Thursday, October 22, 2015 | A1
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San Marcos Stars 2015
DARYL ONTIVEROS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Best Sandwich: Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop By Brooke Phillips @brookephillips_
Best Pizza: Pie Society Mack Ressler, pizza cook, prepares pizza dough Oct. 21 at Pie Society. By Autumn Anderson SPORTS REPORTER @aaautumn_
If you’re wondering what about the identity of the best pizza place in town, we’ve got the answer. Pie Society was recently awarded the San Marcos Star award for Best Pizza, presented by The University Star. “It’s really important that someone appreciates our hard work and high
quality ingredients,” said Faith Daniels, manager of Pie Society. “Especially the whole city of San Marcos." The almost-hidden pizzeria on North LBJ Drive has stirred up conversation between students and San Marcos residents alike. With its unique signature pizzas, there’s nowhere quite like it. The “Balance of Power,” which seems to be the most popular pizza, features fresh spinach, spicy sausage and Texas honey. “It’s not like anything you
could usually get,” Daniels said. “It’s a little sweet and a little spicy, that’s why people like it.” Being right on the edge of the Texas State campus has certainly been an advantage for the pizzeria and the students. Location is a huge factor, as the presence of such a noteworthy place right off of LBJ has been great for hungry students just getting out of class. The students of Texas State have played quite a big role in helping get the
PRESLIE COX MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
word out and around San Marcos about Pie Society. No one likes to talk like college students do. “They’re really important to us. We’re right by campus so they support our business,” Daniels said. “We try to go along with different Texas State organizations and help the university out because they help us out.” For more information, visit Pie Society online at http://www.piesmtx. com/#menu.
A piece of bread smeared with peanut butter and jelly is not the kind of simple sandwich one can expect from this award-winning restaurant. Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop is the proud winner of this year’s San Marcos Star: Best Sandwich in San Marcos. Instead of boring, dried-out sandwiches, it is clear Alvin Ord’s’ recipe for satisfying sandwiches comes from the way each order is prepared. “We bake our bread fresh every single day from scratch,” said Erika Pierce, Alvin Ord’s manager. “All of our ingredients are very fresh. It’s just a different style of sandwich.” Although the shop offers the usual choices like turkey, roast beef and ham, the sandwich called “Salvation” has proven to be the shop’s most popular hit. The Salvation consists of
ham, salami, three different cheeses and tasty toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mustard. With this combination of meats and cheeses placed on their freshly made bread, customers are always coming back for more. “We’ve never done much advertising as long as I’ve worked here,” Pierce said. “We keep people coming back here through word of mouth. Mostly people will be caring customers.” Being named the best sandwich shop in San Marcos is both rewarding and familiar to Alvin Ord’s. “I’ve been here for six years and we’ve won just about every year,” Pierce said. “We think it’s pretty awesome to win this.” For more information, visit Alvin Ord’s online at http:// www.alvinordsonline.com.
Best Burger: Taproom By Lauren Friesenhahn LIFESTYLE REPORTER @littlelo1122
Taproom Pub and Grub is San Marcos’ go-to bar for students and local residents looking for good food and fun times. Payton Weigel, Taproom employee and marketing senior, said the restaurant is best known for its burgers and wide variety of beers. Taproom has the largest selection of beers in San Marcos, racking up a total of 102 to choose from. Weigel felt honored the restaurant received the San Marcos Star award for Best Burger. “It’s rewarding, especially
PRESLIE COX MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Alicia Jones, health information management junior, serves a mocca latte Oct. 21 at Mochas and Javas.
Best coffee shop: Mochas and Javas By Kasandra Garza NEWS REPORTER @KasGarza
Mochas and Javas has emerged as a crowd favorite among the many coffee shops that have made their home in San Marcos. Kevin Carswell, owner of Mochas and Javas, believes customers are attracted to his shop because his staff treats them equally and fairly. “We treat all our customers very well, and I think they appreciate that sincerity and honesty we have with our custom-
ers,” Carswell said. Unique coffee blends are what motivate locals to make Mochas and Javas their coffee destination, he said. Blends offered at the shop are always fresh and served within 10 days after the beans are roasted. “We’ve been consistent with our coffee for the last 12 years,” Carswell said. “I think, also, people can expect the same quality and flavor every time they come in.” Carswell said the mission of Mochas and Javas is to serve “extraordinary” beverages and food
to each customer. “What’s not to love?” said Joshua Szczeblewski, electronic media junior. “You got the mochas and you got the javas— bada-bang, bada-boom.” Mochas and Javas offers a gathering place where the people of San Marcos can meet and talk, Carswell said. “It’s where you spend most of your time,” Carswell said. “It’s a place where people meet up and relax.” For more information, visit Mochas and Javas online at http://www.mochasandjavas.com.
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whenever you have been working here for so long, and you see your efforts pay off,” he said. “It’s really cool to earn that title.” Taproom has been a staple in San Marcos for over 20 years, Weigel said Ciara Knight, communication design senior, said she enjoys going to Taproom for its Geeks Who Drink trivia nights every Tuesday. Knight said she could not think of any establishment more deserving of the award. “I have friends who have graduated who come back to the restaurant—specifically that place,” Knight said. “I always
judge a burger by if it drips down to your elbows. And if it does that, it’s the right kind of burger—and Taproom definitely is that.” Weigel said Taproom’s working environment and customer base make it a great place to work. The restaurant is a special place that should be shared with the entire community. “I feel like everyone should go there at least once—even if it’s in the middle of the day—just to have one of the burgers or to go drinking that night.” For more information, visit Taproom online at http://taproomsanmarcos.com/index. html.
San Marcos Stars Winners
Best Auto: Frank’s Auto Best Boutique: Two P’s and Calli’s Best Burger: Taproom Best Date Spot: Root Cellar Cafe Best Happy Hour: Zelick’s Icehouse Best Italian: Italian Garden Best Tacos: Exxon Best Ice Cream: Rhea’s Best BBQ: Kent Black’s BBQ
Best Coffee: Mochas & Javas Best Beauty Shop: Monroe’s Hair Studio Best Asian: Wok & Roll Best Liquor Store: Twin Liquors Best Music Venue: Cheatham Street Best Pizza: Pie Society Best Mexican: Garcia’s Best Nightlife: Harper’s Best Sandwich: Alvin Ord’s
Flexible options to earn Texas State credit. Find out more: studyanywhere.txstate.edu 512.245.2322 ASBN 302
A2 | Thursday, October 22, 2015
FOOD
The University Star
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San Marcos Stars 2015 Best Asian: Wok & Roll By Clayton Kelley NEWS REPORTER @Claytonkelley
LARA DIETRICH STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chela Graciela prepares a breakfast taco Oct. 21 at Exxon in San Marcos.
Best tacos: Exxon station By Autumn Wright NEWS REPORTER @autumnwright697
Not all San Martians look for Mexican cuisine in restaurants—students and citizens voted the Exxon gas station on Guadalupe as the place to find the best tacos in town in this year’s San Marcos Stars poll. Marah Sayed, owner of the Exxon station, said it feels great to win the award and to be recognized after putting in hard work.
“We do made-to-order foods,” Sayed said. “They’re cooked fresh, so it can be more labor-intensive.” Sayed prides himself on using real ingredients in a traditional Mexican way. The tacos are priced low because he knows college students are his biggest clientele. Devyn Crawford, economics junior, said she goes to Exxon twice a week to treat herself with breakfast tacos. “You’ll hear people going to Lolita’s and Fuego, but (those restaurants) can’t
compete with (Exxon),” Crawford said. Cassandra Pena, mass communication freshman, said the best things about Exxon’s tacos are the bacon, eggs and potatoes. “(Exxon’s) breakfast tacos are the best, hands down. Them hoes is bomb,” Pena said. Exxon is open 24/7 but the hours of the restaurant inside the station may vary. Call 512-396-2000 for specifics.
IRENE BADILLO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Deonzane Leger, studio art freshman (L), Calaybra Jones, nursing freshman (R) and Rhea's Ice Cream Owner: Lindsey Belk, decide what ice cream to get Oct. 21 at Rhea's Ice Cream.
Wok & Roll, an oasis that delivers Chinese cuisine, was named the best Asian restaurant by San Martians who voted in this year’s poll. Mindi Lai, owner of Wok & Roll, said she is honored to have her restaurant recognized as a staple of authentic Asian cuisine in the city. “We are all very proud to receive this award,” Lai said. “It is very well-deserved because all of us here at Wok & Roll does our very best for our customers and our employees.” In the four years that Wok & Roll has been in business, Lai has seen growth in the restaurant. She said she
would have “never dreamed” her business would gain so much attention. Lai said that although there are a variety of other Asian restaurants in San Marcos, Wok & Roll has gained local recognition because most of the other places are corporate businesses. “We make everything from scratch, and this brings a more traditional and authentic feel to San Marcos,” Lai said. Wok & Roll’s store motto is, “Quality to customers,” she said. Wok & Roll will be remodeled in order to increase space for customers as it becomes busier. “We are very self-sufficient, and we run the whole place on our own terms,” Lai
said. “We are thinking about changing so we can cater to more local customers.” Samantha Garcia, Wok & Roll employee, said she loves going to work every day. “All of the employees here are just like one big family, and that gives us incentive to provide great customer service,” Garcia said. Kristi Welsh, biology sophomore, thinks Wok & Roll serves quality Asian food. “I think the vibe at Wok & Roll is really cool,” Welsh said. “I would give it an eight out of 10. The customer service is great.” For more information, visit Wok & Roll online at http://www.wokandrollsanmarcos.com.
Best Ice Cream: Rhea’s Ice Cream By Darcy Sprague SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @darcy_days
Lindsey Belk, coconut-avocado ice cream enthusiast and new owner of Rhea’s Ice Cream, was excited and surprised when he learned the shop had earned the San Marcos Stars award for Best Desserts. “Oh, hell yeah,” Belk said when he learned he had won. “That is so awesome.” Tim Bell, a tourist from Taylor, said he is not normally a fan of desserts with a healthy spin. However, Bell said Rhea’s is one of his favorite places in San Marcos. “When I walked in I was a little worried, then I put the ice cream in my mouth,”
Bell said. “At first I was like, ‘This is different,’ but then I realized that this was going to be the start of a very good relationship.” Bell said he makes a point to go to Rhea’s whenever he floats the river or hikes. This is the first award Rhea’s has won since Belk and the Root Cellar partnered up to buy the shop from its founder, Rhea Ortamond. Ortamond was the mastermind behind the homemade, natural flavors offered at the ice cream shop located on the Square. “When we bought it, we thought about changing the name,” Belk said. “But this ice cream is still Rhea’s. It is still what she crafted.”
Before Ortamond moved to Chicago, she took Belk under her wing and trained him to run the creamery. “I worked with her for a while and learned how to make the ice cream the way she did,” Belk said. “She showed me all the secrets.” Rhea’s is a local favorite because it offers pure, natural ice cream in a wide variety of flavors, Bell said. “I can’t say that I’ve ever had anything there that I didn’t like,” Bell said. “But, I generally stick to anything with peanut butter because I know it is going to be great.” For more information, visit Rhea’s Ice Cream’s online at https://www. facebook.com/Rheas-IceCream-208233726067/
PUBLIC HEARING Public hearing for the campus community to comment on the
proposed tuition and fee increases for academic year 2016-2017
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 4:30 PM LBJ Student Center Room 3-9.1
All members of the university community are invited to participate in this discussion with Provost Gene Bourgeois and other members of the President’s Cabinet.
The University Star
Thursday, October 22, 2015 | A3
FOOD
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
San Marcos Stars 2015 Best Mexican Food: Garcia’s Restaurant
MADISON MORRISS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER By Thomas Mejia SPORTS REPORTER @ThomasMejia
Texas State students and community members selected Garcia’s Restaurant as the best place to get Mexican food in the city. Server Thomas Garanzuay is appreciative to be able to get this label from everyday regulars. “It is always an honor to have that opinion with our customers,” Garanzuay said. Garcia’s Restaurant is a family business founded by Curtis and Antonia Garcia. The first restaurant was established in
AGE
1988 here in San Marcos. Since 1988, the Garcia family has been able to grow their original business into a chain of six restaurants, thanks to their great customer service. Like any restaurant, Garcia’s values its customers. The company’s motto and mission is to make life-long customers out of every guest that comes into the restaurant. “We make sure we do our best to take care of our customers,” Garanzuay said. “A lot of them, we know on a first name basis with us, especially some within the local community.” There are a lot of tasty choices to choose from at Garcia’s
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but according to Garanzuay, the most popular dish is the Garcia’s chicken fried chicken. The chicken is topped with chile con queso and pico de gallo and served with rice, frijoles a la charra, avocado slices and a tortilla. Earning this title means a good deal to Garanzuay and the entire staff at Garcia’s. “We have a great connection with our customer base, and it is pretty cool that they think so heavily of us,” Garanzuay said. For more information, visit Garcia’s Restaurant online at http://garciassmtx.com.
TIMELINE
Tue. 10/27 - Sat. 10/31 Outpatient Visit: 11/4
Thu. 10/29 - Mon. 11/2 Thu. 11/5 - Mon. 11/9
Wed. 11/4 - Sun. 11/8 Multiple Outpatient Visits
Best BBQ: Kent Black’s BBQ By Madison Morriss NEWS REPORTER
According to a recent poll, the best barbecue in town can be found at Kent Black’s BBQ. The poll was used to award this year’s San Marcos Stars, an annual program that awards local businesses. “It feels great to be elected because we pride ourselves on making the best food we can make and keeping the tradition alive,” said Weston Black, general manager of Kent Black’s BBQ. The eatery opened last September and was elected “best barbecue in Hays
County” three months later. “We believe in what we do and we stand behind it,” Black said. “We opened up a little over a year ago and things are going pretty great. The best part of working here is the barbecue, but you also get to meet some great people.” Black explained the way the restaurant cooks its meat is what sets Kent Black’s BBQ apart from other barbecue joints in San Marcos. “It’s a little bit different, the way we cook our meat,” Black said. “I’ve worked in a lot of businesses where they tend to keep things family
owned and operated and to just keep the tradition going.” Jenica Tinker, Kent Black’s employee and interdisciplinary studies freshman, said the business’ San Marcos Stars award was well-deserved. “We let our meat talk for itself,” Tinker said. “We don’t add any other extra flavoring on and people appreciate that because they don’t have to sort through all the different flavors of meat.” For more information, visit Kent Black’s BBQ online at http://www.kentblacksbbq.com.
A4 | Thursday, October 22, 2015
The University Star
ENTERTAINMENT
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
San Marcos Stars 2015
IRENE BADILLO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Best Date Spot: Root Cellar Café
Best Liquor store: Twin Liquors MADISON MORRISS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
By Taylor Thompson LIFESTYLE REPORTER @tthompson437
Grab yourself a date and head to the Square for a rocking atmosphere and great meal at the Root Cellar Café. The restaurant, which won the San Marcos Stars award for Best Date Spot, has been serving great food and providing wonderful service to San Marcos couples for almost 11 years. Arah Lee, lead server, said she sees couples on dates at the restaurant on a daily basis. “There are lots of couples
who come in here,” Lee said. “In fact, we’ve had people come in here for their first date and end up planning their engagement here.” John Allan, Root Cellar manager, said the restaurant’s ambiance is part of what makes it the perfect date place. “It’s the vibe we have got going here,” Allan said. “We are actually in a basement. You have to step down and once you come in, we’ve got the Edison light bulbs with a nice orange hue.” Allan said the service is another reason the Root Cellar is a good date place. The
employees know how to treat each couple without being overbearing. “We make them feel special,” Lee said. “We like to see lovers.” Lee said even employees come to the restaurant for their own date nights. She said San Marcos is the perfect place for the restaurant due to the variety of people that walk through its doors. “(College kids) bring their families in and it’s really good to have people from all over the place,” Lee said. Allan said most college
students appreciate the atmosphere of the restaurant, especially with the addition of the new bar. “It’s very relaxed and very easygoing. We’re not overbearing,” Allan said. “People love the Root Cellar.” Allan said employees from the Root Cellar are proud to win this award again. “We really do have something special,” Lee said. “It’s one of a kind.” For more information, visit Root Cellar Café online at http://www.rootcellarcafe. co.
By Donavan Jackson
The small-town, homegrown liquor store, wellknown by many, has been recognized with another award. This week The University Star will award Twin Liquors with the title of Best Liquor Store in San Marcos. Austin-born and raised, the Twin Liquors franchise started around the late 1800s in the heart of Texas. Following approximately 40 years of service, the Jabour family closed the business down until February of 1982. The 700-square-foot li-
quor store established on the corner of Seventh and Red River in downtown Austin was the start of one of the most recognized expansions across Texas. Twin Liquors carries numerous brands of wine, liquor, cigars and beer at all 70 of their locations. San Marcos is home to three locations, all of which are on the west side of I-35. The Twin Liquor stores are known for their weekly deals and how they cater to the neighborhood’s atmosphere. For more information, visit Twin Liquors online at http://twinliquors.com.
Best Happy Hour: Zelicks By Denise Cervantes LIFESTYLE REPORTER @cervantesdenise
San Marcos residents have the chance to step back to the 1930s by visiting Zelicks Ice House, owned by brothers Chase and Seth Katz. Devin Lopez, Zelicks manager, said the site is built on what was once a gas station and is designed in the spirit of that era. It consists of an outdoor patio and features framed, vintage photographs of the owners on the walls. Lopez said customer service is what sets Zelicks apart from other bars around the city.
“We care about our customers and always make sure to make them our first priority,” Lopez said. Lyana Sanchez, Zelicks customer and San Marcos resident, said she is a recurring patron because of the bar’s quick service. “No matter where you go on a weekend, the bar will be full,” Sanchez said. “But at least here it is nice scenery and all the bartenders and waitresses seem to like their job, so they give you pretty good service around here.” Lopez said Zelicks has a cocktail of the month that is featured for a limited time. “We have a few specialty cocktails, and we have a cocktail of the month where
we introduce something new, and we recently started doing cake cocktails for our customers to try out,” Lopez said. Sanchez said Zelicks’ unique drinks give her the opportunity to explore the menu. “It’s just a rad place,” Sanchez said. “I’m also into trying new things, and I’m not set on just a single poison. I would definitely recommend this bar to anybody who likes something different and unique.” For more information, visit Zelicks online at http://www.zelickssmtx. com/#zelicks-icehouse.
PRESLIE COX MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
ANTONIO REYES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
MADISON MORRISS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Best Music Venue: Cheatham Street Warehouse By Garrett Caywood SPORTS REPORTER
It will come as no surprise to locals to hear that the esteemed Cheatham Street Warehouse will be awarded the best music venue in San Marcos. Blaine Moore, head bartender, said it means a great deal to win the award. “It means a lot to us. We work real hard out here to have quality shows, good music and provide a good atmosphere,” Moore said. The small music venue
located by the train tracks has nurtured the young careers of many famous Texas songwriters. Most notably, George Strait, Randy Rogers Band and Stevie Ray Vaughn all spent time at Cheatham Street Warehouse perfecting their craft. Moore said Cheatham Street Warehouse is more than just a bar to him. “Getting to see all the music is great. You can’t have a bad day when you work at a place like Cheatham,” Moore said. “The quality of music that we do have. We try
to keep it local. Texas music is what we try to nurture here at Cheatham Street.” The honky-tonk has featured live music since 1974. In addition to country, featured genres include the blues, soul, folk and much more. “It’s about the art, the Texas music. It’s not just a country bar, we have Texas music,” Moore said. For more information, visit Cheatham Street Warehouse online at http://www. cheathamstreet.com.
Best Italian: Italian Garden By Erin O’Donnell LIFESTYLE REPORTER @1erino
Over the last 15 years, Italian Garden has been providing San Marcos with the best homemade Italian food in the city. Morgan Croslin, head server, said the restaurant’s close proximity to campus in conjunction with the affordable meals makes it perfect for any college student on a budget. “The city of San Marcos is such a tight-knit community,” Croslin said. “We have all of our regulars who come in every single week, we have the people we see day-to-day. It (is) just a really cool community to be
a part of.” Kenny Robb, manager and chef, said he and Croslin are excited about earning the award and view it as payment from the community for the hard work they put in to make sure customers feel right at home. Robb said Italian Garden’s menu is full of rich and delicious homemade family recipes, which sets them apart from other Italian restaurants in town. “Most of our recipes are family-made and are still being made today,” said Robb. Robb said the award reaffirms the many reasons why Italian Garden is a special part of San Marcos’ food culture. “The award makes it
known that we are the best Italian food in San Marcos, that we offer our food at a reasonable price and we offer really good Italian food,” Croslin said. Croslin said the restaurant prides itself on being the best Italian food destination in San Marcos. He said the location’s atmosphere has played a huge role in its success. “Definitely the family aspect of it has played a huge role in our success,” said Croslin. “It is something that is different then a corporation.” For more information, visit Italian Garden online at https://italiangardensmtx.com/.
The University Star
Thursday, October 22, 2015 | A5
BEAUTY
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San Marcos Stars 2015 Best Boutique: Two P’s and Calli’s By Sarah Bradley ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE EDITOR @sarah_bradskies
CASSIE ALVARADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Best Beauty Shop: Monroe Hair Studio By Rae Glassford NEWS REPORTER @rae_maybe
When it comes to deciding where to get one’s hair cut, colored or styled, San Marcos locals tend to choose Monroe Hair Studio. The San Marcos Stars poll, determined by locals’ votes, ranked Monroe Hair Studio as the best beauty shop in San Marcos. “I started coming here because it was recommended to me,” said Paige Cates, as she sat waiting for dye to soak into her hair at the salon. Beautician and employee Kate Neal estimated that roughly 75 percent of her clients are referred to the business
by an established customer base. “We do get a ton of walk-ins, but usually we have regulars booked all day,” Neal said. “Our phone rings off the hook. Sometimes regular clientele will even call me on my cell phone.” Neal said regulars make the most appointments and know exactly which hairdresser they want to meet with. “I’m usually booked two to three weeks out,” Neal said. Julie Tripp, five year employee of Monroe Hair Studio, said she used to get her hair done at Monroe’s and started working at the salon once she received the proper certification. “We stylists work well together,” Tripp said. “Our top
priority is what’s best for the client, so we’re never too afraid to ask questions or too proud to ask each other for guidance.” Lanna Horton, head beautician and owner of Monroe Hair Studio, attributed the business’ success to their philosophy of quality over quantity. “I book an hour for every lady’s cut, so that I can consult with the client and really understand what it is they want,” Horton said. “I like to know the names of all my clients when we sit down, so that they feel they’re more than just a number.” For more information, visit Monroe Hair Studio online at http://hairstudiosanmarcos. com.
Two P’s and Calli’s, a local women’s boutique located near the Tanger Outlets, is known across the city for its wide variety of merchandise. Chandler Hall, Two P’s and Calli’s assistant manager, said the store specializes in brand name clothing, accessories and home décor. Hall said the boutique has been a staple in the San Marcos community for 21 years under the care of a motherand-daughter duo. The ultimate goal of the store is to build women’s confidence by helping them find the perfect outfit or accessory to bring out their inner beauty, Hall said. Each employee strives to offer customers the best shopping experience pos-
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art junior, said she regularly shops at Two P’s and Calli’s because of the staff members. “I’ve been a frequent customer for years now,” Jewett said. “It is most definitely my favorite boutique in San Marcos because it has the best selections and their staff are both sweet and inspirational regarding style.” Hall said Two P’s and Calli’s is delighted to have been given the award for Best Boutique. “We are so thrilled to know the San Marcos community recognizes our boutique and that we genuinely care about each customer,” Hall said. “Two P’s and Calli’s is honored to have been given this award.” For more information, visit Two P’s and Calli’s online at http://www.twopsboutique. com.
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sible, Hall said. Kaitlyn Hubbard, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, said the boutique has been her go-to clothing store in San Marcos since she first walked through the shop’s door. “The moment I walked in, I thought, ‘Wow, this is my new favorite shop,’” Hubbard said. “If I could’ve, I would’ve walked out with everything.” Hubbard said the best part about the boutique is the employees. The customer service set the shop above the rest. “The girls working there are so sweet and helpful,” Hubbard said. “I’m honestly not great at putting outfits together, but I simply told the employees the occasion I’m dressing for and my budget, and they brought me the perfect outfit.” Elizabeth Jewett, studio
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ITʼS YOUR BEST SHOT AGAINST THE FLU Donʼt be a scaredy Cat, get your flu shot! Cathy Schriewer SHC Nurse
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Flu Shot Fridays Every Friday in October
Noon - 4PM | Student Health Center | Conference Room 202 NO COST if covered by insurance | $20 for uninsured or out of network All Texas State students, faculty & staff are invited to attend If you require accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 512-245-3451 or email ods@txstate.edu at least three business days prior to the event.
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The University Star
LBJ Library photos by Frank Wolfe
A6 | Advertisement | Thursday, October 22, 2015
50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Signing of the Higher Education Act The higher educaTion acT, signed by Texas State University distinguished alumnus President Lyndon B. Johnson on this campus 50 years ago, opened up possibilities for thousands of lower- and middle-income students who otherwise might never have pursued advanced education. Texas State University will commemorate this momentous occasion with a series of events: Monday, October 26 – Dignitaries from across the country will gather on campus for presentations and speeches to honor the vision and promise of President Johnson’s life-altering legislation. Proceedings will be screened in Evans Auditorium at 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 3 – Invited eighth- and ninth-grade students will tour our beautiful campus to visualize their future pathway to opportunity. Wednesday, November 4 – Please attend a free presentation featuring student stories, and presentations and panels by local and national leaders in the field of education, with Q&A opportunities and a reception to follow.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 LOCATION: ALBERT B. ALKEK TEACHING THEATER 1–1:50 p.m. | History of Higher Education Philo Hutcheson Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies University of Alabama 2:15–3:30 p.m. | Policy Issue Panel Mary Brennan Chair, Department of History Texas State University Ray Marshall Professor Emeritus, The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs The University of Texas at Austin Michael A. Olivas Director, Institute for Higher Education Law and Governance University of Houston Julie Leininger Pycior Professor, Department of History Manhattan College, Bronx, New York 3:45–4:45 p.m. | Remembrance Panel Light Cummins Professor, Department of History Austin College, Sherman, Texas Lillian Dees Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology Texas State University Mel Ferrari Talent Program Coordinator KIPP Houston Public Schools Ron Johnson Assistant Professor, Department of History Texas State University 4:45–5:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Reception
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FEMA to host open house for residents By Lesly De Leon NEWS REPORTER @leslyd28
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is set to host an open house Oct. 27 at the City Park Recreation Hall to show residents the new Advisory Base Flood Elevations map. According to the agency’s website, FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is a public source providing the community with flood map information corresponding with certain areas. The center provides tips to understanding flood risks associated with those areas. Hays County and city officials are considering the adoption of a new flood advisory map following the historic Memorial Day weekend flooding. The new advisory map would change elevation requirements for buildings protected by the National Flood Insurance Program. According to an Oct. 8 city press release, the floodplain map is based on data compiled by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, the state of Texas and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Richard Reynosa, senior project engineer for the city of San Marcos, said the open house is an opportunity for residents of San Marcos and surrounding areas to view how the proposed floodplain map could directly impact them. Diane Howe, FEMA acting risk map outreach lead, said individuals will be able to sit with a geographer to locate his or her home or business address on the map at the open house. Residents will have the opportunity to talk with flood insurance specialists as well as state and city officials about how the changes will affect them. “(FEMA) wanted to provide a venue for citizens to come to a place where they can actually view the maps online and talk to FEMA experts as well as community officials to discuss any questions they have about this information being delivered to the county,” Howe said. Howe said it is beneficial for property owners to consider the suggested elevation when rebuilding. According to a FEMA document provided by Howe, the advisory elevation must be considered for any local or state project requesting federal grants. “The city is considering whether they will adopt this for compliance purposes,” Howe said. “In other words, not for insurance, but to make it a requirement that people have to get the information to rebuild.” Dianne Wassenich, program director of the San Marcos River Foundation, said the advisory elevation increased eight feet in Wimberley and she doesn’t think it will increase very much in the San Marcos area. “Everything is regulated regarding where you build and how you build based on what elevation you are on the floodplain or out of the floodplain,” Wassenich said. The adoption of the floodplain map is going to make it more difficult to build in lowlying areas near rivers and creeks, Wassenich said. “People will still try to do it,”
See FEMA, Page 2
STAR FILE PHOTO
Open forum gives faculty platform to speak on campus carry By Darcy Sprague SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @darcy_days
A lively debate was sparked among university faculty members across the state after Senate Bill 11, otherwise known as the campus carry legislation, was passed by the 84th Texas Legislature in June. The Texas Faculty Association is hosting two open forums about campus carry
for faculty members Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Oct. 29 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both forums will be conducted in the LBJ Student Center in 3-7.1 and 4-1.9, respectively. The campus carry bill, set to go into affect Fall 2016, has been the topic of discussion at Texas State Faculty Senate meetings and has led professors at the University of Texas at Austin to sign a petition stating they will
not allow guns in their classrooms or offices. SB 11 states faculty should be consulted on how to implement campus carry. The Campus Carry Task Force, established by Texas State President Denise Trauth, is collecting faculty feedback in order to establish a draft of suggested procedures for the implementation of the legislation. The campus carry faculty task force will hold ad-
ditional forums later, said Elizabeth Skerpan-Wheeler, president of the Texas State chapter of the Texas Faculty Association (TFA). However, the details of future forums have not yet been worked out. Students and other nonfaculty members are welcome to attend the forums as well, Skerpan-Wheeler said. However, the primary focus will be placed on faculty concerns.
Skerpan-Wheeler said there will be forums to address student issues in the near future, but a date has not yet been determined. “I think we as an organization have a different approach than the faculty at UT,” Skerpan-Wheeler said. “This forum will give faculty the opportunity to voice concerns about the new law.”
See FORUM, Page 2
CITY
Master Composter program turns trash to treasure By Autumn Wright NEWS REPORTER @autumnwright697
Bobcat Blend has partnered with the city of San Marcos to organize the Master Composter program. The program is intended to educate and promote composting among community members in order to increase the city’s sustainability. The program hosts events to educate residents about basic composting skills as well as the science behind the process. Composting allows common household waste to be converted into a rich natural resource enhancing the environment. Bobcat Blend and the city will host volunteer development activities at the San Marcos Nature Center beginning Nov. 2..The events will allow citizens to cultivate community gardens, organize compost and maintain the composting site. Amy Kirwin, solid waste coordinator, said she heard
about the program at a Keep Texas Beautiful conference and is now one of the Master Composter managers. She organizes volunteer applications and hour data, while Bobcat Blend officials provide instructors for the educational courses. “This is a great way to educate people on another way to do landfill diversion, instead of throwing everything away in the dumpster or trash,” Kirwin said. Landfill diversion is removing certain waste from other people’s trash or landfill and repurposing it in a way that enhances the environment, she said. Recycling plastic bottles and composting things like food scraps or yard trimmings are a few example methods. Kitchen scraps and yard trimmings account for between 20 to 30 percent of solid waste in most households, Kirwin said. November will mark the program’s first year of establishment in San Marcos, she said. Forty hours of Mas-
ter Composter courses and volunteer opportunities are available during spring and summer semesters. Kevin Walsh, graduate coordinator, said Master Composter will provide the community an opportunity to learn how to properly make organic fertilizer without attracting animals and creating a foul smell. Food scraps and yard trimmings can make San Martians’ yards “healthy and bountiful” if locals learn how to compost them correctly, he said. “Most people will likely throw their food scraps outside in their backyard, getting frustrated with the stink or it not working, and are stuck with a big pile of food waste,” Walsh said. Citizens can enroll in the Master Composter program by simply buying the $20 textbook, he said. The program will help San Martians understand composting is a form of recycling that repurposes waste for an environmentally friendly outcome.
BEN KAILING STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Kevin Walsh, agriculture education graduate student, turns over a compost pile Oct. 19 at Texas State's composting facility.
Master Composter members will have the chance to work alongside Texas State students who are involved in Bobcat Blend, he said. “I think this program really connects the community by doing hands-on work with people of different ages,” Walsh said. “You see people who are from different generations volunteering together with college students.” Breanna Harlan, president of Bobcat Blend, is a
participant in the Master Composter program. Harlan said even though she isn’t a master at composting yet, she will soon become one with the help of the program’s classes. “It helps to change the mindset of what trash really is, instead of having that ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality,” Harlan said. “(Trash can be) converted to something that has more of a beneficial outcome.”
CITY
San Marcos promotes lifelong learning By Jason Vallejo SPECIAL TO THE STAR
The Retired Faculty and Staff Association partnered with the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department to host lifelong learning classes. Students learn about topics ranging from the San Marcos River to how to use an iPad at the classes that are hosted at the San Marcos Public Library and are open to everyone. The RSFA is comprised of retired educators who are passionate about contributing educational opportuni-
ties to Texas State students as well as the general community of San Marcos, said Marianne Reese, program coordinator and RFSA president. Deborah Tomaselli, San Marcos librarian, said the organization approached the library staff about their idea for lifelong learning classes. Tomaselli said lifelong learning classes came to fruition as a result of the organization’s ideas and have proven to be successful. She said the art classes are one of her favorites in the entire program because guest speakers are often invited to
tell the students what kind of art they are passionate about. “There are always so many leading authorities (at the classes) that speak on the things they do and it’s so great,” Tomaselli said. “I think that’s what I enjoy the most—being around those passionate individuals.” Andrea Rosales, respiratory care junior, said she has noticed the classes have not gained popularity among students yet, but her fellow Bobcats have been supportive and receptive of the program. “The courses are not only
enlightening, but also fun, and I’m not sure if I’m being a little dramatic when I say this, but (the classes) might even be helping the youth by keeping them out of trouble,” Rosales said. Reese said she was surprised when she came to Texas from Illinois that San Marcos did not already offer lifelong learning courses. “We wanted to bring quality courses to the city for retirees and it has bloomed into so much more than just that,” Reese said. “It’s exciting and we’ve embraced it.” She said the RFSA does not profit from the courses,
and its only goal is to provide “high-quality and fun” educational presentations for retirees, alumni and the general population of San Marcos. Reese said her passion to give back to the community is what drives her to put work into the courses. “I love walking into the classes and seeing people engaged and having fun socializing as well,” Reese said. “Just knowing that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives—that’s what really drives me and inspires me.”
B2 | Thursday, October 22, 2015
NEWS
The University Star Anna Herod, News Editor @annaleemurphy starnews@txstate.edu
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
FORUM, from front Skerpan-Wheeler is in charge of the upcoming faculty open forum. The forum is organized by the TFA and is independent of the faculty task force that has been established by the university. Mary Aldridge Dean, executive director of TFA, hopes to facilitate discussion between faculty members about the safest implementation
strategies for campus carry. Dean said the forums will give faculty members an opportunity to discuss concerns they may have. “I have heard a lot of concerns, and there have been of a wide variety,” said Scott Bowman, criminal justice senator. “It’s about trying to balance being rational with being cautious.”
The major issue currently on the table is what zones should be recommended to be gun free, Dean said. “I hope that we can all agree places like (on campus) day cares should be restricted,” Dean said. Skerpan-Wheeler said everyone is welcome at the forums regardless of their ranking at the university or
position on campus carry. “We want to pull as many people in as possible,” Dean said. “I want to have a discussion about where it is appropriate to have guns and where it is not.” Skerpan-Wheeler said she has read a number of faculty concerns from responses to the faculty survey that was sent out by the task force.
“I would say the biggest thing faculty is concerned about is how the new law will affect their teaching and their interactions with students,” Skerpen-Wheeler said. Dean said when SB 11 was still being discussed in the Texas Legislature, she took a poll of TFA members and 99 percent of survey-takers were opposed to campus carry.
“On an academic level we are concerned that what is being called a ‘Second Amendment right,’ even by the Supreme Court, is going to infringe on our First Amendment right, freedom of association,” Dean said. “It will affect how we interact with our students. I believe that Faculty Senate is as important as the second.”
UNIVERSITY
Recent threat raises concerns about campus carry By Kasandra Garza NEWS REPORTER @KasGarza
An online threat of a school shooting near Austin began to circulate the Internet Oct. 5, leading students to question what university officials view as a “credible threat.” Concern arose after the Texas State University News Service sent out a series of timely warning emails, stating local law enforcement was investigating the credibility of the post. The incident occurred three days after a man who posted a similar threat online killed 10 people at a community college in Oregon. Daniel Benitez, captain of the University Police Department, said after a student reported the threat to the department, officers worked with FBI officials and the Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC) to validate its credibility. However, ARIC officials
were already actively investigating the “menacing” post by the time UPD was alerted of the threat, he said. Benitez said although the term “credible” does not mean that a threat is “absolute,” establishing credibility involves pinpointing who wrote the post and where he or she published it. Additional patrol officers were immediately sent to campus to raise the visibility of law enforcement in the area, he said. On social media sites such as Twitter, Texas State students expressed frustration that classes were not canceled after the threat went viral. Some said they were fearful to go to campus. Benitez said although he knew UPD would face backlash for not canceling classes until the threat was eliminated, school cancellation is enacted by the Department of Academic Affairs and the provost, not the police department.
The source of the threat has yet to be identified, but Benitez is confident that ARIC officials are still monitoring the situation. “We always work as though there is a threat to our university,” he said. “We make sure that we, as a university police department, protect the safety of our students.” Jordan Macha, graduate assistant in the department of political science, said she believes the university did a good job immediately informing students about the threat. She said Texas State’s timeliness indicated UPD was taking “all possible measures” to ensure the safety of life on campus. Benitez said he urges students, faculty and staff to stay alert and report any suspicious occurrences to UPD. “A lot has to do with the faculty, students and staff, and getting that information and making sure we follow through,” Benitez said. “It’s
very hard as a police department to monitor anything and everything.” Nicholas Laughlin, public relations sophomore and president of the College Democrats, said receiving an email alert from the University News Service was “unsettling,” especially because news of the threat came right after the school shooting in Oregon. After he found out the threat was posted on the Internet forum 4chan, Laughlin said he felt the threat of a local school shooting was highly unreliable and unlikely. However, he said the shooting in Oregon was tragic and raises questions about the danger that could be involved with SB 11. The College Democrats are actively working to find a way to show university officials and the Texas Legislature the law is not a smart idea, Laughlin said. Macha said if the post
had been made while concealed carry was in effect, she would have felt even more uncomfortable with students and faculty having guns on campus, because emotions could intensify in the face of a threat. “That type of environment doesn’t generally yield itself for anyone to be making rational decisions,” she said. “I’m glad that this time, we didn’t have concealed carry on campus.” Macha is a Texas native who moved from Louisiana to pursue graduate school at the university. After returning to Texas, she was unaware SB 11 had passed until receiving an email from university State officials asking for thoughts on the best way to implement the new law. “I would like to see the university to do an open forum to have a more transparent discussion about concealed carry on campus,” Macha said. “What are the fears? What does faculty have to
say? I think there needs to be a more robust dialogue on campus.” Stories in the media have demonstrated professors are “legitimately fearful” of students who could potentially threaten them due to grades or other issues, she said. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable meeting with students one-on-one if handguns were allowed on campus,” Macha said. Although he believes UPD has a great response team, Laughlin said students should “never say never” when it comes to the possibility of school shootings. “I’m sure the students at Oregon didn’t think it could happen at their school, but it did,” Laughlin said. “I think it’s a higher chance of happening with guns on campus, but that’s something we won’t know the answer to until next fall.”
COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK
FEMA, from front Wassenich said. “I’m hoping that our city will stand firm and say, ‘Please do not build in the floodplain.’” Wassenich said residents should attend the open house to stay informed. “They need to come see it and locate where they live on
breckenridge
the map,” Wassenich said. “Everyone should know whether they live on the floodplain or not.” Having knowledge about the floodplain can help if another major flood happens, she said. “One thing that people—
especially students—do not understand (is that) many of the apartments they live in are in the floodplain,” Wassenich said. The morning before the open house, FEMA representatives are hosting a workshop for flood insurance profession-
als and real estate agents to explain the future impact of the map, Howe said. The map does not impact flood insurance rates in the immediate future, he said. FEMA officials are releasing a new flood insurance rate map next year based on the
elevations in the map. “It’s more important that (residents) have the opportunity now to go ahead and rebuild to those higher elevations,” Howe said. “Then when the new maps do come out, they won’t be below the base elevation on the new map.”
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The University Star
Thursday, October 22, 2015 | B3
LIFESTYLE
Mariah Simank, Lifestyle Editor @MariahSimank starlifestyle@txstate.edu
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
DANCE
Price Center to host dance showcase By Erin O’Donnell LIFESTYLE REPORTER @1erino
Students and community members will have the opportunity to experience dance routines from around the world Oct. 24 at the Price Center. Jamie Lynn, director and producer of the World Dance Showcase, said this is the event’s 11th year in San Marcos. Lynn said proceeds from the show benefit the Hays County Women’s Shelter, The Paws Animal Shelter and the San Marcos River Foundation. Lynn said she was inspired to design the showcase as a way to expose people to a variety of different cultures.
“I wanted to present something for the community to highlight ethnic dances and world dances from around the world,” Lynn said. Lynn’s 20 years of experience as a belly dancer opened her eyes to other forms of dance. Once she got involved in one style of ethnic dance, it motivated her to showcase forms of the art from other areas of the world, Lynn said. “Once you start expanding your horizon into one’s culture dance, it really makes you want to start looking into other culture’s dances,” she said. Lynn said her favorite part of the World Dance Showcase is dancing alongside her sister, who specializes in flamenco and tango dancing.
One of the deciding factors in moving forward with the event was the opportunity to dance with her sister on the same stage. It would be difficult to think of a part of the world whose culture won’t be represented in the showcase, she said. “We have everything from Russian to Indian to Polynesian to Irish to West African to Calypso,” Lynn said. “I’m actually trying to think of something that we haven’t had a little taste of.” She said people can learn a lot from each country’s culture just by watching their dances. The experience combines education and entertainment, Lynn said. “It’s ‘edutainment’—a word
I coined,” she said. Lynn said she plans to present a brief background detailing why each dance is significant to a culture before every performance. “Not only are you getting an evening worth of entertainment, you are also getting a history lesson,” Lynn said. Ron Jager, Price Center co-manager, said this is the center’s eighth year hosting the event. Jager said he gave Lynn complete creative freedom over the show. “We did not plan the event at all,” Jager said. “We let the programmers do their own thing. They know what they are doing. It is pretty informal how it all works.” Marie Jager, Price special events director, said she was
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PRICE CENTER
excited to give Lynn a platform to share the director’s vision with the community. Marie Jager said the showcase is a great opportunity for community members to see professional dancers perform a collection of styles from all around the world.
She hopes the community members will share the experience with their family and friends, Marie Jager said. “It will be very educational,” Marie Jager said. “Not only is it entertaining, but it’s also very instructive.”
THEATER
British opera relatable for Texas State audiences By Denise Cervantes LIFESTYLE REPORTER @cervantesdenise
Audience members will have the opportunity to witness a classic love triangle and explore the class systems of 1800s London when the Texas State opera department presents Arthur Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. The comedic opera will take place Oct. 23-25 in the Texas State Performing Arts Center. Samuel Mungo, director of Opera Studies, coordinator of the Voice Area and director of H.M.S Pinafore, said the production is enriched with British history while also humorously poking fun at British life. “The story is very lighthearted,” Mungo said. “It is some of the silliest stuff in history.” To modernize the opera and adapt it to American life,
Mungo said a verse has been changed to reflect Donald Trump and his current influence. “He’s the newest hot thing in America, so there’s a little piece in there about him,” Mungo said. “This show is all about class and class warfare, and people not being interested in being involved.” Bailey Turner, performer and vocal performance sophomore, said although there are difficulties tied to the show, it is still meant to be fun. “It’s a fun opera, and Sullivan is super fun music to sing,” Turner said. “It is difficult because there are a lot of high notes and different passages, but I just love becoming a different character and getting to share that on the stage with everyone.” Mungo said he is particularly looking forward to the dancing numbers incorporated into the performance.
“They’ve been working on the dancing,” Mungo said. “A lot of it is just silly, stupid dance, and everybody is a sailor, so sailors don’t really know how to dance. It’s all just silly. It’s just a matter of putting it all together.” Micah Parker, performer and vocal performance graduate student, said the themes explored in the production are relatable to anyone and are still found in modern-day entertainment. Parker said people who lived around 200 years ago had the same basic human interests individuals have today. “Opera is meant to be relatable,” Parker said. “Love, sex, passion, violence—the same thing you find in today’s movies was still found in opera even then.” Mungo said one of his main goals was to make sure the production would be understandable for a variety of
people. “This is music, theater, and movie aspect all combined, so it’s very accessible,” Mungo said. “That’s the key issue for me—making opera accessible so people aren’t afraid of it. It’s not your father’s opera.” He said the opera is not what people expect. Performers have worked to modernize the production to make it easier to understand. Today’s opera is leaner and channels the arts, movies, theater and television. “I would definitely say the fat lady is dead,” Mungo said. “She sung. That’s old opera, and this is today’s opera.” The opera features student performers from a variety of different fine arts departments, Mungo said. “There’s some theater students, choral students and opera students,” he said. “It’s a big old amount of students who love putting this kind of
stuff together. They’re doing great. I couldn’t be more happy.” Parker said he would like for audience members to gain an appreciation for opera after seeing H.M.S. Pinafore. “I want the audience to
walk away feeling like they want more,” Parker said. “When they come out of this show, I want them to walk away feeling a warm, fuzzy feeling.”
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B4 | Thursday, October 22, 2015
The University Star
OPINIONS
Brandon Sams, Opinions Editor @TheBrandonSams staropinion@txstate.edu
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
THE MAIN POINT
Students should educate themselves on Texas burn ban
T
exas is experiencing an almost statewide burn ban, and there’s a reason. Students can only benefit from heeding the warnings of officials—they know best. The Hidden Pines fire has left 4,582 acres of land dissipated. While the reports on the cause are currently inconclusive, one possible cause is a purposeful violation of Bastrop County’s burn ban. A burn ban is an embargo on outdoor fires due to potential for wildfires, drought restrictions and/ or the mass pollutants expelled by open flames. As of Oct. 21, the majority of Texas counties are experiencing a burn ban—the specifics of which are established by county judges and commissioners. Hays County officials are taking precautions to prevent something as catastrophic as the Bastrop fire from happening in San Marcos and neighboring towns. However, the possibility of a wildland fire in San Marcos is extremely palpable. If students do not take warnings by county officials seriously, it’s just a matter of time before things take a turn for the worse. Operating under the assumption and unspoken premise that they are exempt from negative experiences will surely lead to unpleasant results when
the inevitable happens. Instead, as a community, students should lend their hands to combating premises based on juvenile bravado and a false sense of exception. In this time of crisis, leading from behind is not an option. That road is not only paved with misfortune, but also danger. Instead of congregating around bonfires, students should seek education on burning restrictions, because bonfires and campfires have not ceased to exist here in San Marcos. In Bastrop County alone there have been six known burn violations since Oct. 16. In a college town like San Marcos, the potential for reckless behavior is amplified tenfold. Too often students construct these party fires only to hastily dismantle them, leaving debris, sparks and embers ready to be ignited. This is where wildland fires begin and disasters unfold. According to the National Park Service, approximately 90 percent of wildland fires in America are caused by human behaviors. Whether it’s poorly demolished bonfires, haphazard campfires or carelessly discarded cigarette butts, fires in nature are overwhelmingly caused by human negligence. Simply dumping water on an outdoor fire is not sufficient. Extinguishing
AZALIE MILLER STAR ILLUSTRATOR
a fire takes time, patience and knowhow. There’s a possibility for a flare-up when dowsing the flames in a lackadaisical manner, and just one mistake can lead to disaster. Placing the ashes of the fire on a cooled, open surface and then gently pouring water over them is
the best method of action for extinguishing a flame. If students are attempting to extinguish a campfire, there’s a different method. The steps are simple to follow and, frankly, common sense. First, allow the wood to burn completely to ash and proceed to submerge all of
the embers in water. Continue to pour water until hissing sounds cease, and then stir the ashes and embers together. Scrape the logs and sticks to remove any embers and ensure everything is wet and cool to the touch. Remember one simple rule, Bobcats—if it’s too
hot to touch, then it is too hot to leave. Adhere to the burn ban. It exists for a reason and protecting the lives and property of all Texans is something everyone can agree on. Be careful and stay safe.
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.
SEX
Pornography is bad news for women Monique Guerrero OPINIONS COLUMNIST @peachiewhiz
P
orn kills. Not literally, but theoretically. Pornography leads to the inhumane and destructive representation of women in society—silently killing the realistic and moralistic mindset of innocent, horny and impressionable youth. The infamous industry that has attracted and spoiled the virtue of mil-
lions twists fantasy with reality. Porn encourages violence and sexual objectification of women. Pornography is, after all, defined as material depicting sex in the context of domination and degradation. Pornography, for example, has bred repulsive and racist stereotypes against women that portray their races as indications of their levels of sexuality. Latinas are labeled as “hot-blooded” and Asian women as submissive. Even the disabilities of a woman are sexualized in certain pornographic mediums. There is virtually no relationship of power and domination one can imagine that has not been “pornographized.” Michael Whitehawk, senior sociology lecturer, believes sexu-
alized media can leave a deep impression of gender disparity both in and out of the porn industry. “It is pretty clear that pornography can trivialize and eroticize violence against women,” Whitehawk said. “In many ways, mass media (eroticizes violence against women) too.” In mass media, women become sex symbols in commercials, television shows, music videos and movies just as well. Halfnaked women seductively eating hamburgers and men surrounded by lustful ladies enticed by some manly fragrance are not uncommon. Pornography is not just on porn sites. The reason why pornography has such a domineering effect on society is simple: Sex sells.
“It is tied to the kind of capitalism that has come to dominate our system that has a lot of gender inequality,” Whitehawk said. Since the realm of pornography has virtually no limits, there is no question that what is being watched can go even further than just degradation. “Viewing pornography supports a culture that objectifies women and legitimizes violence against women,” Whitehawk said. “We’re all impacted by it.” Once a person becomes addicted to pornography, the viewer gradually becomes more and more desensitized to the subversive content within the medium. For example, men who watch porn regularly have a higher tolerance for abnormal sexual behaviors, such as rape and aggres-
sion. Women become mere sexual objects instead of people in their eyes—just as they appear in these pornographic fantasies. Abuse, rape, incest and even child exploitation become “fantasies” regular viewers begin to explore. Sex offenders and individuals with violent tendencies are encouraged by the availability of these fantasies to commit the very sex crimes which put them behind bars and ruin the lives of innocent civilians. Although a majority of us do not fall under the category of a sex offender, everyone must remain cognizant of the media we choose to explore and indulge in. Even if individuals are advocates for pornography, I would still strongly advise not being in the same audience as Ted
Bundy. Pornography only serves to be a factor in shaping a male-dominant view of sexuality, while contributing to a user's difficulty in separating sexual fantasy from reality. It effectively provides a training manual for abusers. Even abusers have to learn how to harm and manipulate their victims, and what better way to learn than through the limitless and immoral world of pornography? Behind closed doors, we can build the mindset of a sexual offender. While we may not act upon it, how we view the people around us—especially women—can inflict harm on both society and ourselves. —Monique is a physics freshman
CLASSROOM
Respecting the rules of the classroom is non-negotiable
Allison Chavez OPINIONS COLUMNIST @AllisonChavez21
W
hen students enter the classroom, they need to think of it as entering a new country. They are choosing to enter the professor’s realm, and the teacher’s word is law. Many students seem to
hold the delusive opinion that college is a wayward person’s dream—a place of no rules or guidelines, where nothing exists to impede them from using the lecture hall as a speed dating circuit. Unfortunately for those students, this is not the case. The classroom is a site of learning, and rules need to be obeyed. It may come as a surprise to some, but the classroom setting is not an organized democracy. Students do not have the right to pick and choose which of the professor’s rules they feel like following and shunting all the rest like unwanted fodder. With the belief the
The University Star Editor-in-Chief...........................................Kelsey Bradshaw, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.......................Imani McGarrell, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters................................................................................universitystar@txstate.edu News Editor........................................................Anna Herod, 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
professor’s rules are more “suggestions” than actual guidelines comes a prolific misunderstanding of college as a right instead of a privilege. Remember, everyone at Texas State made the decision to come to college. That means entering into a classroom and all its subsequent rules was an entirely voluntary decision. If following the rules doesn’t fit into my particular creed, then I probably should not make the decision to attend college, where rules are a non-negotiable fact of life. By choosing to attend college, students are making the decision to follow the professor’s rules, because
attendance and rules are inseparable. In order to help this idea of stanch rules really sink in, try picturing the classroom as a monarchy. The teacher plays the role of monarch. His or her word is a law whose existence is etched in the eternal surface of the syllabus, the packet of papers all professors rain down upon their students at the beginning of the semester. This little packet contains everything students need to know in order to be successful in all of their classes. Inside those pages lies every expectation the professor wishes students to fulfill. From whether it is
acceptable to arrive late or leave early to how the professor views the use of electronic devices during class—it is all contained within the packet that probably now resides beneath your bed. Another rule encapsulated into the syllabus is whether or not attendance is mandatory—which it almost always is. Please, if courtesy is of any importance at all, do not pop up randomly in the middle of class and expect the sudden appearance to go unnoticed by either the professor or the other students who actually chose to show up on time and learn. Showing up to class
late or leaving early is just about as rude as can be. “Scooting booty” in the middle of class sends the message to the professor that said adjourning student not only does not respect the teacher enough to stick around, but is also too good to follow the rules everyone is required to abide by. Students who think classroom rules are negotiable need to wake up to the reality that school and rules go hand in hand—there cannot be one without the other. —Allison is a journalism freshman
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Thursday, October 22, 2015 | B5
The University Star
SPORTS
Quixem Ramirez, Sports Editor @quixem starsports@txstate.edu
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
FOOTBALL
BOBCATS LIMPING INTO HOME MATCHUP AGAINST JAGUARS By Paul Livengood ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @IamLivengood
This season for the Texas State football team has had its ups and downs. Well, there have been more downs than ups. “In 40 years, I’ve seen two (seasons) kind of like this,” said Coach Dennis Franchione. The Bobcats have suffered eight ACL injuries this season, a torn Achilles and a broken leg. Injuries to the Bobcats have made them delve deeper into their bench. In the first press conference of the year, Franchione said the team finally has 22 Division-I starting talent. The next step for the program was to establish Division-I depth across the board. “Well, our depth is being taxed out at a deeper level than I certainly thought we would,” Franchione said. “You always know as a coach that you’re going to have injuries, but we taxed out at a level that any of us could have foreseen.” The injuries, inadvertent whistles and defensive play that led to the resignation of John Thompson, have all contributed to the Bobcats’ 1-4 record. Now, Texas State opens their home conference schedule against the South Alabama Jaguars. And Franchione still refuses to use the term “must-win.” However, the Bobcats need to win the remaining seven games to reach their 8-4 benchmark they set for themselves this season. “This is a must-win game for us in the fact that we have to do better than we did last year,” said Jafus Gaines, senior wide receiver. “The only way we can do that is by not losing any more games. To get
STAR FILE PHOTO
that 8-4 record we want, we have to win from this point on.” At the beginning of the year, the Bobcats’ slogan was to “leave no doubt” in the bowl selection committee’s minds. In 2013, a 6-6 record wasn’t good enough to earn a bowl invitation. In 2014, a 7-5 record wasn’t good enough to earn a bowl invitation. Texas State was the only 7-5 Football Bowl Subdivision team in the country not to receive a bowl bid. One would have to imagine that an 8-4 record would
secure the Bobcats a bowl invitation, hence why the team chose that as their goal. Five games and two weeks later, the Bobcats are already on the brink of not even acquiring bowl eligibility. That being said, it’s hard to argue that every game from this point forward is a must-win, let alone the upcoming game against South Alabama. Texas State-South Alabama the past two years has been a game that comes down to the last play—literally. Texas State drove the field at home in 2013 and set up
the game-winning 41-yard field goal from Jason Dann with four seconds left in the game. In 2014, on the road, Texas State drove the field again for another potential game-winning drive. This time, down by four, the Bobcats needed a touchdown. Tyler Jones, junior quarterback, drove the Bobcats to the four-yard line, and threw an incomplete pass to Ben Ijah in the end zone as time expired. Before this year, South Alabama was looking at a rebuilding year after losing a big senior class. That was
until they received seven transfers and the offensive coordinator from AlabamaBirmingham. Four of the seven players are starters. The offensive transfers from Alabama-Birmingham, combined with three Alabama wide receiver transfers from the past two years, make up the Jaguar passing attack that is top five in the conference. The Jaguars average 243.0 passing yards per game and a 125.0 passing efficiency rating. “I think that’s helped their team this year to reload because they lost a lot of guys,”
Franchione said. “They have playmakers on offense and they always play tough, tough defense.” With a reloaded Jaguars team, the Bobcats are expecting another closely fought game. “I wouldn’t expect this Saturday to be any different than the previous two years,” said David Mims, senior cornerback. “Last year it was in their favor, the year before it was in our favor, so we are just trying to get that to swing back into our favor again.”
MAKE EVERY GAME COUNT 2015 FOOTBALL
COMMUNITY DAY PRESENTED BY:
Saturday Texas State vs. South Alabama 6:00 PM Bobcat Stadium
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