November 18 2014

TUESDAY

NOVEMBER 18, 2014 VOLUME 104 ISSUE 41 www.UniversityStar.com

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their compost site off Centerpoint Road. The final product is sold to faculty and community gardens and used at the university golf course, said Jonathan Alba, Bobcat Blend education manager.

The program began in 2009. Grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environmental Service Committee at Texas State (ESC) have largely funded the program’s operations. However, Bobcat Blend lacks a definite source of funding and relies on its faculty leader, Tina Cade, agriculture professor, who continually applies for grants to keep to pro-

Construction for an extensive rehabilitation project will soon begin at the San Marcos Municipal Airport.

San Marcos City Council unanimously approved the use of $697,050 of the city’s budget as part of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airport improvement plan at its Nov. 5 meeting. The project will receive additional state and federal funds to bring the project’s total budget to $5.7 million and includes improvements to runway 13/31 and avionics equipment, said Daniel Benson, airport planner for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Aviation Division. The start-of-construction date is to be determined.

“Runway 13/31 is being overlaid and will be completely redone,” said Cassidy Berenato, director of marketing for Texas Aviation Partners, the company charged with managing the airport. “They’ll dig it up and replace it. Runway 13/31 is in pretty bad condition now.”

Benson said additional renovations will be made with the runway repaving.

“We are replacing what is called a medium-intensity runway light (MIRL),” Benson said. “We are taking out some FAA-loaned equipment and installing new city-owned Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI).

We’re getting two new Precision Approach Path Indicators, a navigational aid for pilots to use when they’re landing.”

The indicators have “special lights” that alert the pilots if they’re too high or low when coming in to land, he said.

Runway 13/31 serves a unique purpose at the airport, Berenato said. The runway attracts much of the airport’s traffic, business and revenue.

“Runaway 13/31 is one of our most used runways,” Berenato said. “It has an Instrument Landing System (ILS), which means that aircraft can pretty much land in any kind of weather. All runways have GPS, but the ILS is a very sophisticated piece of equipment that pilots can use.”

The ILS serves an important role in attracting pilot training companies, she said.

“Since we do have the ILS, which is a really great feature to have since we’re a smaller airport, we have a lot of flight schools in the area that actually bring their students to utilize our airport for training operations as well,” Berenato said. “We have a lot of those pilot features that other airports don’t have without the congestion of Bergstrom and other large airports.”

Pilot training represents only a fraction of the commercial activity at the airport, she

See BOBCAT BLEND, Page 2

See AIRPORT, Page 2

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FOOTBALL

Students encouraged to continue football game attendance

By Anna Herod NEWS REPORTER At the Monday student government meeting, Donald Coryell, associate athletics director, said student attendance during the Thursday night football game against Arkansas State is essential.

“This game we expect the attendance to be student-driven,” Coryell said. “If we beat Arkansas, then we will get a tie-breaker and have an opportunity to place second in the Sun Belt league. We still have a lot to play for and a chance to compete in a bowl game.”

Coryell said Texas State students filled the stadium at the game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns on Oct. 14 and helped establish it as the matchup with the secondhighest student attendance rate of all time with 7,000 attendees.

Athletic department officials will give each student a free guest ticket as an incentive to pack the stadium in support of the Bobcats, he said.

“We’re putting up yard signs all over campus, we’re bringing football players out into the quad and we’re doing free guest tickets for this game,” Coryell said. “If you go to the ticket office before 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, you can get a free ticket for a friend or someone you know.”

Overall, student attendance rate this season has “drastically” increased, he said.

“I want to say a tremendous thank you to the student crowds,” Coryell said. “Last season we had an average of 3,200 students per game, and this season we’ve had an average of 5,500 students per game. I think it says a lot about our students, and we are grateful because a lot of other schools around the country are experiencing a trend in the opposite direction.”

FROM TRASH TO TREASURE HARON SAENZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael Clark, agriculture systems senior; Blake Huval, agriculture business and management junior and Chris Colon, special education senior, shovel food waste out of a truck Nov. 14 at the Texas State compost site.

Bobcat Blend students, faculty seek funding, awareness for environmental efforts

By Alexa Tavarez NEWS REPORTER

M

embers of Bobcat Blend, a student-led program through which food waste from the university’s dining halls is composted, have become campus advocates for agricultural sustainability despite their small and indefinite budget.

A group of seven students and volunteers comprise the modest task force of Bobcat Blend, collecting the day’s food waste from dining halls and designated bins labeled “compost” every night. The waste is later sent to

CONSTRUCTION

Loop 82 overpass construction project delayed

By Mariah Simank SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Construction of the Loop 82 overpass on Aquarena Springs Drive has been pushed back to early next summer due to complications in the legal acquisition process of land.

A contractor was awarded the project in May 2014, and construction was scheduled to begin early in 2015. City authorities have been working since May to finalize preparations, said Kelli Reyna, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) public information officer. The total cost of the project is $20.7 million. The construction will be funded by the City of San Marcos, TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. The only thing delaying the project is the acquisition of land, Reyna said.

“Once the job went to bid, there was a delayed construction start contention in the contract so that

TxDOT and the City of San Marcos would have time to complete utility relocation and right-of-way acquisition,” Reyna said. “The time also allows the contractor to purchase materials and prep for the project.”

The project site is at the intersection of Interstate Highway 35 and Aquarena Springs Drive, Reyna said. The goal of the project is to build a bridge over the railroad tracks to improve the flow of traffic.

Bill Nance, vice president of Finance and Support Services, said officials aim to increase mobility and safety by providing a means of travel along Loop 82 without daily interruptions from train crossings.

“Prior to the construction of the overpass on Wonder World Drive that goes over the train tracks a few years ago, there was no way to get across town without potentially being blocked by a train,” Nance said.

“This is why San Marcos set about

See LOOP 82, Page 2

Loop 82 overpass construction start date has been pushed back to May.

HARON SAENZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

TRANSPORTATION

Bus-related traffic violations drop following camera installation

By Exsar Arguello NEWS REPORTER

ALEXANDRA WHITE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Surveillance cameras on school buses are used to catch drivers who fail to stop when the bus does.

Cameras installed on San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District buses under a city ordinance passed Jan. 7 have helped lower the amount of reported violations.

Before February, the city had reported over 2,000 individuals running red lights or not pausing for stopped buses during the year, said Carter Hutson, associate director of transportation for SMCISD. Since the program started, a little over 400 violations have been reporter, he said. Seven cameras installed by BusGuard are used to monitor different angles on the bus and help to catch and fine violators, he said.

“The program started in February

of this year and started with about five buses,” Hutson said. “Since then we have 82 buses completely installed with these cameras.”

The seven cameras, six on the outside and one on the inside of the bus, are designed to take pictures of license plates, Hutson said. A camera placed inside the bus captures footage of kids who break rules on the bus.

Installing cameras costs $8,000 per bus, Hutson said.

People who pass school buses when children are entering or exiting receive $300 fines, Hutson said.

The profit from the program is used to expand children’s safety.

“We aren’t doing this for the money whatsoever,” said David Underwood, assistant principle at Bowie

Elementary School. “The program is strictly aimed to expand the safety of our children and make sure we can make a safe environment with our public transportation from elementary to high school.”

Of the money earned from the program, 75 percent will be used to cover BusGuard costs, Hutson said.

The other 25 percent will be split between the school district and SMPD. “The money we will make is certainly a plus for our program, but in no way does that justify why this program has been in place,” Hutson said. “We are the only school district in central Texas to have this program, and we plan to continue educating the public about bus safety.”

See BUSES, Page 2

2 | The University Star | News | Tuesday, November 18, 2014

BOBCAT BLEND, from front gram running, Alba said.

Even though a high demand for Bobcat Blend exists, the compost is sold at “half of market value,” he said.

“We’re not in it for the money but to supply people with quality compost and to give back to the community,” Alba said.

Bobcat Blend has room for growth and potential, but it isn’t reaching as many people as Alba would like it to.

“It’s really finding that central message, but it’s hard when you struggle for funding,” Alba said. “We’re doing okay, but we can do better.”

Alba said he considers Bobcat Blend a non-profit even though the program operates as a small business.

Over the next semester, Alba plans to “set some groundwork” so the

program can grow and educate other students about waste management.

The education component that is in the program’s mission has been lost, Alba said. As Texas State grows, food waste will increase. This fact poses a challenge for Bobcat Blend and its seven members.

“The barrier that we have is education,” Alba said. “A lot of people don’t know what happens to their trash when they throw it away.”

Some of the students’ values have shifted, Alba said. The university has a “thriving environmental scene” on campus, but programs such as H.E.A.T and Bobcats Go Green do not receive necessary support from the university for advancement, Alba said.

BUSES, from front Underwood looks at footage and if misconduct occurs on a bus, disciplinary actions are put into place to ensure safety, he said.

“Not only are the cameras aimed to monitor license plates and the inside of the buses but also to make sure the students are not abducted or taken as they leave the vehicle,” Underwood said.

Children are picked up on “very busy” intersections, and keeping

“I think it takes a more conscious effort from our leaders to showcase what we’re doing,” Alba said. “We can repurpose a lot of what we see around us, but it takes a collaborative effort.”

Chartwells is one of Bobcat Blend’s biggest supporters, Alba said.

Chartwells officials have helped the program’s efforts by leaving food waste out for pickup. However, Alba would like Chartwells to openly promote the program.

“Communication is crucial in our relationship with the program, and we’re willing to help Bobcat Blend as much as we can,” said Chin-Hong Chua, resident district manager of Chartwells.

Chartwells has encouraged stu-

dents to take less food by displaying charts at dining halls showing student food waste per month, Chua said.

The results have varied per semester.

“It’s a question of how many people are willing to give up their lifestyle or habits for this (cause),” Chua said.

“We’ve made it difficult for customers to get straws, but it doesn’t mean we can stop it.”

Josiah Reese, geography resources and environmental studies senior and Bobcat Blend member, recognizes the group’s potential in providing research opportunities for students.

“The program has already produced a handful of legitimate thesis projects that show the efficiency of using invasive plants in composting,” Reese said.

Bobcat Blend is about more than composting, Reese said.

“I think that awareness and ownership is a sign of the program’s success,” Reese said. “Bobcat Blend is a unique organization that combines education and research.”

Reese said composting is important for the future, and as Bobcat Blend grows he hopes the program will take more of a role in participation and awareness both on campus and in the city.

“If there’s one thing I could change on campus, it’s integration,” Reese said. “There is a combination of really awesome initiatives that aren’t attached or aware of other collective efforts that could help and benefit each other.”

growth since 2009,” Benson said.

“They are seeing increased business jet activity at the airport. They are trying to draw that type of business to the airport by marketing from the city’s side.”

Future plans for renovations are currently in the works, Berenato said.

The airport occupies 1,300 acres, the largest city-owned parcel of land

open for development, she said.

“Texas Aviation Partners just completed a business development plan for the airport, which focuses on that three- to five-year short-term window,” Berenato said. “The focus really was on recruitment of businesses since we are between San Antonio and Austin. We’re at a really strategic location.”

AIRPORT, from front them safe is important, Underwood said. Children’s minds are not fully developed and if drivers who are not paying attention hit them, the children can’t be held responsible, he said.

“The program is working, and the safety of our children is really what this program is all about,” Underwood said.

said.

“We have 12 businesses at the airport: aircraft mechanics that specialize in engine repair, people who specialize in avionics work, paint shops (and) two flight schools on the field,” Berenato said.

Berenato said the airport collects nearly $360,000 in rental revenue for the city each year.

“The airport has seen steady

LOOP 82, from front working with TxDOT to try to build one railroad overpass on the south side of town and another on the north.”

Reyna said the project is still on track with a late 2017 completion date.

“We are always hesitant to say actual months because you never know when a project is actually going to start until the month of or maybe the month before,” Reyna said. “Starting the project during the summer will help because then there won’t be a lot of students on campus, and events like graduation or football games won’t be happening, so we will be able to get a jump-start on it before the fall semester.”

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during certain phases of the project, said Juan Guerra, associate vice president of Facilities. He said TxDOT officials agreed to open

additional lanes if needed.

“It is supposed to be under construction for about 24 months, so major events such as commencement, football games and freshman move-in will be impacted,” Guerra said. “TxDOT has agreed to make sure that two lanes are open in both directions during university events.”

Reyna said students should pay close attention to message boards and updates from the university to avoid confusion.

“It will be a construction zone and that is a difficult period for anybody, so we just want to ask for people’s patience in advance and also make sure they watch for updates as this is happening,” Reyna said. “We also want to let them know that the end result of being able to get to the university without having to stop at those trains tracks is definitely going to be worth it.”

ALEXANDRA WHITE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

San Marcos Municipal Airport may recieve money for runway rennovations.

The University Star | Tuesday, November 18, 2014 | 3

SPORTS

UniversityStar.com

FOOTBALL Quick Five is a new University Star segment in which Sports Editor Quixem

Ramirez and Paul Livengood tackle five quick-hitting questions regarding the Texas State football team.

Texas State in the uncomfortable spot of needing a late touchdown to tie.

3. I think 35 attempts are a

By Paul Livengood SPORTS REPORTER @IamLivengood

1. The

inability to take advantage of the Jaguars’ turnovers. The Bobcats were practically given the game in the first quarter alone via fumbles on three straight drives that gave them a short field. After South Alabama took the lead, sophomore quarterback Hunter Vaughn threw an interception, which the Bobcats returned to the South Alabama 25-yard line. With a short field once again, the Bobcats only managed a field goal.

2. The

turning point in the game was the 10-play, 63-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter to give the Jaguars a 24-17 lead. This was the first moment in the entire game that South Alabama was in the lead and served as a big morale boost for the Jaguars. It was their longest drive of the game and put

bit excessive, but I think 30 is a good number. The run game is definitely the Bobcats’ bread and butter, but I think a 50-50 pass attempt/ rush attempt ratio is ideal.

It is certainly noticeable that Jones has matured as a passer over the past two seasons, and when he passes often in games, he seems to be more in rhythm with his receivers.

4. They key to beating Ar-

kansas State will be stopping the run. If the Bobcat defense that showed up to the Georgia Southern game shows up, then I believe they can beat the Red Wolves. On the other hand, if the Bobcat defense from the rest of thee season shows up, it’s a long shot.

5. I don’t see the defense

showing up in this game. I think with the short week and the Red Wolves just being the better team, the Bobcats will lose their final home game 34-24. Aside from the Georgia Southern game, the Bobcats’ run defense has not been up to par. The Red Wolves average 214.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks 31st in the nation.

1. THE BOBCATS EITHER LED OR TIED THE JAGUARS THE ENTIRE GAME UNTIL THE FOURTH QUARTER. WHAT LED TO THE BOBCATS LOSING THE GAME? 2. WHAT WAS THE TURNING POINT? 3. THE BOBCATS ARE 0-4 THIS SEASON WHILE SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK TYLER JONES ATTEMPTS OVER 35 PASSES IN A GAME. IS THERE SOMETHING TO THIS NUMBER? 4. WHAT’S THE KEY TO BEATING ARKANSAS STATE? 5. WILL THE BOBCATS WIN AGAINST ARKANSAS STATE?

By Quixem Ramirez SPORTS EDITOR @quixem

1. The

offense disappeared. Texas State averaged 5.2 yards per play in the first half and 3.1 yards per play in the second half. The precipitous efficiency drop is indicative of an offense that didn’t generate the big play, with only three plays over 20 yards in the second half.

Even with the benefit of a short field, Texas State still stalled. Losing the lead was inevitable.

2. South

Alabama’s first touchdown. The Jaguars’ double pass play, incorporating sophomore quarterback Hunter Vaughn as a receiver, set the tone for the rest of the game. Vaughn settled down, the running game excelled and the defense didn’t give an inch.

3. Definitely.

The offense isn’t equipped to handle a strenuous passing workload.

When the team is pressed

into throwing over 35 times, it’s driven by context and not design. Co-Offensive Coordinator Mike Schultz still refers to Tyler Jones, sophomore quarterback, as a “game manager.” You don’t want a game manager flinging the ball all over the field, especially when his receivers aren’t consistently getting separation. Texas State has opened up the playbook, but the running game remains the bedrock of the offense.

4. Arkansas

State has few blemishes. The Red Wolves outscore opponents by 8.5 points per game, the second-highest differential in the conference. (http://sunbeltsports.org/custompages/fbstats/2014/conf ldrs. htm) You have to nitpick to find a legitimate flaw in this team. The key is winning the turnover margin because Arkansas State is a conference best plus-7 in turnover differential. Possessions are a valuable currency, especially against the Red Wolves.

5. No,

though it will be close. Both teams are playing on a short week, and Arkansas State is more vulnerable in that setting. The Sun Belt Conference is difficult to predict week-to-week and the Bobcats, habitual players in close margin games, are no different.

BY THE NUMBERS: COACH KAREN CHISUM

61.1 MARIAH MEDINA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

34

years coaching the Texas State program, the longest tenured coach

Career winning percentage

7

Regular season team championships

6th

winningest active Division I volleyball coach

8

Tournament team championships

14th

winningest active Division I volleyball coach

23.5

wins per season, as of today

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

BOBCATS PULL FROM EXPERIENCES AGAINST DUSTDEVILS FOR FUTURE VICTORIES

By Brittnie Curtis SPORTS REPORTER @BrittnieeNicole The Bobcats can’t go bowling. After failing to earn their sixth win against South The Texas State women’s basketball team will take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock following its season-opening victory against Texas A&M International.

The last game against Texas A&M International was the perfect opportunity for the Bobcats to implement their offensive and defensive plans. Associate Head Coach Susan Serafini said the game was just what the Bobcats needed to get the season started.

“We reached out to Texas A&M International last year after they won the Heartland Conference championship at 19-9, and they were gracious enough

to say yes, and for us it was a great start,” Serafini said.

“They have a solid player in Keiona Mathews, and certainly Jessica Prieto stepped up, and that gave us two different looks that we’re going to have to contend with when we go to a very physical, very fast and very big Texas Tech Team.”

Texas Tech’s team consists of eight new players with five returning. This is the first full recruiting class for second-year head coach Candace Whitaker.

“It’s a brand-new team,” Serafini said. “They’ve got eight new players in uniform and have gone through a program transformation with the coaching change last year, so they’re working on their identity and who they’re becoming. I can guarantee that (Whitaker) is going to have them playing very physical, very rough and very solid for a

DENISE CATHEY ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

full 40 minutes.”

The Bobcats will need to pay attention to senior forward Kelsie Baker. Baker tied her career-high of 18 points in the Red Raiders’ 67-59 victory against Jacksonville State.

Unlike Texas A&M International, Texas Tech ben-

efits from its size. Baker, like four other of her teammates, is over six feet tall, making the average height for the team 6-foot-1-inch.

Kileah Mays, junior center, Carrie Kirchner, sophomore center and Jacqueline Jeffcoat are the only Bobcats over six feet, bringing

the team’s average height to 5-foot-9-inches.

“We go from a very undersized team at the moment to a very tall team with Texas Tech,” Serafini said. “It’s going to be a very different look for us.”

Whitaker is known for her toughness on the court, and

Serafini says it’s something the Bobcats have been preparing for.

Serafini plans on improving containment against the Red Raiders by maintaining control of the offense and being more flexible defensively.

4 | The University Star | Tuesday, November 18, 2014

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

THE MAIN POINT

Specific updates needed for Alkek renovation Alkek Library will undergo renovations in upcoming years to increase effective use of space and updated technology. According to a Nov. 12 University Star article, results from a feasibility study performed in 2012 are the main force behind the projected three waves of renovation. The editorial board wishes to see certain changes reflected in the updated structure.

that get a lot of sunlight during the day.

on the basement floor where students can purchase snacks from a vending machine.

The Starbucks on campus closes at 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 p.m. on Thursday and 2 p.m. on Friday making it hard to stay caffeinated for a long night of studying. Additionally, sitting next to someone scarfing down some very pungent Panda Express is no fun for anyone.

If there were a café or some sort of eating hub where students could comfortably sit down, snack or buy a cup of coffee, lots of people would use and benefit from it.

4 .Better digital organization. The databases at the library are a great

1.

A coffee shop or snack bar area. The only food available in Alkek is in an area

2.

More outlets and charging stations.

There are no friends when it comes to

finding an outlet to charge a dying phone.

In this day and age most people use a computer, phone or tablet when studying.

It only makes sense to update the accessibility and amount of outlets in the library.

Additionally, Alkek could use solar-powered charging stations on the upper floors

3should . Availability. The Alkek Library be open 24/7. The library

stays open until 3 a.m Sunday through Wednesday, but the other days it closes earlier. Although it is open 24 hours during finals, staying open all the time during the regular parts of the semester would also be beneficial.

resource for students to utilize.

Unfortunately, navigating the site is often confusing or hard to figure out.

Additionally, computers or tablets should be available in the center of every floor so students can look up books they need to check out.

5.

More group study spots. According to the article, more group study

areas will be included in the renovations. Adding on an additional 8th floor is one way to address the need for more spaces in the library. Library staff should increase patrol of study spots being utilized by only one or two people.

Few things are more frustrating than trekking to the library with a group of people to work on a project only to find individuals taking up group working spaces.

RYAN JEANES STAR ILLUSTRATOR

6.

Renting technol-

ogy. The library has e-books available for patrons to rent. In addition to e-books, e-readers should be available. That way, students and community members could rent both e-books and something to read them with.

Individual school libraries. The School of Music has its own library. Other schools should take the same approach.

Having smaller libraries for individual schools and programs would help reduce the massive amount of books at the library that go unused by majority of the student body.

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 or Texas State University.

GOVERNMENT

Change impossible due to congressional gridlock

Trevor Neely OPINIONS COLUMNIST Sociology sophomore

T

he government has been screaming, “Change!” for as long as people can remember, but many have wondered when change is actually going to come.

The past 14 years have been pitiful when it comes to the U.S. government’s ability to make a positive impact on the lives of the American people. The past two years have been the worst when it

comes to passing laws.

This Congress has become the epitome of stupidity and wastefulness, seemingly passing fewer laws than ever. While the country was in need of leaders, these people were too busy fighting each other to pass anything with great satisfaction.

They are still fighting over the Affordable Care Act, which has been a thorn in many people’s sides. Their policies, if they have any, have had little to no impact on the betterment of the country as a whole.

Many have labeled this most recent group the “do-nothing Congress” because of its overwhelming ineffectiveness. The Democrats controlled the Senate while the Republicans had the House majority. This upcoming Congress has a slight difference.

The Republicans now have a

majority in both the House and the Senate, which would lead an unaware individual into the optimism of change. Sadly, this is not the case in the present day.

This new Congress is going to be as stagnant as the last.

Barack Obama and the Republicans of Congress have had a nasty history with each other for years. The hateful relationship will only increase with their new majority in the final two years of his occupancy of the Oval Office.

The new Congress will have its hands full with trying to stop Obama. According to a Nov. 5 National Post article, Mitch McConnell, the new Senate Majority leader, said there are some obvious things they will be voting on. Topics include the Keystone pipeline, modifications to the Affordable Care Act and a number of other things for which McCon-

UNIVERSITY

More students should utilize new emergency alert system

Jenna Coleman OPINIONS COLUMNIST Journalism senior

T

he new improvements made to the TXState Alert System should be embraced by students because they will improve the convenience of obtaining alert information and better protect university faculty, staff and students.

The TXState Alert System, also called the RAVE emergency notification system, is being revamped by university officials. It is currently an opt-in system, meaning if students want to receive text messages regarding bad weather cancellations, a campus shooter or other emergency situations they must go to the website and provide their phone numbers. The improved system will be an opt-out system where students will automatically receive these messages, and if they want to stop receiving them, they can remove their numbers from the list.

According to a Nov. 11 University Star article, all universities are required to have some sort of alarm system, whether that is electronic emergency boards or an email service.

Of all the technology available today, text messaging is the most immediate

The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

and effective way of communicating emergencies. The only problem is not many students have actually signed up to receive the emergency texts.

The article stated only 11 to 14 percent of students currently receive alert text messages. This number surprises me considering how much easier these texts have made my life. On a cold morning, all I have to do is roll over and check whether classes have been delayed or cancelled.

People might think most students would also want that immediacy in the event of a campus shooter, fire or other emergency. Incoming students will now automatically be enrolled in the new system, but upperclassman should make the effort to join as well in order to stay informed and be easily updated.

The university has assured students the RAVE system will not be used to market or inform people of events such as campus activities or payment deadlines. Messages are about emergencies only, so students do not have to worry about being continually bothered by text messages or potentially running up their phone bills. The RAVE system is in place only to protect students and keep them updated about the most urgent situations on campus, not to promote the university.

The new RAVE emergency system is easier, more efficient and will better inform students about what is happening on campus regarding their safety.

All Texas State students should list their phone numbers to get updates in a more convenient, quick and efficient way.

Editor-in-Chief............................................Lesley Warren, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor....................Odus Evbagharu,starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters...........................................................................universitystar@txstate.edu News Editor............................................Kelsey Bradshaw, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor.............................................Amanda Ross, startrends@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.....................................Imani McGarrell, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor........................................Madelynne Scales, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor......................................... Quixem Ramirez, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief.................................Sam Hankins, starcopychief@txstate.edu

nell believes there is a majority in the Senate.

Judging by that belief and the past actions of Congress, it seems as though the new majority leaders do not actually have a plan other than continued disagreement with Obama. They talk about voting on certain issues, but that does not necessarily mean passing laws.

They would need 60 votes to overcome any Democratic filibusters and a staggering 67 votes to override an inevitable presidential veto. This is defeating for the Republicans, since Obama has already stated that he is more than willing to use his executive powers in these final two years.

Republicans and Democrats alike can easily come up with solutions to all of the problems being debated. They could work out their differences and look

past party affiliations. There is more to running a country than constant disagreement.

Real change could happen if the American people take a stand on the issues. The government is obviously not currently capable of doing anything progressive, and it looks as if things will remain the same. It is a shame, but the people cannot complain since they keep voting these idiots in.

Texas State and other campuses around the country could make a strong statement with campus protests or a collective march on Washington. This generation is bigger than the baby boomers of the 1950s, yet nothing significant has set it apart from the rest.

It is time to make a change in this country. The government is not going to make that change.

After all, the opposite of progress is Congress.

SUICIDE

Death with dignity should be a personal decision

Britton Richter OPINIONS COLUMNIST English junior

I

f citizens have the right to live with dignity, they also have the right to die with dignity.

The Death with Dignity Act passed in Oregon on Nov. 8th, 1994 allows certain terminally ill individuals to obtain a prescription for medication to end their life whenever they choose.

This act has been under much scrutiny, and with the recent passing of Brittany Maynard, there has been a rise in discussion on this topic.

Brittany Maynard, a Death with Dignity supporter, was diagnosed with brain cancer that was diagnosed as terminal in April. Her team of doctors said she was likely to die within six months. Maynard had no plans to allow the disease

Design Editor...........................................Lauren Huston, stardesign@txstate.edu Assistant News Editor........................Nicole Barrios, 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

to dictate her life as well as her death. She chose to live her life according to her own terms and end it as such.

Maynard’s story is both heartbreaking and incredibly inspiring. She lived life according to her own terms and, in reality, that should be the goal of everyone.

No one plans for diseases. No one anticipates receiving the news that life as they know it may, in fact, be over within six months. Maynard lived a positive life with a positive outlook despite making the decision to take her own life.

Suicide is viewed as sin by some people and is looked down upon as being weak and feeble.

Oftentimes the perception is that if someone wants to end their life, they should just be stronger. However, this is not always the case.

Desires to take one’s own life do not stem from nothing. There is a cause. There is always a catalyst that puts the idea of suicide, both physician-assisted and non-assisted, into someone’s mind. These people are not weak people.

They simply do not want

to live in pain anymore.

Terminally ill patients deserve the right to dictate how their lives end when so much control has already been taken from them due to their deadly diseases.

Those who are not in support of the Death with Dignity Act often forget one incredibly important aspect – it is not their life. The opinion of others is not going to make the chemotherapy less horrific. It will not end the excruciating physical pain and mental exhaustion of those stricken by a deadly, incurable disease.

The Death with Dignity Act poses many controversies, the main controversy being that people don’t approve of it. People do not like the idea of others killing themselves, which is understandable. However, it is also incredibly important to realize that these are not our lives. If dying with dignity is the last wish of those who are terminally ill, the very least people can do is allow them that right. It is better to die with dignity than in pain.

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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The University Star | Tuesday, November 18, 2014 | 5

TRENDS

UniversityStar.com

FOOD

Restaurants close to campus offer great eats

By Andrea Hurell TRENDS REPORTER

312 University Drive Suite A San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 353-3913

The Big Kahuna brings a diverse array of ingredients to the San Marcos melting pot, and it’s hard not to fall in love. The food truck features genuine Hawaiian food from its location at The Hitch less than a half-mile from central campus. Owner Mark Jacobson said the food truck is the only authentic Hawaiian eatery in the entire 512 area code. The food truck utilizes Jacobson’s family recipes from their restaurants in Maui.

Even though The Big Kahuna is in touch with its Hawaiian roots, the food truck’s owners make an effort to be progressive in customer service by offering both vegetarian and gluten-free meal options.

THE BIG KAHUNA

312 E Hopkins St.

ZOOKAS ULTIMATE BURRITOS

ALVIN ORD’S

This close-to-campus spot features fresh, flavorful sandwiches and a mural-like wall decorated by current and long-graduated Bobcats.

The shop offers options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, with the pulled pork sandwich ranking among its most popular items.

“The food is cheap and pretty massive,” said Olivia Trevino, Alvin Ord’s manager. “We are open during most campus hours.”

204 University Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 353-8042

Zookas Ultimate Burritos, founded and operated by a pair of Texas State alumni, offers the perfect local alternative to the ever-popular Chipotle and Freebirds chains.

Patrons have the opportunity to build their own burritos from fresh ingredients, including vegetarian options. Students can relax with premium tall boys at rockbottom prices once class is done for the day.

PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Alvin Ords Sandwich Shop at 204 University Dr.

SPUD RANCH

San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 680-0224

TANTRA COFFEEHOUSE

A relaxing atmosphere coupled with artisan menu offerings makes Tantra Coffeehouse one of the best options near the Texas State campus. The menu hosts a large array of sandwiches, breakfast food and homemade hummus in addition to its wide and varied coffee selection. Food aside, the coffeehouse is a popular gathering spot for friends to socialize, study and take in weekly live music.

217 W. Hopkins St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 558-2233

PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Tanta Coffee House at 217 W Hopkins St.

The creative mind knows no bounds, and the geniuses behind the Spud Ranch baked potatoes exemplify this with their twisted and delicious take on everyone’s favorite starch. The restaurant offers a huge variety of themed toppings for their spuds, including macaroni and cheese, buffalo wing and chicken Parmesan. Spud Ranch proves that even the most classic dinner staple can pack a big punch. Spud Ranch serves burgers and salads in addition to its amazing potatoes.

1330 Aquarena Springs Drive Suite 112 San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 805-7783

PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Spencer Spilman, mass communication senior, and Garrett Gonzales, mass communication junior, eat burritos Nov. 17 at Zookas.

MUSIC

DJ Mic-D proves work more business than hobby

By Jonathan Hamilton TRENDS REPORTER Michael Taylor Texas State student and aspiring DJ better known as Mic-D, fell in love with the art of music mixing in the seventh grade and is well on his way to stardom.

Taylor first began to explore his craft at age 13, making what are known as “screw tapes” or mix tapes paying homage to the legendary Houston artist, DJ Screw.

Initially, Taylor spent hours upon hours practicing in his bedroom as he only had the funds to

buy a standard turntable. But as Taylor began to take the craft more seriously, he caught the attention of his middle school debate teacher who also DJ'd as a hobby.

The young disc jockey didn't have enough money to purchase all of the essentials for a full set of equipment, so his instructor lent him speakers, amplifiers and chords in order for Taylor to get his start. Taylor bought his own speakers from a local pawnshop for $400 after about three months of saving up, officially starting the business he continues today.

What started out as curiosity is

now a job for Mic-D. Taylor realized he could make a bona fide career of disc jockeying when he started scheduling his first gigs.

“I was doing the same stuff I was doing in my room in front of grown-ups, and they really liked it,” Taylor said. “I started thinking, ‘If I can do this in my room for free, then I can get paid for this, too.’”

Taylor said he matured musically and in a business sense after cutting his teeth on performing at parties and other social events.

Numerous clients attempted to talk Taylor down on his price

for performing, he said. He now understands the importance of knowing one’s worth as a DJ and not budging when confronted with people underestimating him.

As Mic-D has progressed, he has passed down wisdom and knowledge to other DJs trying to understand the business side of things.

DJ Fat, another Texas State artist, regards Mic-D as something of a mentor, especially with his approach to making money.

"Mic-D taught me to know my worth,” DJ Fat said. “He taught me to charge clients the value of

my services rather than what I think they are willing to pay. He's made me realize this is much more of a business than just a hobby."

Word of mouth is usually the best form of advertisement, and DJ Mic-D has made a conscious effort over the years to build a clientele that will give positive reviews. He acknowledges even the most skilled DJ will be nothing without a loyal fan base. It is his direct aim to make sure people at parties or events enjoy themselves.

Mic-D’s motto is "The difference between a good and a great time.”

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6 | The University Star | Advertisement | Tuesday, November 18, 2014

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