11 10 2009

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

Volume 99, Issue 31

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Tuesday

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www.UniversityStar.com

Training Day

The Bobcat ROTC went into the field to get some hands on training Saturday. For the full story see page 3, for an exclusive video see UniversityStar.com

Fort Hood Devastation Fort Hood tragedy hits home for Texas State “I was shocked when I saw a picture of the shooter. I recognized him immediately.”

-Jude Prather Iraq War Veteran and ASG verterans’ liason

Clay Thorp/Star photo SHOOTING AFTERMATH: Soldiers await a Fort Hood press conference after Thursday’s shootings.

By Clay Thorp News Reporter Veterans at Texas State continue to mourn their fallen comrades as investigators question the motive behind the shooting Thursday that killed 13 people and wounded 30 others.

“I never thought this could happen at Fort Hood,” said former Army sniper Dallas Chambles.

Chambles, a history sophomore who spent time at Fort Hood, said he is still in disbelief.

“It’s sad to see that someone had such a breakdown,” Chambles said.

Iraq war veteran Jude Prather said he had been to the site of the attack, the Soldier Readiness Center (SRC), three months prior.

“I was shocked when I saw a picture of the shooter,” said Prather, ASG veterans’ liason. “I recognized him immediately.”

Jude Prather, public administration senior, said he may have saluted Hasan one day walking by him while exiting the SRC. “I need to check my paperwork to see if he signed off on my discharge papers,” Prather said.

Prather called the SRC a stressful place.

“It’s like the DMV but 10 times worse,” Prather said.

He said soldiers wait in long lines for processing that includes mental evaluations

after returning from war. He said soldiers — when asked questions pertaining to mental health — tell Army psychiatrists what they want to hear so their paperwork will not be “flagged” for further review.

Lt. Gen. Robert Cone told reporters in a press conference Thursday, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, is suspected of opening fire inside the SRC around 1:30 p.m.

Army officials said Hasan is on a respirator and “his death is not imminent.” “(The SRC) is a very enclosed area,” Cone said. “As bad as it was, I think it could’ve been a lot worse.”

Residents and Army personnel waiting at Fort Hood’s main gate Thursday night said the SRC is a place for soldiers to get medical evaluations.

“It’s a place for in-processing and out-processing of soldiers who are going to and from Iraq or Afghanistan,” said Sgt. Sam Garrett, a resident of Fort Hood since November 2008.

Sgt. Garrett said he could not wait to get home to his wife and daughter once the base reopened.

Fort Hood resident Spc. Kelly Robertson said one of the soldiers killed was in her unit.

“We haven’t gotten any names,” she said. “All we know is one person.”

Sgt. First Class Dan Miller,

First Responder

Officer who ended massacre trained by Texas State program

By Bianca Davis News Reporter To the world, Sgt. Kimberly Munley is a hero. To the San Marcos community, she is a reminder of the success and value of the A.L.E.R.R.T. Program.

A.L.E.R.R.T., or Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, is a program, which equips first responders with tactical skills and training needed to stop active shooters.

Sgt. Munley, the first responder to shoot Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, used skills she received through training in San Marcos to stop Thursday’s shooting at Fort Hood.

Munley was wounded by a shot that hit her femoral bone, but continued to fight despite her injuries.

Munley, a Carolina Beach, NC native and civilian police officer, was one of the first responders at the Fort Hood massacre. Munley was trained through A.L.E.R.R.T.— a joint program through Texas State, the City of San Marcos and Hays County.

A.L.E.R.R.T. instructor Bo

Sara Strick/Star photos TRAINING FOR SAFETY: A.L.E.R.R.T. is a cooperative program between Texas State, the City of San Marcos and Hays County which prepares first responders on how to deal with active shooters.

Kidd taught Munley in Killeen before she came to June training in San Marcos. Kidd said she did exactly what she was trained to do.

“She saved a lot of lives,” Kidd said. “She was hit and continued to fight on. She’s a hero—no question about it.”

Terry Nichols, San Marcos Police Department SWAT commander, is an A.L.E.R.R.T. instructor who has been with

the program since its founding in 2002. Nichols, who served as director of training, said A.L.E.R.R.T. teaches first responders to stop the shooter.

Nichols said the program instills a mentality within first responders to aggressively move to the sound of gunshots.

“Every time you hear a gunshot, that is someone po-

Crystal Tijerina, Scott & White Memorial Hospital employee, said she remained at the hospital long after her shift ended at 5 p.m. Thursday to help with the large influx of donors.

“It’s my job,” she said. “I felt like I needed to — I wanted to.”

Blood collection agencies in Central Texas declared a “blood emergency” mid-afternoon Thursday, as a result of the mass shooting at Fort Hood.

Scott & White Memorial Hospital had two mobile donation busses parked outside the

hospital’s main entrance. Both remained packed late into the evening Thursday, and people were forced to wait outside.

An eager response to the emergency call was reflected in an increase in the number of donors seen in a typical day, an on-site phlebotomist said.

Tijerina said there had been a steady, consistent flow of donors since the emergency had been declared.

“I’ve just been helping out,” she said. “I’ve been going back and forth making sure we’re fully furnished on snacks and drinks.”

Donors inside the cramped mobile donation buses laid with anxious expressions as nurses worked quickly to ac-

commodate the lines of waiting donors.

Zach Smith of Waco said his father was stationed at Fort Hood.

“My dad just got out of the Army,” Smith, a Midway High School graduate said. “He told me they were asking for donors because of the shooting.

He donated earlier today and he suggested I come too.”

Vivian Serini of Harker Heights learned of the emergency blood drive in a similar manner.

“My dad let me know there was a blood crisis,” Serini said.

“So I looked online and saw there were posts and I decided to come down too.”

Tijerina remained upbeat

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tentially dying,” Nichols said.

“So you cannot wait, you have to go.”

Skills learned through the program are room entry, medical, breaching, how to approach an active shooter in progress and how to cross open ground.

“Nobody is really dying, and we induce that level of stress so when it happens in real life — like it happened at Fort Hood — hopefully, their bodies and minds are telling them ‘I’ve been here, done this, I can survive this, I can do this,’” Nichols said.

Shaun Appler, an investigator with the North Carolina Wrightsfield Beach Police Department, was Munley’s first partner when both were rookie officers in 2000.

“You aren’t going to die when you get shot; you’re going to die when you give up—she had that mindset,” Appler said. “There are very few people I would want to go into battle with—she’s one of them. She is one of the few people I can count on, one that I would want there with me.”

‘Blood Emergency’ declared following Fort Hood shooting

By Bianca Davis News Reporter

Clay Thorp/Star photo SAVING LIVES: Vivian Serini of Harker Heights donated blood to help victims of the Fort Hood shooting.

Today’s Weather

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despite the long lines and hours. She said she worked out of the “kindness of (her) heart.”

“It is good that people are coming to help in whatever way they can,” she said.

Donations were accepted at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Carter BloodCare Center in Waco, and at various American Red Cross mobile donation busses in Killeen, Waco and Bryan Friday.

“Area donors are encouraged to donate as the victims will continue to need blood possibly for weeks to come,” according to the Scott & White Web site.

Wednesday Showers Temp: 77°/48° Precip: 0%

Thursday

Partly Cloudy Temp: 74°/52° Precip: 10%

Page Two

2 - The University Star

STARS OF TEXAS STATE

Women’s Basketball Senior Victoria Davis was named to the 2009 to 2010 Preseason All-Southland Conference second team. Davis averaged 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds last season and recorded a career-high 26 points in Texas State’s 66-62 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The team will open the 2009 to 2010 regular season Nov. 13 at Strahan Coliseum against Texas College. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.

-Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

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

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

C orrections: In Wednesday’s issue of The University Star, the column

entitled “Joe Knows: Big game of the season almost fills stands” said Bobcats Stadium’s capacity is 24,000. The actually capacity of the facility is 16,000, according to the Texas State Athletics Web site.

In Thursday’s issue of The University Star, in the article “Prospective smoking ban in the works” ASG Sen. Brice Loving said the potential bill would not be oppressive, but rather is meant to help students lead healthier lives.

—The Star regrets these errors

Pi Kappa Phi Crime raises money Blotter for PUSH America The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity is sitting on a scaffold in The Quad Monday to Friday to raise Kayla Hartzog/ Star photo funds. The money supports STUDY TIME: Brittany McFalls, Spanish junior, and Molly Harrell, international business senior, take time for coffee and homework PUSH America, programs that benefit people with disabilities.

Monday at Wake The Dead.

At least three members will be on the scaffold for 178 hours.

“The scaffold sit is only one of ec eat many events in which we build brotherhood while raising awareness for those with disThe Texas State water ski club beat Texas A&M to place fourth graduate this December with a degree in criminal justice. abilities,” said Daniel Morales, at nationals. Twenty-two teams participated at the National “If Kevin could tell us, I’m sure he would say he is honored to exercise and sports science secompetition, including 12 Division 1 teams and 10 Division 2 be the first, and just to have a permanent place on the campus he nior senior. “Our chapter especially enjoys this week because teams. Texas State was forecasted to place last prior to the spent so much time at,” Echols said. we’re showing the students of tournament.

On Shimek’s birthday, Nov. 14, the water ski club is planting a Texas State aspects of a fraterBraden Echols, president of the water ski club, credits setting tree in his name at the lakes in Martindale. strong goals to the team’s success, despite losing valuable senior The nationals are behind them and the water ski club is focused nity, which are never spoken of such as philanthropy. They players. on next year’s goals and continuing its excellent performance. can really see our commitment “I could not have been more impressed with the individual “I am not only excited with the performance of the team this when they see us in The Quad commitment of each and every team member,” Echols, year, but also with the potential I see in our new, younger team for a week, day and night.” management junior, said. “As a team, we all practiced extremely members for years to come,” Echols said. “I can’t wait for next Funds raised through the hard just to make it to nationals this year. With the loss of Kevin fall.” scaffold sit will support PUSH America’s programs like PUSH and the seniors who graduated, a lot of our experience was taken Find out more about the water ski sport club on Facebook Camp to help people with diswith them. So it was known that to make up for that, it would take or by visiting the campus recreation Web site at www. abilities and provide service hard work and dedication.” campusrecreation.txstate.edu. For more information on the opportunities for members of Kevin Shimek, former water ski club member, was honored with collegiate ski community and National Championship results Pi Kappa Phi nationwide. a plaque at the Oct. 31 opening of the university’s new Memorial check out www.ncwsa.com.

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Water ski club celebrates win, member’s life

Garden. Shimek was tragically killed July 12 in a car crash.

Shimek received numerous honors for water-skiing, including winning the 2007 National Championship. He planned to

— Courtesy of Campus Recreation

— Courtesy of PUSH America

Oct. 31, 1:33 a.m.

Public Intoxication/ Lindsey Lot A police officer made contact with a student acting suspiciously. Upon further investigation, the student was cited and arrested for public intoxication. The student was transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.

Oct. 31, 4:00 a.m.

Driving While Intoxicated/ Sessom Drive (West) A police officer made contact with a vehicle for a routine traffic stop. Upon further investigation, a nonstudent was arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.

Oct. 31, 9:15 p.m.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Laurel Hall A police officer was dispatched to the location for a suspicious odor call.

Upon further investigation, a student was issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia and two nonstudents were issued criminal trespass warnings.

— Courtesy of University Police Department

News

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Fort Hood

continued from page

an Army mechanic and Fort Hood resident said the SRC was not a stressful place.

“Sometimes, it’s full of guys who’ve just come back and are happy to be home,” said Miller, an Iraq war veteran.

“Other times it’s full of soldiers about to deploy. It all depends on what day it is.”

Army officials praised the actions of those first on the scene, including Sgt. Kimberly Munley who shot Hasan,

effectively ending the spree.

Army officials said Munley underwent emergency surgery and is in stable condition.

Hasan’s motive is currently unknown and officials at press conferences refused to speculate.

“We have to understand what caused (this) suspect to act in the way he did,” said Army Secretary John McHugh during a press conference.

1

The University Star - 3

Faculty Senate revises online-testing honor code

The Army will be looking into programs that could prevent a similar shooting from happening.

The names of 13 deceased were read aloud in a press conference Friday by Col.

By Lora Collins John Rossi and included solNews reporter diers as young as 19.

“On behalf of a grateful Students testing online may nation, we salute and honor need to take a closer look at the their patriotism, their ser- honor code. vice and their memory,” he The honor code does not adsaid. dress students cheating in online courses. The code includes “using, during a test, materials not authorized by the person giving the test (and) collaborating, without authorization, with a person during an examination or in preparing academic work” as violations.

Debra Feakes, Faculty Senate chair, said the code does not specify how to handle cheating in online testing situations. She said students are not defered from cheating when testing outside the classroom.

“You can’t guarantee someone is not sitting there next to them helping them,” said Feakes, associate professor in the chemistry and biochemistry department.

The honor code is under revision said Debbie Thorne, associate vice president in Academic Affairs.

“It has incorporated new language to cover distance learning issues and potential violations,”

ROTC trains at Freeman Ranch

web extra Tina Phan/Star photo TOUGH TRAINING: Bobcat Battalion members Allan Miller, William Grismer and Elliot Freeman participate in practice field exercises Saturday afternoon at Freeman Ranch. The ROTC cadets go through drills that imitate real battles once in the fall and twice in the spring.

By Megan Holt News Reporter The sounds of simulated gunfire drifted through the trees as the Texas State Reserve Officer Training Corps ambushed the enemy bunker.

“This is our fall field-training exercise,” said Jake Wright, Battalion Commander and criminal justice graduate student. “We send them through eight total drills this weekend. Each tactic focuses on a different aspect of battle.”

Approximately 60 ROTC cadets practiced field-training exercises last weekend at Freeman Ranch.

Wright said the ROTC field trains once in the fall and twice in the spring. Seniors assess cadets on how they make decisions and conduct themselves during the simulated battles.

“We’ve been coming to Freeman Ranch for many years,” Wright said. “It’s nice to have this facility available to us because other universities have to reserve training areas at bases. We are able to train right here at home.”

Wright said cadets carry dummy rifles, or rubber guns and practice different exercises from bunker ambush to recon. Guns filled with compressed propane and air are used to simulate machine guns.

Chantelle Allen, cadet and family and child development senior, said cadets also go Camp Swift in Bastrop for land navigation training.

“We are working with people we aren’t used to in Bastrop,” Allen said. “It’s a stressor, but a good stressor. In this job, we will be picking up and moving every three years. We will have to get used to meeting new people.”

Thorne said.

Thorne said in an e-mail the University Procedure and Policy, Statement 2.17, discourages cheating in online courses. The policy entails “proctored examinations for distance learners may be administered via ‘paper and pencil’ or electronically via the Internet.” The policy allows faculty to administer timed online exams.

Sen. Richard Warms said timed exams allow cheating.

“If you deliver instruction in this way a higher level of dishonestly is the price of using these online courses,” said Warms, professor in the anthropology department.

Feakes agrees and said the honor code is often violated because of student’s dishonesty.

“The concerns I heard is it tells you a process, but it doesn’t deal with the real issues. And one of the real issues is how do you deal with these long distance concerns to deal with the integrity of the testing process?” she asked.

Thorne said cheating is not tolerated in any course, online or on campus.

“Texas State would never

write a policy that ‘permitted’ cheating in courses, whether online, face-to-face or otherwise,” Thorne said.

Sue Biedermann, program chair of Health Information Management Systems, said her department often uses online assessments. The honor code is posted to every test online to remind students of the expected conduct during testing, Biedermann said.

“With the rigor of the test and using the limited time, we haven’t noticed a problem (with cheating),” Biedermann said.

She said the campus sections generally score higher than the distance education students so the department does not suspect cheating.

Feakes said there are no criteria for developing an online course, let alone having students test in one.

Thorne said the Honor Code Council is working to make changes to the policy and procedure statement within the honor code.

“I am comfortable with the developments in the honor code and will look to the Faculty Senate for more suggestions as we finalize the PPS,” she said.

For Associated Student Government and University President Trauth open door date coverage, see UniversityStar.com

See the Video Online at

www.universitystar.com

See the Photos Online at www.universitystar.com

Opinions

What’s your opinion?

Send your thought to staropinion@txstate.edu Remember to keep it between 400 and 500 words.

4 – The University Star

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Free Internet being threatened the main

point.

C

ollege-aged students these days are a unique bunch in at least one area — they were raised with the Internet.

Students looking back over the years surely remember the highs and lows of the Net— the annoying buzz of a dialup modem, the rise and fall of Napster and the growing importance of blogs and usergenerated content. However, the Internet has had one common trait over the years: it is free and open. You can access every site and they all load with the same speed. No one gets preferential treatment.

Sure, you have to pay an Internet Service Provider to log on, but once there, the Internet is a beautifully anarchist space.

But old giants do not like broken barriers. In fact, there is a plan by telecom and cable companies to try and destroy freedom on the Internet. What they want to do is make you, the consumer, pay for some sites to upload faster while strangling others. If this were to happen, Comcast might decide it does not favor Hulu offering free TV shows on your computer and make it so you cannot see it anymore.

The Internet is free and open and we helped make it that way. Make no mistake, normal people were the ones who made the Internet what it is today, not the corporations trying to destroy it. We like that people can make a phone call to England using Skype or Google Voice for a fraction of AT&T’s cost. But do you know who doesn’t like that? AT&T. Fortunately, the Obama administration knows the importance of the free Internet, and the FCC has forbidden ISPs

from strangling this liberty.

But Arizona Sen. John McCain has submitted a bill that would prevent the FCC from regulating the ISPs. It’s the first of two steps in ending this freedom we have been talking about.

McCain and other opponents of an open Net say the FCC’s regulation of ISPs is a government takeover of the Internet.

That’s far from the truth. This is the government saying private companies can’t regulate the Internet.

It is uncomfortable to rely on government intervention.

Especially since future administrations might not see things the same way. Perhaps the best way to ensure a free and open Internet for future generations is not through government regulation, but in more competition.

The heart of the problem is there are too few Internet service choices. The heads of these companies can get together and devise backward plans like these. If there were more choices, there would be smaller companies who could get the market of people who like an open Internet. Perhaps the government could look into ways to encourage smaller companies to get involved in the industry, because the expensive lines that must be laid for broadband access does not allow for mom and pop Internet service providers.

In the meantime, we must rally our members of Congress to support the FCC’s regulations. As Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, said in an open letter supporting a free Internet, “Creativity, innovation and a free and open marketplace are all at stake in this fight.”

Don’t give up a freedom — you’ll never get it back.

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

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

Star Illustration/Zach Ashburn

Walking times between Tragic event gives more classes should be increased to meaningful holiday

By Luis Baez Opinions Columnist The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a 10-minute “brisk walk” three times a day for five days a week is the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The odd thing is Texas State students do not have to go to a gym to do it. For many students, this exercise takes place in between classes each day, but the affects are not very positive.

The Registrar’s “Walking Distance Between Classes” shows there are more than 250 different combinations on campus where the trip takes more than 10 minutes to make by foot. That number does not include the eight and nine minute trips are listed as well.

Also, the numbers do not quite add up. At any other university where the schedule has only MWF and TR classes, each class would have exactly

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150 minutes of lecture. But at Texas State, where our schedules are built around MW and TR classes, there are 160 minutes of lecture each week for each class. So why don’t we take back those 10 minutes and add five to our walking time each day? This seems like the fairest trade-off.

An article in the Oct. 22 issue of The University Star highlighted some of the reasons why a five-minute extension could not be added.

Apparently, walking time cannot be altered because there are more students in more classes. For some unknown and unstated reason, increased walking time means fewer upper level classes would be offered.

For starters, if the university is accepting too many students, the administration should consider the option of being more selective in the students they admit.

Problem solved.

Also, a cut in class time does not directly affect the amount of classes that will be available — it will make them shorter. The start times for each class could be exactly the same as they are now. The only difference is

it would end a few minutes earlier. And even if the university has to meet class time requirements, the cut would mean more of each class would have to be offered, resulting in more Friday classes for upper level courses.

Given current concerns about class availability, forcing the university to find ways to create more classes while cutting class time seems like a win-win for students.

It is not just a matter of getting to class on time. Students should also have a few minutes to mentally prepare as well — and sure — a few minutes to read something they might not have the night before.

Students should not be inadvertently punished because the classes they need are scheduled back to back on opposite ends of campus.

If increased walking time between classes means the university has to offer more Friday classes and some go a bit later into the evening, so be it.

At least this way we can save our exercise for the gym.

—Luis Baez is political science junior

By Jude Prather Guest Columnist As we thank and honor our nation’s veterans on this Veterans’ Day, take a moment and think about why we do so.

We do so because veterans have volunteered to serve our nation and put their lives at risk for our nation every day. The horrific tragedy at Fort Hood makes this Veterans’ Day more real.

While serving in the Iraq war, I thought about home every day, but now that I am home, everyday I think about the war and how generations of Americans have answered the call to duty and served our nation. But it is our generation of veterans, soldiers and their spirit of voluntarism since Sept.

11, 2001 who have answered a call to arms. As we debated the war in Iraq, our soldiers fought on its dusty streets.

As we thought about going to vote, our soldiers fought the Taliban in some remote Afghan Valley to secure a polling station, so others could go vote.

These veterans and soldiers have volunteered knowing

our nation was engaged in two long and difficult wars.

The soldiers and veterans of our all-volunteer military were asked to do what seemed unimaginable just a decade ago when advances in our military technology made war seem quick and easy.

But these wars have not been quick like the fervor of emotion that swept our nation as we so quickly defeated resistance during invasions that quickly turned into the long insurgencies we fight today. These wars have required our voluntary military to make unimaginable sacrifices, to spend years away from home, deployment after deployment, fighting in difficult terrain and losing close brothers and sisters.

Some of the 1,108 veterans at Texas State have gone from holding weapons in war to holding books for their classes. These wars have had former students from Texas State fighting and some making the ultimate sacrifice and dying. Death is something our ROTC at Texas State knows too well with the passing of their second Cadet, 2nd Lt. Andrews,

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killed in action in Afghanistan. He leaves behind a wife expecting the birth of their child. Sadly, she will never know her daddy.

So what can we do?

We can honor their sacrifices by building a memorial for those Bobcats who gave their lives in the Iraq and Afghan wars. The memorial could go in the War Memorial Gardens with the World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam War Memorials next to Flowers Hall.

So fellow Bobcats, don’t just thank a veteran this Veteran’s Day. Match their spirit of voluntarism by giving back to our nation, community, university and a life that has given us so much opportunity. No matter your own views about these wars, we should all come together and honor the sacrifice veterans and military service members. We can always do more for our veterans.

—Jude Prather is an Iraq War Veteran with the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Regiment. He has also served as the Associated Student Government Veterans Liaison for Texas State University.

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

Copyright Tuesday, November 10. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

Trends st

Delectable Deal

Whataburger will host “Orange Night Out” Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., including locations in the Austin and San Marcos area. Customers dressed in orange will receive a free Whataburger for dine-in service. The initiative is part of “Whataburger Serves,” a new company-wide program to benefit communities and employees during the down economy.

The University Star – 5

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Thursday leaves attendees wanting more

By Matthew Barnes Features Reporter

A crowd mingles late on South Congress in Austin. Jeff Little, Southwest Texas alumnius, paints an old skateboard as onlookers admire his work. Tim Metz stands behind his booth and barters over the price of a necklace he carved.

Local art, handmade wares and retro clothing are always scattered across Austin, but on the first Thursday of every month, vendors convene in the lots of “SoCo,” or South Congress.

“It’s like a gathering of all the different kinds of creative people,” Little said.

Little has been painting for almost 15 years.

“I’ve always skateboarded, so my old skateboards became a natural canvas for me re-using what I already had,” Little said. “I paint while I’m here and make it interactive with people and try to have a good time.”

Metz said he started his craft as a “fluke.”

“I used it for barter at festivals for a while, then I was in Bolivia, and I saw these guys selling carved coconuts and I was like ‘Man, I can do that,’” Metz said.

A few booths over from the jeweler, two artists display their pieces side by side. Amanda Westbrook sells paintings and drawings. Her partner Della Badart has constructed artwork out of cabinets, Altoid tins, boxes, bottle caps and other various objects.

“I do mixed-media collages with recycled objects,” Badart said. “I find pieces that tell a story and put them together.”

Kallie Moore and Lindsey Glover have teamed to make tie-dye clothing, including everything from shirts to baby outfits. The two sold their products for the first time during November’s First Thursday.

“We waited actually a couple of months to get in,” Moore said. “We’ve had all this sitting around and we were like ‘what are we going to do with all these tie-dye shirts?’”

Live music wafts down the street. The shops and restaurants are open later than usual, offering specials for the occasion.

“Anyone who comes here would find something neat to do,” Badart said. “From the cupcakes to the coffee, we’ve got it all right here on South Congress.”

Vendors agree First Thursday draws the right

kind of crowd.

“I feel like it’s kind of more my atmosphere,” Westbrook said. “People who are into creative things come out here looking for something more interesting.”

Some feel their work would not be as appreciated in other venues.

“The crowd out here is really eclectic from the people live here,” Badart said. “I really like historical pieces, current events and iconic pieces, and they’re an intelligent and informed audience who are interested in what I’m doing.”

Students who went to the event wished they could have taken home a little more.

“Next time I come back, I want to have a little more cash with me,” said Roberto Amaya, international studies and relations senior.

Metz said the selection of handcrafted goods is always exceptional.

“As an appreciator of art and local culture, it’s always on,” Metz said. “There can be anything and everything. There’s some stuff here that you might not ever consider buying, but there’s a lot you might be blown away about somebody being able to make by hand.”

“Bat Boy: The Musical” flies above

By Jovonna Owen Features Reporter Bat Boy has been sighted and captured on campus.

Students should enter his lair at their own risk.

Bat Boy: The Musical hits the main stage Wednesday at the Theatre Center.

The off-Broadway hit musical is based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, halfbat, nicknamed Bat Boy, found living in a cave.

The dark, witty modern musical comedy tells the story of an unusual boy with sharp, pointy ears and his enduring struggle to find love in a

rejecting world.

Braden Bradley, who stars as Bat Boy, said the story of his character is relatable to students.

“We all feel different in some way — whether it be race, religion or anything — but deep down, we feel we’re all the same and want to be just like everyone else,” said Bradley, musical theatre senior.

Kaitlin Hopkins, director of Batboy: The Musical, was an original cast member nominated for a Drama Desk for her role in the 2001 New York production.

“It’s so cool because she knows the person who wrote the book and music for the show,” Bradley said. “She can

give us an inside view of what it’s supposed to be and what it really is.”

Hopkins said she enjoys seeing students reinterpret and redefine the roles differently.

“The work ethic of the students here is just exceptional and absolutely on a professional level,” said Hopkins, lecturer in the department of theatre and dance.

“It’s just an incredible experience to work with young artists who are so passionate and committed and want something so much. It reminds you of why you did it in the first place and why you want to be part of passing that along to

the next generation of artists.”

The department of theatre and dance will host a special preview performance for soldiers from Fort Hood Tuesday in honor of the United Service Organizations. Country music legend, Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers, will be attending in support of the troops and the new musical theatre program.

“This event is in the spirit of the long-running tradition of the United Service Organization, of providing entertainment to the men and women who defend our country,” said John Fleming, chair of the department of theatre and dance. “One of our alums (actress Susan

Lynch) is the daughter of Lt. General Rick Lynch. I read a story about the ‘Family First’ program he created at Fort Hood. I was deeply moved by his efforts and wanted the department to show its support and contribute to the overall well-being of these courageous men and women.”

Hopkins said artists need to give back to the community.

“Our students are the same age as many of the soldiers, so I am excited we can do this event,” Hopkins said. “I think it is going to be a fun, entertaining show, and I know the cast is honored to be hosting the troops.”

Hopkins said being in the off-Broadway production

has allowed her to set a high standard.

“I think audiences are going to be really impressed by what they see,” Hopkins said.

“The students have worked extremely hard and I’m so glad the soldiers from Fort Hood will be the first to see what we have created.”

Performances will be held 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Nov. 18 to Nov. 21 and at noon Sunday and at 2 p.m. Nov. 22.

General admission tickets are $10. Students with a valid student ID can purchase tickets for $7. Advanced tickets can be purchased via the Texas State Box Office at 512-245-2204.

Trends

6 - The University Star

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

NEON SOUNDS: (right) Front man of Neon Indian, Alan Palomo, performs Saturday night at the Blue Stage for Fun Fun Fun Fest attendees.

DANCE PARTY: (below) Ssion front man, Cody Critcheloe, put on a show for festival goers Saturday on the Blue Stage at Fun Fun Fun Fest.

AUSTIN TRADITION: (above) Fun Fun Fun Fest took place Saturday and Sunday in Austin’s Waterloo Park, featuring bands The Cool Kids, Ratatat, Les Savy Fav, Kid Sister and more.

AUSTIN HOMEGROWN: (left) Erin Jantzen of L.A.X. performs Saturday on the Blue Stage at Fun Fun Fun Fest.

Sara Strick/Star photo LIGHTS AND SOUNDS: Electronic duo Evan Mast and Mike Stroud, better known as Ratatat, headlined the Orange Stage Saturday night at Waterloo park in Austin.

Russian Circles looks Royal Bangs bring the funk past problems to future

By Brett Thorne Opinions Editor

Sara Strick/Star photo DANCING CIRCLES: Progressive rock trio Russian Circles took the stage Saturday at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin.

By Brett Thorne Opinions Editor Two songs through the band’s midday set Saturday, Russian Circles’ guitarist Mike Sullivan was kneeling on the ground, fumbling to figure out what had gone wrong with his expansive guitar rig.

The band had launched into “Malko” from its most recent album, Geneva, when his guitar loop cut out.

“It was some phantom problem,” Sullivan said. “I fixed it. I didn’t troubleshoot.

I don’t know what I did to fix it. Thank God it came back into shape.”

The three members of Russian Circles, Sullivan, drummer Dave Turncrantz and bassist Brian Cook, have become familiar with problems recently.

Former bass player Colin DeKuiper exited the band during the writing process for its second album, Station.

Losing one-third of the band could have been catastrophic, but they pressed on and finished recording the album with the help of Cook, who splits his time between Russian Circles and These Arms Are Snakes.

Two years later, the band experienced another loss, albeit less jarring.

On the first day of the current tour, Sullivan’s rare Gibson Les Paul double-cutaway guitar was stolen from a venue after the band finished its set. The thief walked out the front door with the guitar.

Sullivan said the instrument had more sentimental value than whatever money one could get from selling it.

“Now, after we play, I grab my guitar like it’s a baby,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan’s passion for the instrument runs back to growing up in St. Louis. He said his interest in music can be traced to the times when his parents played albums by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

“It started when I was 11,” Sullivan said. “I was just in love with Eddie Van Halen.

1984 was the soundtrack to my first memories of life.

When I was a little kid, I didn’t care about sports — I cared about Eddie Van Halen.”

Sullivan’s parents bought a guitar for him and his brother to share, and when the fighting for access to the instrument reached a head, his parents gave in.

“They bought another one,” Sullivan said. “They bought him a nicer one. It’s funny he was way better of a player

than I was, but we took different paths. I had more fun doing my own thing. He did a lot of by-the-book learning.”

Sullivan formed a punk band with Turncrantz, and when that ended, the two began experimenting with the more grandiose compositions, which now defines their current band’s sound.

Sullivan said the future holds more touring for the band. Russian Circles will tour America through mid-December with a European tour in the works for early 2010.

Sullivan said the seemingly endless tours could take their toll on a person’s privacy. For Sullivan, the biggest sacrifices have been less alone time with his guitar and less time to “just space out.”

Sullivan is not about to start complaining about touring and the other “phantom problems” following the job.

“It’s hard to be bummed out,” Sullivan said. “I have more fun on tour than being home. I love writing music too, and touring makes it financially feasible to do that.

You’re not going to make a whole lot of money, but you can continue to do what you love to do.”

Royal Bangs acted as the crown princes of the Orange Stage at Fun Fun Fun Fest Saturday.

The band, which was second to play the stage that day, had one of the earliest time slots of the festival but did not fail to grab people’s attention.

Initially there was a thin crowd of no more than 50 spectators, but by the end of the set, the audience grew to approximately 200 people.

“I thought it was really good,” said Sam Stratton, guitarist.

“We played well and there was a pretty good crowd. People seemed to like it.”

The band, which consists of Stratton, vocalist and keyboardist Ryan Schaefer, drummer Chris Rusk, guitarist Brandon Biondo and bassist Henry Gibson. The group has become something of a staple at festivals around the country.

Spin named Royal Bangs one of the “9 Unsigned Bands to Watch” at 2009’s South by Southwest. The same magazine reviewed the band’s set at Bonnaroo and called them the kind of new band “that makes a late night (well after 2:45 a.m.) worthwhile.”

Royal Bangs has been fortunate with their received press, but they are not an overnight success story. Royal Bangs’ debut album, We Breed Champions, was self-recorded at a storage space and house in the band’s hometown of Knoxville, Tenn.

The album was self-released and caught the attention of Patrick Carney, drummer of the Black Keys and owner of Audio Eagle Records.

“He heard it online and sent us an e-mail that said ‘I want to release it,’” Schaefer said. “It was really cool because he is super nice and is really into it. It was kind of like he wanted to record it as a pet project and to help his friends out.”

After the moderate success of We Breed Champions, Royal Bangs was left with a decision of whether to tour and quit their jobs or continue the band as a hobby. The choice was made to pursue music, and former members Jason Campbell and Danny Sale decided to quit. Biondo and Gibson were brought in as replacements. The band has not slowed down since.

Royal Bangs released their second album, Let It Beep, on Sept. 15.

Schaefer said 16-hour days

were the norm during the recording process of Let It Beep.

“It was awesome to have all five of us in the same spot,” Schaefer said. “We slept in the studio.”

Schaefer said with the support of Audio Eagle, the band was able to focus on creating a cohesive album.

“Even though most of the time (bands are) going to sell songs on iTunes or people are downloading it, we’re all really hung up on the idea of making an album that is a group of songs,” Schaefer said.

Most bands are tending to release singles, and artists like Sufjan Stevens and Radiohead are questioning the viability of the album. Stratton points to the increasing popularity of vinyl as evidence that people are still interested in the format.

“The thing about vinyl is whether it sounds better or not, you can jump tracks — but it’s meant to be listened to in its entirety,” Stratton said.

The band finished its North

American tour Monday and will leave Nov. 22 for two weeks of shows in Europe.

“We don’t really know what to expect,” Schaefer said. “I guess I haven’t really sat down and looked at how big the places are we’re playing or if anybody knows who we are. So it’s kind of a mystery, but we’re excited to go, either way.”

Royal Bangs members describe their fantasy headlining shows:

Sam Stratton: Captain Beyond, Weird Al, Bruce Springsteen (Vinny Lopez Era) and Royal Bangs Ryan Schaefer: The guy who did the theme from Family Matters, Death, the guy who did the theme from Family Matters again and Royal Bangs Henry Gibson: The Beatles, The Smiths, The Doors and Royal Bangs

Sara Strick/Star photo ATTENTION GRABBERS: Royal Bangs were second to play on the Orange Stage Saturday at Fun Fun Fun Fest.

diversions

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The University Star - 7

c ro s s w o rd

sudoku Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk TOday’s sudoku solution

© 11/10/09 The Mepham Group.

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Classifieds Classifieds Contact – starclassifieds@txstate.edu

Announcements

ALCOHOL & Drug Resource Center AA MEETINGS -Tuesday & Thursday 12:30-1:30pm LBJSC 3.4 -Fridays 11am-till noon LBJSC 4.1.

TRANSFORMING STRESS: Using the Heart-Brain Connection to Reduce Stress Tues., Nov. 10 3:00 - 4:00PM •Control emotional stress reactions more effectively!

•Improve mental functioning & concentration!

•Reduce the harmful physiological effects of stress!

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

For Rent

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For Rent­—Apts

NORTH GATE ON LBJ has 1BD/1BA for $675 & a 2BD/2BA for $775.

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For Rent—Condos/ Townhomes

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For Rent—Condos/ Townhomes 2BD/2BA WITH W/D AVAILABLE NOW. $600/mo. Park North, (512) 353-7644.

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

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Sports 8 - The University Star

DEFENSIVE DISTINCTION Texas State volleyball’s Amber Calhoun, sophomore middle blocker, was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday. Calhoun recorded 13 blocks in this weekend’s matches and had a career-high seven kills.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu

Northwestern State 0 S.e. Louisiana 27

Stephen F. Austin Nicholls State

31 27

Southland Conference Football Results

Central Arkansas Texas State

24 McNeese State 63 27 Sam Houston State 42

Bobcats maul Bears

Football in running for four-way tie in Southland Conference

T

By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter

he Central Arkansas Bears completed an eight-play, 78-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run Saturday to take back the lead 24-20 with 1:40 left in regulation.

The Bobcats needed to drive the ball 65 yards in less than two minutes to keep their Southland Conference title hopes alive. A field goal would not suffice — the Bobcats needed a touchdown.

Darius Bolden, sophomore wide receiver, delivered that touchdown, giving Texas State the lead, 27-24, off a 24-yard score with 27 seconds remaining on the clock.

The Bobcats’ win marks their fourth and seventh consecutive overall and road victories in the SLC, respectively.

Texas State still remains in a four-way tie for first place in the SLC with Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin and McNeese State, as each team was victorious this weekend.

However, the SLC championship race will become clearer when Southeastern Louisiana plays SFA and Texas State plays McNeese State.

If Texas State is victorious, SFA would have to beat Southeastern Louisiana for the Bobcats to have a better chance at winning the SLC title.

Texas State owns any potential tiebreaker over SFA, but not against Southeastern Louisiana.

The game began with the Bobcats scoring first off a one-yard run by Frank Reddic, freshman running back. It was Reddic’s sixth rushing touchdown of the season.

The Bobcats took a 6-0 lead after a missed

extra point attempt by Ryan Batchelor, junior kicker.

The Bears then scored 10 straight points off a field goal and a six-yard touchdown run by quarterback Robbie Park.

Mishak Rivas, sophomore wide receiver, gave the Bobcats a 13-10 lead just before halftime.

Rivas had a 15-yard touchdown grab with 1:02 left in the second quarter. He now has three touchdowns in his last two games after being without one until this point.

“It’s good to come back and be productive,” Rivas said. “After being hurt earlier, I wanted to come out and perform. I feel like I’m back. I’m gaining confidence with each play.”

Running back Brent Grimes regained the lead 17-13 for the Bears off a 10-yard touchdown run.

Daren Dillard, sophomore wide receiver, answered back in the fourth quarter with a 20-yard touchdown catch, giving Texas State a 20-17 lead.

Grimes took the lead for the Bears one last time, finishing a 78-yard drive with a two-yard score. Grimes rushed 166 yards off 21 carries.

The Bobcats took the field and orchestrated a 65-yard touchdown drive that ended with Bolden’s 24-yard score.

It was Bolden’s first touchdown of the season.

Bradley George, senior quarterback, completed 27 of 39 passes for 301 yards and Courtesy of Texas State Athletics three touchdowns. George has now thrown for 300-plus yards five times this season.

He had four 300-plus yards games prior to RUNNING TO WIN: Mishak Rivas, sophomore wide receiver, runs past a Central Arkansas player Saturday at Estes Stadium in Conway, Ark. The Bobcats defeated the Bears 27-24. this season.

Lions, Bobcats, Bearkats — Oh my!

Texas State claws Sam Houston State, falls to Southeastern

By Cameron Irvine Sports Reporter The Texas State women’s soccer team has scored its last goal for the 2009 season. The Bobcats fell 2-0 against Southeastern Louisiana Sunday after defeating Sam Houston State 2-1 Friday in the semifinals.

“We played well on Sunday and got some great looks at the goal but couldn’t get past the goalkeeper,” said Coach Kat Conner. “Their first goal we made a mistake and they capitalized and it made us chase the game. (That’s how) you know you are playing against two opponents — (Southeastern) and time.”

The Lions scored in the 10th minute, gaining an early lead and in the 89th to

secure the victory. Texas State outshot Southeastern Louisiana 10-5 and had an advantage in corner kicks 6-4 despite the loss. Lions’ goalkeeper Lacey Bockhaus saved six goals.

Texas State faced SHSU Friday for the second time this season, defeating the Bearkats 2-1. Britney Curry, junior forward, accounted for both goals in the tournament win, totaling 18 for the season, a Texas State individual record.

“It’s a great feeling to accomplish,” Curry said. “I’m proud, but I couldn’t have accomplished anything without my teammates.”

This year, the Texas State women’s soccer team finished with a conference-best 8-0-1 SLC record and 14-6-1 overall, second to the Lions. The Bobcats went 14-1

at home in front of an average crowd of 453, which was best in the SLC by more than 100 fans.

“I told the players they had a great season and keep their heads up because they are champions,” Conner said. “We will give the team (a break for) a couple weeks then start some offseason conditioning. As for coaches, we will hit the road recruiting looking for our 2011 class.”

The group will replace seniors Andrea Grifo, midfielder, Mandi Mawyer, goalkeeper, Christina Racanelli, defender, Jessica Smith, defender, and Lindsay Tippet, forward. However, the tandem of Curry and Erica Michaud, sophomore forward, will be intact for one more season. Curry will enter her senior year and Michaud, her junior year.

Volleyball takes wins for division lead

By Eric Harper Sports Reporter The Bobcat volleyball team seized the chance it was given to tie Sam Houston State for the Southland Conference West Division lead.

Texas State defeated Lamar 3-2 Thursday and SHSU 3-0 Saturday, taking its win streak to eight matches.

“The Bobcats are here,” Coach Karen Chisum said.

“We are playing well and have a lot of confidence.”

The Bobcats honored seniors Jessica Weynand, outside hitter, and Brittany Collins, setter, before the game. Collins finished the match with 12 assists while Weynand recorded 12 kills.

Chisum said she was happy to see her seniors make significant contributions to the Bobcats’ Saturday victory.

“I’m glad Jessica and Brittany had a good night,” Chisum said. “They are great. I really appreciate them.”

The Bobcats needed five sets Thursday to complete their victory against Lamar. The Bobcats did not let up against the Bearkats and won the three sets by a combined 30 points.

Chisum said Texas State never allowed SHSU to find any rhythm throughout the match.

“We did not give them a chance,” Chisum said.

The Bobcats were eager to get a second shot at Strahan Coliseum after losing road

matches against Lamar and SHSU. Chisum said the performances are a testament to how much the Bobcats have improved since the early October road defeats.

“We are so much better than we were a month ago,” Chisum said.

Weynand and Mo Middleton, junior outside hitter, led the Bobcats. Middleton combined for 28 kills in the two matches. Weynand tallied 23 kills. Shelbi Irvin, junior setter, helped the Bobcat hitters with a combined 46 kills.

Collins helped the setting effort Saturday with 12 kills in her start.

Weynand will finish her career at Texas State as the 15th Bobcat to record 1,000 kills. She achieved the mark Sept. 19 in a 3-1 Bobcat victory over Syracuse. Weynand was an SLC first-team member in 2008 and named to the preseason all-SLC first team this season. Weynand currently leads the Bobcats with 327 kills.

Collins was a preseason allSLC second-team member in 2008 and was a conference honorable mention this year.

Collins leads the Bobcats this season with 427 assists.

The Bobcats will return to action on the road Thursday against Texas-San Antonio in the I-35 Rivalry game. The Bobcats’ last regular season match is Saturday against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.