August 20 2015

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2015 VOLUME 105 ISSUE 6 www.UniversityStar.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL How-to’s for a great fall semester

Welcome back, Bobcats! As the first day of class approaches, students need to remember a few simple tips and tricks to make their time on campus successful. The University Star Editorial Board has compiled 10 guidelines to ensure a memorable year!

1

Be conscious of your environment. San Marcos, like most of Texas, is a very humid place. While summer may officially end in August, the heat does not disappear until October. Wearing sensible, weatherspecific clothing will go a long way, especially on those unbearable days where the heat can knock out even the toughest of summer-lovers. Bringing water is important to keep students from fainting on the overabundance of stairs due to exhaustion.

2

Utilize campus resources. Texas State has a myriad of resources to ensure the success of students. Things like the Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) and the Writing Center exist not out of mere enjoyment, but for the improvement of students. Also, every major has a job fair and the university has an involvement fair. It is important that students take the time out to be present.

These are great networking opportunities and can give

students a chance to build their résumés. Also, the river is right by campus, and who doesn’t love floating with friends? Make sure to utilize this great stress reliever. The Rec is a great resource as well.

3

Take advantage of “free” events.

This is hardly a secret, but nothing in life is free. All of the “free” things are already paid for, and college is no exception. Take advantage of the “free” things offered on campus such as sporting events and theater shows.

Sporting events in particular are free and build school spirit and pride.

Our tuition is already funding it, so we might as well put our money to use.

4

Be aware of the Parking Services two-week grace

period.

Parking Services waits two weeks from the beginning of the semester before they start ticketing people.

While it may not be the classiest of ideas—take advantage of this grace period. Your lower body and your wallet will thank you.

Parking Services does

not play around, if they throw students a bone— take it.

5

Use your meal plan. Students who live on campus should revel in the required meal plan. It certainly comes in handy and the fast, simple meals should not go to waste.

They are already paid for in advance, so trying use them as little as possible does not make sense.

Students do not get that money back, regardless of how many unused meals they have. Also, Starbucks takes dining dollars—you’re welcome.

6

Don’t go home every week! There are events here in San Marcos.

Get involved with events offered by the Student Association for Campus Activities (SACA). Going home every weekend makes it harder to solidify oneself as an adult and an individual. It’s normal to get homesick, but resist the urge to go home regularly.

Find activities on campus, spend time with your friends, go to a party.

Literally do anything but bite the bullet to emerge yourself back into the familiarity of home life.

7

Take time to explore the city and surrounding area.

San Marcos is a beautiful place—take the time out to actually explore its many beauties. The university and the outlets are not the only places of interest in San Marcos and its surrounding areas.

There’s the river, parks, hiking trails, delicious local restaurants and sights to see.

8

Be prepared. This is college—come ready. Do not be that person that shows up on the first week of class without pencils, pens, papers or notebooks. Read the syllabus—it is always important. Make sure to study, get enough sleep, eat right and plan activities accordingly so you are not overwhelmed.

9

Be respectful of the city residents.

To be frank, San Martians do not like students. Please, for all that is mighty, respect the residents of the city and do not come into San Marcos with an air of self-importance or a false sense of superiority. As students, we are momentary guest in this city—the majority of us at least—so

act like a guest and be cognizant of the hosts.

10

Make friends.

College is often an isolating time for people as they discover their desires, their wants, their aspirations and, most importantly, themselves.

However, it does not have to be a lonely environment. Commonality runs rampant and students will find themselves securing friendships that last a lifetime. Everyone is on this rollercoaster ride of self-discovery and acceptance together. We are a family, a Bobcat family, bonded by our name and strengthened through our connection.

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

“Find activities on campus, spend time with your friends, go to a party.”

A2 | The University Star | Thursday, August 20, 2015

NEWS

UniversityStar.com

SAN MARCOS FLOOD

Lone Star Santas deliver smiles, toys to families of flood victims

By Alexa Tavarez NEWS EDITOR @lexicanaa

A group of Santas, Mrs. Clauses and hard-working elves delivered Christmas in July last weekend to the families affected by the Memorial Day weekend floods.

Lone Star Santas, a nonprofit organization specializing in spreading “love, hope and joy,” provided disaster relief in the form of toys at the Centro Hispano de San Marcos Aug. 15. Several children accompanied by their own personal Santa, Mrs. Claus or elf toured a room filled with toys until they found the right one to take back home—or, in the case of the Ford family, back to temporary housing.

Martin Ford and his family of four were evacuated from their home on River Road and have yet to return to permanent housing. The Ford family has set up a temporary housing at a bed and breakfast they cannot afford.

“We lost everything,” Martin Ford said.

His wife, Marie Ford, said the family is taking it day by day and are continuing the search for affordable housing in the area. The Fords were previously living in lowincome housing.

“Everyone is wanting two and a half or three times the amount of rent and I don’t make that,” Martin Ford said.

Martin Ford said his family spent time at the shelter set up at the Activity Center in San Marcos after several homes were evacuated. He said volunteers were running around making sure everyone was getting the help they needed.

“After that, it’s been all on our own,” Martin Ford said, shaking his head as he shrugged his shoulders.

Marie Ford said the family has reached out to some of the organizations that have been here since the beginning of the disaster, but many of them ran out of funding.

“We know (the nonprofits) can’t stay until everyone is on their feet,” Marie Ford said. “It just takes so long because so many people were affected.”

The Fords expressed their gratitude to the Lone Star Santas and their convoy of toys.

Martin Ford held a brand new Scrabble game and toy under his arm for their infant child, Leilani. Their older daughter left the Centro Hispano with a gift card and a smile on her face.

“It’s all about seeing the smile on the kids faces,” said Bruce Hickman, Santa volunteer from Lone Star Santas.

Hickman and his wife, Toni Hickman, have dedicated four years to volunteering as a Mr. and Mrs. Claus in several toy convoys across the state.

“It is really a privilege to come in and talk to kids and let them know things are okay,” said Toni Hickman, Mrs. Claus volunteer for Lone Star Santas.

Doug Portwood, director of Lone Star Santas said this is the first flood disaster relief the nonprofit has responded to. Portwood added the organization decides independently which disasters the band of Santas travel to next.

“When we see a disaster

MARTHA FIERRO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Abigail and Elizabeth, ages 6 and 7, choosing their toys August 15 during Lone Star Santas Toy Charity. happening, we evaluate the impact its had on the community and the number of families and children that might be affected by it,” Portwood said.

“We’ve gone to just about every one here in Texas.”

The Lone Star Santas held a toy convoy in Wimberley later the same day at the Wimberley Community Center.

Portwood said the organization is helping other local Santas develop a plan to respond

to future disasters.

“The image of Santa Claus himself is an image that children trust,” Portwood said. “A big Santa hug goes a long way for disaster victims.”

RACE RELATIONS

Noose found by Texas State professor, discusses evolution of racism

By Darcy Sprague SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @darcy_days

Bob Fischer, philosophy professor at Texas State University, was walking down University Drive toward Guadalupe Street with his friend from Turkey at the end of July when he saw a noose hanging from a tree.

His friend thought that it was a statement about suicide, but Fischer thought of recent news—such as the Charleston shooting and the protests that followed regarding the Confederate flag—and knew it was a racist symbol.

“If you grow up in America and see a noose hanging from a tree, you think lynching,”

Fischer said.

Fischer took the noose down and notified the police. However, there was not a lot the police could do in this situation, Fischer said.

Fischer, a San Marcos citizen, said he has encountered situations in San Marcos before.

The first of these experiences in San Marcos involved a mechanic using racial slurs in reference to illegal aliens. Fischer said his time in San Marcos has been wonderful, except for the isolated incidences of racism.

As a father of a five-year-old and a four-month-old, Fischer decided to pick up his pen and share his experience of finding the noose. He wrote an essay

entitled “From Outrage to Integration” and The Prindle Post published it July 20.

"I could only imagine if an African American student had found it. That would be bad enough," Fischer said. "But if a child had found it?"

Fischer said this incident has made him consider nonviolent acts of racism that occur on a day-to-day basis. “(Current events) are more of a reminder that we are so far from where we want to be,” Fischer said.

Gary Moore, longtime San Marcos resident, recalls an era when racism was seen more frequently. He said he grew up hearing stories from his parents.

"You find a noose now and everyone is in an uproar. At one time racist behavior was normal," Moore said. "San Marcos was just like any town facing integration issues. Now, at least, the racists are publicly called out."

Moore has not read Fischer's article.

"This is a great community and a great place to live," Moore said. "I just wish all the citizens were great."

John of Marvelous Smoke, who did not wish to share his last name, has been working at the smoke shop for two years.

The smoke shop is within view of the tree from which the noose was hung, but he did not see it.

“We know there are all sorts of weird things (in the area),” John said. “But not direct racism.”

John said he has seen a couple of fights, but nothing he perceived as racially motivated.

“If someone in San Marcos is insensitive enough to hang a noose in a tree, how can we hope to deal with the problem of racial disparity in education?” Fischer asked.

One concept Fischer discusses in his article is the possible background of the person who hung the noose.

“Given the demographics here, it was probably someone much like me: white, male, from a middle-class background, raised in a fairly segregated en-

vironment, and perfectly polite and pleasant—even to people of color—in various professional circumstances,” Fischer wrote in the essay.

According to city-data.com, in 2013 the population of San Marcos was 51.1 percent white, 41.2 percent Hispanic and 5.2 percent black.

Fischer normally writes about animal rights issues.

He said one of his articles is scheduled to run in the New York Times.

“I am very interested in continuing to write for the public interest,” Fischer said.

Fischer said he plans to cover a number of social issues in the future.

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Thursday, August 20, 2015 | News | The University Star | A3

UNIVERSITY

Retired professor remembered as dedi- Officials declare new phase cated artist, compassionate friend of search and rescue, two SAN MARCOS FLOOD

By Jon Wilcox SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @thrilcox

Retired Texas State theater professor Daniel Hannon died July 22, leaving behind friends, family and thousands of inspired students.

The award-winning set designer drowned in the San Marcos River while tubing with his family.

Hannon was reported missing at 11:14 a.m. after his sister-in-law and nephew waited for him for about 15 minutes downstream on the bridge to the island at Rio Vista Park, according to a university press release.

San Marcos police officers, firefighters and park rangers conducted an initial search of the river but did not find Hannon. A diver from the San Marcos Recovery Team found Hammond’s body at around 12:40 p.m. caught in underwater debris.

Hannon came to Texas State in 1981 where he established the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology. The program, which trains stu-

dents to become theater designers and technicians, is an essential part of the Department of Theatre and Dance, said John Fleming, Dean of College of Fine Arts.

Hannon has taught and mentored “thousands” of students, simultaneously building set designs and lasting relationships, Fleming said.

Texas State graduates with degrees in Theatre Design and Technology are employed across the nation, Fleming said. Graduates can be found applying their skills in traditional fields like radio and film and more exotic careers onboard cruise ships and underneath circus tents, he said.

Michelle Ney, professor of Theatre Design and Technology, remembers Hannon’s uncanny passion for art, a characteristic which led him to create extraordinarily detailed sets and models. Ney described his work as “meticulous” and “intricate,” she said.

“He just loved what he did,” Ney said. “He was one of those people you just go

‘wow.’ I don’t think he ever went home.”

Jay Jennings, professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, said he remembers witnessing Hannon’s tireless dedication to detail first hand.

It was common to find Hannon making last-minute changes to his designs even an hour before the curtain rose, Jennings said.

Their last collaboration, a 1996 production of The Tempest, featured a towering stone staircase with natural greenery underneath the night sky of an outdoor amphitheater, Jennings said.

Sheila Hargett, professor of Theatre Design and Technology, said his designs were “spiritual.” He was a “brilliant designer” who “admired beauty.”

Hargett said, although students and faculty recognized Hannon’s genius, he always remained humble.

She said she can’t remember a time when she saw Hannon angry.

“He was the nicest person I’ve ever met,” Jennings said.

After retiring in 1998,

Hannon maintained a zeal for drama and design, regularly stopping by to visit friends and students in the Theatre Center, Fleming said.

“He was such a modest unassuming man, I didn't know where he was in in his fame,” Hargett said. “People knew about him from all over.”

Critics and collectors have recognized Hannon’s work across the nation, Hargett said. The Tobin Theatrical Design Collection at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio is currently featuring some of Hannon’s work.

Hannon and his achievements have been formally recognized by numerous other organizations, including the Texas Educational Theatre Association, the Southwest Theatre Association, the American Theatre Association and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology.

In 2006, Hannon was awarded the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theatre.

children remain missing

By Anna Herod ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @annaleemurphy

As the months following the historic Memorial Day Weekend floods continue to pass, two children remain missing ever since the floodwaters swept them away.

Now that water levels have lowered and exposed previously inaccessible areas of the Blanco River, search and rescue teams have begun a new phase of searching for the missing children.

Texas Search and Rescue, Alamo Area Search and Rescue and Travis County Search and Rescue are the teams leading the new initiative.

The private organizations will begin the new search and rescue phase in Caldwell County on Aug. 14-15, and on Aug. 21-22 the teams will shift their search area to Hays County.

According to a City of San Marcos press release, search and rescue teams have been “working continuously” since the flood to find 6-year-old William Charba and 4-yearold Leighton McComb.

The two children were last seen at 100 Deer Crossing in Wimberley before the home was washed away by the flood, the press release stated.

The release stated that teams across the state have been searching both Hays and Caldwell Counties in search of McComb and Charba, including teams from the children’s hometown of Corpus Christi.

Nine bodies have been recovered and identified since the May 24 flood, including friends and relatives of the two missing children. However, no missing persons have been found since early June, according to the release.

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A4 | The University Star | Thursday, August 20, 2015

OPINIONS

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POLITICS

Local elections on the horizon, students should take notice

UNIVERSITY

Students must graduate with experience, not just a sheet of paper

Madison Teague SENIOR OPINIONS COLUMNIST

C

oming to college is a time to experience true freedom away from rules and regulations set forth by parents. This newfound freedom from the parental units also means having sex. And for some, it means having a lot of sex.

Luckily, three teenagers from London are here to offer some extra protection on this sexual journey. Muaz Nawaz, Daanyaal Ali, and Chirag Shah created a “smart condom” dubbed the S.T.EYE that would change color and glow fluorescently when in contact with bacteria from an STI. This ingenious invention was their submission in the TeenTech competition, earning them first prize and a £1,000 cash award. The boys came up with the idea to try to further prevent the spread of an STI and also cut back on the embarrassing phone calls to past hookups recommending that they get tested.

Everyone can agree that an STI is a life ruiner. An STI is pretty much the Regina George of the real world. Regular condoms are great to get the job done if used properly, and they also provide protection against most STIs. However, applying a feature that informs wearers of their status before getting down to business is revolutionary.

S.T.EYE is currently only in the prototype stage, so it may be a while before consumers see it in their local markets.

Theoretically, if one of these condoms comes into contact with bacteria the built-in indicator would react with a certain color specific to said bacteria.

For example, Chlamydia could glow green, yellow would indicate herpes and a blue color would indicate syphilis.

The introduction of these high-tech condoms into the marketplace would add an extra level of protection. The use of these condoms would effectively warn users of any unknown, pre-existing infection before accidentally spreading it after a fun night on the Square.

According to a May 17, 2010 article from MountieWire, roughly 80 percent of college students do not show symptoms of having an STI. Combine that with research from Stanford University showing that about 25 percent of college students have an

STI and it is clear why a preemptive method would be beneficial, especially in our current hookup culture.

Whether a condom changes color or is ribbed for extra pleasure, the bottom line is that these infections are something sexually active people still have to deal with on a regular basis. If treated properly, some can even be cured. This should not deter anyone from having sex. People should have as much sex as they want to. If anything, it should educate people as to what could happen and cause them to take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

All scary statistics aside, sex is going to happen. Everyone does the deed even if they blush when the topic comes up in conversation. It is all a matter of having smart sex. Fortunately the health center is here when the inevitable slip-ups happen.

The health center offers STI testing and even sells brown paper bags full of condoms to ensure that everyone is well equipped for wherever the night or day takes them. Since these revolutionary colorchanging condoms will not be hitting the markets anytime soon, the old methods of ensuring safe sex will suffice, for now.

Jeffrey Bradshaw ASSISTANT OPINIONS EDITOR @jeffbrad12

I

t is the same spiel every year and it is always true.

It mattered in the very first election and it matters for every subsequent one—exercising the right to vote, especially at the local level, should be a priority for everyone.

This year San Marcos will hold city council elections for Place 5 and Place 6. San Marcos has city council elections every year. Every year they are important, yet often ignored.

City council members are elected to three-year terms, which is longer than the mayor’s term. In America’s federalist system we have three tiers of government: federal, state and city. One could argue that city government is the most powerful since it has the most direct power over citizens.

Odd-numbered years like 2015 are the worst for elections because they do not coincide with elections on the state or

—Madison Teague is an English junior

federal level. According to March 24 Washington Post article, changing the dates of local elections to the dates of state and national elections could increase turnout by roughly 30 percentage points. Given the abysmal level of voter turnout for local elections, a 30-point increase would yield more direct changes to citizens everywhere.

Just because these current city council elections are not occurring in an even-numbered year does not make them any less important. San Marcos is largely comprised of students and we are still facing the same issues and we have more like the flood and how to deal with it in the future to be cognizant about.

Students buy things within San Marcos limits, meaning that they pay taxes to the city. As consumers and residents, students are beholden to city statutes. Students should care where that money goes, whether on a park that everyone can enjoy or to companies in the hope that they bring about desperately needed jobs.

Some of the roads around town are pretty rough, but voting for the candidate who is on board with fixing them is a real, observable result of voting. Local government can and does infiltrate every

aspect of public life, and the founding fathers made sure people had the power to choose the person doing the governing.

After the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, the city council faced criticism for being predominantly white in a predominantly black community. That is directly the fault of the community members because they vote for these people.

Voter turnout is the only way to elicit better representation. If students do not show up to the polls in San Marcos, then they do not have the right to voice concerns over the way the city is governed on a direct level.

The City of San Marcos is a pretty small one, with a large portion of its population being students.

This means students are a large—perhaps the largest—voting bloc in the city.

Students of Texas State have the ability to elect anyone to city council or the mayor’s office, yet we do not exercise that power.

Whether the election will decide the next president or the next city council member, voting matters. No government is too small to not need its citizens’ votes. Rock the vote, Bobcats.

—Jeffrey Bradshaw is a political science junior

SOCIAL

The future belongs to millennials Mariana Castillo OPINIONS COLUMNIST @mar9cast

B

eing in the millennial generation is often an exciting time for those who were born after 1985.

Owning businesses, breaking world records and becoming fashion

icons are some of the accomplishments of this young generation. Yet as part of this digitally crazed, so-called “selfie-obsessed” group, finding yourself may interfere with finding a satisfying job.

Jensen Arnett, professor at Clark University and director of the Clark Poll of Emerging Adults released research in 2014 that details the main concerns of today’s emerging adults.

Top priorities included accepting responsibility for themselves, becoming financially independent and also making decisions independent from their parents.

The Huffington Post

The University Star Editor-in-Chief...........................................Kelsey Bradshaw, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.......................Imani McGarrell, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters................................................................................universitystar@txstate.edu News Editor....................................................Alexa Tavarez, starnews@txstate.edu Sports Editor.............................................Quixem Ramirez, starsports@txstate.edu Lifestyle Editor.........................................Mariah Simank, starlifestyle@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Brandon Sams, staropinion@txstate.edu Multimedia Editor......................................Preslie Cox, starmultimedia@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief....................................Abby Marshall, starcopychief@txstate.edu

nicknamed the millennial generation “generation frustration” due to the current job market, or lack thereof, as well as the social order established by those who predate the millennial generation. The United States had set out standards for this generation to meet through the education system. When it came time for moving into the workforce, however, it seems as though the country was not prepared to accommodate the demands and needs of the current generation.

Generations before us were used to getting married at young ages and settling down early, often

leaving the women at home and the men to bring home the income. The millennial generation does not work like that. Women are not worried about finding a soulmate first—they want to find who they are and establish their own careers.

This generation is seeking jobs that encourage creativity and individualism, not simply a solid paycheck. There is an obvious generation gap between the ones searching for a job— the millennials—and the ones providing the jobs— mainly the baby boomers.

As a result, the visions and qualifications for jobs do not match up. The baby boomer generation is mov-

ing closer to retirement and looking for those who will carry on their vision, but this young generation has a vision of their own and they are determined to carry through.

Often it is echoed that young people today are lazy and conceited. In fact, it is not a question of being lazy, but actually wondering what this generation is trying to find. This generation is not settling for the older crowd telling them they should have their entire lives planned out at such a young age.

This is not a generation that is obsessed with themselves—this is a generation that is tired of the same old

routines yielding the same old results. A generation that tests the limits and takes time in their youth to discover what they could do with their lives. A generation that has started thinking on its own and truly believe in the beauty of individualism and acceptance.

The millennial generation is still young. Give us time and we will put all the naysayers to shame. The future belongs to us, and we demand to conquer it.

—Mariana Castillo is a journalism junior

601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666

Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

Design & Web Editor...............................Lauren Huston, stardesign@txstate.edu Assistant News Editor............................Anna Herod, starasstnews@txstate.edu Account Executive............................................Hanna Katz, starad2@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Morgan Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive....................................Jamie Beckham, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist.......................................... Chris Salazar, c.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...............................Kelsey Nuckolls, kjn16@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator........................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

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The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

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LIFESTYLE

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f o s k c i P d n e k ee the W

By Mariah Simank LIFESTYLE EDITOR @MariahSimank

For the Americana Rock Fan

For the Student

The City of San Marcos will welcome students back to campus Friday, Aug. 21 at Passport to San Marcos on The Square. The block party will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature live music and a variety of interactive activities. According to the event’s Facebook page, several restaurants from around the city will gather in a food court on The Square to provide students with free samples.

For the Athlete

San Marcos High School Air Force JROTC is sponsoring the Rattlesnake Run and 5K and 1 Mile FunWalk on Aug. 22 to kick off the start of the school year. According to Athlete Guild, the race will be spilt into six divisions and is open to all ages. Entry fees are $20 for adults 18 and over and $15 for students. Registration and packet pickup is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race. For more information, visit https://www.athleteguild.com/running/san-marcos-tx/2015-rattlerrun-5k.

Parker McCollum will perform live at Cheatham Street Warehouse Aug. 22 at 10:30 p.m. According to the singer’s website, McCollum made his full-length debut with the release of The Limestone Kid in February. Tickets for the show are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the show.

For the Seafood Lover

Louie’s Oyster House & Beer Garden will host a crawfish boil Aug. 22 at 12 p.m. According to the San Marcos Food Blog, the event takes place every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Crawfish is served all-you-can-eat beginning at 12 p.m. until supplies run out.

For the Local Eater

The San Marcos Saturday Farmer’s Market will be held Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of the Old Hays County Courthouse Square. The market is the perfect time to stock up on fresh produce for cooking during the school week.

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B1 | The University Star | Thursday, August 20, 2015

LIFESTYLE

UniversityStar.com

COMMUNITY

Local candy shop celebrates sweet opening

MARTHA FIERRO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Monique Broussard, Texas State alumna, looks at the humorous and unique candy on display Aug. 15 at Candy, Sweets and Treats.

By Louis Zylka LIFESTYLE REPORTER @OrinZylka

Bobcats and San Martians no longer have to travel far and wide to satisfy that pesky sweet tooth— Candy, Sweets and Treats, a novelty candy store has taken up shop in the middle of downtown San Marcos.

A grand opening celebration complete with a sweet ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Aug. 15 in front of Candy, Sweets and Treats new spot to celebrate the store opening its doors to the public.

Leanne Latham, owner of the dessert shop, said she is happy to finally share her creation with the public.

“It’s a little overwhelming, but it’s exciting to have the store open,” Latham said.

“I think everyone deserves to feel like a kid again in a candy store.”

Faith Britsch, San Marcos resident and Texas State alumna, said she believes the candy store will excel in the city.

“San Marcos doesn’t have

anything like this,” Britsch said. “They don’t have a place that sells novelty candies, and so now people don’t have to go to New Braunfels or to Austin because it’s right here.”

Latham said she hopes the store will develop a solid customer base by providing excellent customer service and encouraging suggestions

from the public.

“Now that it’s open, what I’m looking for now is suggestions,” Latham said. “I kind of always want to expand and bring new things.”

Cassie Stone, San Marcos resident, said she helped Latham unload boxes and set up candy displays before opening day.

Stone said it was evident

Latham cared a lot about customer satisfaction.

“She had been researching the different candies to have,” Stone said. “She asked (me and my husband) what our favorite candies are and thought about people’s likes and dislikes.”

Latham said she received positive feedback from multiple customers who said they enjoyed the different chocolates in the store and even recognized some of them from other countries. “(Foreign candies) was something I definitely wanted to get, especially because of the university being close by,” Latham said. “I know we have some exchange students and I wanted to bring in candy that would remind them of home.”

Britsch said Latham’s shop would definitely benefit San Marcos by bringing in jobs and revenue. “(The store) will be a great trip for all ages,” Britsch said.

“It has a bunch of kid stuff and things that adults will enjoy too.”

Jon Stone, San Marcos resident, said having a candy store in a college town like San Marcos will not only bring in students, but also attract families and those visiting from out of town.

Latham said she is excited for more people to visit the store. Each time a customer walks through the door and searches through her collections, Latham said the look on their faces reminds her why she opened the store in the first place.

“I want the store to be a place where people can come in and feel like a kid again and kind of let go of the stress from the day,” Latham said.

“Everyone feels like a kid at a candy store.”

B2 | The University Star | Advertisement | Thursday, August 20, 2015

JOIN AN ENSEMBLE – ALL MAJORS WELCOME www.music.txstate.edu

¡Somos Músicos!

BANDS Wind Symphony Symphonic Winds Concert Band Bobcat Marching Band Bobcat Basketball Band

Auditions: August 23 – 26 • Sign-up outside MUS room 224.

• Concert Band MUSE 3123 open to non-majors without audition.

Visit www.txstate.edu/bands for details.

CHOIRS Texas State Chorale University Singers Women's Chorus Men's Chorus VocaLibre

Auditions: August 23-25 • Sign-up outside MUS room 146.

• All who audition will be placed in one of the choral ensembles!

Visit www.txstatechoirs.org for details.

We are musicians!

JAZZ Jazz Ensemble Jazz Orchestra Jazz Lab Band Jazz Combos

OPERA The national award-winning Texas State Opera Theatre offers a workshop class where you are taught to create the beauty and timelessness of great musical works in a way that is immediate and thrilling, tragic or hilarious and learn skills that will allow you to audition for lead roles in an opera production!

Auditions: August 21 and 24 – 25 • Sign-up outside MUS room 241.

Visit www.txstate.edu/jazzstudies for details.

LATIN Mariachi Nueva Generacion Mariachi Lince de Oro Salsa del Rio Orquesta del Rio

Auditions: Contact Dr. Samuel Mungo, sm58@txstate.edu.

Visit www.music.txstate.edu/voice/opera for details.

GAMELAN LIPI AWAN Experience the exotic realm of traditional Indonesian music and learn to play this unique set of percussion instruments imported from Bali.

Mariachi Auditions: August 23 Salsa Auditions: August 24 – 26 • Sign-up outside MUS room 148 Visit www.latin.music.txstate.edu for details.

ORCHESTRA Join our new conductor, Carolyn Watson in this elite ensemble, whose diverse repertoire encompasses everything from the Baroque to classic and contemporary masterpieces.

Auditions: August 23 – 25 • Sign-up outside MUS room 224.

Visit www.music.txstate.edu/orchestra for details.

Audition: No audition required • Add MUSE 3026.022 (CRN 19840) to your fall schedule.

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | Lifestyle | The University Star | B3

FILM

Creepy thriller a ‘Gift’ for audiences It's 23 minutes into a packed showing of The Gift and the man two rows down from me jumps so far out of his seat that it sends the entire theater into a fit of laughter. It’s the first time someone screams out during the showing, but not the last.

The film, which is directed and written by Joel Edgerton, starts out down the typical thriller movie path when we meet Simon and Robyn Callen (Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall), a wealthy married couple who moved from Chicago to Los Angeles and are looking to purchase a

new house. Simon Callen is being groomed for a promotion at a security firm, and Robyn Callen hopes to start fresh after a miscarriage compromised her mental health.

The enjoyment of their fresh start is soon muddied after the couple runs into Gordo Moseley (Edgerton), Simon’s former high school classmate, while shopping for furniture.

Moseley seems like an innocent loner at first, but as he begins turning up at their house uninvited with a series of impressive gifts and a collection of detailed stories from high school, the viewer is left to wonder if he might be living too much in the past.

Robyn Callen finds Mose-

ley harmless, but the entire situation rubs Simon Callen the wrong way. Finally, Simon Callen feels the situation has continued long enough and decides to cut ties with “Gordo the Weirdo” altogether.

There’s a hint of cruelty in Simon Callen’s voice as he utters Moseley’s nickname to his wife, and maybe a trace of fear too.

It seems possible that Simon Callen came to the decision to end he and his wife’s relationship with Moseley just a little too effortlessly, as if maybe the two men had some unresolved business that had never been adequately dealt with.

At this point, the movie manages to move swiftly from

a comfortably familiar setup to an entirely different subgenre in which a panicky wife begins to fear her husband.

However, that concept is only temporarily implied before being abandoned.

Underneath all the twists and turns, The Gift is a ruthless analysis of an unprincipled corporate culture in which bullying is good for business and lying and cheating are acceptable as long as no one gets caught.

Edgerton does a fantastic job of keeping the audience questioning each character’s every move as the tense psychological battle progresses.

As each character speaks, their mannerisms hint at their true intentions, making

it clear Edgerton paid close attention to detail from start to finish.

Choosing to cast emotions such as distrust, fear, guilt and rage as villains rather than the people that house them may have been the best decision Edgerton made for the film.

It is easy to go for the cheap scare when working on this type of movie, but Edgerton keeps an unprecedented level of suspense and uncertainty going without selling out in search of an easy scare.

That’s not to say there are no jump scares in the movie, but with the tense sense of escalation as the film builds to its third act, The Gift bears almost nothing in common with most of the other movies

in its genre today. The body count stays low and the physical violence is limited, but this is never to be considered a drawback for the film.

Edgerton keeps the audience guessing almost until the very end, leaving the viewer always wanting to know what’s around the next corner or who could have been in the shadows. It feels almost as if the Callens’ journey has become our own as we approach the final scenes.

After every gift is opened, and all the movie's mysteries have been revealed to the audience, the couple is left sitting with something worse than anyone could have imagined.

LBJ

Distinguished Lecture Series Bridged Through Stories

Texas State University welcomes

Robert Rodriguez screenwriter/director/producer

September 16, 2015 7 p.m.

Evans Auditorium Free and open to the public

| Texas State University is a tobacco-free campus.

15-522 8-15

By Mariah Simank LIFESTYLE EDITOR @MariahSimank

This information is available in alternate format upon request from the Office of Disability Services.

If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact Honors College at 512.245.2266 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

B4 | The University Star | Lifestyle | Thursday, August 20, 2015

UNIVERSITY

Top 10 things to do as a freshman at Texas State

By Mariah Simank LIFESTYLE EDITOR @MariahSimank

Texas State students know how to have a good time. As if having a river in our backyard wasn’t enough, these 10 can’t-miss events will give you plenty of reasons to celebrate how truly great it is to be a Bobcat.

10. Tour Wonder World Park

Wonder World is home to the one of the nation’s only true examples of an earthquake-formed cave, according to the theme park’s website. Complete guided tours take place year-round and include a chance to see the Balcones Fault Line, Tejas 110-Foot Observation Tower, an anti-gravity house and the waterfalls of Mystery Mountain.

9. Explore Aquarena Springs

The Aquarena Center offers glass-bottom boat and kayak tours that give students and local residents the opportunity to learn more about the waters surrounding campus. The center, owned by Texas State, educates visitors on the conservation efforts taking place right in our backyard.

8. Explore Art on Campus

The seventh floor of Alkek Library is home to a large assortment of photographs and literature collections. Each year as many as ten exhibitions are mounted in an effort to display works of art that have been given to the university or stored in the archives over the years. The University Galleries offer another great way for students to submerge themselves in art completed by their peers and members of the community.

7. Volunteer with Bobcat Build

Bobcat Build is a large one-day community service project started 12 years ago by a group of Texas State students. It is now the second-largest community service project in the state of Texas taking place in the spring. According to the event’s website, the event has grown from 700 volunteers at 50 jobsites to nearly 4,000 volunteers at over 250 jobsites over the past 10 years.

6. Experience Food Trucks at The Hitch

The Hitch is a mobile eatery found on 312 East Hopkins Street in downtown San Marcos. Vendors serve a variety of food that is sure to satisfy almost any craving. In addition to great food, the venue also offers live music most weekends.

5. Celebrate Homecoming

Each year, students, faculty and alumni gather on campus to celebrate homecoming. In the days leading up to the big game, a variety of events take place that give students the opportunity to show off their school pride. Students looking to get physical can participate in the Soap Box Derby, PowderPuff Football and the Spirit Flag Competition. A talent show also takes place during Homecoming Week. For more information on homecoming events, visit www.txstate.edu/homecoming.

4. Watch a Quidditch Game

This Harry Potter-inspired game has evolved into a serious sport at universities across the nation. According to College Magazine, Texas State’s team, which finished in the top four at World Cup VII in 2014, sets itself apart from the rest by using a sorting quiz to place new members on one of four house teams.

3. Tailgate Before a Football Game

Tailgating in the stadium parking lot before games is an absolute must. In order to fully enjoy the time before the game, students should show up about three to four hours before kickoff to set up, cook some food and hang out with your group. However you choose to spend your time before the game, make sure not to leave trash around the area as you pack up!

2. Visit Sewell Park

Texas State is known for having a river that flows through campus, and Sewell Park is one of the best ways to take advantage of the views. As soon as the temperatures start to rise, students flock to the area to swim and tube along the San Marcos River. Kayaks and canoes are also available to rent throughout the year. If getting into the water isn’t your thing, plenty of students use the grassy area as a place to study, hoola-hoop and relax.

1. See a Theater Production

Texas State is home to one of the best theater programs in the country. This year, students will have the opportunity to attend Norma’s Rest, a play written by Jordan Morille, third-year playwriting graduate student at Texas State, along with Romeo and Juliet, Evita, Sunset Baby and more.

Students and San Marcos locals enjoy the last bit of sunlight Aug 16 at Sewell Park.

DARYL ONTIVEROS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | Advertisement | The University Star | B5

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B6 | The University Star | Thursday, August 20, 2015

SPORTS

UniversityStar.com

LUNCH WITH COACH FRAN STAR FILE ILLUSTRATION

By Quixem Ramirez SPORTS EDITOR @quixem

As the adage goes, the third time is the charm.

Right?

Coach Dennis Franchione hopes so. The Texas State football team begins their third season of bowl eligibility at an important crossroads.

The Bobcats are no longer the “new kids on the block,” as Franchione puts it. Teams know what to expect from Texas State.

It’s up to the team to shed the tag and establish itself as a conference contender no longer content to knock on the door.

It took several years, but Franchione created a football program capable of reaching the next level. His handiwork is apparent. Nineteen players have already committed verbally, which is a non-binding agreement, to the program prior to National Signing Day. Franchione credits the program’s improvement to having “FBS depth.” Franchione felt Texas State lacked FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) starters and focused his attention on acquiring players that looked and, most importantly, could compete like Division I athletes.

Once Franchione acquired a stable group of starting caliber players, he set his eyes on the fringes of the roster. He looked for players capable of supporting the starters if they needed them.

Now Franchione feels the depth is there.

“We look like we belong,” Franchione said. “There were

times we ran out onto the field and I cringed a little bit when our line came out. I don’t do that anymore.”

Texas State looks better on paper, even after losing leading tackler David Mayo and top cornerback Craig Mager to the National Football League.

The offense is adding Chris Nutall, senior running back, to the conference’s third-ranked rushing offense. The receiving core, with new additions of Kwamane Bowens, sophomore wide receiver, and Justin Gamble, freshman wide receiver, is deeper than it has ever been in Franchione’s tenure.

Franchione believes the Bobcats have the best tight end tandem in the conference.

Internal improvement from Lawrence White, senior tight end, and more opportunity for Ryan Carden, senior tight end, could offset the departure of leading receiver Bradley Miller.

Tyler Jones, junior quarterback, is receiving praise from Franchione and opposing coaches for his passing and running ability. Jones’ completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio have improved since his freshman season. He’s improving physically, benching 375 pounds (up from 225 in his freshman year) and his understanding of the offense gives Franchione more freedom as a playcaller.

“He’s running faster then I’ve seen him run and he’s throwing strikes and bullets with the football,” Franchione said. “It’s been a great transformation. We are really excited about what we got in him.”

David Mims, junior corner-

back, was named the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for a reason. He’s capable of being on an island and defending the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver.

There’s reason for doubt though. The competition in the Sun Belt Conference is improving every season, decreasing the Bobcats’ margin for error.

Georgia Southern, the defending conference champion, is now bowl eligible after transitioning from the FCS to FBS last year. Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette and South Alabama are established conference contenders. Appalachian State won six of eight conference games last year.

There are no cupcakes for Texas State to feast on this season.

“We’re closer,” Franchione said. “This year the bottom half of the conference, who got a lot of players back, is going to be tougher. So I think every Saturday in our conference you’re going to have to play.”

If Texas State continues on its current trajectory, eight wins is the expectation. The team won six games in 2013 and seven games last year.

But it’s still too early to make hard-and-fast projections several months in advance. At this juncture, the product on the practice field is the only thing on which Franchione can base his analysis.

The early returns are there, at least. Franchione said the team is looking more and more like a Division I football program.

Now it’s time to perform like one when it matters most.

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Thursday, August 20, 2015 | Sports | The University Star | B7

SOCCER

Bobcats open season against experienced team

By Donavan Jackson SPORTS REPORTER @djack_02

After weeks of training, the Texas State soccer team will finally get the opportunity to display its hard work in the season opener against Houston.

The regular season matchup is scheduled for Aug. 21 in Houston at 7 p.m.

Coach Kat Conner believes playing someone else other then themselves should solve some of the problems that have started to cause frustration.

“For the five freshmen we have coming in, they just have to start understanding the game at a different pace,” Conner said. “They have to understand that they can’t maintain our rhythm with three-to-four touches anymore. The veteran players understand that and we will need them to step up and lead as well.”

Frustration aside, Lynsey Curry, senior forward, understands it will take time to get everyone accustomed to the style of play Conner has in place for the program.

Curry is one of two returning all-conference players and is expected to lead the attack for the Bobcats this season.

She finished her 2014 campaign with seven goals, adding to a total of 19 in three seasons—fifth in Texas State history.

“I think we have a lot to show,” Curry said. “Once we perfect our style of play to-

gether and get the newcomers comfortable in our culture and everything, we’ll be looking at a positive season.”

Returning alongside Curry is Kristen Champion, senior defender. Champion returns as the most experienced player on the team with over 4,500 minutes played and allconference honors. She leads a backline that includes two sophomores and one junior that ended the 2014 season with seven shutouts.

Houston could pose a good first test for Texas State as the Cougars have a few senior vet-

erans returning themselves.

Houston will have an advantage over Texas State—experience, despite being polled last in the AAC Preseason polls.

The Cougars are returning 16 players, including 10 that saw the majority of the playing time last season.

Lexa Green, Cougars senior forward, was the leading scorer for Houston in 2014 with four goals on 11 shots with one assist.

Houston is adding Jordan Brown, Cougars senior goalkeeper, after she suffered a season-ending injury in the last

game of the previous season.

Before the injury, she recorded 83 saves out of 111 chances and set a single-season school record for ties by a goalkeeper (5).)

This will be the first time

Texas State will be competing against Houston since 2009 and will add to the eight total times they have played one another. Houston has won seven of the previous eight matchups.

“It’s still early and we still need to work out some kinks here and there,” Curry said.

“We’re just going to go out there and play our game, and hopefully we play well enough to get the win.”

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B8 | The University Star | Sports | Thursday, August 20, 2015

SOCCER

Team heading into new season with high expectations

By Donavan Jackson SPORTS REPORTER @djack_02

With a young team, Coach Kat Conner has made one task clear early into the 2015 season—get everyone on the same page.

“The last couple days haven’t been so great,” Conner said. “Everybody is playing their own style and it’s a little frustrating. We’re trying to get them to understand that we all have to play one style. If we don’t get it figured out, it could kill us.”

Conner is starting her 17th

season as head coach at Texas State with 14 underclassmen compared to the nine veteran players. With growing pains to be expected, she believes finally being able to compete with another school will help.

Following an exhibition match Aug. 16 against IH-35 rival UTSA, the Bobcats will open the regular season Aug. 21 against Houston.

“The atmosphere during practice has had a high intensity the last couple days as the season opener approaches,” said Lynsey Curry, senior forward. “Coming into the season I think we have a re-

ally good team and have a lot to show. Once we perfect our style of play together and get the newcomers comfortable in on our culture and everything, we’ll be looking at a positive season.”

Despite having a young team, the Bobcats were named third in the Sun Belt Conference Preseason polls last week.

The return of all-conference players such as Curry and Kristen Champion, senior defender, and a 5-3-1 conference finish in the 2014 season likely played part in the thirdplace ranking.

The conference champion

South Alabama was listed first while Troy was announced second.

“It’s nice for us to actually get the respect of being in the top three,” Conner said. “Now it’s our job to uphold that and make a run for the championship. So while it’s nice to get that respect from everyone, we do have a lot of work to do to get on the same page and get there.”

The 2015 schedule for the Bobcats includes nine home games, beginning with a familiar contest Aug. 28 against McNeese State. As longtime Southland Conference mem-

SOFTBALL

KELSEY WEYNAND

Junior outside hitter

JC: If you had to swap lives with one celebrity, who would you swap lives with?

KD: Rob Dyrdek, because he does fun stuff all the time.

He has money and just has fun with other people with it and I think that's really cool.

JC: If you could have any superpower, what would you pick?

KD: I've been watching a lot of superheroes movies and stuff lately, so I think a really cool one is, like, when you could teleport anywhere. If I could do that, I would be going to travel all the time, because when you play volleyball or any college sport you can't really go on vacations. If I could teleport, I could go somewhere real quick and come back and not waste any time and still be able to live the life I want to live.

JC: If money were no issue, where would you travel?

KD: Anywhere and everywhere. I love food, so I would try and go to, like, just different places that are known for food. I would definitely want to go to Italy and Europe (or) any small town where you can get authentic food because that's one of the things lacking here.

JC: Yeah, with Texas it's nothing but barbeque and Mexican food.

KD: But I love barbecue and Mexican food, so it's OK. JC: Who on the team would you say makes the most jokes?

KD: Alex Silver. You would never be able to tell because she is so quiet to the coaches and everyone else, but, like, she is probably the biggest one messing around all the time.

JC: Do you have any pregame rituals?

KD: I did last year. I think am going to start over this season

team is just looking forward to getting out there and showing what they can do.

Another subject on Conner’s mind heading into this season is the fanbase and alumni.

“I’m just really hoping everyone will show up to show their support,” Conner said.

“It will always be needed to have Bobcats in the stands to cheer you on, especially when you have a young team. So I do encourage all Bobcats, SWT alum, Texas State alum and current students to come out because I would love for us to have a great showing.”

SOFTBALL

KEELY DAVIS

By Jose Campos SPORTS REPORTER @josewithaj

bers, Texas State and McNeese State have played a total of 26 matches against one another. The Bobcats own a 17-8-1 all-time record over the Cowgirls.

Before beginning conference play, Texas State has a notable matchup against University of Texas El Paso (UTEP). The Bobcats traveled to El Paso for last year’s season opener and forced a tie UTEP that pushed the 2014 season in the right direction.

Curry said she understands the competition this year will be tough, but the

Junior outside hitter

just because it's a new season and I want to try something new. Last year I would always drink an (AdvoCare) Spark or a 5-Hour Energy and I would listen to music with one of my teammates and we would just, like, sit for a second—not even think about what we had to do, drink our Sparks and then go to the game.

JC: What's your favorite memory so far from playing volleyball?

KD: The first game that I started in this season, actually.

I didn't think I was going to start, so it was really cool for me to stand in—I'm getting goose bumps talking about it—and be standing on the line with all the lights off and there were so many people here. It was just really intense and I was shocked that I was going in. I just felt very prideful with my team and my school.

By Jose Campos SPORTS REPORTER @josewithaj

JC: What's your favorite TV series of all time?

KW: That's a hard one. I watch a lot of series. I would have to say One Tree Hill.

JC: Why One Tree Hill?

KW: I started watching it in high school and it was high school-based,and so I just enjoyed the characters.

It has a lot to do with athletics and sports because the

guys played basketball and the girls are cheerleaders. I don't know, it's just my favorite series. There is always drama and love stories.

JC: If you could record an album with any singer alive or dead, who would you record an album with?

KW: George Strait, the king of country.

JC: If it could be one season all year long, what would you pick?

KW: I'd say summer.

JC: I'd probably go with winter just ‘cause I can't

stand the heat right now.

KW: Yeah, but no school, float the river when it's hot and get a nice tan.

JC: Who would you say is the best chef on the team?

KW: Alex Silver.

JC: Does she cook a lot?

KW: She's my roommate, so she's going to be cooking a lot for me.

JC: What's your favorite memory from volleyball?

KW: Winning the conference championship my freshman year.

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