9.11.18

5 | Arts & Life

7 | Sports

Flying through NASA country

Athlete of the Week

Vol. 58, Issue 4

Est. 1981

September 11 - September 18, 2018

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline

/ThePaisano

@ThePaisano

@PaisanoMedia

www.Paisano-Online.com

Bird is the word Michael Schwarzpach riding a Bird scooter.

Ben Shirani /The Paisano

By Ben Shirani Staff Writer Bird, a Santa Monica, Calif. company, brought new options to UTSA commuters for the Fall 2018 semester in the form of pay-by-the-minute electric rideshare scooters commonly called “Birds.”

Four of the Bird scooters arrived on Aug. 21 for the first day of classes. The company, or people who had signed up to charge scooters, left the first batch of scooters in strategic locations chosen to attract students as they walked to campus.

“You get a kick out of it. It gives you something to look forward to on the way to class,” said junior business major Jona-

than Millan.

Ten or more of the Bird scooters were left near campus on Aug. 22 for the second day of classes, foreshadowing the business’ pension for rapid growth.

Explosive growth has gotten Bird into trouble in the past.

Bird was ordered to pay it’s hometown of Santa Monica, Calif., $300,000 in fines after a criminal complaint alleged that the company failed to secure the property permits.

The scooter company is now required to maintain an operating license with the city of Santa Monica, and some other cities have followed suit.

The e-scooters hit the streets of Austin, Texas, on July 2017 followed by a flood of complaints. According to KVUEABC, on Aug. 21, a woman

using a wheelchair had her pathway blocked on the sidewalk leading to UT Austin’s West Campus. The woman has come across the scooters blocking her path not once but four times in one day.

The city of Austin, however, chose not to pursue criminal charges and opted to negotiate a business agreement with the scooter company. This includes a requirement that the company maintain an operating license as well as undergo a review by city officials every six months.

Austin is now home to 2,000 Bird scooters.

The San Antonio Express News estimated that in July 2018 there were 150 Bird scooters for use in the San Antonio area.

For the time being, the operation of e-scooters is not regu-

Bird scooters parked on campus.

lated by the city of San Antonio, and the scooters have given residents cause for complaint.

“They are flying through crowds. They were going way too fast for where they were.

They shouldn’t do it if they’ve got any sense at all,” said a local bicycle shop salesmen who asked to remain anonymous.

Bird is scheduled to begin offering the option for cities to designate areas where the scooters are not permitted.

The company has proactively designated popular walking areas in San Antonio off-limits to their scooters.

However, the majority of UTSA students interviewed view the scooters positively.

“It was super fun. We just rode it around on campus. We’ve seen

Ben Shirani /The Paisano

them downtown at the Pearl and have never had the chance to ride them before, so we tried yesterday, and it was super fun.

If they use it properly, it’s a good thing. If they hurt themselves or are not respectful of property, then that’s a problem,” said recent graduate and community health major Olivia Schmelter.

Some students point out that Bird scooters could help alleviate some of the problems associated with parking availability.

“Parking is difficult; you buy a parking pass, then you can’t really find anywhere to park.

With Bird, even when you park at the farthest lot, you can hop on one of these and get to class,” Millan said.

Bookstore goes bagless Students can purchase items without using plastic bags

By Kaylee Boggan Staff Writer UTSA’s on-campus bookstore is going bagless.

Students will no longer be given a bag unless they request one when making purchases at the bookstore.

UTSA hopes that limiting the use of plastic in the bookstore can reduce the university’s carbon footprint.

John Palmer, director of the UTSA Rowdy Campus Store, hopes that decreasing the number of plastic bags on campus may contribute to reducing the street litter and improving recycling operations.

“Currently, less than five percent of plastic bags are recycled annually in America, and single-use plastic bags are the fifth most common single-use plastic found in the environment,” Palmer said.

“Going bagless raises awareness of things we can do each day to

become better stewards of the environment, and it makes a positive impact,” Palmer said. “We’re proud to be part of a growing shift among companies and cities across the U.S. to reduce waste and the amount of plastic trash entering landfills. Studies show it will take 500 years or more for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill.”

“Several campus services have been working together to identify ways to eliminate or reduce the use of plastic on campus,” Palmer said. “In support of this sustainability effort, we’re encouraging students to skip the plastic shopping bag when they make a purchase in the campus stores.”

Junior English major, Destine Pelcher, supports the bookstore going bagless. “Recycling and no longer using bags at UTSA will be another step towards saving our environment from pollu-

tion.”

Palmer wants others to make an effort to preserve the environment and offers tips for how to do so. “Spread the word and bring reusable bags to the campus store and everywhere you shop,” Palmer said. “Place recyclables in recycle containers. Use reusable water bottles and coffee cups.”

According to Palmer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers some tips on greener living as well: use boxes instead of wrapping paper or use wrapping paper made from recycled content. Also avoid dumping motor oil down the drain, recycle plastics in your area and try to reduce the amount of household hazardous waste products such as paints, oils and batteries.

For more information, visit https://www.epa.gov/ environmental-topics/ greener-living.

Alexander and Chavez after marriage ceremony.

Renato Lopez /The Paisano

Roadrunner wedding

Alexander and Chavez join in matrimony On Sept. 8, Gary Alexander, UTSA 1999 alumni, married Laura Chavez at the Alamodome parking lot while Roadrunner fans were tailgating before the game against Baylor University.

Alexander proposed to Chavez during a UTSA tailgate last season before UTSA faced Marshall University on Nov. 18, 2017.

Se pte mbe r 11 - Se pte mbe r 18, 2018

2 | news@paisano-online.com

UTSA UTSA’s Office for Research Support (ORS) awarded 33 UTSA faculty members and seven external collaborators with $495,000 in SEED grants. The Supporting Effective Educator Development Grant Program (SEED) provides funding to increase the number of highly effective educators. The seed grant will fund 32 projects from various disciplines such as college access, sustainable lighting, climate politics and biodegradable, 3D-printed implants. UTSA’s research partners also gave $325,000 to help fund the various projects.

Texas State Rep. Ron Reynolds turned himself in to Montgomery County authorities on Sept.7 after his appeals against misdemeanor charges for illegally soliciting clients for his personal injury law practice were denied.

Reynolds has not resigned from his seat because Texas law does not require resignation for misdemeanors.

U.S. Dallas police officer Amber Guyger has been reported as accidentally entering the wrong apartment and shooting Botham Shem Jean. Guyger called 911 after shooting Jean, but the victim died at the hospital. Guyger has been placed on administrative leave since the shooting. Officials have not released a statement explaining why Guyger thought Jean’s apartment was hers.

Q&A with Gigi Do, executive director of the UTSA office of international programs

By Adrianne Kristianto Contributing Writer

Gigi Do has more than 17 years of experience working in international education, including in her most recent role as deputy superintendent for Global Education, Engagement and Partnerships for the International Leadership of Texas (ILTEXAS).

Do’s contributions to the higher education international community have been featured in the New York Times and has won several awards in international education.

Q:

As the new executive director of UTSA’s International Programs, what made you focus on international education?

I was a refugee coming to the United States when I was eight years old, so all my life I’ve been exposed to a different background. I tend to gravitate towards diversity, and using my experience coming into a new country and not knowing what to expect. I identify with all the international students that come in and it sparked my interest; it began to open up my career into international education, and sending American students overseas. I also identify with them on how they are going to view the world

Q:

What is your background in international education outside of UTSA, and for how long?

I have been in international education since 1997, and it was fortuitous for me. I was a law student at that time, and the community college in Houston contacted me to work with a group of refugees. I thought it was a good supplement for my tuition for law school. I joined as a counselor and it just became a lifelong call for me.

I quit law school, went into graduate

Q:

being a newcomer, and I just felt that it was my mission to really steer that path for students to be able to see the world better. The fun thing is that it never felt like a job for me - I just feel like it’s a part of me. What I love about this job is that I’m always learning something new. International education is a growing field, and things that people typically did 10 years ago have changed quite a bit and for the better.

More recognition to international education must be part of a student’s curriculum.

school and dove into international education where I ended up working with refugees to then working with international students. There are thousands of students outside of the United States who really want our education, so we took the curriculum and placed it with our partners overseas in Vietnam, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other parts of Europe.

What do you expect to get from your position as the executive director of UTSA’s international program?

I came to UTSA with many network connections and international networks from all over the world in the last 27 years; they have a lot of resources and want to have a really good partnership to work with. What I’m expecting is for those networks to find UTSA as their destination

for international partnerships. All of these changes are going to continue to build UTSA to become a worldrenowned university and a destination for international scholars and students to come, and I hope it will enhance our domestic students more greatly.

Photo courtesy of UTSA

Gigi Do.

Q:

Why did you choose UTSA in particular?

It’s amazing. This school is very progressive in terms of international education. I oversee scholar services, study abroad programs and international students services; and last year, we sent 618 students abroad, and that, to me, is very high ranking. We have award-winning scholars and have 33 faculty members who received the $500,000 SEED grant, seven of them are research scholars. I’m just very, very amazed. Our students have received the prestigious Benjamin Gilman (International Scholarship Program), and that is a very difficult

Q:

scholarship to get. In order for those students to receive that funding, they have to come from a university that’s very open to the international education - this is a requirement for the scholarship. It just makes me feel that UTSA is a good place for me to be in because I can hone in my experience and help the university grow a lot more in international education. One of the president’s strategic themes for UTSA is to be worldly engaged. That’s my job right there, and I have that support in taking UTSA students to become world-ready citizens!

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for UTSA’s international affairs and/or students?

One of the things that we want to do is scholar services. Not only do we want to continue to bring in worldrenowned scholars to help our research community here, but we also want to work with those scholars that are currently faculty and embed them into our university for a longer term. We’re also trying to bring out other artists or performers from other countries to share some of the skills that they have for our students. In terms of international students, we currently have

over 1,000 students enrolled in UTSA from 89 different countries, a majority of them represent countries that are mostly in the STEM field. We want to leverage that UTSA is a great research university in the STEM area, and that will hopefully bring more international students to study here. We hope to double the number of students who studied abroad last year. Our goal is to include study abroad in every major offered at UTSA as a part of their curriculum.

A FESTIVAL FOR A CAUSE O

World

FF I CI AL

EV ENT

A tigress in India is suspected to have killed at least 13 people in a two-year period. The tigress has not been captured despite forest rangers’ efforts to send her to a zoo. However, politicians want the tigress to be shot, even though tigers are endangered.

Business To get Beijing, China to change its trade practices, President Trump threatened to tax Chinese imported goods sent to the U.S. There have already been tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods, which China responded to with a tariff on American products. The Trump administration is preparing an additional round of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imported goods.

09 29 18

1pm - 11pm Sunken Garden Theater San Antonio, Texas

TICKETS AVAILABLE GOODVIBRATIONSMUSICFEST.COM & H-E-B 10 HOURS LIVE MUSIC | MARKET BOOTHS | FOOD TRUCKS FAMILY FRIENDLY | DEAF ACCESSIBLE

S e pt e m b e r 1 1 - S eptem ber 1 8, 2018

editor@paisano-online.com | 3

opinion Anonymous Editorial Coward! Gutless loser!

These were the words White House press secretary Sarah Sanders used to describe the anonymous writer who wrote the op-ed for the New York Times about the Trump administration.

The writer stated, “In addition to his mass-marketing of the notion that the press is the enemy of the people, President Trump’s impulses are generally anti-trade and anti-democratic.”

Is it a treasonable act

to publish your opinion about the president of the United States? If so, this is not the land of the free. Should this writer be considered a gutless loser? We don’t think so.

The Paisano rarely publishes articles from anonymous sources. The only exception to publishing an anonymous article is when the information is so valuable it must be communicated to the public. An article by an anonymous source is by no means a cow-

ard’s way out, especially when a writer is talking about the president of the United States. Freedom of expression is a first amendment right.

Members of the Trump administration think the New York Times’ article should never have been published. The New York Times said they decided to publish the op-ed because they thought the article touched on an important debate about whether the Trump administration were making good decisions.

eDITORIAL CARTOON

Since readers tend to focus on the messenger and not the message articles written anonymously can be misconstrued as soon as the reader finds out who the writer is. Publishing the article was not treason nor was it breaking the first amendment.

Not supporting some of a President’s policies is not treason nor is pointing out the president’s dangerous policies.

Furthermore, the writer exercised their freedom of speech by publicly talking about how the

president’s behavior was detrimental to the country.

All in all, the New York Times made a good decision publishing the op-ed. The article gave the writer a platform to discuss views while upholding our American way of life.

The anonymous writer’s identity is not relevant; The only thing that really matters is the writer’s work.

The Paisano

The Independent Student Newspaper for the UTSA Community

Join us! | Journalism | Writing | Photography | | Audio/Video Production | Graphic Design | | Magazine | Advertising | Marketing | | Website Management | Events Planning | | Social Media | Public Relations | Time: Every Wednesday 6 p.m.

Location: The Paisano Media Arts Center 14526 Roadrunner Way

Ask Dr. Artis Q&A Corlett Perry-Artis, PHD., is a faculty member in the Psychology department. The following colummn is a response to a common concern college students express.

Op-Ed

By Carletta Perry-Artis Staff writer

Q. I don’t seem to fit in.

I just feel like a nobody and I’m sorry this isn’t a question.

A. First of all, you are somebody! Some people’s underestimation of us is where our greatness lies.

You are great because you are different. You are great because you are creative.

You are great because you don’t think like everyone else. You are great because see you are simply you!

I’d rather be an original me than a copy of someone else any day. Who said you need to fit in? If you ask me, and you did, fitting in is really overrated, so let’s celebrate you.

Sometimes being in the wrong place around the wrong people trying to fit in can be depressing because you don’t fit. Oh

what a joy it is when you are around people who enjoy doing what you enjoy, love talking about what you love talking about and filling your life with happy moments. You just fit, right?

I want you to really work on finding your purpose your–passion–and do more of what you enjoy. Sometimes the things we think we need, we don’t need.

Sometimes the people we think we need, we don’t need. Sometimes we think we must stay on that job, but remember that is a

choice when there are so many great opportunities in the workforce.

Did you work hard to get the guy or girl, the career or the lifestyle and it’s not what you thought?

Sometimes in life we can be sidetracked by what we believe we should be striving for and lose sight of truly living and enjoying some beautiful moments along the way.

Money does not lead to true happiness. People will not always make you happy. In fact, you may not be pleased with yourself at

times, but you can change that by owning your thoughts and choices and living a life of character and very little regret.

One more thing–I ask that you do this for me until you can do it for you.

Everyday, make a difference in the life of someone else. It can be a kind word, a small gesture, helpful advice or simply being the best you can be so others around you see what a real everyday hero looks like.

Heroes don’t fit in–they stand out.

Se pte mbe r,11 - Se pte mbe r 18, 2018

4 | editor@paisano-online.com

Staring at the ceiling Commentary

By Isaiah Pryce Contributory Writer Legendary tales often start with humble modest beginnings and or harsh but necessary steps. College is a transformative experience that will change you based on your actions. You may ask, why are we connecting college experience to the humble

beginnings of an epic story? One answer to this question comes from the support, convenience and community coming from living on campus. It is imperative that students do this because it leads to a more empowering tale at UTSA. The support that on-campus living provides elevates our well-being by creating a strong foundation. UTSA residence halls are staffed by diligent, caring individuals, and there are a myriad of services offered by the university that allow housing to offer enriching experiences to residents. For example, Health Services teachs coping mechanisms to deal with depression and anxiety. Regarding safety UTSA has a phenomenal police department that supervises the

activities of the university’s facilities and residence halls. There is a degree of camaraderie between the officers and students; for instance, if a student is at the library late at night, then an officer can escort them back to their hall. College is a daunting experience to endure by yourself, so having support alleviates the pressure greatly.

In addition, living on campus is more convenient; commutes to class, appointments and interviews require only 7-10 minute walks because of how close housing is to the main campus.

If you are like me and need to get every minute of sleep before starting the day, being close to campus lets you hit the snooze button a few more times. Another part of this convenience is the

benefit of always being informed of events. Speaking from experience, if I did not live on campus my freshman year, I would have spent most of my days staring at the ceiling until I eventually fell asleep. Developing the courage to step out, so I could attend events and make friends, came about from seeing vivid posters around my residence hall.

There is a connection at UTSA’s housing that fills me with a sense of belonging. Why would you want to complicate your college experience in any way? Living on campus caters to the students.

Aside from exterior qualities, on campus housing instills a sense of community. While the sense of independence you get from living on your own is

Conformation Bias: The blight of American Society Commentary

By Brent Davis Contributing Writer

“YOU ARE A STUPID LIBERAL IDIOT! They are disrespecting the flag and the military of this great country. If you watch Fox News or ask my cousin who was in the military, you would know the real truth of how soldiers feel.”

“OH MY GOD YOU RACIST PIG...Are you too slow to comprehend what the protest is about? CNN said it was about racial inequality. If you were a minority you would know that.”

This is a theoretical conversation, but one that has become a common theme that defines a problem that is polarizing America today. The problem is confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is defined as trying to

interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories.

The issue has crept into our world of 24-hour news and social media, especially when the matter becomes politically or racially charged. Whether it is a gun debate, Colin Kaepernick’s protest or anything about being American, people seem to always link websites or tag people they know will share their viewpoint on the subject.

In all fairness, there is nothing wrong with this. A good argument is more of a discussion in which all parties understand each other.

Unfortunately, this does not happen when there is bias.

Arguments tend to become a mudslinging contest of insults.

Most people believe their view is the right view. But why does this happen?

Simply put, it is human nature. Always wanting to be right can lead to confirmation bias because people with bias already have their mind made up. People ignore anything that does not conform to their biases and they continue to throw out information that confirms

The Paisano Kenyatta Battle | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com

News

theirs as true.

The NFL protest of the National Anthem is a great example of this because both sides have their biases and post what agrees with their biases. They may end up posting misinformation to confirm that bias or encourage more polarization based on the “proof” that they may have.

We have all seen the links, memes and tags to military friends or politicians posted about this subject. All of these things agree with their bias but have no real backing of the entire picture. Why do people go to extreme lengths to confirm their bias? Is the person afraid that they may be wrong? Is this just one of many cases proving that humans always want to be right?

Whatever the case, it seems that people will try to find ways to confirm their pre-existing beliefs rather than seek a different viewpoint of a situation. Confirmation bias is a problem that is dividing Americans and tearing into the notion of “united we stand.”

Sports Ryan Garza | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com

Have Something to say?

Write a letter to the Editor!

Online Kat Joseph | Multimedia Editor Multimedia@paisano-online.com

Alejandro “AJ” Lopez | Co-News Editor News@paisano-online.com

Brandon Armstead | Web Editor Web@paisano-online.com

Kimiya Factory | Assitant News Editor

Maha Qadri | Assitant Multimedia Editor

Business

Will Stransky | Business Manager Business@paisano-online.com

Jenelle Duff | Advertising Liason Ads@paisano-online.com Kristy Olson | Social Media Coordinator Amanda Avalos | Marketing Staff Ray Hagimoto | Marketing Staff

Advisory Board

Arts & Life

Katrina Clements | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com Kirkland Luther | Assitant Arts & Life Editor

Photo

Ricky Galindo | Photography Editor Photo@paisano-online.com Ellyson Ortega | Photography Editor

Send your letters to Editor@paisano-online.com

Valery Assad | Marketing Manager Marketing@paisano-online.com

Heather Montoya | Co-News Editor News@paisano-online.com

Staff Natalie Hollenbeck | Senior Copy Editor Ryan Nobles | Staff Ryan Thompson | Staff Emily Hubbard | Staff Kimiya Factory | Staff Sydney Zamora | Staff Amber Chin | Staff Zachary Truesdale | Staff Anish Rao | Staff Rebecca Saenz | Staff Josh Levario | Staff Roman Felan | Staff Kaylee Boggan | Staff David Crawford | Staff Lindsey Thomas | Staff David Crawford | Staff Jack myer | Staff David Crawford | Staff Iliana Sanchez | Staff

exhilarating, it can be burdensome to shoulder on your own..

UTSA, being a university that harbors a diverse student body, sets the stage for unity amongst those who live on campus.

Because they share space with individuals going through similar experiences, students can feel as if they are at home when at the residence hall.

We are the captains of our own ships steering our destiny through a sea of turbulent waves.

Living on campus provides a structure similar to a map that may lead to treasure and discovery. For me, the experience of living on campus is the muse that inspired me to enjoy my college experience as best I could, and, perhaps, it can inspire you too.

Diane Abdo | Advisor Diane.Abdo@utsa.edu Steven Kellman | Advisor Jack Himelblau | Advisor Stefanie Arias | Advisor Sandy Norman | Advisor Red Madden | Advisor

The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 © 2018, The Paisano The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Handbook of Operating Procedures states in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of Student Publications, but will regulate distribution on campus. Student Publications will be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible for editorial and content policies and decisions.

Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or removal from their positions within a Registered or Sponsored Student Organization (Student Organization) by the University because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content. Student Organizations that distribute Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student Organizations that do not distribute Student Publications.

S e pt e m b e r 1 1 - S eptem ber 1 8, 2018

arts@paisano-online.com | 5

Arts & Life A simple life A look into how minimizing our material possesions can make a big change.

M

By: Kaylee Boggan Staff Writer

any people believe that they need material things such as money, a huge house and a fancy car to be happy–that is not so for junior English major Daniel Benites, who is a self-proclaimed minimalist.

“The class I took in high school on AP literature inspired me to become a minimalist,” he said. “It introduced me to new ideas… and I realized that I had been driven by the Protestant Ethic, which is the want to build wealth, for too long…and I wanted to make a change. Minimalism is a lifestyle in which you reduce your possessions to the least possible.”

According to Britannica.com, minimalism “is chiefly an American movement in the visual arts and music originating in New York City in the late 1960s, and characterized by extreme simplicity of form and a literal, objective approach.” It is also becoming part of modern culture.

Millennials are using technology regularly and many prefer to spend money on experiences rather than on purchases. According to a survey from Harris Poll and Eventbrite cited on Bloomberg, “78 percent of millennials—compared to 59 percent of baby boomers—“would rather pay for an experience than material goods.” Benites is part of the millennial culture that wants to make a difference in the world and change themselves for the better.

“I became acquainted with these philosophies such as transcendentalism,” Benties said. “This is where you can live a perfect life where items in and of themselves are just items; if they aren’t adding value to your life, it isn’t necessary that you keep them. We all need to live for the moment and learn how to cherish things that really matter.” Benites used this philosophy to realize what mattered most in his life.

“With my possessions such as my clothes, I would ask if this adds value to my life, and if it didn’t I would either take it to Goodwill or get rid of it,” Benites said. For some people, their self-value is based on what they have and they constantly compare themselves to others who they feel are better off than them. Benites no longer has to deal with this issue and now has found happiness in his life.

“It has reoriented me in life so I can fulfill my life’s purpose,” Benites said. “I am more in alignment with why I am living life, rather than materials that will all become

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

dust in the end.”

Benites is planning to stay a minimalist and is trying to promote a positive, ecofriendly lifestyle. He claims that others can do this as well in a variety of ways.

“Minimalism encourages people to live deliberately and the goal is to have individuals live in a way that is without excessive objects,” Benites said. “Living in mansions, for instance, is excessive; we can all live in smaller houses and only get the things that we truly need to survive to make the world a better place for us all. By decreasing items, we can focus on why we wake up everyday.”

This article is the final piece in a four part series on the environment.

Flying through NASA country A night with local country artist Garrett T. Capps.

By: Kirkland Luther Assistant Arts & Life Editor

Garrett T. Capps takes the stage in his signature white cowboy hat on the riverwalk at Ocho.

The sun sets on the river outside of Ocho as people find their places among the chipped turquoise patio furniture. At the end of the alley, and on a designated space made of blankets, sit three stools.

Two of the stools have microphones placed in front of them, while the third hosts a tip-bowl and a single record on a smaller blanket. On the cover is a portrait of a man in his early 30s, shadowed by his large, white cowboy hat, gazing longingly into the unknown.

Soon, the familiar white hat takes its place on one of the stools, and, after finishing a drink of Topo Chico, the figure picks up a red electric guitar. Garrett T. Capps has taken the stage.

After introductions, he fills the audience in on their night ahead. He plays some solo electric tunes and acoustic renditions with friend and fellow musician, Kim Mackenzie, on the fiddle.

“Bottoms up,” he toasts with his native Texan twang. The self-proclaimed “flight director,” Capps, navigates the patrons and passengers of Ocho for two hours through his Tex-Mex soundscape known as “NASA country” before sitting to talk about his latest full length LP, “May’s In the Shadows (Again),” and the alternative country scene.

Capps is a San Antonio native, as his hometown salute, “Born in San Antone,”

from his debut 2016 release “Y Los Lonely Hipsters,” would suggest.

While attending Texas State University, the Reagan High School alumnus first started writing the songs that would later appear on the debut. Recording a 9-track album was not Capps’ priority going in.

“We didn’t really know what was going on. We were just playing [the songs] and then we recorded an album. That’s it,” said Capps.

The album pays tribute to Capps’ influences, including Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt, while simultaneously mixing elements of punk rock (“Road for Days,” “Don’t Come Around Here”) and hard rock such as a cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Running Back.”

Capps desired to make his next songs more cerebral; he wants tunes that folks could still sing along to with his next release. With In The Shadows (Again), he accomplished that. Capps decided to form a new group alongside fellow musician Justin Boyd. Boyd filters Capps’ guitar and lap steel through numerous pedals that add a sonorous and ambient quality. Despite Capps having zero intention for modular synth manipulation when initially writing these tracks and feeling skeptical at times, Capps admitted, “sometimes it works.”

Rest assured, it works. Later album

The string lights outside of Ocho set the mood for Garrett T. Capps as the sun sets.

Kirkland Luther/The Paisano

tracks such as “the Horizon” and “Can You Harness the Light” isolate listeners into an auditory space desert, and “Dancin’ Hands” feels like floating inside a Waffle House at 3 a.m.

If you are looking to stay a little more grounded, tracks such as “Go Home” and the album’s namesake, “In the Shadow’s (Again)” have traditional country sounds as familiar as your favorite whiskey.

Put on “Here Right Now” the next time you’re on a road trip, and you will transport yourself into your very own A24 movie.

Capps is no stranger to the San Antonio music scene. With experience working as a stage manager, Capps booked bands for the Paper Tiger while it was transitioning hands from The White Rabbit. The Paper Tiger found an asset in Capps’ ability to bring more musicians to the city, which might have otherwise been overlooked.

Booking and playing has created many new connections for Capps; Capps and his bands frequent the White Horse in Austin, Texas, known as the sole alternative country space in the greater surrounding area. Frustrated with the density and saturation of alt-country in Austin, Capps knew there needed to be a place here in San Antonio for “these cool artists that have played, like, 502 [Bar] when they should be playing a honky tonk.”

Capps and Danny Delgado, owner of bars Hi-Tones, Faust and Lowcountry, will open the Lonesome Rose, previously home to the Phantom Room, in Oct. Capps already had a buzz about his booking skills, so when asked how he teamed up with the Delgado brothers, Capps said, “I already knew them and somehow it just happened. Like, I don’t have any idea how to run a bar or anything, but I can run a venue.”

The psychedelic singer is still picking up the tempo before doors open in Oct. Capps is kicking-off a two-week, midwestern tour at The Cove Sept. 13 with Mayeux & Broussard before embarking on his first European shows; those shows include Holland’s Ramblin’ Roots, featuring Alejandro Escovedo and Rayland Baxter, and TakeRoot festival, featuring Father John Misty, Neko Case and Kurt Vile. When he returns back to the states, Capps is set to record his first upcoming solo album.

Go see Garrett T. Capps at any of his numerous upcoming dates. You do not want to miss being a part of the journey through NASA country because, man, it sure is beautiful out there.

Kirkland Luther/The Paisano

Se pte mbe r 11 - Se pte mbe r 18, 2018

6 | arts@paisano-online.com

Time flies

Mac Miller, a voice of a generation, passes

at 26.

Big Sis Advice: Long-distance By: Kimiya Factory Assistant News Editor

By: Zachary Truesdale Staff Writer

On Sept. 7, artist Mac Miller, born Malcom McCormick, passed away from an overdose in his Studio City home.

The proud Pittsburgh rapper, singer, producer and actor had just released an album and was getting ready to go on tour throughout the U.S. A tragic loss at the young age of 26, Mac Miller made a massive impact during his time as both a person and musician and has influenced many artists from all over the world, leaving a legacy that will continue to grow as time goes on.

Before he became Mac Miller, he was known as underground rapper EZ Mac and released his first mixtape “But My Mackin’ Ain’t Easy” at the age of 15. He would go on to release a total of 12 mixtapes between 2007 and 2015 including classic mixtapes such as “K.I.D.S,” “Best Day Ever,” “Faces” and “Macadelic.”

Mac’s first official studio album, “Blue Slide Park,” was released in Nov. 2011. His album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured songs “Frick Park Market” “Party on Fifth Ave” and “Of the Soul.”

A year and a half later, in 2013, Miller dropped “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” and featured artists included: Earl Sweatshirt, Action

Bronson, Schoolboy Q, Tyler, the Creator and others.

More critics began seeing his growth as an artist as he received many positive reviews complementing his new psychedelic hip-hop influence and improved lyricism. The album also debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 102,000 copies in its first week.

Under his alter-ego Larry Fisherman, Mac began producing for various artists including SZA, Ab-Soul and Vince Staples as well as some of his own personal projects. In the same year of becoming a producer, Mac Miller’s reality-documentary TV series, “Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family,” premiered and aired for two seasons with MTV. The actor, musician and producer’s legacy was becoming a force to be reckoned with.

In 2014, Mac Miller left RostrumRecords and later dropped his independently released mixtape “Faces.”

At the end of 2014, Mac announced that he signed a recording and distribution deal with Warner Bros.

Records. In Sept. of that same year, “GO:OD AM” was also released.

“Dang!” featuring Anderson Paak came out in 2016, along with the announcement of his fourth studio album, “The Divine Feminine.”

I n te l l i g e n ce C a re e rs . g ov/ N S A

NSA IS COMING TO YOUR CAMPUS

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Collaborations with CeeLo Green, Ty Dolla Sign, Ariana Grande and Kendrick Lamar helped showcase the evolution in Mac Miller’s sound.

Scott Glaysher of the prominent hiphop magazine, XXL, said that “all in all, ‘The Divine Feminine’ is an experiment well done. Mac Miller’s creative mind explores the ins and outs of the modern relationship while maintaining a certain level of sophistication that can be considered timeless.”

Aug. 3 of this year was a night to remember for hip-hop fans. At midnight, Mac released “Swimming” alongside Travis Scott’s “Astroworld” and YG’s “Stay Dangerous.”

“Swimming” debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.

The album received the best overall rating from all of his past projects with a 78 out of 100. New Musical Express stated, “Swimming isn’t what you would have expected from Miller when he first started dropping mixtapes over a decade ago, but that doesn’t matter. This album shows his growth as both an artist, and as a person who’s had to deal with the most private aspects of their life being publicly dissected. It’s a stellar artistic statement.” Rolling Stone wrote that “Swimming” is Miller’s “most impactful album of his career.”

Mac Miller was a talented individual who was a voice for our generation and will be missed by millions. His lyrics are so relatable to his fans that it feels as if we knew him personally.

Miller yearned to show everyone they should love each other and be positive, even when it can be hard.

His love for others will always be remembered as we continue to cherish and absorb his message for the world.

With summer ending and students getting back into the swing of classes in the fall semester, relationships are destined to experience acclimation too. Whether it be a summer romance that unexpectedly turned into something more, or couples attending different schools–long-distance relationships aren’t easy.

It’s bad enough that there isn’t an instruction manual for being in our 20’s, but connecting with another human being who’s miles away from you can really challenge a person. Long distance challenges your flaws, self-discipline and truth all at the same time. When times get tough and faith gets tested, ask yourself–what about this person made me feel obligated to keep them in my life despite the distance? I’ve asked myself the same question before.

Like I said, who sees a connection with another human being coming? I didn’t. It was my freshman year, when I unexpectedly clicked with someone who lived in another city, which then turned into frequent FaceTime calls. Calls turned into promises, and promises turned into “I can’t come this weekend.” I remember calling every chance I got and vice versa; constantly having something to maybe-look-forward-to. I’d heard the “longdistance relationship” warning before, but I didn’t truly understand it until I experienced it and grew as a person.

I’d learned so much about myself when I was in a long-distance relationship. Although my experience was brief, I get it. I get how weighing your feelings and being honest with yourself can be internally conflicting. I get the agitation you feel when you receive looks of pity after telling anyone you’re in a long-distance relationship.

I get the obligation you may feel to the time you’ve invested into this person and your relationship. I understand the longing of your partner’s presence when you see a couple at the store. But I also remember feeling amazing for challenging myself and my truths by learning about someone off of pure intellect. Experiencing the raw definition of ‘giving someone time to miss you, and you missing them,’ tells you what you knew all along: that the person may or may not be worth it. If they aren’t, that’s okay; but if they are, remember their smile when your days grow cold. Remember the best moments with them when your weeks get long, but most of all: Don’t let distance discourage you.

For all of my love birds, Xoxo Big Sis

Send your suggestions for Big Sis Advice to arts@ paisano-online.com

The Weekend Remarkable student and career opportunities.

Recruiters ready to chat. Mark your calendar now!

University of Texas, San Antonio STEM and All Majors Career Fair Tuesday, September 18 - Wednesday, September 19

SEPTEMBER 14 - Crystal Trunk Show / $Free 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Integrative Healing Institute Expand your knowledge of crystals and explore the selection provided by local artisans.

SEPTEMBER 14 - Art Party: Here’s Looking at You / $Free 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at San Antonio Museum of Art Live music by vocalist Judi Deleon & Trez along with cocktails by Brooklynite and art making.

SEPTEMBER 14 - Live Jazz / $Free 8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. at The Corner Live jazz by RedLight Jazz along with craft beer.

SEPTEMBER 15 - Black Swan Inn Market and Fest / $3 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Victoria’s Black Swann Inn Live entertainment, food trucks, psychics, tarot readings, essential oils and local arts vendors all at the mystical Black Swann Inn.

U.S. citizenship is required.

NSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To feature your event in “The Weekend” email the arts editor at arts@paisano-online.com

Graphic by Amber Chin

S e pt e m b e r 1 1 - S eptem ber 1 8, 2018

sports@paisano-online.com | 7

Sports Roadrunners drop home opener

Baylor hands UTSA their first home loss

QB Cordale Grundy scrambles from Baylor defenders.

Lindsey Thomas/The Paisano

S Brenndan Johnson looking at the Bears offense.

Jack Myer/The Paisano

RB B.J. Daniels trucks Baylor defenders.

By Josh Levario Staff Writer

U

TSA and Baylor’s first meeting last year ended with a historic victory for the ‘Runners when they downed the Bears 17-10. Heading into their home opener, UTSA looked to recover after surrendering 49 points in a staggering defeat against the Arizona State Sun Devils last week. The key to winning the game was the passing game and secondary.

The Bears won the coin toss, and the Roadrunner offense took the field looking to find a rhythm. After a timeout to start the game, the Baylor defense forced a three and out after two failed runs and a short two-yard pass to WR Kirk Johnson Jr.

Jack Myer/The Paisano

from QB Cordale Grundy.

UTSA’s defense struggled initially, quickly surrendering 10 unanswered points at the hands of the Baylor offense. The first came off of a 51-yard drive lead

by Baylor QB Charlie Brewer, who started his first drive off with an explosive 22-yard reception to WR Jalen Hurd.

The drive was concluded with a three-yard touchdown pass to RB JaMycal Hasty. Following an interception thrown by Grundy on the next drive, the Bears capitalized and converted a 47-yard field goal by kicker Connor Martin.

The ‘Runners finally got on board for their third offensive drive. Despite RB B.J. Daniels converting a crucial third down with a 36-yard run, UTSA could not find the endzone. UTSA kicker Jared Sackett nailed a 47-yard field goal to get the first

points of the game for the ‘Runners. The first quarter ended with a score of 10-3, Baylor. Both teams had picked up similar offensive yardage with 71 for Baylor and 72 for UTSA. UTSA struck first in the second quarter following a Baylor three and out. A 27-yard run by RB Jalen Rhodes setup Sackett for a successful 46-yard field goal. Following the field goal, Baylor began a long drive starting at their own two-yard line.

Within two plays, the Bears were at the 32-yard line and pushing down the field. The drive ended with a 22-yard touchdown reception from Brewer to WR Denzel Mims. Baylor recovered their own onside kick and started the drive at their own 49-yard line with 4:01 left in the quarter. The drive began with a trick play that saw Brewer catch a 36-yard pass from WR Jared Atkinson to

leave them at the UTSA 15-yard line. The UTSA defense held the Bears to a field goal after CB Teddrick McGhee made a third down stop. The UTSA offense ended the half with a touchdown off the legs of Daniels following a Baylor fumble.

At halftime, the score stood 20-13, Baylor. While the score was close, Baylor lead with 234 offensive yards compared to UTSA’s 155. A huge part of this was due to Baylor’s front seven absolutely decimating the UTSA offensive line. In addition, Baylor’s offense was averaging 17-yards per reception, the Roadrunner secondary would have to come out and stop the strong pass attack to have any hope of staying in the game.

However, the ‘Runners run defense was extremely impressive as they held Baylor to 43 rushing yards.

Iliana Tavarez Sanchez/The Paisano

The UTSA offense trots onto the field.

Would you like to learn spiritual

techniques to help you overcome fear, stress, and feeling overwhelmed?

Discover, discuss, and try simple, effective exercises to improve daily life and spiritual progress

Thursdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, 7:30–8:30 PM UC Magnolia Room, 2.01.30

Info: Mitziani- rbo233@my.utsa www.EKSanAntonio.org Presented by the Eckankar Student Organization

To start the third quarter, both teams punted on their initial drives. With 7:35 left in the third quarter, Baylor began a tedious four minute drive that ended with a seven-yard touchdown reception by Hurd from Brewer.

UTSA was able to respond early in the fourth quarter after a drive propelled by big plays. Grundy hit WR’s Greg Campbell Jr. and Tariq Woolen for key conversions that kept the drive alive.

WR Blaze Moorhead made an exciting catch in the corner of the endzone to keep UTSA in the game.

Despite their best efforts, the ‘Runners could not get on the board again and surrendered two more scores to the Bears.

A 38-yard field goal by Martin and a one-yard touchdown run

by Hasty finished off the fourth quarter. Final score: 37-20, Baylor.

Although disappointed by the loss, UTSA’s head coach, Frank Wilson, was positive about the team’s improvement from last week.

“I thought our team took a step in the right direction, and at the end of the day, here is what I said to our team: When we’re good enough, we’ll be good enough, and right now, we’re not good enough to have earned a victory, but we are better today than we were last Saturday,” Wilson said. Wilson also praised Grundy, who made his second start at the D1 level. “I thought he showed poise and leadership for our football team,” Wilson said.

UTSA (0-2) will travel to Kansas this Saturday to face Kansas State University (1-1).

Their next home game will be on Sept. 22 against Texas State University at 6 p.m. in the HEB I-35 Rivalry game. Come out and support the ‘Runners!

Head over to paisano-online.com for more photos of the game.

Se pte mbe r 11 - Se pte mbe r 18, 2018

8 | sports@paisano-online.com

Athlete of the Week: Michelle Cole

By Nisa Rodriguez Contributing Writer

Chase Otero/The Paisano

Michelle Cole chases down a ball.

She kicks! She…scores?

Not on Michelle Cole’s watch.

The University of Texas at San Antonio has the privilege of having Cole as a goalkeeper on the women’s soccer team. Just last year, it was reported that Cole had 60 saves for her team.

She appeared in 14 matches in goal, including 12 starting nods which logged a team high total of 1033:17 in net during that season. She was awarded the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2015, 2016 and 2017. She was also awarded the Conference USA Academic Medal honoree in 2016 and 2017. There’s no blueprint on how her last season of soccer will go, but for Cole, it’s prime time.

Cole has been playing soccer since she was five years old. Although she was born in Seattle, Washington, she grew up in Anchorage, Alaska – not an ideal place to play soccer – but Cole and her team made it work.

“During high school, in Alaska, we had to shovel the snow off the turf before we could play.

We would shovel a 25-yard box to at least practice in and then each day we could do more until eventually the whole field was cleared.” Most soccer teams had the privilege to go outside and play right away – Cole and her

team had to work for the field in order to play on it. She continues, “High school season starts in March. The winter that year was just really harsh so the snow stuck on the field.” Dedication was an important factor for Cole.

Realizing there wasn’t a lot of exposure in Alaska to play soccer, she moved to Georgia and decided to pursue her soccer career. It wasn’t easy for her to leave all her friends in Alaska, but she later realized she was gifted at playing soccer and needed to follow that path.

“Moving was the best option,” she stated. At boarding school, she played on a club team; the school didn’t allow them to play on a high school team.

“We tried playing in a league just to get games in every week.”

Her club team also played a lot of showcase tournaments just to get more experience playing the game. Cole stated, “There were times where it got really hard, but I feel like I thrive off the pressure.” Quitting was never an option.

Graduation came around and Cole stated that UTSA reached out to her during the recruiting process; and, since her sister went to Trinity University, she called San Antonio a “home away from home.” Cole had always liked San Antonio - she said there is a lot to do here and the location of the college was perfect for her. Cole is a senior this year at UTSA, holding a

biomedical engineering degree, although she admits she has changed her major a couple of times. After graduating from UTSA, Cole plans to get her masters in prosthetics, which will hopefully lead her to opening her own prosthetics clinic.

She plans to stay in Texas to get her masters degree.

When Cole is not on the field, she says that she’s probably getting work done or watching Netflix. “We have practice from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and once we get out, I go straight to school for class. By the end of the day, I’m super tired so I usually just do homework and then go to bed.”

She is also a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), meeting every Monday to start her week off.

Seeing fans come out and giving out autographs has really motivated her to do her best during her final year. “Having perseverance throughout the years just helped a lot. I found something I’m passionate about,” Cole said. Her college life at UTSA has been a memorable one. For Cole, it never got easier, it just got better. “Once we’re on the field, we mean business.”

Cole and the UTSA soccer team had a great start to their season. Come out and get rowdy at their next home game Friday, October 5 at 7pm at the Park West Athletics Complex where they’ll be facing FAU. Birds up!

Volleyball and women’s golf off to hot start

A Roadrunner attempting to get a spike against Marshall.

By Roman Felan Staff Writer One of the teams that never got enough credit here on campus is making some noise this season. It has gotten to the point where people have no option but to talk about them. The UTSA volleyball team is off to an impressive start, their best in school history. Currently sitting at seven wins with only two blemishes on

Chase Otero/The Paisano

the schedule, the team is making school history, but the noise around them has been low. This volleyball team has improved over the years and flown under the radar. With a solid start, they could roll into conference play with the hot hand.

This team is impressive, but not due to the play of one person. The team has done well as a unit and a different member shines every match. Laura Neugebauer-

Groff enters her 16th season at the helm of the Roadrunners and continues to improve the team. After a 20-win season last year, Neugebauer-Groff knows that the team can improve, which is no small feat in college volleyball. Don’t be shocked if this team wins the conference and turns some heads in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.

A revenge match is on the schedule with Texas State University, on Sept.

11. That match will test the true grit of the ‘Runners volleyball team. After that match the ‘Runners will see tournament play, but this time they’ll get to be on friendly turf for a small invitational here on campus at the Convocation Center.

The following weekend, the team will open conference play at home against the University of Southern Miss.

A player to watch will be Brianna McCulloch, as she had her best game of the season statistically versus Cornell University. While the ‘Runners lost this match, she may remain hot and the team can use her hot hand and destructive spikes to propel them to a few extra wins this season.

This team wants to be first in the NCAA tournament and last out to give this town plenty to talk about.

Another team off

REMEMBERING THE ALAMO

to a racing start, the UTSA women’s golf team is starting strong with a first place finish at the Lady Maxwell Tournament and looks to make a top finish again in Tennessee this weekend with their first place victory edging out the second place, Sam Houston State University, by eight strokes.

Julie Houston is leading this team and had a big-time tournament to start the year off right. She finished as the runnerup for the tournament, but not by much, as she was only one stroke away from a first place tie. The reigning Conference USA Champion looks to have another big year to finish off her college career right.

The players are looking to build off of their conference championship from last year. They proved it with three players finishing in the top 10 of their first tournament.

Second-year head coach Summer Batiste is on a great path for her young coaching career. After being given the reigns to the team last year and leading the team to a conference title, she may have them on the same path this season.

She is a great coach looking to do great things for the UTSA program.

With two small teams making big waves in the conference, people may just have to start talking about them. At the end of their seasons, both teams hope to see headlines of their season finishers in the papers and news as they both are poised to take the throne at the top of the conference. These two programs are doing great things for the school in popularity and in the NCAA madness. Come out and support both teams.

Have your UTSA Ring spend the night at The Alamo in a tradition exclusive to the University of Texas at San Antonio.

CEREMONY

OBJ celebrates a touchdown.

For More info email alumni@utsa.edu or call 210-458-4133 alumni.utsa.edu/ring

Julie Houston takes a swing.

Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics