11 08 2006

RESULTS ARE IN

MAGICALLY DELICIOUS

Sean Patrick’s opens its doors and showcases games, drinks and Irish-inspired food

The University Star provides election results on the national, state and local level.

SEE TRENDS PAGE 6

SEE NEWS PAGE 4

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

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NOVEMBER 8, 2006

WEDNESDAY

VOLUME 96, ISSUE 32

Perry wins re-election, despite low numbers in the polls

By Jay Root and John Moritz Fort Worth Star-Telegram

AUSTIN — Despite dismal approval ratings and a toxic environment for Republicans nationally, Gov. Rick Perry led the GOP to yet another statewide sweep Tuesday and put himself on track to become the longest-serving governor in Texas history.

Incomplete returns show Perry winning his second four-year term with around

40 percent, the lowest percentage of any winning candidate for governor in more than a century. Democrat Chris Bell, turning in a better-than-expected performance, trailed Perry by a little more than 10 points in incomplete, unofficial returns. Perry reached out to voters who went with another candidate in his victory speech in Austin.

“Whether you voted for me or not for the next four years, it is my intention to serve you

as your governor,” Perry said.

“No party controls the government. It belongs to the people.”

Bell appeared before supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel in Houston at about 9:30 p.m., just after calling Perry to concede defeat. He was surrounded by his wife, Alison Ayres Bell, and two sons, Atlee, 10, and Connally, 8, who introduced his father to the crowd.

“It has been a long, hard

battle and one I will always believe was worth fighting,” he said. “I cannot change yesterday. I will have a big impact on tomorrow as will all of you.”

At the Omni Hotel in downtown Austin, Republicans celebrated a national rarity — certain victory — while their counterparts in many other states were in for a long night of hand-wringing.

“Tonight’s overwhelming

Rick Perry (R)39.5%

Chris Bell (D)29.47%

Carol Keeton Strayhorn (I)18.11%

Richard “Kinky” Friedman (I)12.30%

See GOVERNOR, page 5

Robertson, Thomaides take city council seats

State Rep Rose attacked at polling place

By Eloise Martin The University Star

Cotton Miller/Star photo

Bridgette Cyr/Star photo

NUMBER WATCHING: City council Place 6 incumbent John Thomaides keeps tabs on the San Marcos election returns with supporters Tuesday evening at Palmer’s restaurant.

A TOAST: Betsy Robertson passes around wine Tuesday night at The Blue Goat with close friends and family in celebration of her city council Place 1 victory.

By Eloise Martin, A.N. Hernández and Zach Halfin The University Star Experience was the key to last night’s city council elections as incumbent city councilman John Thomaides and smallbusiness owner Betsy Robertson, who serves on the San Marcos Planning and

Zoning Commission, won the Place 6 and Place 1 seats, respectively.

Thomaides was reelected Tuesday with more than 60 percent of the vote, receiving 3119 total votes. His opponent Ryan Thomason received 1947 votes.

At the end of the night, seated amidst a handful of his supporters at Palmer’s Restaurant, Bar & Courtyard Thomaides

said he felt “terrific.”

“I just feel relieved and I feel really pleased. I feel that it was a solid victory,” he said. “I think with this victory it’s like the whole city is saying they appreciate what I have done.”

In his upcoming term, 40-year-old Thomaides said he plans to continue his work on the Austin-San Antonio Com-

muter Rail. He will also continue to reach out to all residents of San Marcos, “making sure all the policies of the next three years fit into their lives.”

He expressed his desire to deliver practical advances, including making the city bicycle and pedestrian friendly. He also See COUNCIL, page 4

Senator Hutchison looks to third term

By Anna M. Tinsley McClatchy Newspapers

son seemed to have a comfortable lead, with 63 percent of the vote, to Democratic challenger FORT WORTH — Barbara Ann RadnofLongtime U.S. Sen. Kay sky’s 35 percent and Bailey Hutchison, a ReLibertarian Scott Lanier publican, appeared on Jameson’s 1.9 percent, her way to a third full with 7.5 percent of preterm in office, leading cincts statewide reportHutchison a Democrat and Libering. tarian challenger with “I’m just gratified that more than 60 percent of the Texans have elected me again, vote. and I very much look forward Early in the evening, Hutchi- to working for Texas for a few

Today’s Weather

Sunny 87˚/61˚

Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 47% UV: 5 Moderate Wind: SW 10 mph

more years,” said Hutchison, 63, who in 1993 was elected Texas’ first female U.S. senator.

Radnofsky, who was making her first bid for public office, said she wasn’t prepared to concede the race until the results in 25 target counties were logged.

“I did my very best, and I’m quite happy and proud,” said Radnofsky, 50.

Political analysts predicted that in this often-contentious race, Hutchison would walk away with her bid for another

Two-day Forecast Thursday Mostly Sunny Temp: 88°/67° Precip: 10%

Friday Partly Cloudy Temp: 88°/53° Precip: 10%

six years in office. Hutchison, a former TV reporter turned politician, reported raising more than $5.5 million to Radnofsky’s more than $1.3 million.

Hutchison, vice chairwoman of the Senate Republican Conference, is the fifth-highest ranking Republican senator and serves on the powerful Appropriations Committee, the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a defense subcommittee.

Radnofsky was a mediator and an attorney for a Houston

law firm. Her camp challenged Hutchison’s record, said more should be done to set a date to bring U.S. troops home and questioned whether Hutchison would serve out another term.

She won an April runoff against Gene Kelly and was the first woman to capture her party’s nomination for U.S. Senate.

Jameson, a 40-year-old real estate agent in Plano said he sought the office because Texas should be represented by a “true financial conservative.”

State Representative Patrick Rose, D-Dripping Springs, was assaulted Tuesday by his former opponent at a polling location.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that a witness said Rick Green, former District 45 state representative, shoved and then punched Rose while both stood outside a polling place Tuesday morning at Sunset Canyon Baptist Church east of Dripping Springs.

Rose handily defeated his Republican opponent Jim Neuhaus with 60 percent of the vote at 11 p.m.

Pam Robinson, Hays County Sheriff ’s spokesperson, said authorities received the assault report at approximately 11:30 a.m. and issued a warrant for Green, who lost to Rose in the 2002 election.

“A warrant has been issued for a Class A bodily assault,” Robinson said. “If formally charged, Green could face a fine not to exceed $4,000 and or one year in jail.”

Green later turned himself in to the Hays County Sheriff ’s office and was charged with assault with bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor.

Green could not be reached for comment.

Jordan Anderson, co-founder of political consulting firm McCabe, Anderson and Prather (M.A.P.) and former Texas State Associated Student Government president, was at the polling location in support of Hays County Judge Jim Powers when Green approached Rose.

“At first I didn’t recognize who he was,” Anderson said.

“Then I saw it was Green. He hit (Rose) in the head with a (mailbox insert) and Patrick hit his head on an SUV. Then he just started hitting him.”

Anderson said Rose did not seek medical attention.

Neuhaus was also at the site when the event occurred, but left before the conflict began.

Neuhaus said Rose has since contacted him.

“Patrick Rose called to tell me that he was aware that I did not have anything to do with the event,” Neuhaus said. “I think he wanted me to know that he was not holding me responsible.”

Neuhaus said he does not want to assume he knows what prompted the conflict, or if it had any effect on the voters.

“I don’t know what people would assume,” he said. “I don’t know how it would affect how someone who would vote.”

Rose could not be reached for comment.

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PAGE TWO The University Star

Wednesday in Brief

November 8, 2006

starsof texas state

Jody Hughes Hodges of Aledo has been named one of six recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2006 from Texas State. Hodges, a 1982 then-Southwest Texas State elementary education graduate, received the award at a ceremony Oct. 21 during Homecoming festivities.

Not only does she use hands-on lectures to teach her stu-

dents, she also operates a living museum filled with animal and plant specimens. Now the practice has found its way in classrooms all around the state, but Hodges can be considered a pioneer. She also organizes field trips to such exotic destinations as Nova Scotia for whale watching or the Galapagos Islands to study evolution.

— Courtesy of Public Relations

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

On this day...

Man overboard WEDNESDAY American Marketing Association will present guest speaker Paul Madden, director of sales for 3M at 5:50 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 127. Free food and drinks will be available starting at 5:15 p.m. More information is available at www.business.txstate. edu/AMA. The Tennis Club will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the tennis courts on Sessom Drive, behind Joe’s Crab Shack. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, e-mail the Tennis Club President, Chris Harris, at ch1282@txstate. edu.

A student-led rosary will be prayed at 6:25 p.m. in the chapel of the Catholic Student Center.

Bible study will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the lounge of the CSC

THURSDAY The American Cancer Society and Bobcat Promotions are raising awareness about The Great American Smokeout will be on Nov. 16. Students may stop by their booth in The Quad for more information on how student organizations will compete for cash prizes based on how many people commit to quit smoking.

The Organization of Student Social Workers will meet at 12:30 p.m. in the Health Professions Building, Room 234.

Career Services presents “Owning your Own Professional Career Workshop,” from 5:50 to 6:30 p.m. in the LBJSC, 4th floor teaching theater.

Simple Silent Sitting Group will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Campus Christian Community Center.

An on-campus Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be from 5 to 6 p.m. For more information, call the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at (512) 245-3601.

The Tennis Club will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the tennis courts on Sessom Drive, behind Joe’s Crab Shack. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, e-mail the Tennis Club President, Chris Harris, at ch1282@txstate. edu.

Every Nation Campus Ministries is now meeting at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall, Room G-02. There will be free food, fellowship and an inspiring message.

The Rock - Praise & Worship will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of the CSC. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, Room 320. There will be contemporary worship, relevant teaching and prayer. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Call (512) 557-7988 or e-mail mail@texasstatechialpha.com for more information.

1656 — Edmond Halley was born. Halley, an astronomermathmatician, was the first to calculate the orbit that was named after him. The comet makes an appearance every 76 years.

Students interested in becoming involved with the community, making business connections and learning leadership skills can attend the Students in Free Enterprise at 4:15 p.m. in McCoy Hall, Room 113.

1775 — Washington seeks to make militias into a military.

Overeaters Anonymous will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland. For more information, call 357-2049.

1793 — opens.

Louvre

Museum

FRIDAY

1861 — Trent affair begins.

Men’s basketball will play Dallas Baptist at 8 p.m. in Strahan Coliseum.

1864 — Lincoln reelected.

1866 — Austin founder born in England.

SATURDAY

1880 — Sarah Bernhardt debuts in N.Y.

Football will play Texas Southern at 8 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium.

SUNDAY Lamar Collins of Collins Education Group will be sharing information to parents, teachers and youth workers regarding youth at Hays Hills Church in Buda.

For more information, call (512) 396-3020. Admission is free, babysitting available and light supper provided.

MONDAY An on-campus Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be held from noon to1 p.m. For more information call the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at (512) 245-3601.

The Alcohol and Drug Resource center will be holding their weekly “Men Against Violence” meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-6.1.

Sexual Abuse Survivors Group will meet from 5 to 6:15 p.m.

Texas State students can call the Counseling Center at (512) 2452208 and schedule a screening for this group.

Alpha Lambda Omega Christian Sorority will be holding its weekly Bible study at 8 p.m. in LBJSC, Room 3-13.1. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Rise ‘N Shine Toastmasters Club meets from 7 to 8 a.m. at Cabela’s in Buda. Please use the Employee’s Entrance on the South side of the building.

Visitors and guests are always welcome. Practice your speaking, listening, and thinking skills; boost self-confidence and develop leadership skills. For additional information call Clark Lyman at (512) 295-7777, e-mail clyman2059@aol.com or visit www.risenshine.freetoasthost. info.

Latino Student Association will be having their weekly meeting at 6 p.m. in the LBJSC USAC Office, Room 4.9-1. All cultures are welcome to join. For more information, log onto www.studentorgs.txstate.edu/LSA. Go to www.UniversityStar.com and click on contact to view calendar and Stars of Texas State submission policies.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Millecam, city of San Marcos BRIDGE RESCUE: San Marcos firefighters maneuver toward a semi tractor-trailer cab suspended over the San Marcos River bridge Tuesday morning on southbound Interstate-35. Firefighters were trying to rescue the driver who had been trapped inside for more than an hour. The truck crashed around 11:25 a.m. after colliding with a Ford Explorer. The interstate was not fully reopened until shortly after 2 p.m.

CRIME BL TTER University Police Department Oct. 5, 1:05 a.m.

Property Damage/Aqua Sports Center An officer was dispatched for a report of criminal mischief.

Upon further investigation, a window was found to be broken. This case is under investigation.

Oct. 5, 10:08 p.m.

Medical Emergency/San Marcos Hall An officer was dispatched for a report of a medical emergency.

A student was found to have difficulty breathing and fainted. The student refused transport to Central Texas Medical Center.

Oct. 5, 12:57 a.m.

PODP/Pecos Lot

An officer was dispatched for a report of suspicious circumstances. Upon further investigation, a non-student was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and was issued a citation.

Oct. 6, 3:05 a.m.

Drug- POCS/POM/PODP/ MIP/101 Russell Circle An officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, three student passengers were issued citations for possession of drug paraphernalia.

The student driver was issued citations for possession of drug paraphernalia and minor in possession of alcohol. The student was arrested for possession of controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

The student was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await magistration.

Oct. 6, 10:26 Reckless Damage or Destruction/Wood Street Garage An officer was dispatched for a report of criminal mischief.

A non-student reported that a trashcan had been damaged.

This case is under investigation.

Oct. 6, 12:01 p.m.

BMV/Blanco Garage An officer was dispatched for a report of a burglary of motor vehicle. A student reported items had been taken from their car without consent. This case is under investigation.

1887 — Doc Holliday died at the age of 35. The gun—fighting dentist died from tuberculosis in a sanitarium in Glenwood Springs, Colo.

1889 — Montana became the 41st U.S. state.

1895 — German scientist discovers X-rays.

1910 - William H. Frost patented the insect exterminator.

1917 — New Russian leader Lenin calls for immediate armistice.

1923 — Beer Hall Putsch begins.

1939 — Hitler survives assassination attempt.

1942 — FDR broadcasts message to Vichy France leader Marshal Petain.

1945 — A $6 billion tax cut.

1954 — Rickie Lee Jones born.

1960 — John F. Kennedy elected president.

1974 — Ted Bundy botches an abduction attempt.

1992 — The fastest wheelie.

1994 — Hurricane Gordon is formed.

Crime stoppers: UPD: 245-7867, SMPD: 353-TIPS

ASG Beat Possibility of guaranteed tuition rate examined by ASG The Associated Student Government is the official voice of the students at Texas State. The meetings are open to the public and held at 7 p.m. every Monday in the LBJ Student Center, Room 3-14.1. If you would like to address the Senate, feel free and come prepared to speak during our public forum. Any interest in being a guest speaker should be directed to Amanda

Oskey, the vice president.

The ASG continues to investigate different models for guaranteed tuition. With tuition costs rising yearly, one way to offset the high-rising price is by factoring predictability. With a guaranteed tuition model, students would pay the same guaranteed tuition rate for the four years they are enrolled at the university.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents meeting is Nov. 15-18 at Lamar University in Beaumont. ASG executives will be in attendance.

Members of ASG will also be attending a New Politics Forum Nov. 18. This forum is a collaborative effort among Texas universities. January begins a legislative session and this group

of students is dedicated to the student voice in our legislature.

Come pick up a free T-shirt from the ASG office, Suite 4-5.1 in the LBJSC. We have all sizes.

The T-shirts are made in support of Bobcat Athletics.

— Courtesy of the Associated Student Government

NEWS

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

The University Star - Page No 3

Trial of former tenured professor postponed until December

By Nick Georgiou The University Star The trial of a former tenured Texas State faculty member against the university has been rescheduled for Dec.18 because of illness of a witness.

Ryan Rudnicki, former geography professor, was fired in the spring of 2001 after receiving three negative annual performance evaluations, which, as stated by a post-tenure review policy, can be grounds for dismissal or other disciplinary actions.

Rudnicki believes he was wrongfully terminated and is suing the university.

“In the three years of bad performances that the university used includes some time before the statute provided for what was in effect,” said Rudnicki’s attorney, Doug Becker. “We say it’s an ex post facto application of the law, which violates the Texas constitution.”

An ex post facto law is one that penalizes conduct prior to the day the statute was enforced. For example, if a law was passed Jan. 1 that made it illegal to drink and drive, police cannot charge someone for drunken driving Dec. 31.

Becker’s second claim was that Rudnicki did not receive full due process of law.

“The university rules provide that after termination is proposed, that he get personal conferences with the dean, the vice president of academic affairs and the department head,” Becker said. “He didn’t get those.”

University policy says tenured professors are entitled to due process of law because they have a vested property right in continued employment. According to the 14th Amendment, no person can be deprived of property without due process.

Rudnicki and his attorney tried to get a court decision in 2002 when they filed a motion for summary judgment, but it

was denied and a full trial was scheduled. Rudnicki’s request for summary judgment means he tried to get the court to settle the decision without a trial.

Additional efforts were made outside the court to try and settle the decision, but University Attorney Bill Fly said those mediation efforts were unsuccessful.

Fly will be assisting the attorney general’s office in representing Texas State.

If Rudnicki wins the case, he will be seeking back pay, reinstatement and attorney fees.

William Stone, Faculty Senate chair and criminal justice pro-

fessor, said the court decision could easily go either way considering how vague the initial post-tenure review process was before it was revised in 2004. As evidence by the inability to get the case settled outside of court, Stone said both sides believe they can win the case.

The outcome of Rudnicki’s trial could not only be significant for the university, but it has the ability to set a precedent for other colleges.

“I’ve been here about 30 years, and it’s the only time we have undertaken to terminate the employment of a tenured professor,” Fly said.

KTSW employees leave media convention with variety of awards

By Bill Lancaster The University Star Student employees of the Texas State radio station KTSW 89.9 FM earned awards in four categories last week at the National College Media convention in St. Louis.

KTSW news director and mass communication senior Erika Aguilar won Best Radio Documentary for her production Texas Music History — Unplugged, which aired as part of the weekly production In the Public’s Interest. James Apel, Danielle SchulzBehrend and Nathan Seltzer all brought home finalist awards — one of the top four — in various categories.

College Broadcasters Inc. selects four national finalists in each category, and the winners are announced at the convention.

Aguilar received more than the award for her documentary.

“This guy flashed his card and told me he was from NPR,” Aguilar said.

After introducing himself, Doug Mitchell, project manager of National Public Radio’s Next Generation Radio, listed a number of people he had worked with from Texas State and offered Aguilar an internship in Washington, D.C. “Erika is a really hard worker; she practically lives here,” KTSW

Schumacher said KTSW has been winning awards for several years, and they have had trophies in the station since 2001. He said the significant thing about this year is the wide variety of categories the station is wining.

“Mostly on a personal level, (the award) made me feel like I was doing good work,” Apel said. “And for the station, too, because overall the station does good work.”

Aguilar has not decided whether she will accept the NPR internship.

“I’ve also got an internship opportunity with a documentary production group in San Antonio,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar said the group will work on a documentary involving the struggles of women in India.

Aguilar said NPR’s news inCotton Miller/Star photo ternship could turn out to be a great career move, and she is THE OTHER SIDE: Mass communication senior Erika Aguilar’s Texas Music History – Unplugged won interested in the in-depth news the award for Best Radio Documentary during the National College Media convention in St. Louis.

NPR provides.

As news director, Aguilar hires production director and comSeltzer, pre-mass communica- people outside the university and trains staff and oversees two munication design senior Apel tion junior, won a finalist award recognize what they do,” said programs, the KTSW 4 p.m. daisaid. “She deserves it.” in Best Technical Production for Daniel Schumacher, KTSW ly Newscast and In the Public’s Apel won a finalist award for his drama “Stealing Fire from general manager and faculty ad- Interest which airs Sundays at 9 Best Promo.

Heaven.” Schulz-Behrend, Texas viser. p.m. and Wednesdays at noon.

“A promo is a 30-second sta- State alumna, also won a finalist KTSW employs more than “I love what I do at KTSW and tion promotion to people who award in Best Radio Station Pro- 165 students, the majority of at the school,” Aguilar said. “I are already listening to keep motion for the KTSW Lunchbox whom are volunteers. Directors like to teach because if (the other them interested,” Apel said. Series. and managers are paid, Schum- students) do something with it, “They are very creative — the “I’m proud of what these stu- acher said, and work between then it would be great to know cream of the crop.” dents do, and I’m proud when five and 25 hours a week. that I made an impression.”

Tram changes fueling tension between residents, university

By Jacqueline Davis The University Star The route change sending the Texas State Tram down Mill Street for the past two months is adding tension between the university and the surrounding city.

The trams’ noise and exhaust fumes are nothing compared to the speed of the trams cruising down Mill Street, said Martha Rocha, who has lived on Mill Street for nearly 44 years.

Rocha, 68, walked around her neighborhood collecting petitions from her neighbors who protest the use of Mill Street by university trams.

Twenty-one signatures with phone numbers are written on her pad of yellow legal paper.

Rocha said she expects to gather many more when her health returns. Meanwhile, her kitchen table is strewn with documents she is collecting to explain her grievances with the university.

“One day I was sick, and I counted how many buses went down the street from 6 to 9, and I counted 91 buses,” Rocha said.

“That’s getting us sick. The reason is they want to save money and time, but what about the human life?”

Rocha said she has been in the process of voicing her concerns since the trams began interfering with her daily routines. Rocha said she does not

feel able to work in her yard because the consistent noise and smog affects her health. She said her husband, who was advised by his doctor after heart bypass surgery to go on walks, does not feel safe doing so because of the trams.

Zachery Cleghorn, operations manager of Cognisa, agrees the trams are loud, but he disputes the buses are going as fast as Mill Street families say.

“A bus is louder than a car or an SUV,” Cleghorn said. “Some people equate noise with speed.

A lot of people in town think they hear a big bus driving by and that means they’re speeding, but we take speeding very seriously.”

Cleghorn said the tram drivers, who are mostly students, face disciplinary action up to and including termination if they are caught speeding.

“I’m not going to say we’ve never had a complaint,” Cleghorn said in regard to speeding.

“We try to keep that to as low a minimum as we can. We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Other people living on Mill Street said they believe that the trams’ speed and pollution are becoming a problem.

“You taste it in your mouth first,” said Rita Samaniego, who likes to keep an eye on her neighborhood from her front porch. “Then you smell the pol-

lution. I don’t know why they put speed bumps here, because the buses just speed right over them most of the time.”

Nick Pompa, whose family has lived on Mill Street for nearly 42 years, said more police patrolling for speed violations might be helpful to regulate the speed of the trams, which neighbors have estimated from time to time at nearly 40 miles per hour. However, Pompa said he is doubtful anything will change, or that more police will be sent.

“It’ll take somebody getting hit by the bus to get a change,” Pompa said.

Families on Mill Street are wondering about the trams’ sudden appearance this semester.

Paul Hamilton, auxiliary services manager of shuttle services, explained why the Post Road circuit was split into two shorter routes — Post Road and Blanco River.

“Any of the students who used to ride it know that Post Road was a very long route and a route that was consistently running behind,” Hamilton said. “We try to keep routes that take no more than 30 minutes to complete.”

Hamilton said he was aware talks were going on with the university about tram route concerns, but was not sure of the specifics.

ONLY 7 MORE UNIVERSITY STARS REMAIN THIS SEMESTER!

David Racino/Star file photo TRAM TROUBLES: Some Mill Street residents are unhappy with the recent bus route change, which sends the Texas State Trams down their street. Their complaints focus on the pollution and the noise that the buses create.

“I think there’s some level of misunderstanding,” Hamilton said. “We’ve been going down parts of Mill Street for at least three or four years. There seems to be dissatisfaction that they’re now going down Mill Street, but there are no stops.

It’s a drive-by outbound like Post Road is a drive-by inbound.”

Rocha believes the needs of the Mill Street families should take precedence over students’ need for convenience in transportation.

“We belong here,” Rocha said. “Those kids come, finish and go.”

“I

’ve been here about 30 years, and it’s the only time we have undertaken to terminate the employment of a tenured professor.”

—Bill Fly University Attorney

Career services offers chances to job shadow

By Christina Kahlig The University Star Registration for winter break job shadowing opportunities has begun through Career Services. Registration ends Nov. 21 and is free and open to students who plan to return for the spring semester.

Students who participate will have the opportunity to experience the daily processes within a given career field while applying classroom material, said Karen Julian, assistant director of Career Services.

“Students are given the chance to learn about the dayto-day activities in a career field they are interested in with a limited time commitment,” Julian said. “They are given the chance to make networking contacts, establish mentor relationships or get their foot in the door for future internship opportunities.”

Julian said employers from Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and other Central Texas areas allow students to shadow a business in each of these areas.

Adam Lee, public relations junior, did job shadowing in the past at the Dallas Museum of Natural History’s marketing department and at Pierpont Communications in downtown Houston. He said he met a few contacts at each company who have assisted him along the path to finding a career.

“I saw a flyer in the LBJ Student Center and went to Career Services to check it out,” Lee said. “I did it last spring and plan to do it again this spring.”

Julian said 174 students participated in job shadowing last year. She said sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to participate to determine whether their career choice is right for them. Seniors graduating in December are not eligible.

“Every now and then you’ll have a student who shadows and decides the job just isn’t for them,” Julian said. “This allows students to see it early enough to change their career path.”

Michael Ogletree, business management senior, was a participant in the job-shadowing program last spring.

“It helped me to discern some areas about the field I am getting into,” Ogletree said. “You can only learn so much from the classroom.”

For more information on job shadowing, call Career Services at (512) 245-2645.

NEWS

Page 4 - The University Star

COUNCIL: Newcomers CONTINUED from page 1

wants to continue strengthening the bond between Texas State and the city.

“I made a lot of efforts on campus, and I made a lot of friends with groups that I went to talk to and I think it’s really paid off,” he said.

Thomaides’ opponent, 28-year-old Ryan Thomason, and his campaign coordinator Lisa Hanks, international studies senior, waited for results at their election party at Hill Country Grill.

Thomason, making his first entry into politics, and a group of about 20 supporters snacked on hors d’oeuvres while waiting for results.

After the numbers were reported, Thomason stepped outside on his cell phone to congratulate Thomaides.

“This was a very clean campaign,” Thomason said. “Thomaides got a very significant percentage of the vote and it’s obvious we have very different support groups.”

Thomason said he didn’t blame the Associated Student Government or his name placement on the ballot for his loss. He said he was unsure whether politics were in his future.

“At this point in San Marcos, I don’t know. We will see what happens,” Thomason said. “I have no political aspirations as of now. I only ran in this race because of speculations of what I thought would be the outcome, but watching the returns I was wrong. I will continue looking at the status of the council, but would say all-in-all this was the most valuable experience of my life.”

Robertson, who gathered with friends and family at the Blue Goat Gourmet as voting results came in, said her city council campaign this year was just the beginning. Because she was filling a vacancy for Place 1, the spot will again reopen next year.

“I am going to play it safe for a while, spend this year learning,” Robertson said. “I am going to have to run again in a year, so I have to start campaigning.”

Robertson received 3,198 votes and her opponent Ian Skiles received 1,647.

“The one place I was not quite sure about was on-campus, but there was a large portion of students who voted during early voting, so I am very pleased,” Robertson said.

Robertson said in the future she will begin campaigning earlier.

“I will start earlier, on everything — signs, ads, getting volunteers,” she said.

“It seems like I was playing catch-up the whole time.”

Robertson spent Election Day visiting polling places to remind voters who she was. She said election night was the relaxing part.

“I am enjoying myself,” she said. “Once it hit 7 p.m., I knew there was nothing I could do to change the votes.”

swept aside

Robertson’s husband, retired San Marcos Fire Chief Todd Derkacz, said he was confident his wife would be a positive addition to city council.

“She will be great as a city councilperson,” he said. “Once she is in, I’m sure she will do a good job. She is solutionoriented.”

Skiles, who gathered with friends at J’s Bistro, said the list of things he would have done differently during his campaign is “long and distinguished.” He did, however, feel he had one strong point.

“I think I am very personable,” Skiles said. “It is hard for people to be uncomfortable around me.”

Skiles said even though he was not elected, he would continue to be involved with the city.

“I’ll try to get on a few committees, establish myself for another run in a few years. That way, I will have some experience, something my opponent had,” he said.

Live election results were also projected for a crowd of about 50 who gathered to support Mayor Susan Narvaiz’s unopposed reelection celebration party at Texas Red’s Steakhouse.

City council member Daniel Guerrero, Place 3, announced the most current results to a crowd that included council members John Diaz, Place 5, Chris Jones, Place 4, Gaylord Bose, Place 2 and Texas State Football Coach David Bailiff, who attended the celebration.

Guerrero described the importance of these elections and reaffirmed the mayor’s call for continued cooperation within the council.

“People have their choice — their choice to run, their choice to vote and bring new ideas and fresh perspectives.

It is going to be exciting to work with new people,” Guerrero said. “There is a particular dynamic you want to exude to council. Since 2004, we have had a strong sense of synergy working towards a common goal.”

Narvaiz said she was looking forward to working with new Place 5 city council member Pam Couch, who ran unopposed, for the next two years.

“I know Pam as a local small-business person who is looking to improve the city as a whole,” Narvaiz said. “With every new member they come in with new ideas. You can expect changes and you need to learn from another. In the last couple of years we have restored decorum in the council, because in the end it takes seven people.”

Couch held a victory party at Café on the Square with about 30 of her supporters. She said that as a new councilmember, she intended to improve relations between Texas State and the city of San Marcos.

See CITY COUNCIL, page 5

2006 Election Returns U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R)62.04% Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D)35.54% Scott Lanier Jameson (L)1.93% Governor Rick Perry (R)39.5% Chris Bell (D)29.47% James Werner (L)0.6% Carol Keeton Strayhorn (I)18.11% Richard “Kinky” Friedman (I)12.30% Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst (R)58.91% Maria Luisa Alvarado (D)36.8% Judy Baker (L)4.3% Attorney General: Greg Abbott (R)60.1% David Van Os (D)36.7% Jon Roland (L)3.19% U.S. Representative, District 25 Grant Rostig (R)23.69% Lloyd Doggett (D)69.89% Barbara Cunningham (L)4.32% Brian Parrett (I)2.11% State Senator, District 25 Jeff Wentworth (R)58.13% Kathleen “Kathi” Thomas (D)37.62% James R. “Bob” Thompson (L)4.24% State Representative, District 45 Jim Neuhaus (R)34.08% Patrick Rose (D)61,61% Tom Gleinser (I)4.31% District Judge, 428th Judicial District Bill Henry (R)50.63% Anna Martinez Boling (D)49.37% Hays County Criminal District Attorney Wesley H. Mau (R)49.83% Sherri Tibbe (D)50.17% Hays County Judge: Jim Powers (R)47.7% Elizabeth “Liz” Sumter (D)52.3% Hays County Court at Law, Place 1 Peter B. Plotts (R)46.53% Howard Warner (D)53.47% San Marcos City Council, Place 1 Ian Skiles34.01% Betsy Robertson65.99% San Marcos City Council, Place 6 John Thomaides61.58% Ryan Thomason38.42%

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Amendments to the San Marcos City Charter Proposition No. 1: PASSED The amendment of Section 1.01 of the City Charter to more clearly explain the nature and functions of the charter.

Proposition No. 2: PASSED The amendment of Section 2.02 of the City Charter to restrict the city’s eminent domain authority related to economic development.

Proposition No. 3: FAILED The amendment of Section 3.01 of the City Charter to change the term of office of the mayor from two years to three years.

Proposition No. 4: PASSED The amendment of Section 3.02 of the City Charter to delete the requirement that a council member use the phone number at the council member’s residence as his or her home phone number.

Proposition No. 5: FAILED The amendment of Section 3.04 of the City Charter to provide $100 per meeting compensation for council members, for up to three meetings per month.

Proposition No. 6: PASSED The amendment of Section 3.05 of the City Charter to provide that designation of a deputy mayor pro-tem is at the option of the council.

Proposition No. 7: PASSED The amendment of Section 3.11 of the City Charter to allow ordinances amending the future land use map to be adopted in the same manner as zoning map amendments, and to allow ordinances to be adopted under procedures expressly authorized by state law.

Proposition No. 8: PASSED The amendment of Section 4.01(a) of the City Charter to allow a new city manager to become a resident of the city within 90 days rather than 30 days.

Proposition No. 9: PASSED The amendment of Sections 4.03 and 4.04 of the City Charter to

require municipal court judges to be licensed attorneys and to require municipal court judges and the city attorney to be residents of the city (for newly-hired officials, within 90 days).

Proposition No. 10: PASSED The amendment of Sections 5.01 and 5.05 of the City Charter related to change the date for regular elections and to allow flexibility in the date for runoff elections for city council.

Proposition No. 11: PASSED The amendment of Sections 6.03 through 6.10 of the City Charter related to the verification of petition signatures, to eliminate conflicts with state law.

Proposition No. 12: PASSED The amendment of Section 7.02 of the City Charter regarding the duties and authority of the planning and zoning commission, to clarify the role of the commission and the city council related to conditional use permits.

Proposition No. 13: PASSED The amendment of Section 8.02, 8.06, 8.09, and 8.10 of the City Charter to allow more time for the city council to formulate the annual budget policy statement and the annual budget.

Proposition No. 14: PASSED The amendment of Section 9.02 of the City Charter to update language related to the bond register.

Proposition No. 15: PASSED The amendment of Section 11.08 of the City Charter to require the city council to adopt an ordinance regarding annual reports by public service companies.

Proposition No. 16: PASSED The amendment of Section 12.02(a) and (b) of the City Charter to add references to ethics regulations established by ordinance, and to require the city council to maintain the code of ethics and the ethics review commission in an ongoing manner.

NEWS

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

The University Star - Page 5

Democrats take hold of U.S. House of Representatives

By Steven Thomma McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON, D.C. — Americans threw Republicans out of power in the U.S. House Tuesday, demanding a check on an unpopular president and a new course for an unpopular war.

Democrats picked up at least 15 House seats formerly held

by Republicans, enough to seize control of the House for the first time since 1994 and to install Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as the first woman Speaker of the House in U.S. history.

Democrats also gained seats in the Senate, but several close races remained toss-ups, and control of that half of Congress remained in doubt.

“We are on the brink of a great Democratic victory,” Pelosi told cheering supporters at a Washington hotel shortly after 8 p.m.

“Tonight is a total repudiation of the Bush administration,” said Terry McAuliffe, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee. “The Bush administration in America is over. It doesn’t exist anymore.

There is no Bush presidency.”

President Bush watched the returns in the second-floor residence of the White House with political aide Karl Rove. Bush was not expected to speak out until Wednesday at noon.

Democrats defeated Republican incumbents in bellwether House seats from Connecticut to Kentucky, as well as incumbent Republican senators in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. They also captured governors’ offices in such states as Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio and New York.

In House races, Democrats ousted Republican Reps. Nancy Johnson in Connecticut; Clay Shaw in Florida; Chris Chocola, John Hostettler and Mike Sodrel in Indiana; Anne Northup in Kentucky; Charles Bass in New Hampshire; Charles Taylor in North Carolina; and Don Sherwood and Curt Weldon in Pennsylvania, and took seats vacated by Republican Rep. Bob Ney in Ohio and by retiring Rep. Jim Kolbe in Arizona.

Democratic hopes of even larger gains were tempered by their failure to oust some other vulnerable Republicans, including Reps. Geoff Davis of Kentucky and Thelma Drake of Virginia.

IN SENATE RACES: In Rhode Island, Democratic challenger Sheldon Whitehouse was declared the winner over incumbent Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who’d hoped his opposition to Bush and the Iraq war would save him from anti-war, anti-Bush fever.

In Pennsylvania, incumbent Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, a one-time conservative icon who’d hoped to run for the presidency, conceded defeat to Democratic challenger Bob Casey Jr. In Ohio, Democratic U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown ousted incumbent Republican Sen. Mike DeWine.

Democrats also held all of their most endangered Senate seats, as incumbent Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey fought off allegations of corruption and defeated Republican Tom Kean Jr., the son of a popular former governor; Democrat Rep. Ben Cardin defeated Republican Michael Steele in Maryland; and Democrat Amy Klobuchar Ed Suba Jr./Akron Beacon Journal breezed by Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy in Minnesota.

CHANGING THE GUARD: Democratic U.S. Senator-elect Sherrod Brown reacts after hearing that the Democrats captured the U.S. Early results also showed a ra- House of Representatives during his victory speech Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. Brown’s wife, Connie Schultz, is at right. zor’s-edge election for a pivotal Senate seat in Virginia, where incumbent Republican Sen. In Massachusetts, Democrat states watching for signs of dis- in the Gallup Poll, the lowest torial candidate Charlie Crist George Allen fought both alle- Deval Patrick defeated Republi- crimination or other efforts to since Harry S. Truman had an — only to find that Crist had gations of racism and a tough can Kerry Healy to become only interfere with voting. approval rating of 36 percent in left town to campaign by himchallenge from Democrat James the second black elected govIn a footnote to the Bush the fall of 1950. Truman’s Dem- self somewhere else.

Webb, who was Ronald Reagan’s ernor in U.S. history. The first presidency, Tuesday’s elections ocratic Party went on to lose Rove ridiculed him, saying he Navy secretary and based his was Doug Wilder of Virginia in defeated the two state secretar- the presidency two years later. doubted that Crist could find a campaign on opposing the war 1989. ies of state who oversaw controThis year the Iraq war domi- better crowd than the one atin Iraq.

In yet another striking gain, versial election decisions that nated the political landscape, tracted by Bush.

One crosscurrent: Sen. Joseph a Democrat won the governor’s helped Bush: Blackwell, whose despite Bush’s early attempts Crist won on Tuesday.

Lieberman of Connecticut won office in Ohio for the first time rulings benefited Bush in 2004, to change the subject to the Scandals also hurt Republire-election as a pro-war inde- in 20 years. Democratic U.S. and former Florida Secretary of broader — and more politically cans: First, the tales of payoffs pendent after losing re-nomi- Rep. Ted Strickland defeated State Katherine Harris, whose popular — war on terror. from disgraced lobbyist Jack nation as a Democrat to an Republican Secretary of State actions helped Bush in 2000.

About six in 10 voters said Abramoff, then the still-evolvanti-war candidate. He’ll caucus Ken Blackwell to seize the govHarris was defeated in a bid Tuesday they didn’t like the ing story of House Republican with the Democrats, so his win ernor’s office being vacated by for a U.S. Senate seat from Flor- way Bush was doing his job. A leaders failing to stop former effectively leaves his seat in the Republican Gov. Bob Taft. ida. similar percentage said they op- Republican Rep. Mark Foley Democratic column.

The Ohio statehouse was a Pelosi also watched the re- posed the war, according to exit of Florida from sending inapcoveted prize in a state that turns from Washington, where polls conducted by the televi- propriate messages to teenagers AT STAKE: could be as important to the she awaited both the fate of her sion networks and the Associ- working in the House.

2008 presidential campaign as party and the birth of a grand- ated Press.

About three out of four votAll 435 seats in the U.S. House, it was when it put Bush over the child. Pelosi would become Democrats didn’t offer a ers said Tuesday that scandals where Democrats needed to top for a second term in 2004. the first female speaker of the clear alternative policy on Iraq, did influence how they voted gain 15 seats to take control for A Democrat hasn’t been elected House if Democrats win the gambling that voters were suf- — and that the news pushed the first time since 1994. governor of Ohio since 1986.

House and second in line of ficiently unhappy with the Re- them toward the Democrats.

Thirty-three seats in the SenVoting problems were re- succession to the presidency, publicans who started the war Republicans had braced for ate, where Democrats needed to ported at scattered sites around behind Vice President Dick and have managed it since. losses for months. It’s normal gain six to take control for the the country, as millions faced Cheney.

If Democrats ran against for a president’s party to lose first time since 2002. new voting machines bought to In many ways, Tuesday’s vot- Bush this year, many Republi- seats in the sixth year of a twoThirty-six governors’ offices, alleviate problems like the ones ing was a referendum on Bush, cans ran away from him. term presidency. where Republicans entered the that turned the 2000 presiden- an unpopular president leading In one stark example that Over the last 100 years, the election with a 22-14 edge, in- tial election in Florida into a an unpopular war. angered the White House on president’s party has lost an avcluding control of the four big- mess.

He entered the final week- Monday, Bush flew to Florida erage of 32 seats in the House gest states, California, Florida, The Department of Justice end of campaigning with an this week to campaign specifi- and five in the Senate in such New York and Texas, plus Ohio. had 850 poll watchers in 22 approval rating of 38 percent cally for Republican guberna- sixth-year elections.

GOVERNOR: Strong showing by Bell, Independents CITY COUNCIL not enough to oust Republican incumbent CONTINUED from page 4

CONTINUED from page 1

victory shows what a difference four years of conservative leadership can make,” Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who cruised to an easy re-election Tuesday, told a cheering crowd.

Republicans swept every statewide office, plus the federal U.S. Senate race. It was the third consecutive statewide blowout for the GOP, and it came despite a strong surge for Democrats across the nation.

“The Democrats had what was likely their weakest slate of statewide candidates in 30 years,” said Fort Worth Republican consultant Bryan Eppstein.

“The Republicans are expanding their base, and the Democrats are shrinking theirs.”

In the race for governor, independent Carole Keeton Strayhorn delivered a surprisingly poor performance. She came in a distant third despite raising almost twice as much money as Bell. A little after 8 p.m., about 200 close supporters gathered at the historic Driskill Hotel waiting to see when, not if, Strayhorn would concede.

“We made a strong showing for an independent. We just didn’t have the strong showing we needed. There appears to be a heavy straight-ticket vote that we will not be able to overcome,” Strayhorn said.

A few blocks away at Scholz Garten, supporters of independent candidate Kinky Friedman struck a festive tone despite returns showing a distant fourthplace showing. As Friedman clutched his trademark cigar and mingled with the crowd, they shouted, “We love you, Kinky!” But one of Friedman’s supporters wasn’t in a party mood.

“All I can say is Texans are stupid,” said Kim Kelly, a Dallas insurance saleswoman. “We had a chance to take back the state from politicians, and we didn’t do it. We chickened out.”

Typically, the Democrat and Republican candidates together receive more than 95 percent of the votes. But 2006 was no or-

dinary year for gubernatorial politics.

Friedman, campaigning under the slogan “Why the Hell Not,” assured the race would be entertaining from the start. But he also introduced a new element — the independent candidacy — which hadn’t been tried since the days of Sam Houston, who won the governor’s race in 1859.

Strayhorn, the state comptroller, liked the idea so much that she did it, too, bolting from the Republican Party to position herself as an unaligned leader who could “shake up Austin” and end partisan bickering.

Both easily gathered enough voters’ signatures to get on the ballot.

They also raised enough money to create a statewide organization and run TV ads. But their presence changed the dynamics from a two-party slugfest to a free-for-all, starving Bell of money and votes that would normally go to the Democratic candidate.

Until trial lawyer John O’Quinn showered him with eye-popping largesse — including a $1 million gift that instantly became the largest single donation ever in Texas — the Democrat was poised to turn in the worst fundraising figures for a gubernatorial candidate in his party’s modern history.

As much as he struggled, Bell was the bright spot for the party’s statewide ticket. No other Democratic candidate on the ballot below him had enough money for TV ads. Democrat Dale Henry, who ran for railroad commissioner, did not even have the resources to communicate with reporters by email.

Democratic leaders called it another “rebuilding” year and said they were focusing on winning seats in the Legislature.

It was too early to tell what would happen there. Some top Democrats acknowledged that at a time when the mood of the national electorate hasn’t been this good for them in years, the Texas Democrats blew it.

Again.

“Everybody’s running last year’s race,” said Garry Mauro, the Democrat who lost to then Gov. George W. Bush in 1998.

“It was a missed opportunity.”

Former Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes, a Democrat who supported Strayhorn this year, said he believes that even if Bell would have lost even if he had been the only serious candidate in the race against Perry. But Barnes said Democrats should have recruited better candidates statewide.

“I think maybe what we could have done this time is we may have picked out a down-ballot race … to elect a state comptroller or attorney general or something,” Barnes said.

In the governor’s race, Perry won despite surveys showing more than half of Texas voters disapprove of the job he’s doing as governor. In other words, Texas voters made one of the least popular governors

in modern history the odds-on favorite to become the longest serving governor ever. If Perry completes his full term, he will have been in office a record10 years.

Perry achieved another historical feat Tuesday night. Not since 1892,when Jim Hogg won with 43.7 percent of the vote, has a candidate for Texas governor prevailed with less than 45 percent of the vote.

Jon Taylor, a GOP-leaning political scientist at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, said Perry’s low popularity ratings ensure he’ll struggle to lead in the fractious Texas Legislature.

“There’s not going to be any honeymoon for Perry,” Taylor said. “None whatsoever.”

Fort Worth Star-Telegram staff writers Jack Douglas Jr. in Austin and Dave Montgomery in Houston contributed to this report.

“San Marcos wouldn’t be San Marcos without Texas State; Texas State wouldn’t be Texas State without San Marcos,” Couch said. “We need to quell the feelings of unwelcome towards students. We have a great university and a great town we need to make them one with each other.”

She said that she was looking forward to participating in a city council that was willing to cooperate.

“It’s exciting to be on a team that’s wanting to move forward to make this a better place to work, study and play,” Couch

said.

In county races, Republican County Judge Jim Powers was unseated by Democrat Liz Sumter by a margin of 1,378 votes.

Bill Henry, Republican 428th Judicial District Judge, beat Democratic challenger Anna Martinez Boling by 373 votes.

The Hays County Elections Administrator’s office estimated 294 mail-in ballots still need to be counted, guaranteeing Henry the win. In the Hays County District Attorney’s race, Republican assistant DA Wesley Mau ended the night 99 votes short of Democratic challenger Sherry Tibbe. That race could still be decided by mail-in ballots.

TRENDS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

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Wednesday, November 8, 2006 - Page 6

COUNTRY

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2. George Strait It Just Comes Natural

2. Heartland I Loved Her First

1. Alabama Long Trip Alone

1. Brooke Hogan Undiscovered

TEXAS meets I RELAND at new restaurant

By Todd Schaaf The University Star The sign outside says Irish Pub, Texas Grub.

San Marcos’ newest restaurant is Sean Patrick’s, a bar and grill-style restaurant with a twist. Sean Patrick’s blends traditional Irish cuisine with Texas classics.

Sean Patrick’s is owned and operated by brothers Brian and Mike Harper.

“Well, it’s a little bit of everything. It’s an Irish pub and a sports bar. It’s Hill Country and Irish cuisine,” Brian said.

Not only is Sean Patrick’s a restaurant, but it is also a pub and a sports bar. With 12 draft beers and upwards of 40 canned and bottled beers, Sean Patrick’s offers a wide variety of brews. Wines and a full assortment of liquors, with a variety of Irish whiskeys, round out the drink choices.

There is more to Sean Patrick’s than food and drink. The owners take pride in their establishment’s recreation.

“If you’re a sports fan, we’ve got TVs everywhere. If you like gaming, darts, billiards, shuffleboard — it’s there. If you like sitting on a patio and having a breeze blow through your hair while you’re enjoying food or sipping on a pint, you can,” Mike said.

Mike said patrons of Sean Patrick’s can enjoy a meal or drinks with friends without feeling cramped or conversation, even on a busy night.

“I think what we offer the community is we have a unique atmosphere. It’s very wide open. It’s got that café feel where it’s open and flowing — a lot of windows to look out, a lot of open air,” Mike said.

Brian said the restaurant complements Jeannie Yamakawa/Star photo large crowds.

A TEXAN SHAMROCK: The staff of Sean Patrick’s, San Marcos’ newest restaurant located on the corner of East “It’s big, even if there are a ton of people San Antonio and LBJ off of The Square, works the bar Saturday night serving up a wide variety of food and drinks. here. It just doesn’t seem like it’s crowded,”

University of Pennsylvania questioning president’s ethics after Halloween party Alumnus finds nothing wrong with costume, others disagree

By Joseph A. Slobodzian The Philadelphia Inquirer University of Pennsylvania president Amy Gutmann has at least this consolation: It’s not a video on YouTube.

Three days after Halloween, the Penn president’s annual costume party lived on Friday, courtesy of the Internet and student Saad Saadi, whose photograph — with him dressed as a suicide bomber and her as Glinda, the good witch in The Wizard of Oz — was launched into the blogosphere. There, many questioned the whether it was appropriate for the leader of the Ivy League university to pose with someone seemingly making light of Middle East terrorism.

And Friday, Gutmann was on defense, Saadi had apologized, and Web bloggers were arguing the insensitivity-outrage-political correctness-humor-stupidity-openness-tastelessness and ludicrousness of it all.

Gutmann released a statement Friday describing Saadi as one of 700 students who attended the annual Halloween party at Gutmann’s house.

“They all crowd around to have their picture taken with me in costume,” Gutmann said. “This year, one student who had a toy gun in hand had his picture taken with me before it was obvious to me that he was dressed as a suicide bomber.”

Gutmann is a noted politi-

his was Halloween on a college campus. A student “T dressed up as a terrorist, as I’m sure thousands if not millions of other Flag waving Americans did also.”

D. Sullivan University of Pennsylvania alumnus

cal scientist and philosopher who became Penn’s president in 2004.

“The costume is clearly offensive and I was offended by it. As soon as I realized what his costume was, I refused to take any more pictures with him, as he requested. The student had the right to wear the costume, just as I, and others, have a right to criticize his wearing of it,” she said.

Saadi, a senior engineering student who is also a photographer for the student newspaper, The Daily Pennsylvanian, could not be reached for comment.

Saadi posted the photo of himself and Gutmann on his Web site, www.saadsaadi.com, along with numerous others from the party, including some in which he staged mock executions of costumed students.

Faster than one could say gigabyte, Saadi’s handiwork was picked up by Winfield Myers and re-posted on his Democracy-Project and Campus Watch Web sites.

“An obvious question: would Gutmann have posed with a

guest – or even allowed him into her house – if he’d dressed as Adolf Hitler or a Nazi SS officer? A KKK member?” Myers asked in his blog posting.

“But in modern liberal circles, posing as a Palestinian suicide bomber (see his kefiya) is just fine. After all, he mainly tries to kill innocent Jews,” Myers added.

A kaffiyeh, also called a kefiya, is an Arab headdress.

And thus, the cyber starter pistol was fired.

On Daily Pennsylvanian’s Web site, the comments started at 6:01 a.m. with “D. Sullivan (Alumnus)” writing that he had met Saadi and Gutmann and “I can vouch for the fact that neither one of them had any of the politically charged intent that some have suggested they possessed.”

“Let’s return to reality,” D. Sullivan posted. “This was Halloween on a college campus. A student dressed up as a terrorist, as I’m sure thousands if not millions of other Flag waving Americans did also.”

“Is there nothing more important going on at Penn?” wrote “Get a Life.”

“I am a father considering, along with my son, what university he should attend,” wrote Brian Schneider. “The University of Pennsylvania now off the list.”

“It’s okay, he probably wouldn’t get in anyway,” shot back “Law Student.”

Early Friday Saadi posted an apology on his site.

“My friend, Jason, and I express our condolences and sympathy to all offended by our costumes. We wish to make it clear that we do not support terrorism, violence or anything that is against society.

There is no agenda or statement associated with our behavior shown in these pictures.

The costumes are meant to portray scary characters much like many other costumes on Halloween…,” he said.

By 3 p.m., all of Saadi’s Halloween photos were gone from his site.

But not forgotten.

By Friday night, more than 100 comments about the photos had been posted on The Daily Pennsylvanian’s Web site with no sign the debate was about to subside.

he said.

Pre-psychology sophomore Brooke Bernhagen enjoyed her first experience at Sean Patrick’s.

“It was an entertaining place to eat. The mood was very upbeat and full of energy.

The food was excellent. Everything was a good size for the price, and the service was great,” she said.

The restaurant’s atmosphere also made Bernhagen’s trip enjoyable.

“I really enjoyed it. The people were friendly, and it was decorated with lots of interesting stuff to look at,” Bernhagen said.

Sean Patrick’s menu has a little bit of everything. The menu consists of dishes such as Irish egg rolls and Hearty Guinness Stew.

In addition to these Irish courses, you can find Texas favorites such as chicken-fried steak and smoked barbecue ribs. Sean Patrick’s offers everything from Texan food to Irish food and a lot in between.

“Something I would tell people is — don’t get overwhelmed by the menu. Just keep coming back and trying something new,” Mike said.

Part of Sean Patrick’s’ appeal is its smalltown charm.

“We’re not a franchise. This is the very first one,” Brian said.

Mike offers a reason everyone should visit Sean Patrick’s.

“You can’t beat Texan and Irish mixed together,” Mike said.

✯ FYI For a full menu and more information, visit www.seanpatrickstx.com.

Face-saving hotline lets ‘rejectees’ down gently

By Sarem Yousuf Special to The Star Getting rejected is tough. Real tough.

It can put a good night in jeopardy, depending on your sobriety level. Often, if you’re a guy and the rejection is loud enough, it’s accompanied by your friends pointing and laughing, basking in your misery.

Sometimes it’s also combined with a couple of other random people laughing, which only makes it worse.

“I always laugh at guys who get dissed,” said Andrew Hist, chemistry sophomore. “They look like losers.”

It was only a matter of time before someone devised a solution to this common social stigma — The Rejection Hotline.

Jeff Goldblatt, a graduate student and aspiring entrepreneur from Emory University, initially conceived the idea as a joke after witnessing an older gentleman getting rejected in a bar, considerably harshly by a younger woman in front of a group of people.

“The ‘rejector’ has an easy way to get someone to leave them alone,” Goldblatt said. “And the ‘rejectee’ can leave the situation with their pride and dignity intact and find out later — in the privacy of their own home — that the other person wasn’t interested.”

The hotline isn’t really a hotline but more an automated message that mockingly informs the caller they have been rejected, and then proceeds with a couple of mild insults before

ending.

In 2005, calls reached more than 13 million, and calls are projected to soar higher for the upcoming year. The number has become increasingly popular among college students as well, spawning numbers in every major city.

“I saw it in my old girlfriend’s phonebook, I asked what it was, she told me, and laughed really hard and stored it in my phonebook. I think it’s a safe humorous way for a girl to reject someone.” Chris Baione, Texas State junior, and finance major.

Neither person has to resort to petty rudeness, and the rejector doesn’t have to hear the common phrases, “Oh, come on …” or even worse, “Pleeease …”

“Some guys can just get really annoying after you tell them you don’t want to give them your number,” said Jennifer Riley, fashion merchandising senior. “I’ve given out the Rejection Hotline number a couple of times, and it’s saved me from some awkward moments.”

If given a choice, most people would rather be rejected over the phone versus in front of their friends.

“It saves people from rejection,” said Elliot Hassleson, a Texas State junior and finance major. “But it should be used wisely.”

The only pitfall is the time delay in finding out about the rejection. You could find out a week later and relive feelings of foolishness on what otherwise seemed to be a good day.

Oh, the number? It’s (512) 647-4813.

TRENDS/DIVERSIONS

Wednesday, Novermber 8, 2006

The University Star - Page 7

Indie acts finding audiences, label deals through the ‘net Panic! unable to find venues in Vegas, turned to Internet

By Evelyn McDonnell McClatchy Newspapers A couple years ago, Ryan Ross might have been just another guitarist traveling the country in a van with his band, carrying a sack full of songs venting the troubled thoughts of a teenager. Jemina Pearl wouldn’t have been able to afford to drop out of high school to find the raw power of singing punk rock. Lady Sovereign might be yet another rapper trying to ignite a new British invasion.

But thanks to the Internet, all three of these 19 year olds found a fast track to stardom. Ross’s band Panic! At the Disco posted a song that found an influential ear. Pearl’s group, Be Your Own Pet, got an e-mail order from a legendary hipster and mentor. Sovereign’s MP3s became a worldwide Web craze, thanks in part to her self-tended MySpace page.

In a sign, perhaps, that the lunatics are running the asylum these days, all three acts were signed to a label managed by artists (Fall Out Boy bassist Pete

t the same time, the old way “A to do it, there was no Internet and there weren’t as many bands either. There’s millions of bands now; it’s just as hard to make it. But it’s easier for more people to hear it and decide if they like it or not.”

-Ryan Ross Panic! At the Disco guitarist

Wentz, Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore and Jay-Z, respectively).

Panic!, BYOP and Lady Sovereign are trailing the sorts of accomplishments — European festivals, magazine cover stories, video music awards, British press backlash, vitriolic splits with exmembers — that it used to take musicians years to achieve.

“People think that, ‘Oh, they’re only popular because the Internet made them that,’” said Ross, whose phenomenally successful

emo-cabaret band opens a 24city tour Tuesday in Sunrise, Fla. “At the same time, the old way to do it, there was no Internet and there weren’t as many bands either. There’s millions of bands now; it’s just as hard to make it.

But it’s easier for more people to hear it and decide if they like it or not.”

Adolescent pop stars are old news. But these musicians weren’t raised by stage mothers and trained in the Mickey Mouse Club. They’re punk rebels and

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

Photo courtesy of www.absolutepunk.net OUT OF THE WEB: Panic! At the Disco, along with other modern acts, have used the Internet and its information-spreading capabilities to springboard into stardom much quicker than bands could in the past.

furious MCs who write their own songs, smear their own makeup on and refuse to wear dresses and smile pretty.

“I’ve broken some glass and rolled around in it, trying to do my best Iggy Pop,” said Pearl. “I think I have a piece of glass stuck in my leg forever now.”

“I’m still drunk from last night,” confesses Lady Sovereign, the pint-size English rapper with the TRL-size hit record, at the start of a 1 p.m. phone interview.

This isn’t your little sister’s teen pop, processed and packaged as a Happy Meal. This is raw, sometimes rough youth culture that has done an end-run around the usual gate-keepers.

Panic! At the Disco has had the most meteoric success of these young acts. The four high school friends from Las Vegas recorded

some demos with GarageBand software, which they posted on the live message board of Wentz.

Wentz heard the songs, flew to Las Vegas and signed Panic! to his brand-new label, Decaydance. All this before Panic! had ever played a note to a live audience.

“People came down on us for

not playing the bar scene in Vegas,” Ross said. “We weren’t even old enough to get into the bars.”

Although two extremely successful rock bands — Panic! and The Killers — have come out of Sin City in the last few years, Ross said it is because of a lackluster live-music environment.

“There really isn’t a strong music scene in Vegas as far as when we were playing in bands in high school. It seemed very

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much like nobody wanted to help each other out; everyone was out for themselves, because there was such a lack of places to play. It was really hard for bands to get shows in music venues. Maybe it’s the fact that in that town there are so many other things people can be doing.’’

So instead of gigging relentlessly, Panic! flew to Maryland to record their first album. Decaydance released A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out in September 2005. A year ago, Panic! was opening for Fall Out Boy on a tour of small theaters.

“I think the way that this band has grown has enabled us to do what we want to do,’’ said Ross. “Our ideas keep getting bigger; thankfully the band keeps growing with it.”

OPINIONS THE UNIVERSITY STAR

onlineconnection Do you think students who are paid by candidates should be involved in on-campus political organizations? Go to www.UniversityStar.com to vote in our online poll. Results will be published in Thursday’s issue of The University Star.

Wednesday, November 8, 2006 - Page 8

*This is not a scientific poll

Opinions Contact — Emily Messer, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

T

he elections are over and, as usual, the U.S. electoral process was embarrassing.

But to be realistic, that’s how it is everywhere and that’s how it has been. This year just gives us a taste of how ridiculous the presidential election will be. In honor of this taste, The University Star would like to grade the major players in local elections.

The candidates: DBetween Kinky Friedman’s joke of a campaign to a current and former state representative being involved in an election-day scuffle, the candidates this year succeeded in disappointing voters. The Star didn’t much care for that same representative posing for a picture mocking questions raised about election ethics. Maybe in two years, politicians can behave as reasonably as the people they represent.

Associated Student Government: F ASG’s interest in encouraging students to vote pushed informing the student body to the back seat. The issue was no longer about making an educated decision and became focused on getting students to the polls at all cost. Uninformed voters aren’t good for democracy. Making students a special interest group isn’t good either.

M.A.P. and Associates: C We were as surprised as anyone by this. Despite the flap surrounding the consulting firm McCabe, Anderson and Prather (M.A.P.), it would appear they behaved for the most part above board. M.A.P.’s use of College Democrats to support Republican County Judge Jim Powers looked pretty bad, but it would appear they were simply using their resources on campus to promote candidates they thought would be good for students. However, those endless Facebook invitations were incredibly annoying. The Star believes that however effective M.A.P. may be, paid political consultants should not be part of ASG. Other student consultants: D College Republicans were able to get candidates out in The Quad, and that was great for student voters. Unfortunately, students working on political campaigns need to learn how to use resources like Facebook. Using social networking sites to promote candidates to students may be annoying, but it is effective. Trying to schedule candidates for ASG meetings via Facebook is both annoying and ineffective.

Hays County Elections Administrator’s Office: C As much as we hate to say anything bad about elections administrator Joyce Cowan, who has been trying to get students involved in the electoral process long before the Chris Jones phenomenon, this year’s elections were a mess. By deputizing dozens of students as registrars, the elections administrator’s office put itself in a position where it couldn’t keep track of all the people collecting registration application. The result: More than 200 applications were turned in late.

Students who voted: A+ If you took the time to inform yourself about the candidates and cast your ballot, The Star salutes you. You are a testament to the democratic experiment we’re still working on here in the U.S. We hope the problems with the election this year won’t scare students away from politics.

The system is flawed, but we all must do our best to fix it. We also hope the on-campus shenanigans this year won’t scare candidates away from the university in future elections.

ELECTION GRADES

Candidates, officials on academic probation

Cable network’s duplicity hurting viewers, blacks Black Entertainment Television is not the only culprit propagating stereotypes associated with black people. Nevertheless, BET’s daily disservice to African-Americans cannot be justified by the actions of other media outlets.

BET portrays itself as one thing, but broadcasts the complete opposite. In a press release marking 25 years of broadcasting, BET contends that it is “the nation’s leading 24-hour television network providing quality entertainment, news, and public affairs programming for the AfricanAmerican audience.”

Seriously, I must have missed those shows. During the aftermath of Katrina and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s pitiful response, BET was broadcasting videos. I think Nelly was still trying to withdraw cash from some girl’s posterior with his ATM card. Cultural genocide taints western Sudan, but BET continues to suffocate its viewers with music videos and morally bankrupt programming.

If George Bush doesn’t care about black people, then BET must really hate us. In 2005, there were reports that BET circulated to employees a list with instructions to ban artists’ videos deemed “too intelligent” for its audience.

That list included Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Little Brother and similar artists. In the days of Teen Summit and Tavis Smiley, there existed substantive programming attentive to real issues affecting black people.

Those shows, unfortunately, were not profitable and were consequently cancelled.

While BET was sold to Viacom, its programming is still managed by African-Americans. Furthermore, Bob Johnson, BET’s founder, is Viacom’s second largest shareholder, which, once again, owns “Black Exploitation Television.” Johnson and Viacom have the right to preserve their profitability, but not at the expense of the African-American community.

By sanctioning the public humiliation of black people, BET has given a free pass to white media outlets to do the same thing. In that regard, BET is more damaging than MTV. The company should repent and follow the standards it set for itself.

Freddie Jenkins Texas State alumnus

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 UniversitySan Marcos.

Pat Stark/Star illustration

Our apologies to Thomas Nast

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Log on to www.UniversityStar. com and click on the letters link to read old letters and submit new ones.

Blind salamanders should replace all-too-common bobcat mascot Texas State has had MSU page comes in a few years now to get second. This isn’t so acclimated to its new bad by itself, I suppose, name. As “The Rising but below this is the STAR of Texas,” the Ohio State University moniker suits the uniBobcats, followed by versity well in its ascent. the Cambridge Bobcats The continual intro(from a high school in RICHARD SIMÕES duction of new gradu- Guest Columnist Ohio, not the univerate programs (including sity). Googling “bobcat a new master’s degree football ‘high school’” in applied philosophy in my yields 608,000 hits, with teams home department as an under- on the front page coming from grad) the impressive McCoy South Carolina, Virginia, InHall (digital stock tickers on diana, Alabama, Tennessee, the walls) and the newly sponFlorida and Texas (both San sored Mitte Honors Program Angelo and Celina). It is a safe have made the slogan more bet that there are hundreds of than earned. In contrast with Bobcat teams at all school levels this catchy piece of marketing, in all 50 states. My point should however, is our mascot. follow from this data implicitly.

Google “bobcat football,” We really need a new mascot. and you’ll find Bobcat Athletics San Marcos happens to be a right on top of the 5,810,000 place rife with unique wildlife. hits. Of course, it’s the Montana The Aquarena Center lists as State University Bobcats. Texas area endangered species the State comes in third; another Texas blind salamander, San

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

Marcos salamander, fountain darter, San Marcos gambusia and Texas wild-rice. This is a fine collection of potential mascots. A silly idea, you say?

University of California, Santa Cruz has a mascot similarly inspired. It is the not-so-endangered Ariolimax dolichophallus, a species of banana slug. According to the university’s profile, Sammy the Slug represents the teams, and the banana slug has been in play since 1980 when it won out over the rather drab sea lion.

The university’s profile states, “[The Sea Lions] was a choice that the chancellor considered more dignified and suitable to serious play than the Banana Slugs. But the new name did not find favor with the majority of students, who continued to root for the Slugs even after a sea lion was painted in the middle of the basketball floor.”

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Neat, eh? Now, turn back to our possible mascots. We wouldn’t want to have rice representing our athletes, so let’s limit our options to fauna.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the San Marcos gambusia is possibly extinct. It would be quite a disaster for a team’s mascot to go extinct in the middle of a conference championship run, so let’s play it safe and exclude them as well. I’m going to make a judgment call and also eliminate the fountain darter. It’s a meager little fish, unfit for the rigors of mascot-hood.

Finally, we’re left with the two species of salamander. The San Marcos salamander is a rather plain-looking, brown, water lizard. Texas State is anything but plain. Therefore, I nominate the Texas blind salamander. This may smack of self-deprecation, but think

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of it more as tongue-in-cheek.

Will outsiders raise their mocking eyebrows and smile a smug smile upon hearing such a name? Certainly. With a name like this, we’d be daring opponents to hurl abuse in our direction.

If the idea still doesn’t sound appealing, we can be simply the Texas State Salamanders and have two human-sized lizards, one brown and the other white and eyeless, running around, performing acrobatics and yelling into large bullhorns. We’ll call them Marco and Tex, respectively.

Such a mascot would be valuable not just as a unique animal name. A lot could be done with this for the cause of endangered species awareness.

What’s more, consider that our newest Ph.D. program is in aquatic resources. This indicates that Texas State is filling a

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regional niche. Why not throw in an appropriately themed team mascot to boot? I’m sure our university’s fine marketing folk could go to town with it.

OK, I admit that preceding paragraph was more-or-less tacked on in order to make this column sound less trivial.

My real argument is that “bobcat football” yields 5,810,000 Google hits and “‘blind salamander’ football” yields only 709 — and none of them refer to football teams. That every other middle and high school’s mascot is the bobcat should convince most that the ubiquitous feline ought to be replaced. And until it is, I stubbornly cry: Go Blind Salamanders!

Richard Simões is a Texas State alumnus. He is a philosophy graduate student at the University of Houston.

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 November 8, 2006. 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.

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FOR RENT-APTS 2BD/2BA WITH W/D AVAILABLE NOW. $550/mo. Park North (512) 353-7644.

NEED FEMALE ROOMMATE to share 2BD/2.5BA townhome, 2 blocks from campus, W/D, includes cable and internet, $395/mo. Call (972) 832-7651.

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Please apply: Human Resources McKenna Memorial Hospital 600 North Union Avenue New Braunfels, Texas 78130 phone: (830) 606-2151 fax: (830) 643-5192 email: hr@mckenna.org website: www.mckenna.org MONAVIE - DELICIOUS BEVERAGE with 19 “super fruits” including acai berry from Amazon. Drink and see benefits & or become distributor with unlimited earning potential. www.mymonavie.com/JulieLong ATHLETIC, OUTGOING MEN for calendars, greeting cards, etc. $75-200/ hr. No exp. needed, (512) 684-8296.

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To set an interview, call Erica at (210) 222-8926.

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SUBLEASE I AM LOOKING FOR A GUY TO SUBLEASE. I have one roommate in a spacious 3BD/2BA modular home located in north San Marcos. The rent is $350 a month and then bills average $120 a month for everything. You could work with the other roommate to get somebody into the third bedroom to drop rent. It is currently unused so it could be turned into just about anything. The complex is gated, easy access to I-35, has a pool, and basketball court. The lease runs through April 30th. I will pay $100 per month of rent so your rent will only be $250.00. Or we can work out another arrangement. You can reach me at (512) 644-5128 or cmstrick25@yahoo.com

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THE UNIVERSITY STAR IS NOW HIRING! The Star is the 2005 and 2006 winner of Division II best in show, best overall paper and sweepstakes at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association’s annual convention.The Star is a student newspaper, created and edited entirely by students.

Employment at The Star provides you with an opportunity to work with motivated students who are interested in journalism and newspapers. This is a must for anyone interested in a career in journalism, and it is an excellent opportunity for students who want to get involved with the university and learn about the world around them.

•News reporters Must be able to gather information, conduct interviews and come into the newsroom to have stories edited.

•Sports writers Must be able to attend games, interview coaches and players and come into newsroom to have stories edited.

•Sports columnist Must be able to write interesting and entertaining columns about Bobcat Sports.

•Entertainment writers Must be able to report on arts and entertainment events on campus and in Central Texas, conduct interviews and come into newsroom to have stories edited.

•Entertainment columnist Must be able to write intelligent and interesting columns about arts and entertainment on campus and in Central Texas.

•Opinions columnists Must be able to write well-organized and thought-provoking columns about oncampus and local happenings.

•Photographers Must be able to capture visual human reaction to a news event, gather subject’s information, edit pictures and write cutlines. Having digital SLR equipment a plus.

•Comic artists Must be able to create a comic strip three days a week.

•Illustrators Must be able to work with the editorial staff to create editorial cartoons and story illustrations as well as bring original ideas to the table.

Pick up an application at the Trinity Building, or download one at www. universitystar.com.

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biggioback?

THE UNIVERSITY STAR

Houston Astros second baseman Craig Biggio is looking to get a one-year deal done by Sunday to keep the free agent on the team. The 41 year old’s agent, Barry Axelrod, said the two continue to work with Astros general manager Tim Purpura on negotiations. Biggio hit .246 last season with 33 doubles, 21 home runs and 62 RBIs. Biggio his been the face of the Astros for over a decade, along with first baseman Jeff Bagwell, who’s $18 million option was decline by the franchise last week after sitting out last season due to an arthritic right shoulder.

Wednesday, November 8, 2006 - Page 10

Sports Contact — Chris Boehm, starsports@txstate.edu

Texas State’s

SOLUTION to the PROBLEM

By Nathan Brooks The University Star After the dust settled from the fallout of the Texas State men’s basketball program last year, only four players remained standing.

Only four souls willing and dedicated to be part of what new head coach Doug Davalos called the “solution to the problem,” with the program that fell on hard times last season after finishing with a 3-24 record.

Last season is rarely talked about, but it is something that Charles Dotson, Antwoine Blanchard, Brandon Bush and Dylan Moseley all share in common and remember.

“It was a typical breakdown,” Bush said. “Everybody wanted to do their own thing. We weren’t a team, we were just individuals.”

That was something Davalos looked to change as soon as he took over the program, and became a big reason the four players decided to return. It was also a big reason the coaching staff wanted them back.

“These guys made a point that they wanted to be a part of this,” Davalos said. “They wanted to be a part of the solution, and part of a team that this univer-

sity and program can be proud of.”

Dotson, a senior forward, returns to the Bobcats after leading the team in scoring with 11.8 points per game last season, in addition to averaging six rebounds per contest.

Dotson was a Preseason AllSouthland Conference SecondTeam and said he fits into what Davalos and his staff are trying to accomplish on the floor.

“I like his system because it fits into how I play,” Dotson said. “I’m used to an up-tempo game from my junior college and he brings the same thing to the table.”

Davalos’ up-tempo system Mark Decker/Star photo was also a big reason why Bush, A NEW DIRECTION: (From left to right) Returning players Charles Dotson, Brandon Bush, Antwoine Blanchard and Dylan Moseley are a sophomore guard, decided to return to the program after a working with new coach Doug Davalos to try to right where the Bobcats went wrong under former Coach Dennis Nutt. solid rookie campaign.

“I feel like this is a new opHowever, it isn’t just Davalos’ “That’s the biggest difference our highest GPA from last year, said he feels that Davalos gives portunity for me,” Bush said. style of play that enticed the from last season. The new play- which shows how hard he works him a great opportunity to leave “Coach (Davalos) uses a much four remaining individuals from ers are hardworking and they’re off the floor as well as on it.” a lasting impression on the profaster pace than what we had last season’s team to return. all good guys.”

The decision to stay for the gram. last year. He gives us a lot of Davalos’ commitment to team Even though Moseley played senior guard, Blanchard, was “Everybody’s time comes freedom on offense.” play, chemistry and intensity sparingly in 20 games last year, one that differed from the rest along,” Blanchard said. “Hard Bush looks to use that free- won over Moseley, a sophomore the new staff wanted him to stay of his teammates. work pays off and I think my dom to expand on his numbers forward, to stay with a program because of his attitude, commitBlanchard has been a part of hard work is paying off. I’ve from last season when he fin- that many of his former team- ment and hard work on and off the program since 2002, when been dedicated to the program ished second behind Dotson in mates left. the floor. he played as a true freshman and when I leave I want people scoring last season, averaging “We have better chemistry “(Bush and Moseley) showed for then-Southwest Texas State. to say ‘that was the team An9.3 points a game, in addition to and we’re more of a team (un- they wanted to continue to He’s seen a lot of change in his twoine was on, (the) one that 3.6 rebounds per contest. der Davalos),” Moseley said. grow,” Davalos said. “Dylan was five years in the program and turned the program around.’”

Ekworomadu can take the heat

Coach expects basketball player to lead women into post-season play

By Gordon Taylor The University Star

Monty Marion/Star photo RETURNING LEADER: Last year’s top scorer, junior guard Joyce Ekworomadu, aims to continue as a team leader and prove Texas State can improve on its preseason poll position.

Some people thrive under pressure; some wilt and hide.

Joyce Ekworomadu is one that welcomes it.

Texas State junior guard Joyce Ekworomadu enters the basketball season as a candidate for the Southland Conference Player of the Year award after garnering Pre-season First-Team All-SLC honors before the start of the season.

“It’s a huge load, and you have to live up to it,” Ekworomadu said. “I have to help the team get to where we need to be. It’s pressure, but it’s good pressure.”

Ekworomadu graduated from Coppell High School in Coppell, where she received team MVP honors both her junior and senior years and was first-team alldistrict as well.

Ekworomadu enters this season as the team’s leading returning scorer, averaging 13.7 points per game last season, and led the team in steals last season with 45.

Ekworomadu is coming off a sophomore season in which

she received Second-Team AllSouthland Conference honors and started all but one game for the Bobcats.

Ekworomadu, who picked up a basketball at the age of nine while playing with kids in her neighborhood, is not letting all the preseason hype get in the way of what she is really trying to accomplish this season.

“Our most important goal is not only a division championship and making it into the (NCAA) tournament, but advancing in the tournament,” Ekworomadu said. “We’re picked as number five in our division; we need to go out and show people we’re higher than that.”

Coach Suzanne Fox is excited about Ekworomadu’s preseason honor, but said she isn’t allowing her, or anyone else, to get caught up in the hype.

“I don’t put a lot of stock in it,” Fox said. “I’m happy for her; accolades for her go toward the program. But what’s more important, and Joyce thinks this as well, is the team’s success.”

Ekworomadu’s progress has been steady since coming to Texas State in 2004, when in her

e’re “W picked as number five in

our division; we need to go out and show people we’re higher than that.”

— Joyce Ekworomadu guard

first season she started 21 games and averaged 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

“She has been tremendous at going to the next level,” said Noel Johnson, Associate Head Coach.

“She has risen to the challenge and elevated her game, and I think she’ll continue to do so.”

Fox has also seen the progress in Ekworomadu’s game.

“She really developed last year,” Fox said. “She has really improved her scoring ability, but what we’ve asked of her is to have her work on her defensive skills and have her be one of our key

players on the defensive side.”

In order for the Bobcats to have success this season, Ekworomadu is going to have to play a significant role on not only both sides of the ball, but as an oncourt leader as well.

“She makes others on the court better, and she does a lot leadership wise,” Johnson said.

“She really wants the team to jump on her back.”

Fox said that Ekworomadu playing well is imperative to success this season.

“Her role, especially early in the season is to help on perimeter defense, to be a leader, to score, to rebound, basically in all phases,” Fox said. “We need her to play a shoulders-up game, and I feel that she’s up to the challenge.”

Although Ekworomadu or Fox did not put much importance of her being a preseason candidate for player of the year, it hasn’t gone completely unnoticed.

“If she plays well, she has a chance of being the (SLC) Player of the Year,” Fox said. “If she plays well the team does. We’re excited anytime any of our kids get accolades.”

Restricting ages of NBA draftees weakens talent pool The National least 19 by the night of Basketball Asthe draft. sociation is by all I’m sorry, I thought standards one of this was America. The the big three in NBA has made a conAmerican sports scious decision to not — football, basonly deny men the right ketball and I guess to make a living using baseball. The NBA WILLIAM WARD their physical talents, is personally my Star Columnist but also denied it’s own second-favorite history.

American pro-sports league The proponents of this move after the NFL. So whenever the cite the perceived weakening NBA does something that isn’t of the NBA’s overall talent as in its best interest, I tend to a major cause for this rule take notice. change.

Last year before the 2006 But the NBA has a boatload draft, the NBA (largely as a of superstars from players result of commissioner David straight out of high school, Stern) decided that the rules ranging from LeBron James for declaring draft eligibility to foreign sensations like Dirk would be changed. Formerly Nowitzki. The NBA would be the rule was that you could hard-pressed to find a greater declare once you graduated era of talent in its history. from high school (if American) Not every high school player or turned 18 (if a foreigner). turned out to be even meThe rule was then changed to diocre; look at Kwame Brown. require players from America Then there are freaks like to be at least one year removed recent phenomenon James or from their graduation year and Moses Malone, who were born 19 by the night of the draft, NBA-ready. and international players be at Taking a chance on these

kids not only made the draft (an otherwise boring event) exciting, but also added life to desperate franchises willing to take the gambles. They didn’t always pan out, but last time I checked, there were busts who went to college as well. Derrick Coleman and Joe Smith are two big examples of guys who went to college, were taken number-one overall and then had terrible NBA careers. To think that busting is a phenomenon limited to high school draftees is uninformed at best.

Because of all this, the college game will suffer. But wait, all these awesome high school kids will now be in college.

That’s awesome, right? Wrong.

These kids are having amateurism forced down their throats, and this is going to be a huge problem later on down the line when graduation rates plummet and college basketball programs are getting sanctioned left and right. Fake amateurism will be as bad for colleges as paying athletes.