Oct 29 2014 by The University Star

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29, 2014 VOLUME 104 ISSUE 33 www.UniversityStar.com

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

CITY

facebook.com/universitystar

t @UniversityStar E youtube.com/user/theuniversitystar Go to universitystar. com

UNIVERSITY

Crime log reveals decrease in on-campus drug violations JOHNEL ACOSTA STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Milad Jawad poses Oct. 27 at Hookah House.

FROM ‘SADDAM’S CITY’ TO SAN MARCOS Local business owner reflects on former home in war-torn Iraq

By Houston York NEWS REPORTER A young Iraqi boy watched the bombing of Baghdad on March 19, 2003 at the start of the Iraq War from the steps of his home in Al-Thawra, Iraq, also known as “Saddam’s City.” Milad Jawad, the youngest of five boys, was born and raised in Al-Thawra, a public housing district in Baghdad. Jawad said he was 14 when the invasion of Iraq began. He can recall feeling a mixture of excitement and uncertainty as the conflict began. As a child, he dreamed of moving to America to run his own business but did not think he would see the day Iraq would be free of Saddam Hussein’s “oppressive dictatorship.” Little did Jawad know, he would one day be a business owner in San Marcos, Texas. “Small groups of planes were flying really high over us, and I could see the smoke and fire coming from the planes as the bombs were fired,” Jawad said. “The explosions were so large you could see fire, smoke and feel the repercussions from miles away.” Obtaining current information about the conflict was slow and dangerous because citizens only had a state-run television program and no access to social media or cell phones, Jawad said. Saddam Hussein had been ruling Iraq with a “firm grip” for 35 years by the time news came through word of mouth that an American invasion was on its way. “I remember my father and a friend of his talking about waiting

for America to invade, oust Saddam, and then Iraqis would have freedom,” Jawad said. “People were excited and ready for him to be gone.” Even after the bombs were dropped, the possibility existed that Saddam would not be removed from power and the country would be subject to his control once again, Jawad said. Iraqi government officials took one of Jawad’s older brothers from their home in the night after he was accused of feeding and clothing a government official who was posing as a homeless citizen. “They took my brother to a secret prison for six months, and we had no idea where he was or what happened to him,” Jawad said. “They starved him and hung him by his feet and hands from the ceiling for days. He was a different person after he was released.” Jawad said he left with one of his brothers from Al-Thawra for a month after the war broke out for fear of becoming a civilian casualty. The brothers stayed at a friend’s home in the country until the news broke that Saddam had been removed from power. “I woke up to my brother and cousins dancing and singing,” Jawad recalled. “I was still a young child and was frightened to see the military in my town when I returned, but the soldiers started to throw candy to me, and I felt better.” The Ibn Sina hospital was taken over and renamed the Baghdad Emergency Room (ER) by the U.S. military following the siege and fall of the city, Jawad

said. He began working in the ER as a nurse’s assistant at the age of 14. “Patients would come in covered in blood, and sometimes their flesh and bones would fall

“

took me in like his little brother and recommended I come to America.” At the age of 20, Jawad moved to America. “The application process usu-

When you come to a country and they will help you more than your native country, you should love that country.” —MILAD JAWAD, OWNER OF THE HOOKAH LOUNGE

off or were already gone,” Jawad said. “If the patient lost a body part, like a foot or something, I would take it to the incinerator to be burned. Watching 15 to 20 people die a day was not easy.” Jawad said he had to witness and do things most cannot imagine. “There was a problem for a while where children would be brought in that were severely burned from explosions,” Jawad said. “Some would survive. I would take naps with dead corpses in the morgue when I was exhausted from working 12-hour shifts.” Jawad developed relationships with American military personnel at the Baghdad ER, he said. Spending free time with U.S. soldiers was the best thing he has ever done. “I even taught an American general how to speak Arabic,” Jawad said. “David Ruffin, an anesthesiologist from Hawaii,

ally takes several months, but I was approved in three days because of all the strong recommendations I had from the hospital staff,” Jawad said. “The day I left was terribly sad because I was so young and leaving my family. I cried the entire way to America.” The U.S. government paid for Jawad’s dorm while he earned his diploma and became a certified nurse’s assistant in San Marcos. “When you come to a country and they will help you more than your native country, you should love that country,” Jawad said. “America is my home now.” Jawad said his dream of one day owning his own business is now a reality. “I always liked hookah bars and planned on opening one for a long time,” Jawad said. “Now I co-own and manage The Hookah Lounge in San Marcos. I always thank God that I am here and have a better life. It is truly a dream come true.”

UNIVERSITY

Higher Education Assistance Fund allocation anticipated to increase By Anna Herod NEWS REPORTER The 10-year period of the Higher Education Assistance Fund’s previous allocation of $22 million to Texas State will end with the fall semester. University officials anticipate a $3 million increase from the previous decade’s $22 million allocation due to enrollment growth, said Bill Nance, vice president for Finance and Support Services. The allocation amount for the next 10 years will be determined this spring and will be available for use at the beginning of the 2015 fall semester. “This fund is extremely important and has been for the past 30 years,” Nance said. “It’s critical because it gives us our ability to build buildings, to keep up with enrollment growth, to repair older buildings and maintain library materials and capital

equipment.” HEAF is a constitutionally dedicated fund created by the Texas legislature that can be used only for new construction, major repairs of buildings, land acquisition, library books and capital equipment. A specific dollar amount of the funding is dedicated to library materials, Nance said. Aside from that amount, the largest percentage of the money goes toward building repairs, renovation and new construction. “For instance, the roof repairs that were done to Old Main last year, that was financed by the HEAF,” Nance said. “The Comal building renovation and Lampasas renovation were also funded by it.” Some plans are already developed for the future allocation of funding, said Nancy Nusbaum, manager of the 10-year plan for the fund. “Once we find out how much

money we get, then we take our plan and develop it from there,” Nusbaum said. “Quite a bit of the next allocation will be going toward the expansion and renovation of the Strahan Coliseum to allow for more seating for commencement.” HEAF also funded the construction of the new Performing Arts Center in addition to Old Main’s roof repairs and the renovation of the Comal Building. Nusbaum said much of what the university has to offer is possible because of the HEAF funding. “If we weren’t receiving the $20 million-plus, we wouldn’t be able to purchase the additional library books,” Nusbaum said. “We wouldn’t have our computer refresh program, and we wouldn’t be able to make capital acquisitions for the different departments on campus.” Nance said the HEAF coordinating board staff is discussing a proposal to increase the overall

statewide fund from the current $225 million figure to account for the inflation of construction costs and the number of universities with a recent increase in enrollment. Nance, who previously served on the board, said he suspects the recommended proposal to the legislature for statewide funding will be approved by the staff. The amount of money Texas State receives will further increase if the proposal is approved by the legislature in June, he said. “We do anticipate somewhat of an increase in the money we will get because of our enrollment increase,” Nance said. “If we had not had this fund, we would not have anywhere near the facilities, the new ones or the renovated ones, that we do now to support the amount of students that we have. The fund is just critical to our continued growth and success.”

By Mariah Simank SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Drug violations among students on campus have decreased from 2012 to 2013. In 2012, 242 infractions occurred, while only 152 were recorded for 2013, said University Police Department Captain Daniel Benitez. Narcotic drug violations frequently appear in the UPD’s daily crime log and reveal common arrests for violations like possession of marijuana. Benitez said the term “narcotic drug violation” encompasses various illegal activities. “A drug violation is usually people having possession of illegal narcotics such as marijuana or other explicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin,” Benitez said. In the past month, 19 narcotic drug violations have been reported on the daily activity summary. Recent incidents include possession of drug paraphernalia or marijuana, Benitez said. Benitez said the most common drug found on campus is marijuana. The department has also seen a recent increase in the number of students misusing prescription medications. “We see a lot of students using prescription medications, and it seems to be another up-and-coming thing,” Benitez said. “However, prescription medications are going to be a very distant number two.” Cocaine and heroin arrests are uncommon, and no specific area on campus experiences more drug violations than others, Benitez said. “The arrests are usually all over the place, and most of the time it’s people that are calling us to say there is illegal activity or it’s something that our officers encounter during traffic stops,” Benitez said. Being in possession of any type of illegal drug is a violation of the law. Benitez said anyone caught with illegal narcotics must be arrested. University officials, through Student Justice, review alleged violations related to illegal narcotics use and assign discipline separately from law enforcement, said Stacy Batts, coordinator for Alcohol and Drug Compliance Services. “Education courses offered are all empirically based and validated and were created on facts and laws and behavioral science,” Batts said. Once a student has been arrested for drug-related offenses, he or she is given penalties to complete. These penalties are based on educational, therapeutic and community services, said Ismael Amaya, assistant dean of students. “When found responsible, the sanctions can typically range from a combination of required completion of educational programs such as community service, parental notification, deferred expulsion,” Amaya said. “In addition, per system policy, students found responsible for a second drug violation are expelled from the university.” University officials use programs to educate students on the dangers of drug use. “Students receive information during their orientation process, including at Bobcat Preview, and the Student Health Center’s Health Promotions Services present programs in many US 1100 classes as well as outside of classes,” Amaya said. “UPD’s Crime Prevention Division also offers presentations to students on various topics, including drug dangers.” Amaya said officials with the Department of Housing and Residential Life also give information on drug policies and consequences to students during move-in, and may also offer programming within the halls. Officials hope to prevent future drug violations by providing students with resources, Batts said. “Conversations with students focus on identifying problematic consequences relating to substance use, impact on their academic outcomes, personal responsibility and decision making as well as review of federal, state and local law and the Texas State University Code of Student Conduct,” Batts said.

2 | The University Star | Wednesday, October 29, 2014

TRENDS

UniversityStar.com

Hispanic association offers service, leadership opportunities By Jonathan Hamilton TRENDS REPORTER The Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) was founded in January 1994 by business management professor Cecilia Temponi and a small group of students. The HBSA has a decade-long track record of excellence at Texas State. Since its inception, HBSA has received a host of awards and accolades based on volunteer efforts and social events. HBSA puts its affiliates in the best position to succeed by providing scholarships to highly involved members who are full-time students and maintain a 3.0 GPA. HBSA’s mission is to create opportunities within the academic and business communities while promoting cultural enrichment amongst Hispanic students at Texas State. HBSA also

and selling raffle tickets. HBSA has also received mentorship from both the CEO and president of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A variety of majors are represented, ranging from social work to fashion merchandising, though HSBA was originally founded by business students. Rebecca Recio, HBSA historian, cited camaraderie as the main reason the organization is strong. “One of the great things about HBSA is we see everyone in our organization as our family,” Recio said. “Not only does HBSA accept all majors, but it will also ensure that all attendees have enlightening experiences regardless of race, ethnicity, classification or degree.” HSBA blends the different skills and talents each of its members possesses to make an impact on the com-

HARON SAENZ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Andrea Olvera, health administration senior, and Chris Ortiz, marketing senior, serve food Oct. 23 at Travis Elementary School for the Hispanic Business Student Association.

One of the great things about HBSA is we see everyone in our organization as our family. — REBECCA RECIO, HBSA HISTORIAN participates in community outreach programs such as Bobcat Build, in which student volunteers repair homes, schools and churches across San Marcos. HBSA members volunteered at the Sacred Springs Powwow Oct. 11, setting up and taking down equipment

munity. Karlie Ramirez, director of recruitment and retention, said the diversity of HBSA caused her to join. Ramirez was drawn to the organization because it “had something for everyone.” HBSA gives its members a real opportunity to

soak up business knowledge and thrive in an inviting social environment by hosting weekly meetings with guest speakers present. HBSA gives members the opportunities, tools and encouragement necessary to make a difference with their time at Texas State and beyond. COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK

Strange, but informative.

br e c k e n r i dge

Vail • Beaver Creek

•

Keystone • Arapahoe Basin

20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price.

FROM ONLY

plus t/s

WWW.UBSKI.COM

1-800 -SKI-WILD • 1-800-754-9453

!"#$%&'()'*+,-.,/01'(0,2'(+,#34,5-1,6**7839,:-;*'3, :<*=>??@ A-<,*'.,.-1,<97,:-;*'3,:<*=>,3-,8<(*&'97B C,2(';,D,E-,F<.*&,D,9.'*=,G37)9 C,:('.0,.')7,;7'<3+,'.0,9=G.,*'(7 C,%&-3-,8(G.39,G.,93-(7 C,%(79*(G83G-.9 C,H'F=CG.,G))<.GI'3G-.9B,JF<K,)7.G.EG3G9K,L%"K,'.0,)-(7 JM//,JF<,9&-39,1G3&,)-93,G.9<('.*7?,%F<9K,E73,',NOP,-QQ, *-<8-.,1&7.,+-<,E73,+-<(,QF<,9&-3?

#3-(7,L-<(9B,R')CSO8) %&'()'*+,L-<(9B, T-.CJ(GU')CU8) #'3,U')CV8) #<.,SN8)CW8) @M793(G*3G-.9,'88F+

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | The University Star | 3

SPORTS

UniversityStar.com

FOOTBALL

PRACTICE REPORT: NEW MEXICO, TEXAS STATE By Mariah Medina ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @MARIAHMEDINAAA Some say numbers never lie. Ben Ijah, senior wide receiver, begs to differ. While their upcoming competitor, New Mexico State, is currently 9th in the Sun Belt Conference, the Bobcats shared the same sentiment as Ijah as they began practices this week. “Rule number one in sports: the numbers that they have, the statistics, the numbers—it really accounts for nothing,” Ijah said. “It all depends on how they come out, and how they play. That being the case, we’re going to hit the ground running. We don’t expect this game to be easy. We don’t expect this game to be anything less than what all

of our other conference games have been.” With that in mind, the coaches and the team have been working on attacking their opponent’s weaknesses: ball security and rushing defense. In their last four games, the Aggies combined for 16 turnovers. The Aggies have allowed 2,649 rushing yards this season. Both numbers have served as motivation for the Bobcats to improve upon their ability and add to the deficit New Mexico has accumulated thus far. “There’s tons of fundamental things we talk about,” Coach Dennis Franchione said. “When we make mistakes it’s because of poor fundamentals, sometimes, which as coaches we got to keep getting reinforced and working on. I think the mantra we’ve

talked about the last two weeks is takeaways and taking care of the ball.” David Mayo, senior linebacker, leads Division I in tackles this season, a feat Franchione says others “model” themselves after. Trey McGowan, junior linebacker, speaks for the team’s defensive efforts when he says that the “first step” in defensive plays has been the point of focus for the defensive line—mimicking the ready and aggressive instinct Mayo has demonstrated this season. “We want our first step to be good,” McGowan said. “Hard. Fast. Right off the ball, ready to hit somebody—all aggressive, all hands to the ball.” In the previous matchup, the Bobcats snapped Louisiana-

Monroe’s 32-game streak, the longest in the nation, with a turnover. Franchione says the win gave the team momentum to repeat its success against New Mexico State. “This last part of our schedule is now three road (games), two home (games)—it was four (road games) with Monroe,” Franchione said. “It gives us confidence to do it again. We get so lost in one game at a time that we don’t think as much about (morale).” By comparison, McGowan and Ijah realize the negative implications a win can have in the preparation process. “We can’t get big-headed,” McGowan said. “We’ve got to stay mind-focused. We’ve got to play our next game. We can’t celebrate the win anymore. It’s

over. It’s a new team now.” Texas State has committed 47 penalties in seven games, the fourth-highest mark in the conference. Ijah said coaches are working to minimize preventable errors. “Our coaches always talk about getting behind the sticks, holding penalties, jumping off sides, so (our focus is) just sitting in there and being comfortable,” Ijah said. The Bobcats have incurred tough losses this season, but Ijah is hopeful their Louisiana-Monroe win will result in outcomes equal to their effort. “This is the culmination of all of the hard work that everybody put in,” Ijah said. “I know it’s good for everyone to see that the hard work is paying off.”

KTSW 89.9 presents

Halloween BREANNA BAKER STAR ILLUSTRATOR

Hootenanny

LUNCH WITH COACH FRAN Scan the QR code below for a video interview with Coach Dennis Franchione.

FREE SHOW

Canvas People + Victory March

Cheatham Street Warehouse OCTOBER 30TH 9PM – 1AM

ktsw.net

IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN AVA I L A B L E

SAVE $340 WITH ZERO DOWN

UPGRADED INTERIORS: NEW LEATHER-STYLE FURNITURE & HARDWOOD-STYLE FLOORS ü./0ŏ/0+,ŏ+*ŏ/$100(!ŏ1/ŏ.+10!ŏđŏ,.%20!ŏ! .++)/ŏĒŏ0$.++)/ŏđŏĂąġ$.ŏü0*!//ŏ!*0!.ŏđŏ+),10!.ŏ!*0!. 0$!0!.ŏ.++)ŏđŏ/* ŏ2+((!5((ŏĒŏ/'!0((ŏ+1.0/ŏđŏ%* %2% 1(ŏ(!/!/ŏđŏ.++))0!ŏ)0$%*#ŏ2%((!

THEOUTPOSTSANMARCOS.COM āćąĈŏ+/0ŏ+ ŏđŏĆāĂċăĊĂċĈćĈĉ

Fees & amenities subject to change. Limited time only.

4 | The University Star | Wednesday, October 29, 2014

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

THE MAIN POINT

Bobcats should not fall prey to‘midterm slump’ I t is that time of year again; the time of year that most college students anticipate with weariness. Yes, it is the midterm season. Classes are winding down, tests are all over the place, the weather is literally cooling down and students are starting to get a pretty good idea of what their grades will be like at the end of the semester. However, students should not let this midterm slump negatively affect them in their educational endeavors. Now that November is on the cusp of being here, there are about five full weeks of class left until winter break. Bobcats have come this far, so they should try their best to not become apathetic in their studies or general health. Steer clear of the late-night dessert cravings and those pesky fat-filled yet totally delicious pizza combinations from Gumby’s. Keeping the body right keeps the mind right as well. If students decide to let their bodies go, then surely their minds will follow. Staying healthy and active keeps the mind working at its peak.

Bobcats must remember that college is a privilege, not a right, at least not in America. Students pay tens of thousands and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars to get a proper education and eventually do what they love. It is understandable that everyone is tired, but Bobcats should remain vigilant in their studies and remember why they became college students in the first place. For most it was not to eat like a gluttonous pig and lie in bed all day but to eventually enter their ideal profession. One resource students should try to utilize more is the Alkek Library. The library is open late, and once finals roll around the library stays open 24/7. If students are feeling lethargic at home, they get a change of scenery and utilize the facilities and programs that their money is going towards. The library has tons of things to offer that make studying and researching much easier and more effective. Students would be wise to utilize their services. From an exhaustive supply of credible resources and topical books to

librarians waiting to help students with databases and sourcing to the slew of computers waiting to be accessed, things could not be easier. Additionally, the effervescent quietness of the library creates an ideal environment for education to flourish. If students are hungry they should not worry as the library allows people to bring in food to assist in their studying. Yes, students are probably still a bit weary. It is generally understood that procrastination is the silent killer of students everywhere. Procrastination is that thing that creeps on students at the most inopportune times and causes students to turn in assignments done in the most rudimentary and basic of fashions. Bobcats should not let that affect them and just hold on. Five more weeks, only five more weeks—that is all that is left. Students should hold out for a little longer, and then it is smooth sailing straight back to your comfy and familiar bed at home. We can do it.

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. JORDAN GURLEY STAR ILLUSTRATOR

TELEVISION

Cursing, nudity should not be censored on TV

Hunter Larzelere OPINIONS COLUMNIST Journalism junior

how me all the deaths, fights and violence in the world as long as there is no sex or cursing. This is the model that modern entertainment has taken. One

night browsing primetime TV is all it takes to witness the sheer volume of violence on TV. It is not limited to just late-night TV either. Many daily afternoon shows and children’s cartoons have some sort of violence in them. Violence is not seen as a big deal, but for some reason someone mouthing off a curse word or the mention of sex is seen as unacceptable. In terms of nudity, Europe is notoriously more accepting of the human body. Occasionally, there is nudity seen on TV overseas, and attitudes are far more relaxed on the issue. While I am not saying it is OK for two people going at it like

porn stars to be on TV, I do not see a problem with the occasional flash of someone walking around in the buff. Now, our precious virgin ears were guarded for quite some time. It is only a modern phenomenon for cursing to be allowed on TV, and there are still some limitations. In a movie, the word “fuck” can only be dropped sparingly, if at all, lest it be given an R-rating. Forget hearing it at all on network TV. I’ve never quite understood the stigma behind curse words. According to a May 11 DailyMail article, cursing has been shown to be beneficial. Cursing can help one deal with physical

DIVERSITY

Diverse experiences important in college

Kirsten Peek OPINIONS COLUMNIST Journalism senior

tudents should make a conscious effort to expand their horizons by exploring other interests beyond their majors and minors. Despite the vast number of interests represented through organizations and classes offered at Texas State, many students fall into the trap of using their open electives and free time to get more involved in their majors. Most students end up with at least a couple hours of open electives they get to take to meet their hour requirement for graduation. For example, between the classes I was required to take for my major and minor, I only had 105 hours completed. Now, as I finish completing my major and minor classes during my senior year, I will also have 15 hours of open electives to take in order to reach the required 120 hours. While there are multiple mass communication electives I could have chosen from, I decided to do what I thought was the easy route and fill my open electives with PFW’s and classes that sounded like “blow-off classes.” I was surprised to discover that in addition to challenging me, these classes gave me the opportunity to

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

meet people and have experiences I never would have otherwise. This is especially true considering the fact that I have seen the same faces in my mass communication classes since I was a freshman. There are many opportunities Texas State students have during college that they will no longer have once they are in the real world after graduation. Students can explore different perspectives and learn something new through diversifying their schedules if their degree plan allows that space. If not, they can choose from a number of student organizations that may address interests not represented in their classes. Additionally, in their free time, they can enjoy recreational experiences that they might not have the time or money to after college. The Outdoor Recreation Center organizes trips for students to various destinations for a fraction of the cost it would be otherwise. There are also free on-campus workshops and events available to students, such as biking clinics and “ladies night” on the rock wall, when women get to climb for free. The Student Recreation Center offers group exercise classes such as yoga, dance and cycling. Students can partake in these classes for $60 a semester, prices that are unheard of at regular gyms. Tuition covers a lot more than the cost of getting in, getting a degree and getting out. College is an opportunity to expand horizons, challenge yourself, gain new experiences and meet different types of people. Students should avoid getting tunnel vision for their degree and make the most of their college years by exploring additional interests. It’s an important part of becoming a wellrounded individual.

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

pain, and it has been shown to be an effective emotional coping mechanism. Simply put, it is such plain fun to say a good curse word now and again. It just has a way of flowing off the tongue. Violence has also become a norm in the entertainment world. Every movie, video game and TV show has some kind of violence in it. I do not have a huge problem with violence to a point, but it seems like that point has long since passed. According to a Feb. 21, 2013 CNN article, 90 percent of movies, 68 percent of video games and 60 percent of TV shows depict violence in some manner. The popular argument advocating the violence

shown is that the acts depicted are extremely far-fetched and never likely to happen in real life, but this is not always the case. A recent University Star column discussed multiple cases where people committed violent acts and stated that TV shows were the inspirations to committing such actions. It is inevitable that people are going to encounter violence, nudity and cursing in life. However, the social stigma that still surrounds nudity and cursing needs to change. Until then, my savior will be like-minded souls. Even the less-than-PC television show South Park made an entire movie with the same stance as myself.

MUSIC

Grammys not indicative of music quality, worth

Nabil Hourani OPINIONS COLUMNIST Public relations senior

Music can mean different things to different people. For some, it means just casually listening to a favorite song of theirs on the radio as they drive. For others, such as professional musicians and collegiate music majors, it can mean a complex socio-political art form that encompasses their entire academic foundation and passion for life. An even more ambiguous phrase that tends to get thrown around a lot is “good music.” It is hard to define exactly what is “good” or “bad” music because these are terms of opinions and taste. However, even with these completely subjective judgments, society and media systems still tend to uphold certain people as “true” musicians and artists worthy of praise. The Grammys are revered as the most prestigious award that someone in music can receive. Despite the great admiration many have for the ceremony, there are

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

plenty working in the music industry who could not care less about winning these awards, including some who have won one before. The reasons many rightfully feel this way have to do with the process of how the awards are chosen and the context of even winning an award at all. Many, including myself, resent the Grammys and other awards because of the borderline-obsessive requirements. They seem to demand an almost superstar level of fame to be held by the musicians without focusing so much on the true content and depth of the music. High album sales and marketing abilities are the preliminary criteria one has to hold before they can even be considered as a recipient of one of these “good music” awards. Now, not every band or artist who has achieved high album sales and mass notoriety is just a corporate sellout hack. There are plenty of big names who have won Grammys that I am still a huge fan of to this day. In fact, I think the Grammys were instrumental a few decades ago in helping get the word out on talented bands in a time when the amount of truly skilled artists was much lower than today. When Bon Iver won the award for “Best New Artist” in 2012, many seriously questioned the quality of artists that the judges were

considering for the awards. I encourage everyone to seek out the lesser-known musicians who hold an incredible level of technical and soulful skill not seen in mainstream musicians. Some of my music professors have expressed the more critical view that there are some musicians people should never listen to. I take the more laid-back philosophy that you should always listen to whatever music makes you happy, regardless of the artist. It is just worth recognizing that the correlation between fame and true musical skill can be completely irrelevant. There is an almost infinite number of unrecognized artists and musicians out there who deserve to have their incredible talents heard. These artists have written music that could probably change lives, given the opportunity. The Grammys and other music award ceremonies should work more to nominate lesser-known artists for the awards. This would be a great way to help the reputation of the Grammys among the musicians who downplay the ceremony for its rampant obsession with fame and use of favoritism. Society should not let the media always shove what they think is true art and talent in everyone’s face. Be explorative and curious, and go out there to find music that truly speaks to the heart, mind and soul.

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. Copyright Wednesday, October 29, 2014. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.

Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | The University Star | 5

UNIVERSITY

‘Raisin’ Cane’ honors Harlem Renaissance By Lesley Warren EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Encore Series, in partnership with Common Experience and the Honors College, will present “Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Evans Auditorium. The performance will star actress, singer, dancer and director Jasmine Guy. Guy is best known for her role as Whitley Gilbert in the 1987 NBC sitcom “A Different World,” for which she won six consecutive NAACP Image Awards. She currently plays a recurring role in the hit CW show “The Vampire Diaries” starring Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley. Her 25-year career has led to her recognition as not only a talented actress, singer and comedienne, but also as a director, writer and speaker. The performance will also feature the Avery Sharpe Trio. Sharpe is a renowned jazz bassist who has performed with legendary jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Kevin Eubanks, Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Bobby McFerrin and Pay Metheny. For the “Raisin’ Cane” performance, Sharpe is joined by percussionist Kevin Sharpe and jazz violinist Diane Monroe. “Raisin’ Cane” honors the artists of the Harlem Renaissance through text, song, music, movement and imagery. The thoughts, songs and images of Jean Toomer, Langston Hughes,

Countee Cullen, Zora Neale Hurston and W.E.B. Du Bois are woven into a panoramic experience that encapsulates the Harlem Renaissance era. The show was written by Harry Clark with adaptation by Guy and original music score by Sharpe. The Arizona Daily Star calls “Raisin’ Cane” “a sweet salute to Harlem’s glory days,” while the Dayton Daily News says the show is “lively, informative, motivating and interesting.” “Raisin’ Cane” comes to the Texas State campus as part of a 15-stop tour throughout the United States. Saturday’s performance is the fourth on the tour. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students, plus a $2 processing fee per paid ticket at the window or online. Tickets can be purchased online at http://txstatepresents.universitytickets.com. For more information, contact Texas State Presents at (512) 245-6500.

—COURTESY OF BAYLIN ARTISTS MANAGEMENT

CLASSIFIEDS $5,500-$10,000 PAID EGG DONORS. All races, N/Smokers, ages 18-26, SAT>1100/ ACT>24/GPA>3.0 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com HELP WANTED Tutors wanted for all subjects taught at Texas State. Pay starts at $10/hr. Apply online at 99TUTORS.COM or call 512-354-7656. NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE Ranch is hiring for PT and Weekend personnel for Visitor Center, Restaurant and Park Ranger Positions. Must be customer service friendly and motivated. More info at www. WildlifeRanchTexas.com. Apply in person exit # 175 of IH35. PART-TIME FRONT DESK CLERK WANTED Duties: answering phones, reservations, guest services. Math and

Sales skills necessary. Need computer literate, enthusiastic person. Must be willing to do some motel laundry. We have a non-smoking work place. Criminal record checked. Apply in person at Americas Best Value Inn, 15101 IH 35 (Exit 220), Buda, TX 78610. Mention Ad and ask for Harry SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39. For

application go to www.beaspermdonor.com

AGE

COMPENSATION

Men and Women 18 to 50

Up to $2000

Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI 20-32

Fri. 11/14 - Mon. 11/17 Outpatient Visit: 11/20

Up to $2000

Healthy BMI 18-33

Thu. 11/20 - Mon. 11/24

Up to $3600

Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI 18 - 29.9

KUNGFUSANMARCOS. COM NEED A TUTOR? Friendly, helpful, one-on-one tutoring for all subjects taught at Texas State. Apply online at 99TUTORS. COM or call 512-354-7656.

In the Mercantile Building

Men and Postmenopausal Women 18 to 65

TIMELINE

Across from Gruene Hall

Women 18 to 49

NOW HIRING COOKS Apply online or in person between 2-4pm Monday-Thursday moziesbarandgrill.com

REQUIREMENTS

Fri. 11/21 - Mon. 11/24 Fri. 12/5 - Mon. 12/8 Fri. 12/12 - Mon. 12/15 Outpatient Visit: 12/23

6 | The University Star | Advertisement | Wednesday, October 29, 2014

SANCTUARY LOFTS

BISHOPS SQUARE

SMStudentHousing.com