Defending the First Amendment since 1911
Volume 99, Issue 34
18
Tattoos aren’t taboos
WEDNESDAY
NOV
www.UniversityStar.com
Students talk about why they sit through the pain. See story page 6 and exclusive video at UniversityStar.com.
Texas State Allies signs being defaced on campus By Amanda Givens News Reporter For some it is a sign. For others it symbolizes a safe haven. Members of the Allies of Texas State said their organization’s placards on campus have been stolen and ripped apart. Others defaced embossed with defamatory statements. Allies members and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning community said they have been noticing discriminatory acts on campus for some time now. “I believe for individuals, fear of the unknown gets the best of them at times,” said Iliana Melendez, the Allies Program Team graduate intern. “This is the reason programs like the Allies at Texas State exists.” The Allies of Texas State program promotes awareness and understanding about sexual and gender identities through education and training. Participants in Allies of Texas State receive an Ally of Texas State placard and pin as sym-
Size, parking prevents on-campus polling locations for voters By Hollie O’Connor News Reporter Texas State students have not had an on-campus polling location on Election Day in the past, nor can they expect one in the future. Joyce Cowan, Hays County elections administrator, said issues of legality and convenience are the cause. Voters must cast their ballot at a designated polling location according to their precinct on Election Day. Texas State is part of several precincts because of its size, which by law can only contain 5,000 citizens, Cowan said. A polling location on campus would not meet ADA requirements, she said. “You can’t put the whole university or this one section in a polling place because of the population,” Cowan said. “You can’t open one and say ‘All university students can go vote here.’ That’s not the case. The requirement by law says the precinct would be way too large.” Cowan said if there was a polling location at Texas State, parking would be an issue for those encompassed in the precinct, but who do not live on campus. “Let’s face it, parking on any university campus is not fun, period,” Cowan said. “It (parking) has to be available for everyone.” William DeSoto, political science associate professor, said city officials must do their best to accommodate all voters. The best way to do this is to scatter polling locations throughout the county, he said. Cowan said there are polling locations on the outskirts of the university, which are con-
venient for students, such as the Old Fish Hatchery Building on CM Allen Parkway. Early voting will continue to be held on campus in coming elections, Cowan said. This is possible because unlike Election Day voting, anyone from Hays County can cast their ballot at any early voting location. “Early voting is for the convenience of the voter,” Cowan said. “You’re here, and it’s close to you. But on Election Day, you vote within the boundary lines of where you live.” Cowan said one possible solution to the inconvenience of designated polling locations is the creation of vote centers. Vote centers would work much like early voting — any citizen could vote at any vote center in their county. She said this year there were five pilot sites in Lubbock that went “very well,” but the policy has not yet been passed into law. “Say you’re a commuter coming in from Austin, but as you’re coming in it’s getting close to 7 p.m. and the closest Vote Center is in Kyle,” Cowan said. “You can pull in on Election Day there instead of trying to make a mad dash to your area precinct.” Cowan said vote centers could increase the number of participants in local elections. Ascelina Garza, pre-communication disorders sophomore, said she agrees with Cowan. Garza said she watched the City Council debates, but she did not vote in the recent election. She said this was because of the inconvenience of finding her polling site. Having vote centers in Hays County would encourage her to cast a ballot in the future, especially if there was one on campus.
NEWS pages 1-3
bols of understanding, support and trust. These placards and pins identify people with whom a LGBTQ person may visit if they need help or advice. Melendez could not identify the number of torn down placards the organization has replaced, but said it happens frequently. Melendez said there is a common misconception members trained as Allies come from the LGBTQ community. “There are negative stigmas and stereotypes individuals hold of the LGBTQ community,” Melendez said. Kyle Hennings, social work senior, is president of Lambda at Texas State, a social organization for the LGBTQ community. Hennings said people do not think prejudice against the LGBTQ community still exists. “Situations such as the plaques being torn down send little messages of hate and disrespect,” Hennings said. “It is not easy for people to come out. People need to step up a bit more.”
Hennings said Lambda works with Allies to promote its events. “The plaques on campus doors are symbols for our community that let us know they understand our situation,” Hennings said. “The plaque is a symbol we can be free and it is a safe place for us.” Hennings said the Allies placards are not the only targets on campus. He said Lambda members have been targets of derogatory statements, though he would not identify the members’ identities. Gregory Snodgrass, director of the Counseling Center and a trained Ally at Texas State, said situations such as the Allies’ signs being torn down are affirmations of the need for an education campaign. “It takes time for people to overcome misconceptions and prejudices about individuals who are different,” Snodgrass said. “There is a continuing need to educate in order to bring
Being an Ally Do not assume
heterosexuality. In our society and culture, it is assumed that everyone is heterosexual. People will often hide who they are until they feel safe to come out. Use gender neutral language when referring to someone’s partner if you do not know the person well. Be aware of the gender language you use and the implications of this language. Educate yourself about LGBTQ issues. Many resources are available, including reading lists and websites. Avoid patronizing individuals from different groups. —Courtesy of Allies of Texas State
see ALLIES, page 3
Lights Out
Crashed car leaves downtown San Marcos in the dark
Sara Strick/Star photo BLACKOUT: A vehicle crashed into a utility pole Tuesday night in downtown San Marcos, causing an area-wide power outage. Emergency officials got the lights back on at approximately 7:30 p.m.
A single vehicle knocked out all of downtown’s power Tuesday night after the driver lost control and ran into a utility pole. “What happened here is basically the same thing that happens in heavy weather conditions,” said Fire Marshall Ken Bell. “When a wire starts bouncing around and it hits a primary system, it causes a reaction at the substation and it responds by opening the safety circuits which cause the power to go out.” Bell said he sees large power outages like Tuesday’s approximately a dozen times in a year. Bell said he has seen subsequent traffic accidents after the outage but is unsure if they are connected. The women’s basketball game was postponed until the power came back on at approximately 7:30 p.m. — Compliled by Scott Thomas
Individuals reminisce about Aquarena Center By Bianca Davis News Reporter Memories of the Aquarena Center will outlast its buildings and exhibits, say individuals who know the area best. Peggy Fairey, an Aquamaid in the early 1950s, reminisced about the long hours she spent swimming in the shows. “After you did several shows you would be real cold, then afterwards we would lay out on the dock and get a suntan,” Fairey said. “I still remember that.” Fairey said the park holds memories for everyone who was a part of it. “Even people who went to school here have a lot of emotional attachments to this place,” Fairey said. The site of the Aquarena Center is to undergo demolition of buildings located on the peninsula beginning in 2010. Andy Sansom, executive director of the River Systems Institute, said the university is working with the Army Corps of Engineers for the project to restore the land to a “natural state.” “The submarine theater, the old resta
“We spent our life around here. I enjoyed being a part of it, and it was my family’s love.” — Shirley Rogers Aquamaid, 1953 rant and gift shop — all that is going to be gone,” Sansom said. “There will be some restrooms and we will still have a facility to dock the boats. Other than that it’s going to looks like it did in 1890.” The center is on the grounds of the former Aquarena Springs Amusement Park, which was home to Aquamaids and Ralph the Swimming Pig. The last show was performed in 1996 as part of the process of shifting the focus from entertainment to education. Sansom said the shift was part of a university plan from when they bought it in 1994. The center still shows the remains of a once-popular amusement park, but the
scenery will change within the next year as the area undergoes total renovation. “This is probably the most significant environmental restoration program in the United States, the reason being the incredible importance of these springs,” Sansom said. The park is a sentimental place for former employees and visitors alike. Becky Jones, a former boat driver and gift shop manager, remembered her time working at the amusement park. “They didn’t pay very well,” Jones said. “They paid minimum wage, but I kept working here for six years because they balanced it with so much fun.” She said she became friends with some of the regulars, and they would take her out to eat. “It was before the days of Sea World and Fiesta Texas,” Jones said. “People would spend the whole weekend here. They would eat at the restaurant and attend all the attractions. There was the skyride, glass-bottom boats and the show area was
OPINIONS
TRENDS
SPORTS
page 5
pages 6-7 Texas State alumnus directs film in San Marcos, including students and alumni in the production
page 10
Main Point: ‘Texas State Traitors’ does more harm than good
see CENTER, page 3
Today’s Weather
73°/49° Sunny Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 41% UV: 5 Moderate Wind: SW 10 mph
Page Two
2 - The University Star
ON THIS
STARS OF TEXAS STATE
Freshman setter Caleigh McCorquodale had 13 assists, seven digs and five kills Nov. 14 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Texas State volleyball team earned the No. 1 seed in the Southland Conference Tournament after it swept Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (25-19, 27-25, 25-22). —Courtesy of Texas State Athletics
Texas State University – San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
CRIME DAY IN HISTORY
BL TTER
1883: The United States and Canada adopted a system of standard time zones. 1886: Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president of the United States, died in New York at age 57. 1928: The first successful sound-synchronized animated cartoon, Walt Disney’s “Steamboat Willie” starring Mickey Mouse, premiered in New York. 1966: U.S. Roman Catholic bishops did away with the rule against eating meat on Fridays. 1969: Apollo 12 astronauts Charles “Pete” Conrad Jr. and Alan L. Bean landed on the lunar surface during the second manned mission to the moon. 1978: More than 900 people died in Jonestown, Guyana, after Peoples Temple cult leader Jim Jones urged them to kill themselves by drinking cyanide-laced grape punch. Jones died of a bullet wound to the head; whether it was self-inflicted is unknown. 1987: The congressional Iran-Contra committees issued their final report, saying President Ronald Reagan bore “ultimate responsibility” for wrongdoing by his aides. 1999: A jury in Jasper, convicted Shawn Allen Berry of murder for his role in the dragging death of James Byrd Jr., but spared him the death penalty. 2002: U.N. arms inspectors returned to Iraq after a four-year hiatus, calling on Saddam Hussein’s government to cooperate with their search for weapons of mass destruction. 2004: Britain outlawed fox hunting in England and Wales.
Nov. 6, 1:30 a.m. Burglary of Vehicle/Blanco Parking Garage A student reported to a police officer his property was taken from his vehicle without his consent. The case is under investigation.
— Courtesy of New York Times
— Courtesy of University Police Department
Nov. 6, 3:37 a.m. Burglary of Vehicle/Bobcat Village Commuter Parking Lot Students reported to a police officer their property had been taken from their vehicles without their consent. The case is under investigation. Nov. 6, 10:44 a.m. Theft-Under $500/Mitte Art Building A student reported to a police officer her property had been taken without her consent. The case is under investigation. Nov. 6, 10:09 p.m. Graffiti - Loss under $500/ Bobcat Stadium While on patrol, a police officer noticed university property had been vandalized by a juvenile. The juvenile was issued a criminal trespass warning. Nov. 6, 10:47 p.m. Medical Emergency/Bexar Hall A student was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for excessive alcohol consumption. A report was made of the incident. Nov. 7, 1:03 a.m Theft-Under $1500.00/ Bobcat Village Apartments A student reported to a police officer his property had been taken without his consent. The case is under investigation.
PATH TO SCHOOL: Ryan Hughey, wildlife biology junior, bikes the infamous San Marcos hills Tuesday to school.
Jake Marx/Star photo
Texas State seeks updated data on students, faculty, staff Texas State needs your help. The university is required by law to collect race and ethnicity data for all students, faculty and staff, and because of a recent change in federal rules, is updating the data it has on file. Under the new standards, individuals first can indicate their ethnicity as Hispanic or non-Hispanic, and then can select which race or combination of races is most representative of their racial background. The process takes just a few minutes online. Everyone in the university community should review and update his or her information in order to present a more-accurate reflection of Texas State. Among many uses, the data will help establish Texas State’s eligibility for a range of federal grants that benefit all students. “We use these numbers in a variety of ways,” said Susan Thompson, senior research analyst in Institutional Research. “We have to report them to the state and federal governments, and it’s important we give them accurate information. They’re also important when it comes to recruiting new students and hiring new faculty and staff.”
The process for an individual to update his or her record is done through CatsWeb. Students log in to CatsWeb, click Student Services, then click Update Racial and Ethnic Background under Other Student Services. Faculty and staff log in to CatsWeb, choose Faculty/Staff Services, then click on Update Racial and Ethnic Background under Employee Services. Click the “submit” button at the bottom of the screen, even if no changes are made. Technical problems with CatsWeb typically can be resolved by calling the ITAC Help Desk at 512-245-4822. Students with non-technical questions can contact the Registrar’s Office at 512-245-7888, and faculty and staff members with non-technical questions can call Human Resources at 512-245-2557. “Information about individuals remains private,” Thompson said. “This is simply a way for us to make sure our reports accurately reflect the university community.” — Courtesy of Office of Institutional Research
Bobcat Tube Film Festival scheduled for Dec. 4 The five finalists and the winners in Texas State’s first video contest will be unveiled at the Bobcat Tube Film Festival at 2 p.m Dec. 4 in the Academic Services Building, room 315. The first 100 through the doors will receive commemorative T-shirts from the event, which will feature the best videos about “A Day in My Life at Texas State” as produced by Texas State faculty, staff and students. In addition, filmgoers will have a chance to win Texas State merchandise in the “Who Wants to be a Know-It-All” trivia contest. There also will be door prizes of Texas State items given out throughout the event.
visit visit visit visit
The three top prizes — a Sony Handycam, Apple iTouch 3G and Apple Nano Video — will be handed out after the five finalists’ videos are shown. The top three videos will be posted on the Texas State YouTube site, www.youtube.com/txstateu, and the winner will have the opportunity to make videos for the university’s YouTube and Facebook sites in the spring. One of the finalists also will be awarded the Golden Bobcat Award, based on voting by those at the film festival. Entries in the video contest will be accepted through midnight, Nov. 22. For information, rules and guidelines, see go.txstate. edu/videocontest. — Courtesy of University Marketing
universitystar.com universitystar.com universitystar.com universitystar.com
News
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Center
continued from page
Allies
1
continued from page 1 about value changes.” long and consists of further Snodgrass said higher edu- educating individuals about the cation is a means for students LGBTQ community. Proper defito broaden their perspectives, nitions and terminology, myths though issues they encounter and facts and the reality of the may go against their beliefs. LGBTQ community on campus Snodgrass said the Counsel- are topics of discussion at the ing Center is an Allies’ “safe training session. office,” providing support to Hennings said the LGBTQ students who feel discriminat- community is often the brunt ed against. of the joke. If straight individuAllies training is four hours als show their support, groups
Stacie Andrews/Star photo CLOSING FOR GOOD: Buildings located on the peninsula of the Aquarena Center is undergoing demolition in mid- to late-2010.
the most fun for people with the swimming pig, of course. The gardens were really beautiful. It was so fun for people.” Shirley Rogers’ family owned the land and built the Spring Lake Hotel in 1928. Rogers
The University Star - 3
such as Allies have a profound impact. Melendez said the Allies program is celebrating 10 years at Texas State this year. “While for some individuals, it may have been 10 years of tearing down placards,” Melendez said. “For the Allies Team, it has been 10 years of celebrating the multiplication of those placards on doors across campus.”
Finances delay construction of future Aquarena overpass
swam as an Aquamaid in 1953. “We spent our life around here,” Rogers said. “I enjoyed being a part of it, and it was my family’s love. I was a big part of it and so was my sister.”
Transgender students still strive for equality By Imelda Vergara Special to The Star Texas State is not among the 280 colleges and universities in the United States that have non-discrimination policies including gender identity and expression. Texas State students have worked toward implementing gender identity into the antidiscrimination policy recently, but have been unsuccessful. Fernando Gomez, vice chancellor and general counsel of the Texas State University System, said the Board of Regents allow each individual campus to decide whether to include the poliy statements. “We did discuss it and the decision was made to not add it,” said Joanne Smith, vice president for Student Affairs. Smith said she believes nondiscrimination policy already protects transgender students with issues they may face, like harassment. Smith said without legal backing, there would be no transgender identity
and expression addition. “If you’re going to adopt the policy you’ve got to have legal protection,” Smith said. “Instead the university intends to work on a case-by-case basis and accommodate them to the best of its ability.” In the last couple of years gender-neutral restrooms have been discussed. Smith said a decision was made to have family restrooms that were gender neutral in addition to female and male restrooms on campus. A list can be found on the Texas State Allies Web site. A transgendered student, who prefers to remain anonymous, said he fears harassment and possible violent retaliation if his choice to transition was made public. “It would be more reasonable to tell my classmates if this was a more accepting campus or state,” he said. “We are humans like everyone else. Why should we not get the same rights and opportunities?”
ASG President Chris Covo said students in support of transgender rights should make their opinion appeal to the University President’s Cabinet. Covo said they should come to the ASG senate and ask for help. “I hope any student who feels like they are misrepresented or have an issue with student life can come to us,” Covo said. “Our slogan is ‘Bobcats for Bobcats.’ No matter what you look like, we’ll do our best to figure something out.” Kyle Hennings, president of Lambda, said he would like to see more appropriate housing accommodations for LGBTQ — in particular the transgender community. “The university does not take into account individuals’ true gender identity when placing them in on-campus housing,” Hennings said. “It is hard to say how to go about making sure this sensitive issue is addressed, but currently the issue is completely ignored.”
BUMPER TO BUMPER: An overpass on Aquarena Springs Drive is in the design stages.
By Megan Holt News Reporter Drivers are not scheduled to receive train relief on Aquarena Springs Drive for a while. Sabas Avila, city assistant director of Public Transportation, said a four-lane overpass with a one or two lane frontage road is being designed by the Texas Department of Transportation. The overpass will cross over the Aquarena Springs Drive Union Pacific railroad tracks. “Construction for the bridge will begin at Interstate 35, go down Aquarena Springs and continue all the way to Charles Austin Street,” Marcus Cooper, TxDOT spokesman, said. “It will span approximately 1.3 miles.” Christiana Facundo, assistant manager of Mamacita’s Restaurant, said management was told about the overpass a few months ago. Mamacita’s executives have since announced a move to another location across
from the outlet malls. “They said there would be a bridge or something in the future,” Facundo said. “We aren’t moving locations because of the construction, but it could affect business because instead of using the feeder road, people will be driving over us. People aren’t going to turn back and come here.” Avila said the overpass is in design stages, but there is no absolute time frame for the project because federal funding is scarce. “There is not a lot of money around for road work,” Avila said. “TxDOT is really strapped for cash right now. As a result, road projects are stopped.” Cooper said the overpass is not scheduled for bidding until January 2015. “We started preliminary work on the project in September, and the completion for the design phase is scheduled for May 2011,” Cooper said. “After that,
Hannah VanOrstand/Star photo
construction may start.” Avila said roads that cross railroad tracks at the same level as trains are more dangerous than elevated crossings. “I think this would definitely be a good thing,” said Amber Henley, interdisciplinary studies senior. “I see students walking back to their cars all the time. When there is a train, they have to stand and wait in the street. A bridge would make it safer for students who choose to walk from the commuter lots.” Emily Stubbs, San Marcos resident, said she understands both positives and negatives of a train overpass. “Sure, it might be practical and a little more convenient for driving, but it wouldn’t be attractive to the Texas State campus,” Stubbs said. “It would take away from Texas State campus being a community all of its own.” Cooper said $22 million is the estimated cost for the overpass.
4 - The University Star
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Opinions
What’s your opinion?
Send your thought to staropinion@txstate.edu. Remember to keep it between 400 and 500 words. The University Star – 5
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
‘TEXAS STATE TRAITORS’
the main
point. A
“ s the Senate knows, there has been considerable criticism by a number of wellmeaning people of the naming of names in public before the individuals have had an opportunity to be heard.”
Is that a quote by ASG Sen. Jon Riggs, creator of the controversial Texas State Traitors Facebook group? No, that was Joseph McCarthy. No one will argue Texas State could use more loyalty and pride. The University Star ran an editorial Oct. 13 criticizing students for wearing other schools’ gear. Our stance on school pride is clear and unyielding. The difference is, The Star attacked an idea. Sen. Riggs’ group is an attack on people. There have been no legal violations, but there have been ethical ones. Universities should be a place for freedom of ideas and expressions. If the group has one negative effect on any Bobcat, then Riggs has failed as an official representative of Texas State. The senators, officials, faculty and students who participate in — and support — the group are also responsible. Riggs said he created the group out of his love and dedication for the university. He is one of the most vocal, active and influential members of the senate. The senate and university would be in better shape if all its members were as passionate as Riggs. However, while his principles are admirable, his actions are not. The group has not stayed
satirical, despite Riggs’ intention. Personal attacks are thrown back and forth on the group and Riggs has not stayed above the mudslinging. SACA Coordinator Roman Arispe, pre-mass communication sophomore, posted “(name redacted), I honestly don’t know anything else to say other than you are a sad excuse for a Bobcat. If you like UT so much, you should really attend that university because we don’t want you here.” At this point, the joke has gone too far. There are prideful Bobcats who are making their voices heard, which is good. However, focusing emotions and energy in such a negative way runs the danger of creating a mob mentality. Texas State students who make negative comments about a “traitor” on the group site are moving in that direction. Riggs kindled the fire, but Texas State students are fueling the witchhunt. ASG President Chris Covo said Riggs’ actions are not representative of the senate. The idea senators are not always representing the university is false — they are elected officials. There is no “off switch” or “time outs.” Being an ASG senator is not only something that will look good on a résumé. There are responsibilities that come with the position — humiliating students is not one of them. Cultivating school pride should not be negative. Action could have been taken in a tasteful way. Instead, an “Adopt a Confused Bobcat” group or a “Collection Fund For Displaced Fans” could have been created. Sen. Riggs and others, please continue to passionately support Bobcat pride. However, please do it in a way that does not harm others or the university’s image. The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
Russell Weiss/Star Illustration
Dorm residents should not have to park in commuter lots
By Kaycee Toller Opinions Columnist Hey commuter students! Soon, your freshmen friends will be able to share in your joyous commuter lot experience! That’s right, for only the cost of two dorm parking lots, your on-campus buddies will be able to contribute to your discussions about:
• Buses that never come! • Stalking pedestrians to see if they are about to free up a parking spot! • Calling a Bobcat Bobby for a lift from Speck Street, only to be rejected because of your gender! Sound like fun? I don’t like the idea either. The Parking and Transportation Committee is considering changing the green resident parking near Sterry and Falls halls to red faculty and staff lots. This would mean dorm residents would be stuck parking at Bobcat Stadium or the Speck Street garage, both of which are quite a hike away from the halls.
Red lot supporters argue dorm students don’t need the spots because they don’t move their cars as much. This means when a dorm student does move their car, it is usually to go somewhere that is not available by bus because of the location or time. Walking from Bobcat Stadium to Sterry Hall at night with grocery bags sounds like a terrible endeavor. Those who think these students should use their meal plans or catch a night bus to avoid this situation have probably never eaten campus food or ridden the trams at night (both can be quite unpleasant).
To pull off this great parking lot switcheroo, Texas State would need to do a lot of work. First, the university would need to find a transportation system to and from the perimeter lots that can be relied on at all hours of the night. Reliable transportation does not include a bus that runs every couple of hours or a Bobcat Bobby that won’t pick up guys or groups. Also, the university should lower prices for resident parking permits. Nobody should have to spend $195 for a residential parking permit if it means a spot will be several blocks from their dorms. Students who have experi-
enced campus living may opt for a cheaper perimeter permit. Incoming freshmen who are required to live in dorms have not yet experienced campus parking problems and would not know better. Unless the university follows through with providing reliable transportation between the dorms and parking lots and reduces the cost of parking permits, taking away student access to Sterry and Falls lots would be unfair to students living on campus. If the university chooses to convert these lots into faculty and staff lots, it will affect more than 800 residential students.
Students from Lantana, Butler and other residence halls in the area will feel the negative effects of limited resident parking as well. As for faculty and staff who are here during the day, what’s so wrong with parking in a commuter lot and taking the bus to campus buildings? If students can be expected to wait for a bus in the evening to get from their parking spot to their dorms, then there should be no problem for faculty and staff to do the same to get to work each day.
have an evening dinner with other participating teams at Worcester College. It immediately started to feel like a scene from a Harry Potter movie — and it looked exactly like one. We learned the Worcester, Christ Church colleges and dining halls were used to film scenes for the fictitious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We waited to be seated until the deans and professors of the college, dressed in academic robes and attire, took their seats at the head of the dining hall. I had an odd feeling being in that en-
vironment and eating with students and professors at the same time. The most surprising thing I learned was every college of Oxford had this dinner ceremony every night of the week. There are not many universities in the United States that have a tradition like this, but what if there were? What if it was a common standard in our educational experience at Texas State to have dinner with every enrolled student as our professors dined right across the room from us? Throughout dinner, I felt as if the tradition solidified the
purpose of getting an education. It seemed like every student was getting an education to achieve the same thing — to be placed in a position to do something better for their society. These aims are met at Texas State, but not quite as concentrated as they felt in Oxford. Students here have a lot of distance between everyone else. Our apartments are all over the city. We drive from Austin and San Antonio to get here. Even our dorms are separated from other dorms. The Quad is the only place students accumulate daily. If we had dinner with
everyone in our college, we might meet people we have things in common with more often, being better prepared to deal with differences in the real world. What if faculty members were able to fulfill a much more personal role in our lives than only class time and office hours? If we personally knew faculty members we would feel more compelled to master the material and be able to discuss it with them, instead of just regurgitating it for tests. Faculty members are certainly invested in us now. I do not doubt that, but I believe if we had more op-
portunities to develop the relationship, class time and the material we learn would hold much more weight than they do now. I would like to see Old Main turned into a setting where these relationships can be developed in an academic and historical setting over dinner. Maybe one day, every college would be able to have a nightly traditional dinner like the one I experienced in Oxford. It might not be exactly like Harry Potter, but it is worth a shot.
—Kaycee Toller is a journalism senior
College-wide dinner would develop stronger relationships
By Luis Baez Opinions Columnist One night my debate partner and I were preparing to compete in the annual Oxford IV, an international debate tournament held at the University of Oxford. Before doing so, we were invited to
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—Luis Baez is a political science junior
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State UniversitySan Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Wednesday, November 18. 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 6 – The University Star
Grammy U Wants You
Grammy U, created by The Recording Academy, is a program designed to help students pursue a career in the music industry. According to their Web site, Grammy U was created to “enhance students’ current academic curriculum with access to recording industry professionals.” Grammy U is coming to Texas State 5 p.m. Thursday in Old Main room 106.
Body canvas
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
How ink can change student lives
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TATTED UP: Haley Cornelious, history senior, tattooed her own foot, and Rebecca Basma, Classic Tattoo’s artist, inks Jenny Auderger, Texas State alumna.
By Thea Setterbo Features Reporter Haley Cornelius, like other students, has tattoos on her body. However, the history and political science senior has done what few inked individuals have had the opportunity to do — she tattooed herself. Cornelius, who suffered a spinal cord injury from a boating accident in 2001, conquered her own boredom with the help of a friend’s tattoo gun two years ago. She is paralyzed from the middle of her back and down. Cornelius knew she could forgo the distinct discomfort associated with getting an ankle tattoo. “I drew a design on my histo-
ry folder I liked,” Cornelius said. “I just decided to do it on myself because I knew I wouldn’t feel it.” Cornelius’s tattoo is the result of a personal feat, but some tattoos are a way to build up to larger works. Keely Lallier, sculpture freshman, has a tattoo of a small cupcake on her hip. She said it represents her personality. “My mom died a few years ago,” Lallier said. “I wanted to get a small piece done before I get the memorial piece for her on my back during Spring Break.” Other tattoos are reminders of how students want to live. “Mine says ‘live laugh love,’”
Jaime Riser, sociology sophomore, said. “We just need to be free.” Chris Shaw, pre-healthcare administration senior, said his reason is for his family. “I got my family brand done after my grandfather died,” Shaw said. Albert Rubio, social work junior, has a tribal tattoo that used to be a visible part of the ruins in El Salvador. “My family is from El Salvador,” Rubio said. “It’s to show where we’ve come from and where we’re going.” San Marcos native Rebecca Basma has been tattooing at Classic Tattoo and Body for three years. Basma said her fa-
vorite thing about tattooing students is they are usually getting their first ink. “You learn a lot about people in that anxious state,” Basma said. “I just really like doing tattoos people are excited about.” Jennifer White, health and wellness senior, has a tattoo on her side depicting a cross and web 2:20. Galatians extra “I was saved two years ago,” White said. “It represents my faith in Christ and what it means to me.”
San Marcos, we can connect a laptop with a ham radio and you can link with someone in Dallas or Colorado and use their Internet from here.” Remmert said during emergency events cell phone towers could be knocked out, along with landlines, but ham radios offer transmissions via the atmosphere. “There is the ionosphere and the magnetosphere, which are the two highest levels of the atmosphere,” Remmert said. “Communication depends on their conditions and the activity of the sun. If there are sun spots, those enable us to talk around the world, but when the sun is quiet, the range is really limited. You have to learn a bit about space weather and the sun as far as long distance communication goes.” One must be licensed through the Federal Communications Commission to run
a ham radio.www.universitystar.com “You have to take a test and they are offered about once a month,” Remmert said. “The frequencies on the radios we use are really high powered. They don’t want just anybody to be able to pick one of these up. You have to follow the protocols and rules.” There are three operator class levels: technician, general and amateur extra, according to the FCC Web site. Remmert said his operator class is technician, but most of the other members in his group are the highest level, amateur extra. “Most of them have some sort of a military background, and they’ve been doing this for years,” Remmert said. “I’m limited to the areas I can talk in because I can only use so much power. I cannot talk to, say, Russia, but they can talk pretty much anywhere they want across the world.”
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Lindsey Goldstein/Star photos
Amateur radio provides communication in disasters Brittany Bemis Assistant Trends Editor
Tired of talking with truckers on the citizens’ band radio? Maybe an upgrade is in order. Amateur radio, or ham, allows the operator to communicate on a broader frequency and can be vital during emergencies. Hays Caldwell Amateur Radio Club will host an event 10 a.m. Saturday in the San Marcos Public Library for those interested in learning more. Thomas Remmert, physics senior, said through ham radio, communication is always possible. “We assist with the firefighters, police and emergency medial services during emergencies or natural disasters — we basically set up communication systems,” said Remmert, Hays Caldwell Amateur Radio Club media liaison. “If we lost Internet in
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Remmert said the Amateur Radio Emergency Services aspect is separate from the club but looks good on a résumé. “It is a volunteer service and you can participate or not,” Remmert said. “We do all sorts of drills about once or twice a month and we volunteer at Central Texas Medical Center. If we have a natural disaster or if a hurricane heads in this direction, we would still be able to support the Red Cross and anybody who needed to talk to the rest of the world.” Remmert said he is able to communicate with astronauts at the space station, link into different satellites and moon bounce or Earth Moon Earth communication. “You can send your signal, and when it hits the moon, it will be reflected back to a different portion of the earth,” Remmert said.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Entertainment Calendar Wednesday Beth Lee, 6 p.m., Dumbfoundead, Lyraflip, L. Scatterbrain, DJ Zo, Soul .45, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Robbie Doyen, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Dustin Welch Band, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Open Mic w/ host Kris Smith, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Kent Finlays Songwriters Circle, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse Thursday Joel Hofmann Band, 6 p.m., Clay Nightingale, Frontier Ruckus, Mankind & Me, Darren Hanlon, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Ricky Stein, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern KNBT 92.1 FM Thanks and Giving Concert, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Rip Lorick, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Zack Walther and The Cronkites, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse Friday Ricky Lugo Project, 6 p.m., The Skeletons, Fatback Circus, Flatcar Rattlers, 10 p.m., Triple Crown Tom Gillam, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Bonnie Bishop, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall Firewater Sermon, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Southside Union, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse Saturday Hammer, Cactus Rash, Blöwer, 10 p.m., Triple Crown Flat Top Jones, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern The Stone River Boys, 1 p.m., Roger Creager, 9 p.m., Gruene Hall The Stand Outs, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Sunday Open Mic w/ Glen Allan, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern The Ruby Jane Show 12 p.m., The Belleville Outfit, 4 p.m. Gruene Hall Karaoke, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Monday JoBeth Henderson, 6 p.m., Triple Tronica w/ Jon Dishon, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Free Jukebox, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern James Pardo 1 p.m., Bret Graham, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Matt Begley Song Swap, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Tuesday RC Banks 6 p.m., Funkotron, Helix, 10 p.m., Triple Crown Bruce Smith, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Jordan Minor, 1p.m., Bo Porter, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Sasquatch Holler, 10:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Midnight River Choir, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse Wednesday Mashed Potato Johnson 6 p.m., Free Juke Box & Free Pool, 8 p.m., Triple Crown Forest Wayne Allen, 8 p.m., Riley’s Tavern The Fireants of Austin, 1 p.m., Wade Bowen, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle, 9:30 p.m., Cheatham Street Warehouse
2012
too little, Too soon 2012 is the kind of movie that seems to me to be a media ploy for getting people scared about 2012, again. I say ‘again’ because most of the hype about the world’s supposed end in 2012 kind of died out around this time last year. I am not sure why they decided to release this By Brent Vickers in 2009, either. Trends Columnist I think it would have been smarter to release this film closer to the actual date of 2012, considering the terror and hype surrounding the Mayan predicted apocalypse will probably re-vamp in late 2011. Other than the absurd, but equally entertaining action shots — trust me, they were extraordinarily absurd — 2012 was pretty not-so-good. The film had a star-studded cast and plenty of potential to be successful, but it seemed to fall flat on its face. The acting overall was horrendous and melodramatic. The one word I can think to describe the story is hilarious. When you think the movie will begin to pick up and actually become decent, two of the characters start to get romantic in a time when literally a one second slip-up could equal a sudden death. The characters always make it out OK and alive, while in other parts of the film, less “important” characters die for our entertainment. The film was entertaining, but I would not see it again, and I certainly do not think it deserves its current title of “No. 1 film in America!” I definitely would not recommend anyone to go see 2012, but I could be only one nay-sayer. I give 2012 a D.
Trends
The University Star - 7
Film debut in San Marcos
Former student uses local vicinities for film setting By Jovonna Owen Features Reporter A dark, mysterious group has left their mark on campus and around San Marcos. University Springs, Alkek Library, The Barfish Lounge and Showdown are locations where the filming of Perchance to Dream took place. Eric Daugherty, Texas State alumnus, has been directing the film with help from students and alumni. Daugherty said the film is a story about a lanky, awkward young man named James who decides to go out to the bar and pick up ladies. However, James lacks social skills and his night takes a turn for the worst. Johnny Swords, theatre senior, plays a gang member in the film. Swords described the movie as a romantic comedy with a dark finishing twist. Swords said in preparation for his role, he had to channel some inner roughness. “I showed up looking tough,” Swords said. “My (character) didn’t have any lines. I improvised when I had to run down the street and yell some foul language.” Swords said the San Marcos Police Department was called on two occasions. “We were in the back alley of Kinko’s and the cops were called because people didn’t know we were shooting,” Swords said. Swords said the second time the cops arrived they brought camera crews for the upcoming G4 series Campus PD. “They knew we were filming,” Swords said. “They still interviewed us. We thought it was amusing.” Daugherty said being filmed by G4 made it an interesting night. “It put our schedule back a few hours, but nothing bad came from it,” Daugherty said. “If anything, I’ll be on their show.” Daugherty said he submitted the film for South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival. “I’m excited — Eric is a friend of mine,” Swords said. “If he gets in, I will be there to support him.”
Tom Copeland, lecturer in the department of theatre and dance, is an adviser for the film. Copeland, former director of the Texas Film Commission, has worked with the TV music series, Austin City Limits, and on the films Piranha and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. “Every once and a while I’ll call with a question or a lot of questions,” Daugherty said. “He’s been more than helpful and such a mentor.” Copeland said the film began in his short film development class. Students were given an imaginary $1,000 budget and asked to come up with a seven to 10 minute story including a production schedule, script and storyboard. “In real life the film cost me $2,000,” Daugherty said. “I paid the crew and paid the actors in food. Chipotle donated 20 burritos the first day.” Copeland said limited funds challenge students with discovering creative ways to budget. “One of the beautiful things about working in the theatre department is that basically you can pull talent out of here,” Copeland said. “One of the topics we talk about in class is networking.” Copeland said a good story can come from a small budget. “You can’t throw money at a story and make it better if the story is no good to begin with,” Copeland said. Copeland said new technology has made the ability to shoot movies accessible to almost anyone. “Everyone has the ability to go down to Best Buy — you can shoot a film with your iPhone now — but generally what people tend to forget about is the story,” Copeland said. “You’ve got to tell me a story, you’ve got to entertain me.” Daugherty said he took a big sigh of relief when the filming of his “baby” was complete. “When it all comes together, a great feeling happens,” Daugherty said. “When it premieres, that’s what a director lives for. It’s still a learning experience. A director never stops learning in the field.” An advance screening of the film will be 7 p.m. Thursday in in the Theatre Center room 206.
“One of the beautiful things about working in the theatre department is basically you can pull talent out of here. One of the topics we talk about in class is networking.” —Tom Copeland lecturer in the department of theatre and dance
Diversions
8 - The University Star
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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
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TOday’s sudoku solution
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© 11/18/09 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.
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Sports 10 - The University Star
Joe Knows ‘Irish’ make unWeis choice There is a small town in Indiana by the name of South Bend. This town is home to what Tony Kornheiser would call “The University By Joseph O. Garcia of Football in Sports Columnist America” — otherwise known as the University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame fielded its first football team in 1879. The Fighting Irish celebrate 12 national championships, seven Heisman Trophy winners, numerous famous head coaches and the most consensus All-Americans of any school. These are a few reasons Notre Dame is considered the most storied program in the history of college football. With more than 800 victories overall, Notre Dame is the nation’s third all-time most-winning college football program behind Michigan and Texas. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The Irish are only 10 games over .500 since Charlie Weis was appointed head football coach in December 2004. Weis is only the most recent of dismal Notre Dame head coaches. Weis is 1-10 lifetime against top 10 teams and has an overall record of 3525 at Notre Dame, which is the same winning percentage (.583) his predecessors — Tyrone Willingham and Bob Davie — had when they were fired. Willingham was 21-15 when he was fired near the end of his third season in 2004. Davie was 35-25 when he was dismissed after five seasons in 2001. Navy defeated the Irish in South Bend two weeks ago. It marked Notre Dame’s second loss to Navy in three seasons. Heck, at least Ty and Bob could beat Navy. Davie was the last Notre Dame coach to defeat Southern California. Notre Dame won 43 consecutive games against Navy from 1963 to 2006 before Weis was in charge. Weis’ biggest “victory” so to speak came in the form of a 34-31 defeat against the Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush-led Trojans. USC came back and beat the Irish in the closing seconds, helped by the famous “Bush Push” play. The Irish are now 6-4 after losing to Pittsburgh this weekend. Weis is presumably next in line to be relieved of his position as head coach of Notre Dame. There is one problem — money. Weis signed a 10-year contract extension worth well over $30 million Oct. 28, 2005. If Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame athletic director, fires Weis, his buyout would be close to $18 million, according to The Sporting News. The decision to keep Weis or not will be based on numbers. Does a .583 winning percentage warrant another year for Weis, or will he be paid the $18 million owed to him and be asked to leave? Golden Domers are blogging across the Internet for Weis’ job and coaching rumors are already swirling. John Gruden, former Tampa Bay head coach, was thought to be at the forefront, but signed a contract extension with ESPN to announce Monday Night Football through 2010. Also on the short wish list is Florida’s Urban Meyer, Cincinnati’s Brian Kelly, Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson and Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh. Either way, it’s time for Weis to move on. The college experiment didn’t work for him. He should do what he is best — coaching in the NFL.
BASKETBALL BLUNDER The Texas State men’s basketball team lost to Cal State-Northridge 85-82 Tuesday in the NIT Tip-Off consolation game. The Bobcats lost to Arizona State 84-62 Monday in the opening round of play. The Bobcats are now 1-2 overall. Texas State will play 3 p.m. Saturday against New Orleans.
Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Officials intend to keep Coach Wright By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter Texas State athletic director Larry Teis said in a statement Friday the university intends to re-sign head football coach Brad Wright. Sports Information Director Rick Poulter confirmed the statement Tuesday, despite the Bobcats’ loss to McNeese State this weekend. “We are pleased with the progress Coach Brad Wright has made with the Texas State Bobcat football team,” Teis said in the statement. “Contract negotiations are considered private personnel matters at Texas State. We are happy with Brad’s performance, and we fully expect him to be our head football coach next year. We plan to offer him a multi-year contract extension at the end of this season.” Wright signed a three-year contract in 2007 that would pay him $150,000 per year, according to the statement. During his tenure as head coach he has received salary increases totaling more than 16 percent, making his current base salary $174,686 plus bonuses. Wright approached the administration about a contract extension in December 2008 after winning the
Southland Conference title. Texas State offered Wright a one-year extension with no pay raise, an offer which Wright declined. Wright expressed his feeling of being underappreciated and unhappy with the current contract situation, saying he would only return if he was“treated right.” Wright wants nothing more than to focus on playing football since Teis released the statement. “It’s something we’ll have to deal with after the season but, for now, it’s not an issue,” Wright said. “My heart has always been here. I hope this wasn’t a distraction for my team’s preparation.” Wright chose to portray his disdain during the week leading into a conference matchup with McNeese State. The game may have been the Bobcats’ biggest of the season with the SLC championship on the line. Texas State lost the game 30-27. It is unclear whether the contractual dispute was a distraction for the team. However, because the Bobcats did lose, they are mathematically eliminated from winning the conference title and securing a bid into the FCS playoffs.
Star file photo COMING BACK: The university intends to re-sign head football coach Brad Wright.
Power Outage
35-minute delay short circuits Bobcats’ offensive attack By Cameron Irvine Sports Reporter At 6:40 p.m. everything was going according to plan until the lights went out on Texas State’s pre-game warm-up — literally. A 35-minute delay — because of a power outage — left the basketball team and the fans in limbo of their second victory of the season. Lights did not cause the 5448 loss to Louisiana-Monroe, but 30 percent shooting from the floor might have been the reason. Texas State had chances to take the lead in a game in which they never led and failed to capitalize. A key 8-0 Warhawks run with Texas State down 29-27 pushed the Bobcats’ deficit back to 10. The Bobcats relenquished three offensive rebounds when they were down 50-48 and a key charge was called on Diamond Ford’s, freshman guard, drive to the basket. Texas State was unable to recover. “The times we made runs at them, we were much more active on the defensive end,” said Coach Suzanne Fox. “On offense we were actually going towards the basket, attacking. We’d pass the ball and everyone would stand. There would be no movement. When you do that, you are pretty easy to guard.” The bright spot of the night for Texas State was Chika Ofoegbu, junior forward. She tallied 17 points and eight rebounds on 8-9 shooting. However, Ofoegbu had shooting woes from the line and went 1-4 unlike her other teammates. Texas State went 14-23 from the line — nine points the Bobcats could have used for a victory instead of a loss. Kelsey Krupa, sophomore guard who had 16 points against Texas College, shot a dismal 2-11 and ended with eight points. Louisiana-Monroe guard Priscilla Mbiandja, center Shannisha Williams and center Shannon Davis were a nightmare for the Bobcats inside, putting up 34 rebounds combined. Mbiandja got a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Bobcats’ bench put up a 2-21 shooting performance, totaling 13 points. “The things we’re going to focus on as a coaching staff is not the shooting because we can’t control that,” Fox said. “We are going to focus on the things we can control like rebounding the basketball. Can we move on offense can we take care of the ball? We’ve got to work on the things that keep you in games — defending and rebounding.” The Bobcats will take on Southwest Assemblies of God 7 p.m. Monday in Strahan Coliseum.
Lindsey Goldstein/Star photo HOOP DREAMS: Tamarra Evans-Sluga, senior guard, goes for a basket against Louisiana-Monroe during Tuesday’s game at Strahan Coliseum. The Bobcats lost 54-48.