10 30 2007

BASEBALL CHAMPS

The Boston Red Sox sweep the Colorado Rockies to win their second title in the last three years

WOODIE AWARDS College students decide at this MTVU show

SEE SPORTS PAGE 8

SEE TRENDS PAGE 6

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

WWW.UNIVERSITYSTAR.COM

OCTOBER 30, 2007

TUESDAY

VOLUME 97, ISSUE 29

Heavy weaponry no small matter to UPD

By Alex Hering News Reporter

shotgun “faded away,” but there is a necessity for both it and a new AR-15 rifle to be added to UPD’s weaponry.

“These weapons are to protect the campus from any active shooter,” Benitez said. “We are not getting these guns to show off that we can use them. We are here to protect.”

Benitez said preparation is key when the common criminal has the capability to be better armed than police.

UPD Capt. Paul Chapa said with school shootings on the rise, they need to be armed better than any criminal threatening the campus community.

“These weapons are a tool for UPD to ensure that when we are confronted with a situation that would require that kind

The shotgun cocks, and with a smooth motion, the trigger releases a deadly flood of pellets designed to spray and pierce a target 27 times. The same shotgun can fire a slug shot useful for distance shooting.

Sgt. Brian Carpenter of the University Police Department said the shotgun was removed from squad cars more than 14 years ago — leaving officers with the Glock handgun.

“The times have changed,” Carpenter said. He said they called for an upgrade in defensive weapons.

Sgt. Daniel Benitez of UPD said the

of response, that we have access to those tools to ensure that we secure the environment and address a threat appropriately,” Chapa said. “Many departments find themselves in a position where they may not have the tools that they need to address a threat to the community and they suffer the consequences.”

Chapa said the addition of these weapons is not taken lightly at UPD. “We at UPD understand the importance of these weapons,” he said. “We understand that it takes many man hours of training to handle these weapons and to train with them appropriately and being without these weapons could be devSee WEAPONRY, page 3

Monty Marion/Star photo HEAVY HITTER: Sgt. Daniel Benitez of the University Police Department describes the features of the department’s new AR-15 rifles during a demonstration Thursday afternoon at the ALERRT Center off Highway 21.

SURVIVAL SKILLS

Mayor calls out council members at ASG meeting

Annual exercise provides leadership for Air Force ROTC cadets

By Scott Thomas Assistant News Editor

Spencer Millsap/Star photo PERIMETER PATROL: Dewey Smith, Texas State Air Force ROTC cadet, guards the borders of their base camp during their field leadership exercises at Freeman Ranch last Friday and Saturday.

By Jason Hagerup Special to The University Star

S

hort, succinct commands cut the silence in the tall grass at the Freeman Ranch.

“Halt!”

“Drop your weapon!”

The voice is that of Robert Auten, Air Force staff sergeant and security forces training instructor. Auten’s mission last weekend was training Air Force ROTC cadets from Texas State in survival and security tech-

niques at their annual field leadership exercise.

“I love to teach,” Auten said.

“There’s nothing better than taking someone that has no idea what you’re talking about and then watching them apply it like this.”

Not all the cadets were new to the training. ReShard Wagstaff, criminal justice senior, has done field leadership exercises before and this year he was the key organizer of the event.

“It feels great to be a part of

something bigger than yourself,” Wagstaff said. “I didn’t put this together. We all had a part in putting this together.”

A total of three training instructors, including Auten, shared their expertise with the cadets in the areas of security forces and logistics.

Training in land navigation, base setup and defense, and first aid were some of the subjects Auten and his fellow instructors taught cadets.

Leadership and its characteristics were a recurring theme.

“You must learn to follow before you can learn to lead,” said Dominic Simonetta, mathematics sophomore.

The cadets get chances to follow and lead as they work through scenarios presented as part of their training. From navigating through the woods to establishing a base and security, it is all an opportunity to learn and to lead.

“You have to learn to accept what See SURVIVAL, page 3

Philosophy dialogue raises questions of risky behavior

By Sean Batura News Reporter HIV-positive surgeons and risky behavior were two of the topics of Friday’s philosophy dialogue, titled “Communication and Risk: Can We Handle the Truth?” Glen Graber, philosophy professor at the University of Tennessee —Knoxville, facilitated the dialogue.

Graber gave an account of a medical doctor who, perplexed after initially failing to convince his patient to undergo a

surgical procedure that carried minimal risk and great potential benefit, decided to try again.

“Frankly I cannot understand why you will not undergo a surgical procedure with a 90 percent survival rate when it could do so much good for you,” Garber said, imitating a doctor. “At that point the patient said, ‘Oh, well. Ninety percent survival rate — then I’ll go for it.’”

The doctor had at first described the procedure as having a 10 percent mortality rate. A few months later, Graber

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said, the doctor went to a medical school where he gave third-year medical students a scenario. He asked what course of action they would select: surgery offering full remedy of the patient’s disability, but with a 10 percent mortality rate; or physical therapy with 30 percent less recovery. A week later, the doctor gave them an identical scenario, except for the wording — “90 percent survival rate” was written instead of “10 percent mortality rate.” Eighty of the students who initially selected the therapy de-

cided on the surgery, demonstrating similar risk assessment behavior as the original patient.

Jim Summers, health administration professor, noted such results have implications citizens should be aware of when attempting to make sound political and economic decisions.

“One of the things (Graber) showed was that simply the presentation of the information led people to draw totally See BEHAVIOR, page 3

Incorrect statements by City Council members Gaylord Bose and Betsy Robertson were addressed by Mayor Susan Narvaiz Monday night during the Associated Student Government meeting.

Narvaiz said one incorrect statement during the Oct. 23 debate by both candidates was that a task force for Sagewood Circle was not being considered. She said a taskforce was one option on a list to be considered.

She said the other incorrect statement was two council members were responsible for the relocation of a proposed hotel. She said other people were responsible too.

“I sat in the debate and I really felt that there were points that needed to be clarified,” Narvaiz said. “It’s been my commitment, as an elected official, that I am more committed to the correct information being given.”

She said perhaps the council members forgot the correct information.

ASG passed two separate resolutions endorsing Jude Prather and Kim Porterfield for City Council Places 1 and 2. Prather and Porterfield are running against Bose and Robertson.

“I had a hard time making any endorsements before holding a debate,” said ASG President Reagan Pugh. “I want to make sure every action I do represents the students, and I don’t use my position as a mechanism to sway votes. However, upon understanding that my students were given some information that was not exactly factual, I have no problem standing behind the decision of the Associated Student Government this evening.”

ASG Sen. Tyler Ferguson, at large, authored the resolution endorsing Prather. He said it is customary for organizations to endorse a candidate after holding a debate. “(Prather) owns three businesses in town and he owns a home in town,” Ferguson said.

“He can represent students and he can represent the residents.”

Reasons listed in the resolution for endorsing Porterfield are her experience as community relations director and her desire to bridge a trust gap between students and other San Marcos residents.

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To Contact Trinity Building Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708 www.UniversityStar.com © 2007 The University Star

PAGETWO

Tuesday in Brief

October 30, 2007

starsof texas state The Texas State Cycling Team is set to compete in the Mountain Bike Nationals Oct. 25 to 27 in Banner Elk, N.C. The team will compete in the South Central Collegiate Cycling Conference against such teams as University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Texas Tech University and Mid-

western State University.

Five of the 30 active members will race in the nationals: Eric Breckinridge, Joseph Garcia, Andy Pace, Daniel Valaperta and Jennifer Perez.

— Courtesy of University News Service

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

Calendar TUESDAY The CSC will have a free lunch for all students from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CSC lobby.

Overeaters Anonymous will meet 12:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland. For more information call Lynn, (512) 3572049.

GLBQ Pride Group meeting will be held from noon until 1:30 p.m. For information and screening on groups, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208.

Facing the Fear — An Anxiety/Panic Group will meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For information and screening on groups, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208.

Anger Management: Your Plan for Real-Life Coping will be from 5:10 to 6:25 p.m. For information and screening on groups, call the Counseling Center at (512) 245-2208.

Every Nation Campus Ministries will be holding a weekly campus meeting at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall, Room G-02. There will be free food, fellowship and a message exploring the person of Jesus.

Peter Gruning will give a free presentation, “Franciscan Spirituality- the way of the orders,” in the CSC chapel at 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Career Services and the College of Education present the “Fall Teacher Job Fair,” in Strahan Coliseum.

Browsing will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and interviews

Sleeping beauty

CRIME BLT TER

University Police Department

will be held between 12:30 and 4 p.m. You must attend browsing to be eligible for interviews. Please contact Jonathan Pliego, jp55@txstate. edu, with any questions regarding the event.

Oct. 20, 12:00 p.m.

Alcohol: Minor in Possession/Bobcat Stadium An officer was on patrol and observed three individuals with alcoholic beverages.

Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for MIP.

UMADD New Organization Interest Meetings will meet in LBJSC 3.10.1 from 4 to 5 p.m.

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

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

The American Marketing Association presents guest speaker, Hal Adams, VP of Marketing for Valero at 5:30 p.m. in McCoy 124. Free food and drinks available starting at 5:15 p.m. Bring a friend – all majors welcome!

Business casual suggested.

For more information, visit www.business.txstate.edu/ AMA. The “Big Questions Worth Asking” series will continue at the north side of the Jones Dining Complex from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m.

This week’s topic: “What’s the deal with God and sex?”

Higher Ground holds a contemplative and peaceful Evening Prayer service 5:30 p.m. in the basement of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (510 N. Guadalupe, directly across from the Tower dorm), followed by supper at 6:15p.m. Students of every religious background are welcome.

Bridgette Cyr/Star photo Justin Rosales, physics freshman, takes a quick nap Monday afternoon in the lobby of Brogdon hall before his next class of the day.

Health Beat: Tips on nutrition With the holidays and finals approaching, healthy eating, exercising and sleeping may be some of the last things on a person’s mind. One may think healthy eating is a challenge, but the food pyramid has been revised so that it suits people individually, allowing for greater variety in food choices. A person should limit solid fats such as margarine and butter and one should be aware of what types of oils they use. For meat and beans, people should try to go lean on the protein and choose lowfat or lean meats and poultry. For more information or to develop an individualized meal plan, visit www.mypyramid.gov.

Exercise is important too. A person should exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. A person should also incorporate cardiovascular, strengthening and flexibility exercises into their routine.

When involved in cardiovascular exercise, people should make sure they stay within their targeted heart range. Someone can find this range by using the following formula: (220 – age) x 60 percent = low end of a range in beats per minute (bpm) and (220 – age) x 85 percent = high end of a range in beats per minute (bpm). Strength training should occur at least three times per week with a day in between the trainings (approximately every 48 hours) while

flexibility exercises should be done for at least 10 minutes every day, especially before and after exercising. For an individualized workout plan, one may wish to speak with the personal trainers at Campus Recreation. The Web site is: www.campusrecreation.txstate.edu, or telephone at (512) 245-2392 for more information.

While healthy eating and exercising regularly are important, keeping a consistent sleep schedule is equally important. This may appear difficult with finals and social events, but the reality is that better-rested people function better. If someone wants to feel more rested, they need to obtain the sleep they need on a regular basis. This amount varies from person to person, but most adults generally need seven to nine hours every night. If one exercises during the day, they should make sure they do it at least three to four hours prior to going to bed.

For more information about nutrition, sleep and exercise visit www.healthcenter. txstate.edu/healthed or call (512) 2452309. Campus Recreation offers personal trainers and nutrition counselors. Visit their Web site at www.campusrecreation. txstate.edu or call (512) 245-2392 for more information.

— Courtesy of Student Health Center

Oct. 20, 2:15 p.m.

Alcohol: Minor in Possession/Bobcat Stadium An officer was on patrol and observed an individual with an alcoholic beverage.

Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for MIP. Oct. 20, 3:40 p.m.

Alcohol: Minor in Possession/Bobcat Stadium An officer was on patrol and observed an individual with an alcoholic beverage.

Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for MIP. Oct. 22, 4:30 p.m.

Alcohol: Open Container in Motor Vehicle/No Liability Insurance/Bobcat Stadium An officer was on patrol and observed an individual with an alcoholic beverage enter a motor vehicle. Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for Open Container and FTMFR.

cated/Alcohol: Minor in Possession/San Marcos Hall Garage An officer was on patrol and initiated a traffic stop.

Upon further investigation, a non-student was issued a citation for MIP and a student was arrested for DWI and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

Oct. 23, 4:06 p.m.

Theft – under $50/UPD Lobby An officer was dispatched for a theft report. A student reported property had been removed from the McCoy Building without consent.

This case is under investigation.

Oct. 23, 5:50 p.m.

Theft – under $500/Student Recreation Center An officer was dispatched for a theft report. A student reported property had been removed from the building without consent. This case is under investigation.

Oct. 23, 6:28 p.m.

Information Report/ Bobcat Village An officer was dispatched for a disorderly conduct report. The officer assisted an outside agency in towing a student’s vehicle without incident. A report was generated for this case.

Oct. 20, 6:50 p.m.

Medical Emergency/ Bobcat Stadium An officer was on patrol and was advised an individual was injured. A non-student reported falling down, received lacerations and EMS bandaged the individual’s arm. A report was generated for this case.

Oct. 20, 2:08 p.m.

Theft – under $500/ Bobcat Stadium An officer was on patrol and was approached by an individual. A non-student reported property was taken from a motor vehicle without consent. This case is under investigation.

Oct. 21, 2:52 a.m.

Driving While Intoxi-

— Courtesy of University Police Department

NEWS

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

BEHAVIOR CONTINUED from page 1

different conclusions about the information,” Summers said.

“That shows us how easily we can be fooled by people who are spinning the language to get us to do what they want.”

Graber said the current convention whereby patients are heavily involved with their health care options is preferable to earlier times when doctors did not disclose as much information.

“The real danger in the past is when you kept information from them,” Graber said. “(Doctors) thought they were doing us a favor, but they weren’t in the long run. I think it contributed to the malpractice situation.”

Graber further raised the issue of HIV-positive health care professionals.

“Is there an obligation for (HIV-positive) health professionals to stop practicing, or notify their patients that they are HIV-positive?” Graber asked. “One thing we have to do is look at the risks of transmission.”

Graber said the same precautions doctors take to prevent HIV transmission are the same as those already taken for other pathogens, and such measures are designed to protect doctors as well. According to the available evidence, HIV has been transmitted from doctor to patient only once, and it may have been deliberate, Graber said.

He cited three instances in which doctors were found posthumously to have had HIV. One of the doctors, an obstetrician, was said to have open sores on his hands while practicing, Graber said. None of the doctors’ patients tested positive for HIV, he said.

The World Medical Association’s statement on HIV/AIDS and the medical profession offers recommendations regarding risk exposure, but does not require doctors to reveal whether or not they are HIVpositive.

“If no risk exists, disclosure of the physician’s medical condition to his or her patients will serve no rational purpose,” the World Medical Association states.

WEAPONRY CONTINUED from page 1

astating.”

Benitez referred to the North Hollywood shootout in February 1997 in which Los Angeles police were “outgunned” until they were supplied with civilian rifles by a gun store owner. Benitez said in order to ensure that never happens, UPD needs to be armed with more than handguns.

“We are getting prepared for any situation to minimize all the damage possible,” Benitez said.

Five officers who have recently joined the UPD attended a weapon qualification course Thursday at the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center in San Marcos.

Weapon qualifications are done twice a year to keep of-

ficers familiar with their weapons. Usually one is scheduled during the day and one at night.

“The state qualifications are necessary so that we stay in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education,” Carpenter said.

“These are tools that we don’t use often. With the weapon qualifications, our officers can draw the weapon without thinking too much about it.”

Rolando Belmares, one of the new officers, said he has never had to use his firearm.

He said only 10 percent of retired officers have had to shoot their guns during their career.

“The qualifications are important because during situations we fall back on training,” Belmares said. “The more you do it the better you get.”

SURVIVAL CONTINUED from page 1

other people say,” Simonetta said. “You may think you have a better idea on how to do something, but you’re not in command. When the exercise comes when you’re in command, you will get the chance to show that you are truly smart.”

The ROTC’s structure helps allow the field leadership exercise to do what its name indicates — train leaders. Cadets in their first two years with the program are known as GMCs, or general military cadets. In the summer between their sophomore and junior years, cadets go to field training.

Field training is a four-week course where cadets demonstrate their leadership and the skills they have learned.

If they pass field training, they are called POCs, or professional officer cadets. Upon earning their degrees, these cadets will be commissioned as officers in the Air Force.

At the field leadership exercise, cadets who have completed their training help to

facilitate the weekend program. They play the part of aggressors in simulated attacks and evaluate their underclassmen counterparts.

Tina Adam, family and consumer science junior, served as an evaluator. Her situation is different from some cadets because she joined ROTC last spring and went to training without ever having been to a field leadership exercise.

“I’m kind of the other way around, where I went to field training not knowing any of this stuff,” Adam said. “Now I get to come back and see how other cadets get to prepare for that.”

Adam said she is continuing to learn how to train others and trying to get to know the cadets below her.

“I like to talk to cadets personally, one on one, and see if they’re doing OK and see if they have any questions,” Adam said. “I’m always there to offer advice.”

The field leadership exercise began 6:30 a.m. Friday morning and ended 3 p.m.

Saturday.

The University Star - Page 3

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Page 4 - Tuesday, October 30, 2007

onlineconnection The University Star is in the process of creating a new Web site. Check out www.UniversityStar.com in the following weeks for continued News, Sports, Trends and Opinions coverage.

PLAYING HOOKEY Opinions Contact —staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

I

t may take a twothirds vote to pass legislation, but apparently twothirds of the ASG Senate could care less.

“There are 60 people in this organization, yet only about 20 people are truly acting like it,” said ASG Vice President Alexis Dabney in her recent weekly e-mail to the organization’s members.

So apparently not only do students not care about ASG, but their representatives don’t either.

Is this a surprise? No. A lack of participation or attendance problems is nothing new to ASG. At one point, The University Star ran an information box next to the weekly ASG coverage article saying whether or not quorum was met (the amount of senators needed to vote on legislation).

But even though there’s always been a lack of interest in student government by both the senators and the students, it still reflects our generation’s general disconnection and apathy toward politics. It’s a complaint consistently lobbied against our generation.

We’ve all heard it before. And we fully recognize it, but, we just don’t seem to care.

By the way, did you see the finale of “Rock of Love?” Heather was way too much woman for Brett Michael and his “die-a-bee-tis.”

Sorry, I got distracted. What’s on TV and other electronic distractions isn’t an excuse. It’s not uncommon to hear a conversation about “Flavor With Love” or other mind-numbing reality shows in The Star office. It’s simply entertainment, and it’s addicting. But can we at least take a small part of our day and engage in the world around us. Pick up a newspaper.

Don’t like the constantly increasing tuition costs? Call your local representative. Seriously, older people do it all the time. Representatives and their worker bees are there to take our calls.

Maybe it’s because many college students rest comfortably on the parent’s checkbook or student loans. The real world will hit eventually, and there’s going to be some things you don’t like about it, whether it’s taxes, healthcare, insurance, mortgage or your own child’s education.

All these things and more will soon be at the doorstep. And it’s our job to still make sure we express our opinions on these issues, and that representatives listen to us. This is the foundational principle of our country.

So, to the current ASG senators: Set an example. There’s not a worse message you could send to students than your own disinterest and lack of participation in the organization. You can and do directly impact the university and the student body.

ASG faces participation, attendance issues

Letters to the Editor

The matter I will be discussing is one that has been discussed many times before; nevertheless, it is still a matter of growing importance.

It has long since come to my attention that we are doing more harm than good to the environment. People blame it on progress, on the human drive for more, better, faster or on the ceaseless desire to keep pockets nice and deep—and all of these scapegoats are correct. But there is a better—and more truthful—term for our lack of concern: laziness.

It is laziness that prevents us from taking the extra time, for instance, to carpool—or better yet, to ride a bike or walk from place to place. It is laziness that prevents us from planting another tree for every tree that we cut down. It is laziness that prevents us from habitually recycling.

And it is laziness that prevents us from effectively teaching our children to consistently exercise more eco-friendly behaviors.

And people still wonder why nothing gets done?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude that such procrastination invariably leads to nowhere; instead, ask any high school or college student. Many of us are, after all, quite wellversed on the subject.

My point?

This “environment problem” will not be solving itself anytime soon. We have to take the matter into our own hands, to use the oh-so-accurate cliché. We have to be willing to exert a little more effort, even if it means losing a little money (heaven forbid), for the betterment of our world. If not for our sake, then do so for the endless generations of the ever distant future. After all, they have to have an Earth to call home too, don’t they?

Madeleine Moujaes English freshman I hate to think that over the last year, the students of Texas State have already allowed the tragedy of Virginia Tech to pass from their minds. It was barely a year ago. The AR-15’s purpose is not to strike down meddling college students committing misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief. The idea behind them is prevention. I’m sure I speak for all students when I say I am thankful, that a tragedy like the one at Virginia Tech has not happened on our campus. And I for one feel safer on campus knowing that the Police Dept is adequately equipped to handle such a situation. Why is the use of AR-15’s dramatized to make it seem like police officers are just gun-wielding terrorist? They are not ... When did people forget that the police are here to protect the liberties that we take for granted? Police are hated for doing their jobs. You call them names and resent them when they are writing you an MIP (minor in possession) or a traffic ticket, but expect their immediate response when you call for their help. Next time you get in an auto accident or your car gets broken into and you call 911, think about the positive things that the police do for our community.

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

Pat Stark/Star illustration

Craig Graham Criminal justice junior

Founding fathers did not have universal health care in mind

By James Gotwald FSView & Florida Flambeau (Florida State U.) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Despite the Founding Fathers ratifying a Constitution meant to give states more power than the federal government, all you see today is a bloated one with more power than ever intended and spending more than is needed.

If the Founding Fathers knew of the Democrats’ plan of universal health care, they would be rolling in their graves, since it was made quite apparent in the Constitution no such federal program was to be allowed.

Congress was given enumerated powers in order to ensure their supreme power

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only pertained to the powers awarded to them in the Constitution. Hereby I quote the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

Nowhere in the Constitution does it declare a socialistic approach to health care to be one of the powers appointed to the federal government. Therefore the power of health care is left in the hands of each individual state or private industry, where it is best handled anyway.

Loose interpretations of the Constitution are the only platforms giving Democrats even an

ounce of legitimacy whenever they proclaim for national health care. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution tells us Congress has the power “to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes.” The significant word is commerce.

The fallacy of trading on equivocation is obvious in this interpretation because the term “commerce” in the 18th century did not necessarily have economic implications.

Interpretations of “welfare” are found in the preamble. Also, Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1, which states “Congress shall have power to ... provide for the common defense and general

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welfare of the United States...” is commonly used to extend federal power. However, contorting “welfare” to somehow mean a socialized health care system is drastically at odds with the fundamental reasoning of the founding fathers. “General welfare” as described in the Constitution is synonymous with interstate commerce or a strong military defense. If national health care had been one of their intentions it would have been quite easy to create a new clause in Article 1, Section 8 stating “Congress shall have the power to provide health care to all through higher taxes.”

It is quite startling that the only reason such a socialistic plan is even considered is because of the gradual increase in

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the federal government’s power since the inception of the Constitution.

Both Republicans and Democrats are responsible for the philosophy shift toward the duty of the federal government, since both have repeatedly increased government spending to the excessive amount it is today.

Health care is not the only issue the federal government wants to take care of either. It seems all forms of social issues, such as abortion, gay marriage and education are all federal issues, when they are explicitly state issues. States were created for this purpose, so local governments would best reflect the majority of the population in their respective state.

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The federal government’s power needs to be looked over and reduced in almost every field. We should leave the federal government to do what the federal government does best: collect taxes and protect the citizens from enemies, foreign and domestic.

With all the tax dollars saved by reducing federal government spending from areas where it should have no control over, taxes could be lowered and personal liberty would expand.

A socialistic health care system is appealing only to those who are ignorant to the cons of such a system or to those who like to forget we have a founding document that rejects a huge federal government.

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

Copyright October 30, 2007. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

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The University Star - Page 5

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

newreleases music Unbreakable -- Backstreet Boys Blackout (Deluxe Edition) -- Britney Spears V is for Vagina (Dig) -- Puscifer

movies Spider-Man 3 (PG-13) -- Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst License to Wed (PG-13) -- Robin Williams, Mandy Moore El Cantante (R ) -- Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony

Page 6 - Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Trends Contact — Clara Cobb, starentertainment@txstate.edu

MTVU Woodie Awards showcase rising music acts

By Cheryl Jones Trends Columnist Madonna was right. Music really does make the people come together. So were the members of the Beatles when they sang, “come together right now.”

People are obsessed with music. It’s close to impossible to find one person who hasn’t listened to a song at some point this week, or even day.

Next week MTVU, MTV’s 24-hour college channel will be

holding its fourth annual “MTVU Woodie Awards” at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

The channel reaches more than 750 colleges across the country.

A “Woodies” award is unique because it honors the music college students love most, with winners determined solely by student votes, according to MTVU’s Web site. Students are encouraged to participate by going to www.mtvu. com to cast their ballots. The various categories range from “The Breaking Woodie,” which

includes: Boys Like Girls, Tokyo Police Club, Peter Bjorn & John, Silversun Pickups and Rich Boy, to “The Alumni Woodie,” which includes: Talib Kwelli, The Shins, Bright Eyes, Modest Mouse and Austin-native, Spoon. Nearly 50 artists have been nominated for this year’s awards.

As of last week, MTVU released three major bands set to perform at the “Woodies.” The Academy Is…, Spank Rock and Amy Winehouse are all set to hit the stage.

Winehouse’s appearance, ac-

cording to MTVU, is said to be a rare U.S. performance. It is one of two scheduled for the remainder of 2007.

The awards show allows college students to vote for their favorite bands and musicians, and provides the opportunity to be front and center to some. College students will be featured in the crowd, on camera, presenting awards and more.

According to an MTVU news release, the Woodies are much more than just recognition from

students.

“College students have helped establish the MTVU Woodies as a crystal ball for the music about to break big,” according to the release.

Through the awards artists are able to reach wider success either through sales, tours or other award shows.

The last day to cast a vote is Nov. 2 and the show airs Nov. 15 on both MTVU’s TV station and Web site. For more information, visit www.mtvu.com.

Homecoming not the end of fall activities How do we ever wind down after Homecoming festivities?

After a weekend of activities and events, we are still moving forward with celebrations Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. I hear there are a lot of activities scheduled on and off campus.

My children are a bit too old for the door-to-door neighborhood trick or treat. They usually like to hang out with a friend whose house is decorated for Halloween such as some do for Christmas — which is enough to scare the beejeebies out of anyone. I haven’t really gone all out for Halloween since they were little. I volunteered for enough school and church parties and fests when they were younger — quite enough to last a lifetime.

Since going to college, I haven’t really had the extra time or money to invest in costumes and parties.

My kids think I make the coolest

and funniest costumes out of stuff lying around the house. Those costumes were made out of desperation when one SUSAN RAUCH of my children Trends Columnist brought home a request for a theater or history class. The best so far were Christopher Columbus, a shaman and a generic version of Ronald McDonald.

Speaking of costumes, I believe it will be entertaining to see who wins the costume contest at the LBJ Student Center. Last year, the contest had some really cute costumes and great door decorating. I never made it to see the University Bookstore pumpkins, so I will definitely try to make it this year.

For some strange reason, I love ghost stories and watching paranormal shows on television. The history

that surrounding some of the investigations is interesting. I personally have had my share of a few odd experiences, including two strange apparitions in two separate pictures, which I cannot explain.

The best experience was while staying a week on the old haunted Queen Mary I in Long Beach, Calif.

The visit was for a conference, but my children and I witnessed some truly unexplainable things. Overall I tend to lean more on the side of a scientific explanation. In all five cases — yes five — I have experienced in different locations at different times, I have yet to get a logical explanation.

I hear there are ghostly occurrences in the surrounding Hill Country area to seek out, but I think the best kind is when you least expect it.

Happy Haunting.

Rauch is an English junior.

Fine Arts Calendar

Thursday’s Solution

Guest artist Elan Levin, piano, 8 p.m., Wednesday, Recital Hall Horn Studio Recital, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Recital Hall Salsa del Rio, 9 p.m., Friday, George’s Opera Workshop, 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, University Performing Arts Center Alejandro Montiel guest guitar recital and master class, 2 p.m., Sunday, Recital Hall Cary Michaels voice studio recital, 6 p.m., Sunday, Recital Hall Opera Workshop, 2 p.m., Sunday, University Performing Arts Center Jazz Ensemble, 8 p.m., Monday, Evans Auditorium

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WAIT STAFF: The Heritage at Gaines Ranch, an established provider of upscale Retirement Living in South Austin, is looking for part-time wait staff for our 5- Star Dining Room. The ideal candidate for this job will have strong communication skills, be able to multitask, be empathetic and energetic and have an affinity for working with a senior population. Come join the Heritage at Gaines Ranch family where we enrich the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity. We offer competitive compensation. Apply in person or contact Nic Snyder at (512) 721-3110. EOE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------AUSTIN WAREHOUSE BAR LOOKING FOR BARBACKS AND DOORGUYS. Experience good, but not necessary. (512) 300-6574.

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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN JOURNALISM, ADVERTISING, DESIGN OR GET INVOLVED WITH CAMPUS LIFE by building your portfolio at one of the premiere collegiate newspapers in Texas. The University Star is Texas State’s official newspaper, which is created and edited entirely by students.

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Those graduating in Fall 2007or Spring 2008 need not apply.

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SPORTS

winat the end

THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Bobcat football added another win this Saturday. Andrew Ireland, junior place kicker, drilled a 28-yard field goal with one second to play as the Bobcats defeated Northwestern State 20-17 and won for the first time at Turpin Stadium since 1995.

—Courtesy of Athletic Department

Page 8 - Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Sports Contact — starsports@txstate.edu

Red Sox sweep Rockies to win Series

By John Lowe Detroit Free Press

D

Kevin Kreck/Colorado Springs Gazette TWO-TIME WINNERS: Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox pitcher, celebrates with catcher Jason Varitek after their 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies during Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday at Coors Ffield in Denver, Colo.

ENVER — For all those decades they went without a world title, the Boston Red Sox’s continual epitaph was that they weren’t quite good enough.

Four times in that long drought they reached the World Series, and all four times they lost the winnertake-all Game 7. Then, in 2003, they lost their most excruciating Game 7 of all, to the Yankees in the AL championship series.

That ’03 crusher suddenly seems long ago. The Red Sox have now won the World Series twice since then — both times in sweeps.

They beat Colorado, 4-3, Sunday night to culminate one of the most one-sided of the 20 sweeps in World Series history. This wasn’t quite the Orioles throwing three shutouts in their ’66 sweep of the Dodgers. But the Red Sox outscored the Rockies, 29-10 — the largest run differential ever in a World Series sweep.

“From one through nine in the order, everybody can put runs on the board,” said Boston’s Mike Lowell.

These Red Sox are quite good enough, and then some.

Durant relocates, stays close to home

Rich Sugg/Kansas City Star SUPER SONIC: Kevin Durant dunks during the first half against Kansas, March 3, in Lawrence, Kan. Durant is now a rookie for the Seattle Sonics.

S

By Percy Allen The Seattle Times

EATTLE — The little boys and girls carrying gifts of cookies knock on the big bronze door wanting to meet the new kid on the block.

Wanda Pratt answers and says her son isn’t home, but she’ll have him call if they leave their names and number.

That night, 10-year-old Michael Krebs, one of the boys in the group, tells his parents to expect a call from Kevin Durant, and his father gives him one of

those “Yeah, right” looks.

A few days later the phone rings. It’s Durant, the Sonics rookie. He’s the No. 2 pick in the spring’s NBA draft, the 19year-old basketball prodigy and the so-called savior of the Seattle franchise. And he’s asking for Michael.

“He really wasn’t fazed or anything, and he was just talking to me like I was one of his friends from school,” Durant said. “I said, ‘What are you doing?’ He said he was playing video games.

I asked him, ‘What game are you playing?’ and things like that.”

“To be honest, he really

rushed me off the phone. He said, ‘I’m playing video games.’

Then I said, ‘Do you want to go back to playing video games?’”

And he said, “‘Yeah, I’ll give you a call later,’ and hung the phone up. But I could tell that he was happy that I called.”

A few days later, the kids return to the same Mercer Island home with pastries and a request. The boys want autographs, but one little girl doesn’t have anything for Durant to sign, so he goes into his bedroom and digs out a photo that he keeps for a special occasion.

“The really sweet part of it is she sent him a thank-you note in the mail,” said Pratt, Durant’s mother.

“I told them they could come in the house and asked if they wanted to look around, but they didn’t want to,” Durant said. “I could tell they were kind of nervous. It’s not a problem to me if they come over. If a little kid wants to play video games, they can come over. I really wouldn’t mind.”

“I like the kids. I don’t think they know I’ve got video games.

If they came over and it’s cool with their parents and they live on my street, then they can come over. That’s what I like about where I live and Seattle in general. It’s real comfortable like that.”

He’s settling in now. The teenaged basketball star is growing accustomed to his surroundings.

Who knows if he’ll become a fixture in the Pacific Northwest.

The team is attempting to break its Key Arena lease and move to Oklahoma City for the start of the 2008-09 season. Even if those attempts are unsuccessful, there’s no plan for the Sonics to remain in Seattle beyond the 2009-10 season when the lease expires.

Given the dim forecast, perhaps it’s understandable why

Durant is renting a Mercer Island home he shares with his mother and cousins Charlie Bell and Charles Johnson.

The Sonics rookie considered buying Ray Allen’s posh digs in Carnation, on the eastern fringe of the metro area, but his family wanted him closer to the city.

“It was kind of far out,” Pratt said. “We wanted something for him to be more comfortable commuting back and forth. Ray Allen’s house — oh, my goodness — it was a really exceptional home. I was very impressed with the things that he had done.”

Durant said once he has the income, he will move up.

“When I’m making Ray Allen money, then I’ll have a house like that,” he said. “But for now, I’m good where I’m at.”

When he might have chosen trendy Belltown or upscale Bellevue, the 19-year-old millionaire bachelor spent about a month house hunting before choosing the exclusive island suburb across Lake Washington from downtown Seattle.

He shares a neighborhood with Paul Allen, but Durant doesn’t live on the water like the Microsoft billionaire. Instead, his spacious Tudor home is tucked away on a wooded cul-desac where jack-o’-lanterns decorate nearly every driveway and kids play in the streets.

“It’s much nicer than where I grew up, but it took me back to when I was younger,” said the Washington, D.C., native. “I used to every day go outside and play with my friends. Me being in Texas and living away from home in high school, I really didn’t see that too much.”

“But once I got to Mercer Island, it reminds me of my childhood and makes me feel right at home. I’m not homesick or anything. I feel right at home. I feel like I’ve been here forever. It’s kind of relaxing a little bit to see those kids out there.”

David Ortiz singled in the first run Sunday night in the first inning. Then third baseman Lowell, en route to becoming the World Series MVP, doubled and scored in the fifth, and led off the seventh with a homer. Lowell had four RBIs in the Series, scored six runs and played his typically superb defense.

“I’m on Cloud Nine,” Lowell said. “Unbelievable.”

Lowell’s homer knocked out Aaron Cook, who did turn in only the third quality start against the Red Sox in this year’s post-season.

Boston left-hander Jon Lester completed an amazing one-year climb: going from last year’s cancer diagnosis (lymphoma) to the winning pitcher in the clinching game of the World Series. Lester went 5 2/3 scoreless innings.

“I’m so proud of Lester,” said Boston manager Terry Francona. “The way he pitched, the way he was composed and how he competed.”

Francona was amazingly matter-of-fact afterward. He became the Red Sox manager for the ’04 season, and so his record is now two world titles in four years. He’s the first manager ever to win his first eight World Series games.

Garrett Atkins’ two-run homer off Hideki Okajima

with one out in the eighth brought Colorado within 43. Francona then summoned closer Jonathan Papelbon for a five-out save.

Papelbon got all five outs without allowing a runner. Jamie Carroll lined to the wall in left for the second out in the ninth. Then Papelbon struck out pinch hitter Seth Smith swinging, tossed his glove high in the air, and quickly became the center of the celebration swarm.

In the seventh inning, Colorado cut the lead to 3-1 when Brad Hawpe led off with a homer. But pinch hitter Bobby Kielty began the eighth with the third leadoff homer in as many half-innings, and it was 4-1.

The Rockies became the modern version of the ’67 Red Sox. They had an unexpected, remarkable run to the World Series, then lost it.

Boston rookie centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who had three doubles in Game 3, led off Sunday with an oppositefield double to left.

He went to third when Dustin Pedroia grounded out for the first out. The infield came in. David Ortiz stroked a sharp grounder through the drawn-in right side for a 1-0 lead.

Victorious Volleyball

The Bobcat volleyball team scored wins against Northwestern State and Central Arkansas over the weekend after a threegame slump. The team is now 7-5 in the Southland Conference.

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Send your news tips to us at starnews@txstate.edu