proposal for a Library Research Grant.

A total of $20,000 in funding is The proposal deadline is 5 p.m. dispatched to the location Each year the Alkek Library provides available. Because of this limit, proposals Monday. Applications received after the for an elevator rescue.

1956: The Huntleyfunds to acquire non-curricular materials more than $3,000 are unlikely to receive deadline will not be considered. Click on for this purpose. The review process is full funding. Materials requested may Library Research Grants For a link to the Brinkley Report premiered A student was released from a stuck elevator competitive, but in the past the majority of include books, back issues of journals, application form at www.library.txstate. as NBC’s nightly TV without harm. professionally written proposals that clearly electronic resources, AV materials and edu/services/faculty.html. newscast.

Library Beat Call for proposals to receive library research grants

justified how the materials requested would benefit research have been funded.

Priority, however, is given to material that can be permanently added to the library collection. Applications for electronic resources are more likely to be funded if

computer software. Requests should not include current subscriptions, journal articles or multiple copies of materials.

Applicants are asked to provide a brief description of the project, a list of needed materials and the estimated

Questions should be directed to Joan Heath, assistant vice president, University Library, at jh06@txstate.edu or 512-2452133.

— Courtesy of Alkek Library

Batboy: The Musical brings campy fun to Texas State Inspired by headlines in the Weekly World News, Batboy: The Musical was an offBroadway success and is coming to the Main Stage of the Theatre Center at Texas State Nov. 11 to Nov. 22.

Performances will be held 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 to 14 and 18 to 21, noon Nov. 15 and 2 p.m. Nov. 22.

Described as a campy, modern musical comedy, the production tells the story of a half boy, half bat discovered in a cave and struggling to find a place in the world. The dark comedy also has its touching side as well, with an upbeat score featuring music from rock to rap and more.

“You laugh so hard you cry — and if

we are doing our jobs well — you will be surprised to find yourself moved to tears by this wacky world too,” said Kaitlin Hopkins, director of Batboy and head of musical theater at Texas State. “The music is just a blast and the people of Hope Falls, W.V., are characters you want to spend two hours with. This show has heart, soul and a proudly deep, unique comedy style that ultimately blazed a trail for shows that followed.”

Hopkins was a Drama Desk nominee for her role in the 2001 production in New York. She said her experience performing in it has given her a unique perspective as a teacher and director.

“It is very exciting for me to create the world of Hope Falls as I see it from a directorial perspective instead of just as an actor. But it is my experience as an actor that makes it so fulfilling to work with other actors as a director,” Hopkins said. “I think because of the connection I have to it, it has actually helped me to be more open minded in ways to re-imagine and reconceive it. I think you have to know something so well that you can let it go, in a way, and then see what comes back to you.”

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for students with a valid Texas State ID. To purchase advanced tickets, contact the Texas State Box Office at 512-245-2204.

— Courtesy of University News Service

1964: Thieves made off with the Star of India and other gems from the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

1966: The National Organization for Women was founded.

Oct. 22, 3:36 p.m.

Alarm-Fire/Evans Liberal Arts Building A police officer was dispatched to the location for a fire alarm. San Marcos Fire Department arrived on scene and was unable to locate any fire. The building was reopened to the public.

Oct. 23, 2:06 a.m.

Public Intoxication/San Antonio Street (East) While on patrol, a police officer observed an individual acting suspiciously. Upon 1998: John Glenn, the further investigation, a nonstudent was first American to orbit the cited and arrested for earth, returned to space public intoxication and 36 years later, at age 77. transported to Hays County Law Enforcement 2004: Osama bin Laden, Center and is awaiting a in a videotaped statement, court date. directly admitted for the first time he had ordered Oct. 25, 12:16 a.m. the Sept. 11 attacks.

Warrant Service Lindsey Street 2004: European Union While on patrol, a police leaders signed the EU’s officer observed two students engaging in first constitution. suspicious activity. Upon further investigation, a 2006: Brazil’s president, student was arrested Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on a warrant and was won re-election in a transported to Hays landslide.

County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a — Courtesy of New York court date.

Times 1971: Rock musician Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band died in a motorcycle accident at age 24.

— Courtesy of University Police Department

News

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The University Star - 3

University Bookstore IFC candidates plan greek improvements gives students incentive for game attendance

By Bianca Davis News Reporter

By Amanda Venable Editor in Chief Students may have a new incentive to cheer on the Bobcats this homecoming.

The University Bookstore is providing a discount of up to 30 percent off maroon Texas State T-shirts Monday in a joint effort with the Associated Student Government.

Sen. Brice Loving, who authored the bill “Marketing Promotion: Monday Maroon Madness,” said the campaign’s mission is multipronged.

The goal of the project is to increase school spirit, while ensuring students attend and stay until the end of home football games.

“Maintaining a high level of both student presence and participation at athletic events is critical to the longterm goals of the university,” according to the emergency legislation passed at ASG’s Monday meeting.

Loving is not a stranger to marketing campaigns.

He is the student representative who sits on the University Marketing Board, which is headed by Michael Heintze, vice president of enrollment management.

ASG senators will hand out coupons at the stadium exits to students at the end of Saturday’s game. The coupon will provide a 5 percent discount on maroon shirts for every touchdown the Bobcats score.

Lauren Williams, merchandise manager with the University Bookstore, said the campaign is a project officials have wanted to do for some time.

“Other universities do it and when the senators approached us we thought it would be a good time to give it a try,” Williams said.

Williams said bookstore employees are anticipating a large crowd Monday, but because the project is a “completely new venture,” only time will tell.

The University Bookstore is providing up to a 50 percent discount on the Mondays following the last two home football games. If the Bobcats make it to the playoffs, an automatic discount of 10 percent on maroon shirts will be given, Loving said.

Coordinators hope the project will produce a profit for the bookstore.

“The whole point of this is trying to get students to attend the games, but because the University Bookstore supplies a lot of student scholarships, we want it to be mutually beneficial and bring in business for them,” Loving said.

“Maroon Madness” will extend to basketball season, providing up to 5 percent off for every 3-point-basket scored by the Bobcats up to 50 percent. Loving said the project will not extend to other sports at this time.

“Our goal is to make this include all of the sporting events, but at the time we are focusing on football and basketball,” Loving said.

Williams said students who stay for the entire game Saturday to retrieve a coupon will have “at least” 20 maroon T-shirts to choose from come Monday.

Interfraternity Council presidential hopefuls agree on one thing—the image of greek life on campus needs improvement.

Three candidates have announced they are running for IFC president in Monday’s elections.

Jeremy Klaff, electronic media junior, said he is running to better greek life as a whole.

“Image is so key,” Klaff said.

“Image, and the certain things we represent, is how we’re looked at by people who are non-greek, faculty, staff and other students.”

Klaff is a member of Kappa Alpha Order and serves as the current IFC vice president of service and current Standards of Excellence and philanthropy chair.

He served on the KA executive board after being initiated and later as a senior delegate to IFC. Klaff said his minor in leadership studies has strengthened his abilities.

“I’m not afraid to give my opinion, but I’m considerate of others,” he said. “I’m not afraid of public speaking, but I can

step back and allow others to shine.”

Klaff said accountability and consistency are two aspects he would like to bring to IFC as president. The executive board needs to be accountable in order for the chapter presidents and delegates to be held accountable, he said.

“What I bring forth in the beginning, how strong I am, how passionate I am about this, is how I will be the whole time,” Klaff said. “There is nothing stronger to me than my word and integrity, and I hold it to the absolute highest.”

Derek Nelson, finance senior, is the IFC executive vice president. Nelson has served as IFC vice president of scholarship, Pi Kappa Phi executive secretary, vice- president and Student Organizations Council secretary.

Nelson is the Student Foundation alumni relations chair and sits on the student justice board and the Pride and Traditions committee.

“I have more experience with IFC,” Nelson said. “I’ve been here longer than even our adviser has been employed at Texas State.

I’ve seen four different councils, and I know what it would take to

help out the community. Not just the greek community, but open areas of communication between all students.”

Nelson said his experience gives him an advantage in being more timely and efficient because he knows how the channels operate.

Nelson said he would modify the role of the IFC president to make sure communication lines are open if elected. He would have the vice president take over the president’s role. The president is currently dealing with chapter leaders. Nelson would change the vice president of communication’s role to encompass a public relations role.

Nelson said he would ensure IFC is represented on different committees in order to gain insight from others and confirm representatives from IFC met with City Council and the San Marcos Police Department.

Representatives would maintain relationships with other student organizations and greek alumni.

“With the help of alumni, communication and leadership, we can help our recruitment numbers and our impression and influence throughout the

Texas State community,” Nelson said.

Ryan Spencer, geography senior, is the current chapter president of Phi Kappa Psi. Spencer is a member the Texas Stream Team, Nation Association of Environmental Professionals and Student Planning Organization.

Spencer said outreach is the basis of his campaign. He said IFC should host events that promote IFC and give the “full story” about greek life.

“I think it will be exciting to see where IFC goes,” Spencer said. “This year will be a year of building and change.”

Spencer said his campaign is based on “leaving a lasting impression through unified strength.”

His campaign consists of three goals.

“Engage recruitment in a positive way,” Spencer said. “Not only increasing the number of greek members, but the quality of men. Establish relationships within the community, alumni, Panhellenic and San Marcos businesses. Enable IFC and allow it to hold chapters accountable for their actions, and enforce the principles the individual chapters stand for.”

news

4 - The University Star

Veterans

continued from page

Snodgrass said. “This has a very severe psychological impact and is actually physiological as well.”

Snodgrass said university officials are aware of the Counseling Center’s need for more resources and space.

“We’re overwhelmed with demand for services, (so) if someone needs more help than we can give them, we refer them to the Austin Veterans Center,” he

Election

continued from page

Marie Coppoletta has accumulated $1,720 in contributions and $2,433 in expenditures.

City Councilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1 — who campaigned against an incumbent two years ago — called fundraising burdensome, but necessary.

Porterfield said social networking, volunteer phone

Square

1

said.

Dr. Emilio Carranco, director of the Health Center, said they spend 10 percent of all resources on mental health, which include four in-house psychiatrists.

“I think it’s important for us to be ready — and aware (veterans are) bringing a lot of problems with them,” Carranco said. “We need to be preparing to provide for them better.”

Jude Prather, Iraq veteran and

ASG veterans’ liaison, said he agrees more needs to be done. “(Veterans) need an extra safety net to keep them from falling through the cracks,” said Prather, public administration senior. “Going to Veterans’ Affairs isn’t easy.”

Prather said university officials do a good job of making veterans feel welcome, but they could do more to educate college-aged youth on how to deal

with veterans and vice-versa.

“I get a lot of random students who say ‘Oh, you were in Iraq huh? Did you get to kill anyone?’ Never, ever ask that, it’s beyond tacky,” Prather said. “No one who was in the s*** wants to relive the worst memory of their entire life.”

cially, that is an indication they like you and what you’re doing. Asking people for money is the most unattractive part of being a public servant, but you need to do it.”

According to the Texas Ethics Commission’s Candidate and Office Holder Campaign Finance Report Instruction Guide, candidates must file

a series of campaign finance reports throughout the year.

These include two semi-annual reports due on Jan. 15 and July 15 of each year, as well as reports due 30 and eight days before the election.

Early voting ends Friday.

Election Day is Nov. 3.

1

banks and block-walking are beneficial practices candidates can employ to become familiar with issues close to community members without overspending.

“If you raise more money, you can afford to advertise and send out direct mail,” Porerfield said. “Usually, if you have people who support you finan-

Thursday, October 29, 2009

continued from page

street improvements.

“I wouldn’t mind two-way streets,” said Joe Garza, downtown business owner. “Cars go the wrong way all the time. I have to look both ways crossing a one-way street anyway.”

Booth said city officials asked him to ensure traffic would evenly flow on one or two-way streets if landscapes are added and speed limits are reduced.

“One of the things that came to mind (when planning downtown improvements) was bike-lanes. We decided that would be dangerous,” said Wayne Cooper, vice-president of planning for Broaddus & Associates. “We are now looking at the possibility of bicycles sharing the road with vehicles. A slower traffic flow would make (cyclists) feel more comfortable.”

Valerie Fix, Wayback Attic owner, said she believes the city did not plan for bikes.

“They want to hopefully slow down traffic to hopefully integrate bikes,” Fix said. “I understand limited space, but we have hundreds of people who ride bikes every day. Bikes will still be on the road with cars that are not attentive to riders.”

Cooper said slowing traffic would improve parking complications because drivers would be aware of cars backing out of spaces.

Two downtown parking

Tuition

1

plans were proposed to help alleviate traffic congestion — parallel parking or 45-degreeangle spaces.

Cooper said parallel parking would allow wider sidewalks.

“It’s a question of which is more important — parking or more room for pedestrians?”

Cooper asked.

Expanded sidewalks would include room for new trees, benches and trashcans.

“Enhanced paving at intersections was also looked at,” Cooper said. “We looked at how pedestrians used the pavements as a way of finding or place making.”

Cooper said textured sidewalks and place markers, such as an image of a stallion in the pavement of an intersection, could help business owners or pedestrians give directions.

“There’s a lot of factors that went into planning,” Cooper said. “We have to look at how changes to the streets could be implemented to maintain a pedestrian friendly, humanscaled plan.”

“I wouldn’t mind twoway streets. Cars go the wrong way all the time. I have to look both ways crossing a one-way street anyway.”

— Joe Garza, downtown business owner

continued from page

1

percent cut in state appropriations in the next biennium.

She said at the Sept. 1 cabinet meeting the 2009 fall enrollment growth gives the university “a very important opportunity to plan for the best ways to cushion a potential legislative budget cut,” the minutes read.

Robert Gratz, special assistant to the president, said Trauth, Provost Perry Moore and Nance met with the local committee chair of the board to discuss what options will be presented at the hearing.

ASG President Chris Covo said Friday the fee increase for ad-

vising will likely be proposed to the board. He said the issue is related to the Quality Enhancement Plan the university is developing for the reaffirmation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Board authorized a 7 percent tuition and fee hike last November, making 15 semester credit hours cost $3,741.

The board set the limits on potential raises for academic year 2010 to 2011. According to minutes, Trauth said the quality of education will suffer under the five percent cap.

By Lori Jones News Reporter

available faculty and physical space, she said.

“We believe the admissions requirements coupled with the university’s retention efforts are being successful as indicated by our continued increase in retention rates and graduation rates,” Anderson said.

Kelsey Peltier, interdisciplinary studies junior, said she tougher admission requirements should be enforced now.

“I would love it if the requirements for enrolling were a little stricter,” Peltier said. “I hate that people think Texas State is so easy to get into.”

Peltier said she thinks increasing academic admission requirements will result in a more reputable university.

“I think growth is good, but I don’t want people to think we’re just University of Texas rejects,” she said.

Blessen Varghese, health information management senior, said increasing academic admission requirements to limit growth would prevent Texas State from becoming as noteworthy as larger surrounding schools.

“I think as long as we have the resources, we should continue to recruit as many future bobcats as possible,” Varghese said. “A big school means big pride.”

Anderson said the primary basis of the admission requirements is academic preparation as indicated by courses a student has taken and how they have done in those courses.

“We will continue to evaluate our admissions requirements and processes,” Anderson said.

“Our goal is to have admissions requirements that allow us to admit students that can be successful academically on our campus.”

Larger enrollment will not increase admission standards Prospective students can expect Texas State admission requirements to remain the same in the near future.

University officials have no plans to alter admission restrictions despite the steady increase of students. Student admission increased from 29,105 in fall 2008 to 30,816 in fall 2009, according to the Texas State Preliminary Enrollment Report.

Stephanie Anderson, director of undergraduate admissions, said there was a 68 percent increase in academic advisers for the 2009-2010 school year and a 42 percent increase in full-time faculty since 2003.

“This is part of the commitment to handle the amount of students we’re bringing in,” Anderson said. “We are very fortunate the university continues to put additional resources into faculty and advisers that will allow us to keep up with the enrollment growth.”

Anderson said university officials plan to accommodate the increasing number of students.

“The goal for next year is to increase the overall university capacity by 3 percent,” Anderson said. “At this point we would rather grow and use our resources to meet that growth than to stop it.”

Anderson said the university will tighten admissions when it lacks adequate resources to provide students. Enrollment would first be limited by an earlier admissions application deadline. University officials would next consider altering academic requirements, she said. University officials periodically evaluate how to manage student growth with the

Opinions

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The University Star - 5

Moral conservative stances are not for everyone

By Asha McElfish Letter to the Editor As much as moral conservatives would like to idealize abstinence as the answer to all sexual health issues—because we all know you become universally invincible to an STI once you get married—the simple reality is that it is not the cure-all they have wished it to be.

The bottom line is human beings like sex. With youth comes puberty and with puberty comes hormones. Have

we forgotten about the basic biochemistry of the body that naturally drives us to want to procreate — i.e. have sex?

Too often the leap is made, by the abstinence community that “sexually active” means “promiscuous,” which is a naive and polarizing statement. When a person makes the decision to become sexually active, the education and resources to be safe and confident should be made available to them upon their request, and provided in a respectful manner.

The dichotomy we are faced with is when moral conservatives are given carte blanche to create policy for everyone — including those who choose to not abstain from sex. One is left to wonder is this faction supposed to resign themselves to being marginalized and denied education and reasonably priced health care options?

The Student Health Center has done a wonderful job of providing condoms at a great price (20 for $5) but testing and services are expensive. I

ASG’s view of ‘Campus PD’ too harsh, unrepresentative

By Cody Underwood Letter to the Editor I was not surprised when I read about ASG’s reaction to the decision of the San Marcos Police Department to allow the G4 Network to film their excursions. I think it is immature for certain representatives to assume the network will depict our campus in a negative fashion. If any negativity is broadcasted, it will be that of the individual student.

I would like to think the audience, who will hardly pause their video game long enough to watch television, would not negatively judge our school by the show. They will think San Marcos is like any other university city. What crime will be so bad that it would off-put a prospective student? I think the exposure is good because

it will showcase the wild side (and sometimes fun side) of the university experience and bring awareness to the consequences. I don’t think one will opt out of Texas State because of the noise violations or traffic issues that fill The University Star’s Crime Blotter section. In reality, San Marcos is not an exciting town. The most exciting thing about San Marcos is Austin.

I question ASG’s effectiveness concerning their view on this issue. As a former president of a college’s student government, I understand the issues of the student versus the issues of the school.

The most important thing an elected, governing body can do is focus on the currently enrolled students. We are speaking now. Hear us. Meet our needs now instead of making policies with future

ramifications that will set you up for glory from future classes.

I would prefer certain ASG representatives to stop talking for me. They do not represent my views, values, personality or pop cultural outlook. I would love to watch the show only because I will be familiar with the backdrop.

Viewers who are unfamiliar with our town will forget about it by the time the ending credits roll. I am sure ASG feels no student should support the network by tuning into the show. They are probably wrong.

—in response to SMPD hinders trust with students, ASG leaders say in the October 27th issue of The University Star

feel it is absolutely worth exploring the option of free STI testing for the student body. If it is fiscally feasible, the moral argument should stand aside.

This idea originally stemmed from one of the ASG “Grievance Sessions” held in The Quad, that are meant solely to generate feedback on the needs of the student body by talking to students themselves. A free STI check of someone who is already sexually active, and already in the doctor’s office out of concern is not going to be ad-

vocated by this test to practice casual sex. If anything, free testing would open the door to students who otherwise would forgo these tests out of financial constraint and provide them with good sexual education so they don’t have to come back again.

The idea that somehow the offer of free testing would suddenly spark students to act recklessly with their bodies and their health is preposterous.

Ohio State University and Columbia College are a few of the universities in the U.S.

that provide free STI testing to their students. This is not a brand new idea, nor is it creating an epidemic of promiscuity in the Midwest.

If we can get the word out on the importance of testing for H1N1 if you’re displaying symptoms, I would expect the same zeal in checking to see if ones reproductive organs are healthy, too.

– Asha McElfish is public administration sophomore and a senator with the Associated Student Government

CAMPUS PULSE City Council elections are Nov. 3rd but low turnout among youth voters is a tradition for most elections.

Are Texas State students voting?

–Cody Underwood is an English senior

Alejandra Cardenas, violin performance senior “I actually don’t plan on voting in this election.

I just haven’t kept up with all the politics. I’m in school, and I live in the Music Building so I’m practicing my violin all the time.”

April Darner, public relations senior “I don’t plan on voting for the city council election just because I’m not a permanent resident of San Marcos and I don’t really feel the need to.”

Francisco Munoz, pre-communication design senior “I don’t plan on voting in the new council election because I’m not even a resident here in San Marcos anymore. I live in Austin so I don’t even know what’s up over here with that.”

(Courtesy of MCT)

Positives and negatives for awaited Panda Express

By Ammie Jimenez Opinions Columnist One of the main appeals of Jones food court is their hours of operation.

Staying open until midnight is a great plus when a late-night craving hits or study sessions run late. The long awaited Panda Express opened at Jones Dining Hall Monday. From the time it opened to the time it closed, the line was long and steady. An extra register had to be opened to accommodate the sheer number of students ready for hot Chinese food.

I knew Panda Express would be quite popular, but I never imagined the amount of people that would be willing to wait in a long line for a taste of something different from one of the school’s cafeterias. I did not

personally get a chance to try their food during their opening day, but it all smelled delicious.

Not only do they have several tasty vegetarian options, they offer meal trades the entire time they are open. For a popular restaurant to not have the time restrictions of having to wait until 1:00 p.m. for meal trades is a wonderful change. The portions with the meal trades are pretty generous too.

Elisa Cisneros, a Chartwells employee that works at Jones, said there has been much anticipation from students.

“We were constantly asked when it was going to open for the past month, so I’m happy for it to open,” said Cisneros, marketing sophomore.

It is no surprise that on the day of its scheduled opening, students were lining up eagerly waiting.

There is one downside to

Panda Express, however.

“The only bad thing about Panda is there are only three meal trades so for those who are low or out of Paw Points, it might be a disappointment,” Cisneros said.

The meals trades include white rice and chicken, white rice and beef with broccoli and chow mein.

Three meal trades? Ouch.

In spite of the meal trade fiasco, the buzz about it has been pretty positive. Not only is it nice to have additional options for our meal trades, the fact that they added something different shows Chartwells is aware of their changing customer base.

This is a great thing for a university with an expanding and diverse student body.

— Ammie Jimenez is an English junior

(Courtesy of MCT)

Student commends ASG involvement on campus

By Gabrielle Samples Opinions Columnist I have come to notice that the Associated Student Government has been extremely active in working to pass legislation that will be beneficial for the student body. With the new semester, the Covo-Luna administration has made noteworthy attempts to improve student life.

Although they have presented some indications of shortcomings, I believe we

can be proud of our student government. I urge everyone to pay attention to the organization that plays a key role in orchestrating changes on campus based on our needs and requests.

Senators have been working with university officials and other figures to pass resolutions that will affect student life. For example, the proposed resolutions for the extension of meal trade hours in The Lair will benefit a large percentage of students.

Other pieces of resolutions that have been proposed deal with adding an additional dead day in future semesters, possibly altering class schedules in order to increase the time between classes and advocating after-hours parking permits. Although some of these pieces of legislation are merely in the idea stage now, I view them as examples of legitimate effort. They must accept the challenge to go beyond effort and work to turn those ideas into actions.

The grievance sessions at The Stallions show ASG’s apparent interest in the viewpoints of individual students.

Allowing students that are not directly involved with ASG to express their concerns exhibits the characteristics of an adequate government. Opportunities such as the grievance sessions encourage students who may feel reluctant to get involved that their views matter.

Even with evidence of their persistence, ASG is far

from flawless. The issue of favoritism in the recent appointments of the tailgate committee displayed an impression that they were lacking a bit of organization. In spite of these issues, ASG has responded accordingly and assure they will correct their mistakes.

Honestly, I did not recognize the impact that ASG could possibly make until recently. I commend the members of ASG for getting involved trying to make a dif-

ference at Texas State. We can depend on ASG to help enhance our university experience.

Overall, this year’s student government has shown their potential to make a significant difference on campus. Yes, they do need to assess some of the issues that are blemishing their image as an organization, but we should look forward to what they will be doing in the near future.

–Gabrielle Samples is a public relations sophomore

Opinions

What’s your Opinion?

Send your thoughts to staropinion@txstate.edu

Thursday, October 29, 2009

6 - The University Star

Councilmember compensation concurrence the main point.

P olitics is a good way to make money.

Our country’s senators drive swanky cars and are allowed to park anywhere they want in the country’s capitol without fear of getting towed. Members of Congress can retire at 60 and receive a full pension, whereas the rest of us generally have to wait until we turn 65. They have the power to “bring home the bacon” to their communities and ensure federal money gets back to their constituents.

Then there is the San Marcos City Council who do not receive any swanky cars or unrestricted parking passes. Mayor Narvaiz is the only member who has a city office. Something is wrong here.

These seven individuals – six council members alongside Mayor Susan Narvaiz – who are parents, business owners and community leaders, donate their time and effort to ensure the City of San Marcos is safe and clean for its residents.

The council members do not receive any type of monetary compensation.

San Marcos residents voted in favor of City Council setting its own pay last November.

According to the Oct. 22 issue of The University Star, the most recent proposal would give the mayor and council members annual salaries of $750 and $500, respectively.

Four council members voted in favor of the proposal and three voted against it at last week’s meeting.

Mayor Narvaiz, Coun-

cilmember Kim Porterfield, Place 1, and Councilmember John Thomaides, Place 6, each voted against the proposal.

In the same article, Porterfield said she might be in favor of another proposal, advocating the mayor and council members receive $100 and $50 per meeting, respectively.

The council has been careful with this issue and that deserves some applause. If council members jumped at the idea of a pay raise and implemented the new salary system too quickly, they might have appeared greedy or disingenuous.

Council members work hard for their constituents and allowing a small monetary compensation in return for their service is reasonable. In the article, Porterfield explained the burden that comes with the position.

“The time you’re away from your family is more of a burden,” Porterfield said. “I mean, my daughter has her patches stapled to her Girl Scout vest.”

Most importantly, the compensation – though small – might allow future candidates to run. The position is demanding and if some compensation is offered, candidates who are under financial strain might be able to serve their community in the future.

Registered voters could have the power to decide not only who fills two City Council seats, but also who receives compensation for their work come Nov. 3.

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.

Russell Weiss/Star Illustration

Free STI screening?

Cheaper screening would make healthier students

By Kaycee Toller Opinions Columnist Chances are, most college students (not you, of course) have had sex with someone who turned out to be (circle all that apply) crazy/gross/ shady/a jerk that doesn’t like to talk about feelings.

Sooner or later, the now single student will be clicking around on WebMD, trying to figure out if that’s a weird bug bite or some crazy STI down there.

Of course, the responsible action now would be to go get tested to see if everything’s still in good condition, but college students are not known for having a big pile of money set aside for blood tests and pap smears.

There are no substitutes for an STI screening by someone in the medical field, but students forgo these crucial exams because they can’t afford it.

Sure you could Google “bumps on lady parts” or ask a friend, “Hey, bro, does this

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

look weird to you?” Then you’ll only freak people out and still be unsure about your health.

With only a small increase in student fees, the Student Health Center could give students peace of mind or essential treatment.

People who have an STI often don’t know it, since many of these infections do not cause symptoms right away.

Since these students do not know they have an STI, there is nothing to keep them from passing it on to someone else.

Think back to when you were a kid and everybody was getting the chicken pox.

The second you started getting spotty, you were yanked out of school and spent a week without any company but stuffed animals.

STIs don’t work that way because there are no visible symptoms right away to let you know to stay away from the other people.

If free screening is not offered to students, many of them will ignore their health and do what’s good for their bank, possibly spreading diseases to their girlfriends, boyfriends or that weird person that one time at Jeff ’s party.

Free STI screenings would increase the total health of Texas State students.

The Student Health Center would be giving students a chance to be more socially responsible, even if they are broke.

According to an e-mail from Julian Sepulveda, a health education intern at the Student Health Center, testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV will cost $50 to $55 for students.

Sorry, ladies, this does not include the cost of your Pap smear to see if HPV was one of your party favors from the shindig last night.

Sure, the Student Health Center can tell people to stop having sex in order to save money on STI screening, but students will continue to knock boots, spread illness to their partners and spend their $55 on books, bills or beer.

It’s true practicing sexual abstinence is the only way students can be sure to prevent the spread of STIs, but it’s true college students are not willing to quit having sex.

If the administration wants to create a healthier student body, the university should allow students access to free, confidential STI screenings and the education they need to make responsible sexual decisions.

–Kaycee Toller is a journalism senior

Covering up controversial issue is driven by fear

By Robert Beckhusen Opinions Columnist Last week, I had the horror of witnessing a guest speaker on campus — though I agreed with much of what he said –—talk nonsense to the applause of credulous students.

But I should begin with some background.

Brian Cuban, who spoke Oct. 21, has been waging a minor but dedicated campaign since 2008 against Facebook. The company decided to allow Holocaust denial groups to stay on the Web site after complaints against speech that denigrates ethnic and religious groups.

Since Cuban began speaking on this issue, several of the groups appear to have been taken down, but others —filled with a grungy assortment of anti-Semitic types from the Midwest to Pakistan—remain on the Web. Facebook has prohibited hate groups in the past, but has resisted blanket bans on Holocaust denial. If users declare they are prepared to use violence, something neo-Nazis are prone to do, Facebook will remove the offending speech.

But Facebook has defended its initial stance for the sake of promoting unrestricted discussion. The company more or less said there’s no need to list the reasons why denying the Holocaust is objectionable, it

is self-evidently offensive (this is where Cuban, the bosses at Facebook and myself agree) but that’s not a good enough reason to prohibit it.

In an open letter to Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg in May, Cuban backed down from a “short-sighted, back door ‘lawyer’s approach’” that said Holocaust denial is a punishable offense in several countries such as Germany. Facebook’s terms of service prohibits any content that violates the laws of any country where Facebook exists, so Facebook should ban Holocaust denial.

This is, of course, an extremely difficult rule to enforce consistently —many students here (probably most of you, actually, if I think about it) have uploaded personal photographs dressed in a manner that would be considered a criminal offense in countries that allow Facebook, but practice a great deal of moral censorship.

Instead Cuban has shifted to that he simply doesn’t like it, that Holocaust denial is hateful and bigoted and antiSemitic. Again, I certainly agree.

Cuban said it’s a value call. As the company (a private company) is well within its rights to ban from its servers whatever speech it wants. But that doesn’t mean it should.

To argue this, I would scribble down the standard stuff about why speech should always be defended, and the most objectionable speech should be defended most vigorously, but that’s been done.

Holocaust denial is particularly objectionable, not only for its anti-Semitism, but it is possessed by the temptation to erase history.

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Heinrich Himmler, the morbid boss of the slave system that was the Nazi concentration camps, said to Reich officials in October 1943 in occupied Poland that the genocide would be “a glorious chapter that has not and will not be spoken of.”

That is, not only would the Jews cease to exist, but knowledge of the destruction of the Jews would be suppressed and forbidden. The past would be rewritten –—you’re erased from the photograph, you’re permanently deleted.

Recognizing that, and coming to terms with the idea this sinister impulse can be left open to further study, that Holocaust deniers can be observed and monitored is worth serious consideration. It’s no benefit to push the rodent underground where research becomes much harder to carry out. The study of Holocaust denial, and why people believe it, is essential to its study, and what better way to study it when it’s right there for all to see?

Journalist and columnist for the National Post —a Canadian daily newspaper – Jonathan Kay wrote in his review of Michael Shermer’s book Denying History, “Hatred for Holocaust deniers is compounded by the helpless fear that the pseudohistorians’ specious lies may spread. When one is armed with concrete knowledge, however, that fear is lessened and hatred gives way to pity.”

We should remember this, and resist the temptation to applaud the schoolyard demands of scared men.

–Robert Beckhusen is a mass communication sophomore

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

Copyright Thursday, October 29. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

Trends

Bobcat Ball

Lambda of Texas State will be hosting a “circus” 9 p.m. Thursday at Bar One41. Attendees can come dressed in circus attire to watch professional drag performances, dancing and a mystic tarot card reader. The event is 18 and up for the ticket cost of $8.

Day

The University Star - 7

Thursday, October 29, 2009

of the

Dead Students celebrate Ben Rondeau/Star photo

Dia de Los Muertos

By Thea Setterbo Features Reporter The University Honors coffee forum was covered in vibrant colors Wednesday during the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration.

Death is not seen as morbid in the typical Dia de Los Muertos tradition, but as a reason to celebrate life. This particular Dia de Los Muertos celebration came from humble beginnings in 2005.

Alumnae Michelle Sotolongo and Orquidea Morales arranged a small table in a corner of the University Honors coffee forum. They placed pictures of their deceased friends and family on the table, along with several toy skulls. Sotolongo said it caused honors students to raise eyebrows.

“It freaked people out,” Sotolongo said. “We were asked to take it down after a month, but we were so surprised it lasted that long.”

Enough students asked questions about the display that Sotolongo and Morales were asked to construct the display the following year.

Four years later, Sotolongo and Morales have graduated and passed on the tradition to Beatriz Gomez, international studies junior.

Gomez asked Rincón Hispano Universitario to get involved with Dia de Los Muertos.

“We wanted to bring a little bit more of the Mexican culture in,” Gomez said. “(With Rincón) we were able to encourage more people to come.”

Karina Gonzalez, mass communication sophomore, leads the student organization that promotes Hispanic culture around campus. The organization meets 7 p.m. Tuesdays in LBJ Student Center.

“Before I became involved in the organization I had no idea my family celebrated Dia de Los Muertos,” Gonzalez said.

Gomez said Wednesday’s celebration took two months’ preparation. The once small display has grown to include two ballet folklorico performances and a mariachi band.

The ceremony began at 6:30 p.m. with a short intro-

duction by Sotolongo, who was visibly overwhelmed by the large crowd at the event.

Jaime Chahin, dean of the College of Applied Arts, followed Sotolongo. Chahin gave

“It freaked people out.

We were asked to take it down after a month, but

we were so surprised it lasted that long.”

—Michelle Sotolongo

a speech detailing the beginnings of Dia de Los Muertos and described the different celebrations in Mexico.

“The holiday focus is to pray for friends and family who have died,” Chahin said.

“The intent is to encourage visits of the souls.”

The crowd was encouraged to head in front of the Lampasas building after a short documentary for a performance by “Ballet Folklorico Bravo.”

Rincón Hispano Universitario created the folklorico group.

The local San Marcos folklorico group “Young Heart” performed as well.

The evening concluded with music provided by the mariachi band, “Mariachi Lince de Oro,” and refreshments.

“The important thing is to not let this part of the tradition die,” Sotolongo said. “We’re celebrating our loved ones, celebrating life and celebrating the lives of those we loved and lost.”

Rincón Hispano UniverBen Rondeau/Star photo sitario and The University SHRINE: Participants at the Dia de Los Muertos celebration brought figurines and pictures of loved Honors Program presented ones to share with others at the event. the event.

Ben Rondeau/Star photo

8 - The University Star

Trends

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Get rhythm when you’ve got the moves

By Miranda Serene Features Reporter Homecoming week adds some rhythm to its spirit.

The National Pan-Hellenic Counsel is hosting a step show for homecoming.

Harambe and Sample Styles, two of Texas State’s teams, will be performing at the event. The show is set for 7 p.m. Friday in the Strahan Coliseum.

Ja’Nelle Rivers, health administration senior, is the Homecoming step show coBobby Scheidemann/Star photo chair.

Rivers said she is looking SCRUMPTIOUS SUBS: Angela Silva, psychology senior, prepares a sandwich for a costumer at Jimmy Johns. forward to this year’s performance.

“I can’t wait to get out and see everyone,” Rivers said.

“This is NHPC’s biggest event of the year.”

The winners of the step show do not leave empty handed. There is a first and second place price for the fraternities and sororities. First place will receive $1,000 and $500 will go to second.

“The money goes to the winning chapter and they are free to use it on whatever they need,” Rivers said.

“Often the money is used to travel to another step show.”

Alumni are are expected to attend, though none are performing in the show.

“The alumni like to come and see what is going on now at Texas State,” Rivers said.

Texas State invites different Pan-Hellenic chapters

from surrounding campuses.

Miyake Griffith, special education senior, said some teams travel a long way to watch performances.

“One school, Jarvis Christian College, is coming all the way from East Texas,” Griffith said.

Griffith has stepped since her freshman year of college.

“It has always been a passion to involve myself in the art of stepping,” Griffith said.

Each step performance includes using the body as an instrument. Claps and stomps are used to make music. Griffith said each organization has its original stepping style.

“The uniqueness and time put into each performance is amazing,” Griffith said.

NaQui Davidson, health information management senior, enjoys how all the greeks come together during a step show.

“I always meet so many new people in the organization,” Davidson said.

DJ Bananaz will manage the music at the show and after party. Davidson said a lot of people are predicted to attend.

“Last year more than 2,000 people came,” Davidson said.

Rivers said it is important they sell tickets to everyone.

“This is a Texas State event, not just for African Americans,” Rivers said. “We want everyone to participate and be there.”

‘Two Susans’ identify selves in memoirs

By Alejandro Martinez Features Reporter Renowned authors Susan Wittig Albert and Susan J. Tweit made an appearance at The Witliff Collections Wednesday, marking their first event together.

“Science is part of my family culture,” Tweit said.

Together, Alone is Albert’s first non-fiction narrative dealing with the issues surrounding her marriage and the bonds connecting her work with nature. Albert said her journey began in 1985

“We’re actually getting married. We have similar interests in nature and anti-materialism.”

— Eric Pedrosa, recreational graduate student Women & Place: Two Voices-Two Perspectives features the authors’ latest memoirs.

Albert’s Together, Alone: A Memoir of Marriage and Place and Tweit’s Walking Nature Home: A Life’s Journey were both published by the University of Texas Press.

“We’re so happy to have the two Susans here today,” said Connie Todd, Witliff Curator.

The two seasoned writers leaned on the table while addressing the audience, taking turns reading excerpts from their respective memoirs.

They paused to offer insights and comments to emphasize the similarities they share as women and memoirists.

Both authors eased into friendly banter as the program continued, bringing an air of light humor to the audience. Albert and Tweit spoke passionately about the presence of nature in each of their lives and belonging to what Aldo Leopold called the “community of the land.”

Tweit strives for an organic lifestyle. As a trained field ecologist and author of 12 books, Tweit describes her vocation as “bringing awareness of our kinship with nature,” according to www. susanjtweit.com.

when she left her administrative position at Southwest Texas State University to pursue a career as a professional novelist. Albert’s book describes her “nomadic life” and a personal “exile from traditional women’s roles.”

Albert’s next memoir, An Extraordinary Year of Ordinary Days, will appear in 2010.

The authors said their memoirs chart the continuous remaking of themselves and the learning processes people must go through.

Eric Pedrosa, recreational graduate student, and Elizabeth Trevino, recreation administration senior, said they both enjoyed the authors’ views on how home is something one can create for themselves anywhere.

“We’re actually getting married,” Pedrosa said. “We have similar interests in nature and anti-materialism. … We were interested to hear different perspectives on marriage from people whose aspirations align with our own.”

Tweit said part of writing a memoir is identifying the self.

“These are journeys of triumph,” Tweit said.

trends

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The University Star - 11

BOBCAT TO KNOW Student ponders how to offer Cook listens to more than meal orders unique, nutritious alternatives Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor Eating healthy while in college can be a challenge for some students, but Anthony Tenaglia wants to make it easier.

Tenaglia, economics senior, helped start the Food For Thought project as part of a class assignment.

“It was a group project,” Tenaglia said. “Someone came up with an idea, and I helped expand it.”

James Bell, professor in the department of management, said he taught a course called entrepreneurship, leadership, teams and change, which spurred the Food For Thought project.

“I asked my students to recruit others to affect change on campus or in the community,” Bell said. “Their idea was to create a farmers’ market on

Sara Strick/Star photo SERVING OTHERS: Delores Torres, the head cook at Marco Polo’s in The Den, serves stories to students along with her meals.

By Elizabeth Barbee Features Reporter Delores Torres, head cook of Marco Polo’s in The Den, is a self-proclaimed raconteur.

“Come get something from my kitchen,” Torres said. “I will tell you a story.”

Torres said she likes talking to students about their days and about her grandchildren.

“One time, a girl came to my counter and looked really sad, so I asked her, ‘Is everything OK?’” Torres said. “She told me her mother was having brain surgery in a couple of days, and it hit me — this is about more than handing someone food.”

Torres said she has connected with numerous other students. “(When I began) two Japanese girls came to the counter and we started talking,” Torres said. “We developed a rapport and they became like daughters to me.”

Torres said she began working for the university in 2005 but has enjoyed cooking all of her life.

“I was 10 years old when I started cooking and it was out of survival,” Torres said. “My mom hardly ever cooked and I was the oldest child.”

Torres said she began making meals by mimicking what her grandmother did in the kitchen.

“One of my brothers does catering,” Torres said. “I guess you

could say it’s in the genes.”

Leslie Bulkley, resident district manager, spoke fondly of Torres.

“Delores is a very caring person,” Bulkley said. “She truly cares about students and their well being.”

Jeania Brandon, food service director, described Torres as an exemplary Bobcat and worker.

“Delores is wonderful,” Brandon said. “She is an employee who cares a lot about our customers and staff.”

Brandon said she could see the passion Torres has for cooking and interacting with students.

“She thoroughly enjoys cooking and serving students the food they like,” Brandon said.

Torres said her life outside of work involves the culinary arts.

“On the side, my husband and I make cakes,” Torres said.

“I think if I had been able to go to culinary school, I would have become a chef.”

Torres said this January marks her fifth year working at Texas State.

“I have a love for cooking,” Torres said. “It is like when little kids sit down at the piano and take to it right away. It is that same type of love.”

Torres said she likes her job and pointed to her black chef’s hat.

“I always tell students, ‘The worst part of the job is the uniform.,” Torres said.

campus and teach others how to grow their own food.”

Bell said students thought the smoothies offered on campus were not healthy, and one of his students believed Chartwells did not offer any type of healthy food. The group hopes to provide healthy alternatives to other on-campus offerings. Tenaglia continued working with the project past the end of the semester.

“I spent the summer interning with an organic farm in Austin,” Tenaglia said. “I wanted to learn how to grow fruits and vegetables because I didn’t know how.”

Tenaglia said he was surprised when the farmer he was interning with ate okra right from the vine.

“He said it was the only way to tell if it was ready to harvest,” Tenaglia said.

Tenaglia said time spent in

Blues band keeps it real with audience

By Kassie Kitchen Features Reporter The Bastard Boys Blues Band are a rowdy group of five 20-something-year-old men on a mission to cure their troubles by belting out the blues with a bottle of Jim Beam at their side.

The Bastard Boys are guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Wozny, guitarist Adam Brisbin, bassist Justin Filor, keyboardist Jamie Ringleholm and drummer Brian Dunn.

According to their Web site, the band’s main influences respectively include whiskey, women, trains and Parliament Lights.

The band proved its ability to blow minds and actively entertain the audience last Tuesday night at Triple Crown.

The lyrics display one-ofa-kind humor that kept me laughing throughout the muchtoo short, one hour-long set.

The first song they played was “Swamp House Stomp” about traveling through a swamp and another was about the “brand new haircut blues.”

I could tell I was in for a good show within the first few minutes of the song.

The Bastard Boys even sang a town tribute called “San Marcos Blues,” which mentioned various parts and characteristics of the city, such as Triple Crown and fellow local band Zlam Dunk.

The band was diverse in its musical styles. It was apparent to me each member brought something different to the table.

They each had a broad range of talent and vocals alternated between Wozny, Brisbin, Ringleholm and Dunn throughout the set.

Wozny’s vocals would blow the minds of Tom Waits fans.

Wozny had a raspy, bluesy tone that correlated well with the traditional heavy blues bass line and soulful, ardent keyboard solos.

Wozny was jittery and animated during and inbetween songs, energizing the crowd, chanting back and forth with them. I was having a blast watching his outrageous performance.

The boys closed with “Overprivileged Hipster Blues,” which comically chronicled the trials and tribulations of the modern day college student.

I have always been a fan of blues and jazz music, and I can honestly say I was impressed with the members’ energy and ability to convey the traditional blues style of artists like the great B.B. King.

The Bastard Boys Blues Band is scheduled to play its next show Nov. 11 at Triple Crown.

Spain helped influence his devotion to Food For Thought.

“In Spain they have a different approach to food,” Tenaglia said. “They know the fisherman who brought in the catch and the farmer who brought in the fruit, but in the states everything is prepackaged and processed.”

Tenaglia said the project received funds from the Environmental Service Committee and was able to start construction on an extension of the living library. Tenaglia wants to introduce new produce to students.

“I hope we can plant exotic things like figs, persimmons and agave,” Tenaglia said. “We will also plant traditional things like oranges and peaches.”

Tenaglia said the construction of the living library is going to be eco-friendly.

“I am making sure we are not using any petroleum based

products,” Tenaglia said.

The organic growing process means the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers is forbidden. Food For Thought is going to collaborate with Bobcat Blend, the on-campus composting project.

According to the Bobcat Blend Web site, “Any gardener can attest to the value of compost as a soil amendment.

Composting returns nutrients to soil and aids in necessary microbial activity and can help fight soil born disease.”

Tenalgia said the business end of the project is still under development, but he said they hope to make simple soups and sell the produce itself. Tenaglia said the project is all about sustainability and helping make Texas State a more eco-friendly campus. Those interested in volunteering can look on the Food For Thought TRACS page.

12 - The University Star

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14 - The University Star

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

The University Star - 15 sports Arena football comeback could Bobcat volleyball looks to break SLC tied record with Lumberjacks prove difficult in recession Thursday, October 29, 2009

By Cameron Irvine Sports Columnist Back in 2008, the Arena Football league was truly the fifth major sport. It had an ESPN contract, a 13,000-plus average attendance across the league (which is better than Texas State’s), 17 stable franchises and more than 20 years of credibility.

Too bad it was swimming in debt. Reports confirmed former commissioner David Baker put the league in debt because he tried to make it a fifth major sport, when in reality, that’s just not what it was. It was a fan-friendly sport that brought football closer to middle-class eyes.

The AFL is now gone and with it are all the coaching, player and arena staff jobs in the league. But it’s trying to make a comeback.

Arena Football 1 is 2010’s attempt at rejuvenating the diehard arena football fan base.

Many people believe arena football could potentially be the answer for the NFL minor league situation.

However, the minor league possibility is a long way away.

For those who say the United Football League is the answer, light blue, bright green and silver will never draw in a terrible four-team league.

Some people, including myself, thought arena football could make it as a college sport for all the players who didn’t make the football team. I still believe it can.

However, the economy is killing the sport. To take a chance on a brand new league, you have to invest money, which no one wants to spend right now. It is just a bad time for arena football and the fan base is fading fast. The AFL offered jobs, talent and something a family could do on a Saturday night.

It offered entertainment where you least expected it.

It offered sports dreams that many football players thought they would never have again.

College-cut players found their home on teams and stars were made famous in sports history. Four players from the Southland Conference made rosters in 2009.

Celebrity owners brought the league down as well. Jerry Jones, Jon Bon Jovi, Bernie Cosar and John Elway were the main figureheads. They were just another “black hat” that did not want the AFL to play and try to get out of debt in 2009. It was a business for them — not a hobby.

But arena football is a hobby for most people and that is when it succeeds — when owners invest in a team, not because they want to make money, but because they love the sport. However, the days of finding people like that are over (thank you to all the people who put the United States in a recession).

The AFL had been running longer then the MLS. What’s sad is not many people knew about the league. Teams like the Philadelphia Soul, the New Orleans Voodoo, San Jose Sabercats and the Chicago Rush had some of the most proud fan bases in sports history, but no one knew.

Rest in peace, arena football.

We hope you make a comeback.

I just wish you would have never tried to get the name out and just let it get out by itself.

If I ever win the lottery, I’ll be ready to invest in my team for the love of the game.

By Eric Harper Sports Reporter This weekend will be something to which they have all looked toward.

The Bobcat volleyball team will take on Stephen F. Austin and McNeese State in road matches Thursday and Saturday as it looks to inch closer to first place in the Southland Conference’s West Division.

The Bobcats are deadlocked with the Lumberjacks in the SLC standings, with each team holding a 6-3 SLC record. McNeese State is two games behind the Bobcats but holds an overall record of 16-7 this season.

“This is a huge stretch for us,” said Coach Karen Chisum. “It’s always hard to play at Nacogdoches. It’s always a battle.”

The Bobcats have taken three consecutive matches but are looking for signature road wins over leading SLC teams.

Amber Calhoun, sophomore middle blocker, said the Bobcats are feeling well after recent success and are ready to get back on the court.

“The win streak has us on a good high,” Calhoun said. “We know what we have to get done and we’re very motivated.”

The Bobcats’ three-match win streak has vaulted them into second place in the SLC West.

Conference-leading Central Arkansas is not eligible to win the conference, which means the Bobcats are two games behind Sam Houston State for first place in the West and in the SLC. The Bobcats have run off an 11-4 stretch to even their record at 12-12 after beginning the season at 1-7. Chisum said the Bobcats have improved from their early season struggles.

“We’re in a good place right now,” Chisum said. “We’re playing better now than we did earlier in the season.”

The Bobcats have set aside portions of their practice time for focusing on the needs of each individual player. Calhoun said the different practice methods have been a key to the recent success of the team.

“Practices have become

more efficient,” Calhoun said.

“Everyone is a lot more confident in what they can do. We just got off to a slow start.”

The Bobcats have not won a game against an SLC opponent with a winning record this season. Chisum said the Bobcats must attack their opponents and play mistake-free with their next two matches against winning opponents.

“We have to reduce our errors and be aggressive,” Chisum said. “We have to go out to win, and we have to win the serving and passing game.”

The SLC has six teams within two games of one another in the standings, from Texas State and SFA at 6-3 to McNeese State and Texas-San Antonio at 4-5. The Bobcats have matches remaining with each of the other five teams in this grouping. Calhoun said the recent parity in the conference has the Bobcats anxious to keep their win streak alive.

“Our next match is our most important match,” Calhoun said. “We’re just excited to go out and keep winning.”

home last season. The Bobcats won two of the 13 road games.

“We have to step it up on the road this season,” Fox said. “Last season’s away game record did not cut it.”

The team’s first road game is Nov. 27 against Colorado State.

The two games following the Colorado State Tournament are on the road against Texas Tech and Texas Southern.

“We did not play in the Colorado State Tournament last season,” Fox said. “We are excited to travel there this year. There will be good teams competing. In order to be successful, we have to do the little things right.”

Avoiding turnovers and fouls in addition to being proactive on defense in the

second half may be key for success this season. The Bobcats turned the ball over 483 times and committed 555 fouls last season. Texas State had 834 points in the first half during last season’s games, but allowed 1,058 in the second half.

“Last season was last season,” Davis said. “We are going to take this season game by game and hope for the best.”

Southland Conference play for the Bobcats begins Jan. 9 against Texas-Arlington. The Bobcats’ conference play record last season was 6 to 10.

“This season our focus is to do your job.” Fox said. “If we can all individually do our job then we will be that much better.”

Women’s basketball prepares newcomers for season

By Jake Maddox Sports Reporter

The Texas State women’s basketball team is in the learning phase during practices leading up to the 2009 to 2010 season.

The team’s two returning starters, Aimee Hilburn, senior guard, and Victoria Davis, senior guard, displayed their leadership skills Oct. 21 at the first team practice.

Davis and Hilburn scored 468 points combined last season. Davis led the team with 86 assists. She led the team in steals with 43, putting her at seventh in the Southland Conference. Davis and Hilburn received the team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player

and Most Outstanding Player awards, respectively, last season. She was among the top five team leaders in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocked shots and field goal and free throw percentage.

Chika Ofoegbu, junior forward, led the bench in field goal percentage and scoring last season with 112 points.

Hilburn and Davis said they are taking the preseason practices day by day in order to get the newcomers acquainted with the system.

“The five freshmen look good so far,” Hilburn said.

“Each of them is stepping up as expected.”

Five players are not returning this season. Three of them are former starters, Gabriell

“We will replace the five women we lost with the five seniors this year. The seniors are ready to step up and lead the team.”

—Coach Suzanne Fox Mattox, Kim Cessna and Ashley Cole. Mattox led the team in points (339), rebounds (167) and free throws (65).

Cessna was second in points scored with 301.

“We will replace the five

women we lost with the five seniors this year,” Fox said.

“The seniors are ready to step up and lead the team.”

The women’s first three games of the new season are at home. The women went 8-4 at

Sports 16 - The University Star

FALL FINAL

The Texas State men’s golf team finished ninth at its last tournament this fall, the Herb Wimberly Intercollegiate, Tuesday with a score of 856. Jeff Gerlich, mass communication senior, led the team with a 3-under-par 210, tying for 15th in the individual standings.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu

Soccer hopes to keep conference title in I-35 Rivalry game Friday

By Cameron Irvine Sports Reporter

The Texas State women’s soccer team needs a tie to clinch the Southland Conference regular season title along with Southeastern Louisiana’s Sunday loss.

Texas State will take on Texas-San Antonio Friday for the final regular season game where the Bobcats hold an undefeated conference record at home.

The Roadrunners began the season with a 4-0 SLC record. However, UTSA is 0-2-2 in its past four games, including a 3-0 loss to Southeastern Louisiana. Texas State has never beaten UTSA in soccer, which is something the team hopes to change for the first time Friday.

“I know (the Roadrunners) are going to come in thinking they are going to put it to us and ruin our hopes for a championship,” said Coach Kat Conner.

Britney Curry, junior forward, said UTSA looks to end its losing streak Friday in

order to keep its conference tournament hopes alive.

“They have had a nasty part of the end of the season,” Curry said. “So they are going to be coming out real scrappy looking just to claw their way back into the tournament. It’s going to be a tough match.”

Texas State is No. 1 in the SLC standings — and has been since conference play began — with a 7-0-1 league record. However, nine of the 10 teams have a chance of making the tournament.

Central Arkansas, which won its first conference game of the season last week to improve its record to 1-6, is one of these teams. The Bears have a chance to make the tournament if they win their final two games.

Only six teams will make the trip to Natchitoches, La. Nov. 5 to Nov. 8. The top two schools will have a first-round bye and the third to sixthranked teams will play a wild card round to determine who makes the semi-finals.

However, UTSA is Texas

SOUTHLAND STANDINGS

SOCCER (as of Oct. 28)

RECORD

Texas State

7-0-1

Southeastern Louisiana

5-1-1

Stephen F. Austin

4-2-1

UTSA

4-2-2

Sam Houston State

4-3-0

Northwestern State

3-4-0

McNeese State

3-4-0

Lamar

2-5-0

Central Arkansas

1-6-0

*Nicholls State

0-6-1

*Eliminated from Tournament

State’s focus when the I-35 Rivalry game takes place Friday.

“I expect a hard-fought battle,” Conner said. “They are a hard-working physical team.

We are really going to have to get a strong mentality, work really hard, keep our speed up and come out here and put away those goals.”

“So they are going to be coming out real scrappy looking just to claw their way back into the tournament.

It’s going to be a tough match.”

—Britney Curry junior forward

football schedule and standings McNeese at Nicholls State 1 p.m.

SE Louisiana at Central Arkansas 2 p.m.

SF Austin at TEXAS STATE 2 p.m.

Northwestern State at Sam Houston State 6 p.m.

SFA Cen Arkansas McNeese SE Louisiana TEXAS STATE Sam Houston Nicholls State Northwestern

3-0 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-1 1-2 0-3 0-3

Austin Byrd/Star file photo HOMECOMING REUNION: Alvin Canady, junior running back, darts from a Stephen F. Austin player during the 2007 homecoming game. The Bobcats will take on the Lumberjacks 2 p.m. Saturday at Bobcat Stadium.

THE PRESSURE IS ON

Bobcats take on conference leader for homecoming game

By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter The Texas State Bobcats will play homecoming host to the Southland Conference’s topranked team, Stephen F. Austin, 2 p.m. Saturday at Bobcat Stadium.

Last season, the Bobcats hosted top-ranked Central Arkansas for their homecoming game.

However, the Bears defeated Texas State 31-24.

Central Arkansas finished the 2008 season with a better record and a potential tie-breaking victory against Texas State. However, the Bobcats were crowned the SLC champions because of a conference initiation clause.

SFA is on a six-game win streak with its most recent victory being a 42-3 loss to Sam Houston State.

SFA quarterback Jeremy Moses and linebacker Devin Ducote were named Southland Conference Players of the Week for their performances against SHSU. Moses passed for five touchdowns and 372 yards while Ducote recorded a careerhigh 16 tackles.

SFA leads the nation in scoring with 44.43 points per game and passing offense with 360 yards per game. The Lumberjacks sit atop the SLC standings with a 6-1 overall record. Their

only loss came against Southern Methodist, a 31-23 opening day victory for the Mustangs.

SFA’s 3-0 conference record means the Lumberjacks are the only team in the SLC to remain undefeated in conference play.

Four teams have a 2-1 conference record. Among those four are the Bobcats.

Texas State has won its last two games, both of which were conference victories on the road. The Bobcats’ 4-3 record leaves them at fifth in the SLC. However, Texas State still has potential to reclaim the conference title if it can win its remaining games.

“Each game is becoming more and more important as we go on,” said Coach Brad Wright.

“That’s what we want. We want every game to mean something.

That keeps everybody motivated knowing what is at stake.”

The Bobcats’ losses prove they are not as bad as their record might indicate excluding the opening day upset by Angelo State.

It took Southeastern Louisiana three fourth-quarter touchdowns followed by three two-point conversions to take the Bobcats into overtime. It then took a missed extra point by Texas State to seal the 51-50 victory for the Lions.

The No. 6 ranked Texas Christian Horned Frogs yielded 21 points in their victory over the Bobcats — the most points allowed by the Horned Frog defense in three seasons.

SFA and Texas State each have a player under consideration for the Campbell Trophy Award. Travis Houston, senior defensive end, and SFA linebacker Tim Knicky are semifinalists for the award.

Semifinalists must maintain a 3.20 GPA while demonstrating outstanding football ability, strong leadership and citizenship. The winner will receive a 25 lb. bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship. Finalists will be named later this week.

FYI

The Lumberjacks lead the conference in total offense with 490 yards per game, passing efficiency with a 164.49 rating, pass defense efficiency with a 100.85 rating, rushing defense with 96.7 yards allowed per game, total defense with 294 yards per game, sacks with 3.83 per game and fewest sacks allowed with 0.86 per game.