SINCE 1981
VOLUME 54
ISSUE 9
October 18 - October 25, 2016
UTSA UTSA Main campus will serve as a designated early-voting site for the presidential election. Anyone registered to vote in Bexar County can cast ballots in the H-E-B University Center Bexar Room (HUC 1.102) from Oct. 28th to Nov. 4th. Voters are required to provide a valid photo I.D. in order to vote, including a DPS-issued Texas driver’s license, Texas Election Identification Certificate, or even a U.S. passport. All forms of I.D. must be current.
Texas
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the city of Brownsville, Texas over the city’s $1 pertransaction fee for plastic bags at grocery stores and other retailers; Paxton claims that the fee is an “illegal sales tax.” The fee went into effect in 2011 in an effort to cut down the city’s litter.
U.S. A Republican office in Hillsborough, North Carolina was firebombed over the weekend, with an adjacent building tagged with the words “Nazi Republicans get out of town or else” in spray paint. A group of Democrat students have started a GoFundMe fundraising page to help with rebuilding the office. Within 40minutes of posting, the group surpassed their goal of $10,000 and raised over $13,000 in an effort to “stand together against such anti-democratic violence,” one donator commented.
World Austrian newspaper Die Presse reported that the house where Adolf Hitler was born is set to be demolished in order to deter attention from neo-Nazis. According to the BBC, “the decision will likely upset some in the community, some who wanted it to become a refugee centre, others a museum dedicated to Austria’s liberation from Nazi rule.”
UTSA kicks off ‘Phase II’ of Athletic Complex UTSA requested money from the city to build new facilities. Athletic department adminstrative said the project will bring huge investments to San Antonio and bolster UTSA’s Tier One The Park West facilities will be located off Main Campus.
Gaige Davila News Assistant
@GaigeDavila news@paisano-online.com UTSA Athletics requested $25 million from the 2017 City Bond initiative to help fund the second phase of the Park West Athletics Complex; city staff have offered $10 million instead. The Park West Athletics Complex is an initiative by UTSA Athletics to centralize athletic facilities away from the Main Campus. It would serve as a competition venue for track meets, softball, soccer and tennis games. Construction began on the Park West Athletics Complex in early 2013, and Phase I was completed in August that year. Phase I infrastructure consisted of: a track & field stadium, soccer field, 500-space parking lot, press box, fan amenities building, water filtration and detention pond and the Kyle Seale Parkway road. The construction of Park West Athletics Complex will be divided into four phases. Phase II includes a multi-purpose team facility, practice football fields, an 800-seat softball stadium, a 21-court tennis facility and making improvements to the current track & field stadium. The total projected cost for the completion of Phase II
is more than $60 million dollars. “This is a positive for the university,” Lynn Hickey, UTSA athletic director, said. “If we can better facilities for our teams to practice in and to recruit to, then we will win more games; therefore, we put more people in the (Alamodome), therefore the city makes more money.” Hickey described Park West as an economic opportunity for the Alamo city. UTSA football tickets are subjected to a surcharge by the city, and a percentage of each ticket goes directly to the city. “It very much enhances a business relationship that we already have with the city,” Hickey said. The 125-acre Park West Campus was purchased with $15 million from the Permanent University Fund through the UT System, and $4.5 million was provided by UTSA. The majority of funding for the Park West Athletic Complex has come from city bonds and tax elections: $1.5 million came from the 2003 Bexar County bond election; $5.55 million was secured from the 2007 City of San Antonio bond election; and $15 million from the Bexar County venue tax election. Approximately $2.5 million came from San Antonio Water System and CPS
Energy for connection fees. Hickey stressed that the financial burden will not be put on UTSA students in the form of an increased athletics fee. “We’re not eating up academic money or tuition and fee money,” she said. Approval for athletic fee increases have to be initiated and voted on by students. The athletics fee increased in September 2007 when students voted
Graphic by Ethan Pham
citizen committees; their recommendations will go to City Council in early December. City Council will then determine which projects to include in the 2017 City Bond election, which will occur in May. Centralizing athletic facilities away from UTSA’s Main Campus leaves the current tennis courts and softball field open to the construction of parking lots, dormitories and
“The sooner we can move out to Park West, the better for the university.”
Lynn Hickey, UTSA athletic director
to increase the fee from $120 to $240; of the 4,602 students who voted, 66 percent voted for and 34 percent voted against. “We’re not trying to do something fancy or out of the question; we’re just trying to get basic facilities for our student athletes,” Hickey said. The multi-purpose team facility—the focal point of Phase II’s building—will cost $35 million alone, requiring additional fundraising initiatives. The 2017 City Bond request is currently under review by five separate
academic buildings. “All that land is really valuable,” Hickey said. “The sooner we can move out to Park West, the better for the university.” Brad Parrott, senior associate athletic director, explained the utility of the Park West Athletics Complex for all of San Antonio. “When completed the Park West Athletic Complex will provide state-of-the-art venues for all of San Antonio to enjoy track & field, soccer, tennis, baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball,” Parrott said.
“Stadiums also can be used for concerts, graduations and other athletic and nonathletic outdoor events.” Parrott went on to describe the economic impact of Park West Athletics Complex. “The improvements will further increase attendance at home football games and will help the City retire debt on recent Alamodome improvements,” he said. “Already, UTSA fans are expected to pick up more than $16 million of the $50 million for improvements to the Alamodome for the 2018 NCAA Final Four.” “These improvements bolster UTSA’s Tier One aspirations,” Parrott continues. “Athletics provides nationwide visibility for both UTSA and San Antonio. Competing with the top universities athletically provides the exposure and peer affiliation so critical to advancing as a university academically.” “[Park West Athletic Complex] enhances the equity of your degree whether you ever go to a soccer or football game or not,” Hickey said. “The better we do, the more visibility we have, the more publicity we get, the more your degree has value. So it’s a win-win all around if we can enhance the experience for students.”
Activists stage call to action at San Antonio Police Department Isaac Serna Staff Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com “I called this press conference in order to address the behavior displayed by the San Antonio Police Department,” said Artessia House, a local attorney with Tess House Law. House was speaking to
See Activists, page 3
Laura Thompson, state representative of District 120, speaks about police accountability to those gathered.
Isaac Serna, The Paisano
2
October 18- October 25 , 2016
ADVERTISEMENT
HO M E C O M I N G #UTSAHC2016
RO A D R U N N E R N AT IO N SUNDAY, OCT. 16 Roadrunners Give Back
FRIDAY, OCT. 21 Homecoming Golf Tournament
10am-11am | San Antonio Food Bank
8am | Brackenridge Golf Course
UTSA Volleyball vs. UTEP
39th Annual BestFest
1pm | Convocation Center
Window Wars Party 3pm-7pm | Main & Downtown Campus
MONDAY, OCT. 17 Thanks Day 11am-2pm | Sombrilla
Rowdytouille 11:30am-12:30pm | Frio St. Commons 4:00PM | Convocation Center Lot BK1
TUESDAY, OCT. 18
UTSA Volleyball vs. Rice
Mr. & Ms. UTSA Voting
6pm | Convocation Center
All Day | Online via RowdyLink
Roadrunners Live
SATURDAY, OCT. 22 Blue and Orange Madness
7pm | Convocation Center
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19 Mr. & Ms. UTSA Voting All Day | Online via RowdyLink
3pm-5:30pm | UTSA.edu/GameDay
Spirit Walk
3:45pm | Roadrunner Alley
Game Week Wednesday 11am-1pm | UC Paseo
Comedy Night 8pm | H-E-B UC Ballroom
THURSDAY, OCT. 20 Golf Cart Decorating Party 6:30pm | H-E-B UC Lawn
HOMECOM ING GAME
UTSA VS. UTEP
6PM KICKOFF | ALAMODOM E
3 October 18- October 25 , 2016 NEWS Activists talk with local media following a ‘call to action’ continued from page 1
while representing San Antonio,” said Ezra Abuabara, an undeclared UTSA freshman, “because not all of San Antonio is for Trump.” Drake Brown, senior political science major stated, “I believe in freedom of speech, but, if there are policies under the department, they should be followed. The problem I have with the situation is the double standard.” Brown said, “The chief has already taken pictures in political garb and has been involved in political events while in uniform. I also believe that had these officers worn an Obama ‘change’ shirt during an encounter while President Obama was running for office, there would have not been a big uproar about officers wearing political garb.” Artessia House, attorney at law, being interviewed by Fox San Antonio about the ‘call to action.’ Section. 2-50 of San Antonio’s “participate in an election leadership administration In order to keep police Code of Ordinances campaign, contribute to said. “I’d say it’s almost accountable, “they have to limits city officials and a candidate or political unreal, like a joke, but know that the community employees’ political committee or engage in that can bring turmoil is aware of what their activity. Subsection 1 on any other political activity between the SAPD and the record stands for,” Herring “Influencing Subordinates” relating to a particular community, especially with explained. states “a City official or party, candidate or issue.” Black Lives Matter going “If we never ask for employee shall not, directly “When you’re on. Different cultures are the record, then they can or indirectly, induce or representing a public kind of afraid of SAPD and police how they choose attempt to induce any city safety organization, it’s police in general.” to police and never have subordinate of the official completely different “My thing isn’t about accountability to you or or employee.” from an individual who’s them supporting Trump me.” Specifically, Section representing or supporting (but) more about how Janet Oyeteju, a third1.a states that public a candidate,” Jones added. they broke policy,” Cole year St. Mary’s Law employees cannot “I don’t know a single one continued. “Their action student, UTSA alumna of those officers’ names, is a wake-up call to our and “volunteer of the year,” which is a testament to police department going was at the Call to Action how I don’t see them as against the rules. They just press conference to support individuals; I see them don’t care; they do what House’s message. Oyeteju as an organization, so they want, and they’re the met House through what that looks like people who are supposed the Black Law Student is the SAPD supports to protect us.” Association, a St. Mary’s Donald.” A rally followed the Law school organization. For House, the press conference, and the Oyeteju encouraged officers’ overt support floor was open to anyone students to get involved of Trump is a symptom who wanted to share their in different school of deeper issues with thoughts and reactions. organizations that have an police in the city. Among the attendees was agenda, support something “Honestly, based on Christopher Herring, a and then focus on the the past behaviors of City of San Antonio, Texas communities you live in. the police department, Mayoral Appointee to the House reminded San there’s not much faith Small Business Advocacy Antonians that their voices we can put into the Committee. can implement change. accountability measures Herring asked “We have elections right the city puts to the local constituents to write their around the corner. The police agency,” House councilperson to make sure best way to get involved said to the press. “That’s that “they ask the police is to find out about the why we’re gathered here, chief exactly who were the candidates that are going to wanting the Department officers disciplined and be representing you here.” of Justice to open an then also ask for a review House also highlighted Screenshot courtesy of @RealDonaldTrump investigation.” of the officer’s record, so the link between who’s on “The police are definitely the community can fully city council and treatment The video of SAPD officers wearing Trump hats was posted to Donmaking a statement,” Niaga understand what kind of police. “When it comes ald Trump’s Twitter account. Cole, a graduate student of police we have in our to the San Antonio Police in higher education communities.” Officer Association, they San Antonio community leaders gathered at the San Antonio Police Department located downtown. They were there to demand accountability after a video was posted of twenty-three SAPD officers publicly supporting Republican presidential candidate, Donald J. Trump. After his Oct. 11 fundraising visit to San Antonio, Trump posted video of on-duty SAPD officers wearing “Make America Great Again” hats on his Twitter account. The video was shared 12.6 thousand times and has 31.3 thousand likes, gaining national attention. Trump is endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the country’s largest law enforcement union which represents 330,000 members. He calls himself the “law and order” candidate. A call to action and press conference was coordinated by House, and the event was advertised via Facebook by Johnathan-David Jones, UTSA alumnus, who also participated in last week’s silent protest that took place in the Sombrilla. “We just want to make sure that the SAPD doesn’t try to sweep this under the rug,” said Jones. “I don’t think the SAPD should wear those Trump caps in uniform,
Isaac Serna, The Paisano
endorse candidates, the question is, who are they endorsing? And the question to those endorsed candidates: what are they willing to risk and what is at stake, when it comes to their allegiance to the San Antonio Police Officers Association. It’s extremely political, but it’s not that hard to find out,” she said. Judicial and local elections will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Jones is working on these issues as a member of the city’s Police Community Relations Committee. “We raise conversations where we can be consistent and rigorous when it comes to cases like this if we don’t see a response from the city,” he said when explaining his role on the committee. Police Chief William McManus has since announced that six supervisors will be issued a written reprimand, and 17 officers will be provided written counseling. In addition, as part of the corrective action, the officers involved will also receive training this month that will focus on “the importance of impartiality and fairness in performance of official duties.”
Meet UTSA Honors College Dean, Dr. Kelly playing hockey in his free
Danielle Throneberry time. An animal lover and Staff Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com Since July 1, Dr. Sean Kelly has been UTSA’s Honors College Dean. Kelly is the former interim dean of undergraduate studies at Florida Gulf Coast University and a former assistant professor of Philosophy and English at West Texas A&M University. Kelly’s area of expertise includes, but is not limited to, managing university programs such as the Honors Program and the Athlete Learning Center, collaborating with fellow deans on developing various curriculums and assisting with a myriad of fundraising initiatives. Kelly is also a father of two, including his rescue dog. He is native to Buffalo, New York and enjoys
environmentalist, Kelly is thrilled to be back in Texas after working at Florida Gulf Coast University. Kelly commended UTSA’s authentic relationship with the city: “UTSA is a university that the community adopts and vice versa. UTSA truly serves San Antonio and is the city’s university.” Kelly’s experience with institution-building and expansion made him eager to work with a university pursuing a tier-one goal. Moreover, Kelly believes that his approach to honors learning is a bit on the unconventional side. Focusing on development outside of the classroom through diverse experiences, he encapsulated his goals for UTSA honors students through the acronym S.P.I.C.E.S:
Serving the community, Professional and vocational involvement, Intellectual achievement, Cultural sophistication, Engagement and Skills. He asserted that each of these elements truly encourages students to demonstrate everything they’ve learned and actually incorporate it into their daily lives. Each of the components of S.P.I.C.E.S. plays a vital role in Kelly’s mission. Kelly indicated that service is about “becoming a leader through looking at the community and asking, ‘What can I do for others?” He believes that service is transformative in that it helps mold you into who you want to be. Kelly also affirmed that service is the foundation for learning new skills, becoming more cultured, gaining new opportunities and making the country a better place for all.
Not only does his definition rest on serving the community, but it extends to creating a more sustainable planet and serving all living things. “Before you can give a voice to others, you must practice by giving a voice to animals and other living things,” Kelly said. His main focus at UTSA is to get students engaged intellectually inside and outside of the classroom. He hopes to be able to create the strongest academic environment for those students who desire to be lifelong leaders.
Dr. Sean Kelly, Dean of UTSA’s Honor College
Photo courtesy of UTSA
4
October 18 - October 25 , 2016
OPINION
FREE HAUNTED HOUSES WITH PARK ADMISSION!
-AT-
PR ES EN TE
D BY:
FRIGHT ON
GET YOUR WEEKENDS BEGINNING SEPT. 24TH – OCT. 30TH FOR ONLY $3599 PLUS TAX
BUY YOUR DISCOUNT TICKETS NOW! VISIT SIXFLAGS.COM/FIESTATEXAS & ENTER PROMO CODE: ScareU ®/TM trademarks ©Mars, Incorporated 2016
OPINION
5 The Paisano Academics, not athletics, determine Tier One Editor in Chief: Caroline Traylor Managing Editor: Brady Phelps News Editor: Alex Birnel Arts & Life Editor: Annette Barraza Sports Editor: Anthony Suniga Web Editor: Ricardo Rodriguez Photography Editor: Ethan Pham Magazine Editor: Jade Cuevas News Assistants: Gaige Davila, Adriene Goodwin Arts & Life Assistant: Raquel E. Alonzo
Managing Assistant: Justice Lovin Photo Assistant: Tristan Ipock
editorial Like Athletic Director Lynn Hickey said, the $25 million UTSA Athletics requested from the City of San Antonio to fund Phase II of the Park West complex is not out-of-the-question. It pales in comparison to the $169 million in tax-exempt bonds issued to construct the AT&T Center, for example. But the initiative provides an opportunity to once again take a look at big money in collegiate sports and question the benefits they provide. University athletic programs are funded through donations, ticket sales, rights fees, sponsorships and television contracts. When these revenues aren’t enough to cover expenditures, the losses are mitigated by “allocated revenue,” typically in the form of university
support, student fees or government subsidies. In the past six years, UTSA Athletics has required an annual average of $1.8 million from university funds and $11 million from student fees–both of which are recorded as revenue–just to balance its budget. As the fact that fewer than a dozen collegiate athletic programs in the U.S. consistently generate enough revenue to cover their own expenses has become common knowledge, universities have stopped using potential revenue as justification for increasing athletic investment. Likewise, administrators now point to UTSA’s national profile and tie it to the quest to achieve TierOne status. The administration’s insistence upon linking our athletic programs’ growth directly to its Tier-One
aspirations is misleading, as there is seemingly no evidence to support the idea that more investment in athletics will have any effect on academic research funding—the only actual determinant of TierOne status. Private donations based on athletic success are generally donated directly to the athletic programs and never factored into the academic budget. An increase in donations to athletics could result in less university or student money being allocated to athletics, but is it enough to warrant the increase in resources allocated? One research study, conducted by University of Arkansas doctoral student Gi-Yong Koo and Associate Professor Stephen Dittmore and published in the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics. After studying
29 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision programs, Koo and Dittmore concluded that increases in athletic donations actually had a negative impact on academic funding. “For every $1 increase in athletic giving,” read an Inside Higher Ed article about the study, “the current operating dollars restricted to academic purposes decreased by $1.40.” A 2013 study, “The Dynamic Advertising Effect of Collegiate Athletics” by Harvard Business School Assistant Professor Doug J. Chung, concluded that improvement in athletic performance can significantly increase the amount of applications a university receives the following year. However, it also concluded that the school’s athletic notoriety matters less to applicants as their test scores increase.
UTSA Football’s 10 mostattended games took place before the 2015 season—a low point for the program— and half of those games were in 2011, its inaugural year. Even if there was reason to believe that the heightened profile would benefit our academic success and TierOne mission, there doesn’t appear to be much progress made toward garnering lasting attention within San Antonio, much less across the country. There’s no shame in UTSA Athletics wanting better facilities and improved resources, and they may be necessary to compete at a higher level. But citing only internal research as evidence to frame the expansion as beneficial to all students, and San Antonio at large, is either disingenuous or willfully obtuse.
Life on the road: the miles traveled and the stories in between Commentary
Magazine Assistant: Raquel Simon Calderon Senior Copy Editor: Katelyn Wilkinson Business Manager: Will Stransky Marketing Director Social Media Coordinator: Kesley Smith
October 18 - October 25 , 2016
Enrique Bonilla @ThePaisano
Advertising Marketing Liaison:
As I gazed out the hotel window on the 32nd floor of the Renaissance on 35th in Midtown Manhattan, STAFF holding a well-mixed vieux Ashlee Morales, Raquel carré on my day off halfway Simon Calderon, Casey Luna, through my east-coast tour, Christopher Breakell, Chris I had no clue that a week Herbert, Aidan Watsonand a half later I would be Morris, Anelia Gomezwiping sweat and oil from Cordova, Isaac Serna, Benjamin Shirani, Danielle my brow in humidityridden Crowley, Louisiana Throneberry, Abby Sharp with my van in flames behind me.
Jenelle Duff
PHOTO TEAM
The arduous labor of love that is organizing and running through a tour comes with a mixed bag of highs and lows. Months of planning, emailing, compromising, budgeting, van prepping and practicing materialize into a journey that only lasts a fraction of the time spent planning it. Thus the tour begins, your hometown left behind and three weeks of the hum of the road, cheap food, raw smells and ringing ears on the horizon. DIY touring is not for the faint of heart; if you’re expecting comfortable hotels and after parties every night, you should turn the van around and hang it up. If you’re up for a challenge and a true bonding experience, hop in the van and let’s go. Each day’s drive ends with a 30-to-45-minute performance in someone’s blisteringly hot basement,
a hole-in-the-wall bar, a safe space or the occasional crowded living room. The shows blur by, but they make the traveling, horrible cuisine and heavy lifting of the day worth every mile traveled. Post-set activities include loading the van back up while drenched in sweat, making new friends who won’t remember your name after that night and trading cassettes for a place to sleep. The nights are usually late, spent laughing with friends you don’t see often and sharing fast-food leftovers and personal stories, usually culminating in uncomfortable sleeping situations. Sleep doesn’t last long, and it shouldn’t unless you want to miss out on something. Each day begins early, with a four-to-14 hour drive to the next city, bags
under your eyes and wearing the same t-shirt you’ve had on for three days. As difficult or uncomfortable as it sounds, the times I’ve had on the road have been some of the happiest moments in my short 23 years on earth. Whether it’s finding yourself in a drunken haze in Brooklyn talking to strangers, playing in front of a packed venue or an empty basement or in a tow truck bound for the nearest town in the middle of nowhere, no experience is like touring. If one thing can be said about tour, it is that bonds are made stronger whether it’s the bond between yourself and your band mates, sharing blankets in a cold basement in Salt Lake City in the middle of winter; the bond between the Facebook friends who finally become tangible, real people; or the
bond fans share with your music. I’m not sure where my next tour will take me this summer, but I do know I count the days until I grip the leather of my rusted ’05 Ford tour van. See you on the road.
These carcinogenic chemicals can make their way into the water supply; researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have found elevated levels of cancer causing chemicals that are “known to be associated with fracking techniques” in the drinking water around North Texas’ Barnett Shale region. After a bout of bad press, it seems as if the Komen Foundation and Baker Hughes have quietly parted ways. However, Komen is not entirely in the clear — one of their main sponsors, (with a five-year contract) Bank of America is one of several big banks who have given a total of $3.8 billion dollars to Energy Transfer Partners, the parent company of the Dakota Access Pipeline, a highly-publicized and hotly-debated fracking project. Through Bank of America, consumers can open up a Pink Ribbon MasterCard, and Komen will receive a minimum of $3 and
0.08 percent of all net retail purchases made with the card and an additional $3 with every annual renewal of the card. What good does it do to support a breast cancer research fund if it also means supporting a corporation that bankrolls a fracking project which has side effects that are linked to the very cancer you’re trying to cure in the first place? And what does that say about the foundation that continues to partner with these problematic and dangerous companies? So before you buy that pink box of cereal or open up a pink credit card, you’re probably better off donating directly to a research center and one with a direct impact in your community, like the Cancer Therapy and Research Center at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio. So please, think before you buy pink.
Haunter is a progressive black/death metal outfit based out of San Anto, Tejas. Upon releasing their debut album “Thrinodia” (released by Red River Family Records) in 2016, the San Antonio trio successfully completed two lengthy tours to the west and east coast in support of the release. In 2017, the band will release their new LP, spend two weeks in Europe during the summer, and have a fall tour of the U.S. to the Pacific Northwest. “Thrinodia" can be streamed/downloaded/ purchased in cassette format at hauntertx.bandcamp.com. IG: hauntertx FB: facebook.com/hauntertx Photos courtesy of Enrique Bonilla.
Tristan Ipock, David Guel, Benjamin Shirani
MARKETING TEAM Sam Patel, Kesley Smith, Catherine Adams, Stephanie Valdez, Valery Assad, Antonio Ramirez
CONTRIBUTORS David Rodriguez, Josh Zollicoffer, Frankie Leal, Jordan Easley
ADVISOR
Diane Abdo
ADVISORY BOARD
Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo, Red Madden
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 © 2016, 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.
Fracking for the cure Commentary
Dylan Verdi @daverds
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, about 246,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and roughly 40,000 women will die from it. The fight to discover a cure seems to be a neverending battle, but many companies offer seemingly easy ways for people to support the fight for a cure. Throughout the month, grocery store shelves are lined with pinked-out items to buy; yogurt, cereal,
bleach- if you can name it, it probably has a pink ribbon somewhere on the packaging. Companies team up with non-profit organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation to allow consumers an easy, efficient way to contribute to breast cancer research. But how much are you actually helping by buying the Yoplait with the pink lids? How much money actually goes toward research, and, by patronizing brands that support breast cancer research are you actually supporting something much more insidious? “Pinkwashing,” a term coined by the non-profit group Breast Cancer Action, refers to “a company or organization that claims to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribbon product but at the same time produces, manufactures and/or sells products that are linked to the disease.”
This term is not to be confused with another similar definition of “pinkwashing” that is in regards to the LGBTQ community, which is beyond the scope of this piece. In 2014, the Susan G. Komen Foundation collaborated with one of its sponsors — Baker Hughes, a Texas-based oil and gas company — to deliver 1,000 pink drill bits that are used in the fracking process in oilfields around the world. Each drill bit came with a pink package with information packets and breast health facts. This exchange of good PR for Baker Hughes and money for Komen may have seemed benign, but it was not; the chemicals used during fracking — a process where gas in underground shale deposits is extracted by forcing a mixture of water and chemicals at a high pressure — have been linked to cancer, including breast cancer.
6
October 18 - October 25, 2016
column
Adriene Goodwin @hey_adreezy
“By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.” And that something wicked happens to be my black cat, Grimalkin. “Mal” for short. One of three cats (and one of three black animals) in our abode, Mal and her cronies are definitely what one might consider my familiars; my dæmons. Mal and her disproportionately large chipmunk cheeks stoically protect our family and our apartment when she isn’t taking her elevenses nap. Black cats are a staple of Halloween decor and lore, but the Satanic stigma associated with
them perplexingly still exists. Many animal shelters and communities celebrate National Black Cat Awareness Month during October in order to combat trivial superstitions and find forever homes for black cats (and dogs as well, those lovable hellhounds) who are otherwise overlooked due to their fur color, obviously bequeathed unto them by the Dark Lord. While some might be turned off by the possibility of cuddling up with these midnight minions, I gladly welcome the snuggles. In western society, black cats were often considered omens of bad luck. Blamed for everything from the Black Plague in Europe to crops dying and fevers burning in Salem, black cats often bore the most severe and cruel blame for every misfortune. As such, they were shunned, ostracized and like many “others,” considered strange and unusual. Well, as Lydia Deetz said in Beetlejuice, “I myself am strange and unusual.” I love the temperament of black cats. Mislabeled as “antisocial,” black cats are actually quite devoted and tender with their chosen humans.
When a black cat loves you, they love you for life. The bond itself feels incredibly supernatural; it transcends what is earthly. It is the purest form of magic.
I Graphic by Tristan Ipock
have been obsessed with witch lore and dark tales since childhood, and my fascination with black cats was fostered by cinema and storybooks. Thackery Binx (“thou mangy feline!”) is still quite possibly the best CGI/live-action creature on film and is absolutely the catalyst
letter to the editor In reference to "Oh the Humanities! #6": while I respect the right of Miss Adriene Goodwin to express her opinion that Hillary Clinton is an ambitious woman and society has a problem with that, maybe she should have looked at the other side and write that society does not have a problem with ambitious women trailblazing their way to make America a
better place, but the fact that Americans have a problem with the lies, corruption and scandals Hillary Clinton has perpetrated in the past 30 years. I will also admit that Miss Goodwin did not know that new emails just surfaced from WikiLeaks from her campaign manager Podesta in which it is a known fact that Clinton hates the average American Citizen. Of course, let us ask if the
families of the victims of her Benghazi debacle if they think she is an ambitious woman. Clinton will finish destroying America. It is my deepest fear that progressive liberal sheep will be responsible for taking care of me as I get older. May as well just shoot me now. Thank you for your time. Alejandro "Alex" Trevino Communications junior
Reframing the abortion debate commentary
Justice Lovin @ThePaisano
There are certain arguments that never seem to end. Instead they grow tired and familiar and fade away into so much white noise. In this way, the abortion debate has become almost an institution in itself, an argument apparently reduced to two sides and one question, when it is in reality much more complex. The Reverend Thomas Malthus, in his work “Essay on the Principle of Population,” noted that when a population exceeds its environment’s carrying capacity, the result is a population crash in which natural causes (often famine, war or plague) reduce the population back to a sustainable level. For this reason, Malthus believed that it would be more responsible and more humane to intentionally control the human population rather than leaving it to nature.
This Malthusian philosophy is an early example of antinatalism, the belief that it isn’t necessarily a good thing to be born, an ethical dilemma altogether overlooked in the abortion debate; in general, people make the assumption that it is a good thing to be born. But being born isn’t necessarily a good thing. Modern anti-natalists such as David Benatar argue that it is unethical to have children, that we are wronged by being brought into the world. Benatar’s specific argument is built around what he calls the asymmetry of pleasure and pain. He argues that the good things a person might miss out on by not being born cannot outweigh the certainty of suffering that comes with being alive — in other words, avoiding pain is good while missing out on pleasure is, at worst, neutral. While Benatar’s argument might seem outrageous at first glance, current abortion trends reflect his theory. The primary reasons for terminating a pregnancy are related to quality of life and financial concerns, which is to say that potential parents are taking responsibility for the sort of life their child might have. Related to this trend, Malthus’ environmental argument is also a growing and universally applicable concern because of the imminent threats
posed by climate change. This does, however, bring us to the most significant criticism of Malthusian population control: that it lends itself to authoritarian policies a la Brave New World. This need not be the case; while under Benatar’s framework little can be done to make it better to be born, much can be done to make it better to be alive, even without the intervention of the state. As a society, we can pursue a stable relationship with the environment in a communal and empowering way. We can support a culture of intentional reproduction, providing necessary educational and practical resources, and we can and should invest in the quality of life of all children. Furthermore, our current system is no better than the worst and most tyrannical Malthusian state; it is still disproportionately the poor that are forced to choose between termination and indigence. That it is circumstance and not the state that forces this choice offers little consolation. Hopefully, this piece serves to usefully complicate the issue and, at the very least, demonstrate that the choice to have a child poses as much of an ethical question as the choice not to have one.
OPINION
for my desire to adopt and care for black cats. You just never know when you’re going to encounter an immortal feline whose spell will be broken by your love. When I was little, my mom introduced me to the writing of Edgar Allan Poe. If you’ve ever seen Tim Burton’s short film “Vincent,” understand that child was basically me, running around with Wednesday Addams braids quoting “The Raven,” “Nevermore!” After writing the sinister tale of “The Black Cat,” Poe noted, “The writer of this article is the owner of one of the most remarkable black cats in the world—and this is saying much; for it will be remembered that black cats are all of them witches.” I was also fond of the aloof but helpful black cat in Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline.” Perhaps the most adequate personification of a feline’s feeling toward human culture is summed up in the cat’s takedown of names: “Cats don’t have names,” it said. “You don't know who you are. We
know who we are, so we don't need names.” Even though she might feel she doesn’t need a name, Grimalkin received her name from “Macbeth.” Yet Grimalkin is also an antiquated term for a faery cat that dwells in the highlands of Scotland. And dwell she does indeed, my Mal. She is as fierce as she is friendly. She would make any witch proud. While it is a myth that devil worshippers adopt black cats in droves during October, the sad truth is these cats are often left in shelters because they’re considered less desirable than other cats. So now, animal shelters are trying to reclaim Halloween and the black magic of black cats by subverting stigmas and finding families for as many familiars as possible. I celebrate Mal, her power and her prowess. We chant and we conjure over late-night milk and Netflix. We celebrate the strange. And when she isn’t possibly delighting in the Dark Arts, Mal snuggles soundly with her humans, all the while keeping one eye open for mice or mischief.
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR!
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, MAJOR, CLASSIFICATION OR TITLE. THE PAISANO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT SUBMISSIONS.
Photo Poll The Paisano asked: “What are your thoughts on the recent clown sightings?” Leo Mechanical engineering senior "It's just one of those things. Like one of those fads or trends that happens."
Dominick Computer science senior "I think it's just dumb. They've got nothing better to do. I don’t see the point of it really. I don’t see the point of doing it. It's not a prank."
Jose Computer science senior "I think it's messed up. They are just going around and messing with people."
Oscar Computer science junior "Honestly I don’t know too much about it. I don’t know if it's a joke or not."
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? WE'RE LOOKING FOR WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, GRAPHIC DESIGNERS, COPY EDITORS AND SOCIAL MEDIA GURUS TO JOIN OUR TEAM! NO PREVIOUS JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
MEETINGS ARE EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 6 P.M. AT THE PAISANO MEDIA ARTS CENTER: 14547 ROADRUNNER WAY (DIRECTLY BEHIND THE BLOCK)
Danny Kinesiology junior "I don’t like it."
Photos and interviews by Benjamin Shirani
7
October 18 - October 25, 2016
ARTS & LIFE
Among the projects Clayfusion is working on, they have created a piece for the Luminaria exhibit (center).
Chase Otero, The Paisano
UTSA Clayfusion: where talent and passion blend Chase Otero Staff Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com On the western side of the Main Campus resides a very special environment for one of UTSA’s most constructive student organizations. Clayfusion, a ceramics student group at UTSA, is here to promote ceramics while showcasing their homemade works from local places in town to national conventions all over America. Many might not know of this obscure club or the facilities that make its handcrafted art blossom, but UTSA is home to a ceramics organization that is filled with brightened aspirations
and loads of talent to match. Clayfusion has existed for a little over six years and has only grown since its creation. Founded by students who wanted to bring the hype to ceramics, Clayfusion is now operated by twenty members and counting. You may have also seen Clayfusion on campus a handful of times around the Sombrilla where they hold their annual pottery sale. Clayfusion is meant for students interested in ceramics, whether they’re well traversed in the art of pottery or just think it looks cool. There is no skill set required to join, just a willingness to have fun. One of the hopes for Clayfusion is to attend The National Council on
Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) next year in Portland, Oregon. NCECA is the world’s largest clay convention, which takes place in a different city in the U.S. every year. It’s a chance to talk to artists from around the world, develop unique skill sets and gain access to exclusive workshops. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to network with highly respected artists from across the world. Clayfusion’s goal this year is to send their group to NCECA during spring break in 2017. The members need help to get there though. Clayfusion is hoping to fundraise around $4,000 in small or large donations through their website. When you donate to Clayfusion,
you are directly paying for students’ air travel, hotel rooms, car transportation and convention fees for all four days. As a bonus, contributors to their website will receive a custom handmade mug or pendant from the students themselves. “(NCECA) is an amazing opportunity, and it would look very good for UTSA to have a group of artists sent to Portland,” Clayfusion’s PR Director, senior Elyse Grams said. “This is something that all of the big schools, they know about this and they’re sending kids to. So we want those same opportunities. We really appreciate your support. A dollar, two dollars; the amount of the donation doesn’t matter, but anything that would help us.”
“The great thing about UTSA is that professors really encourage us to go out and find shows,” Grams elaborated on how important this trip could be to students. “They want us to have these opportunities, because they look good on a resume, they’re good experiences to have and they help us grow as artists.” Grams stated that UTSA has been great to the ceramic society and that San Antonio is “a really great community for developing artists” and ceramic creators alike. Clayfusion is getting their projects ready and are optimistic at the chance to attend next year’s biggest ceramic convention yet. If all this talk of ceramics and art in general is titillating
your senses, then make sure to check out its facility over by the West Campus area at UTSA’s Main Campus. It holds graduate art shows and constantly has mind-blowing creations the moment you step inside the building. There is also a ceramic gallery on the second floor of the art building that changes every month, and, at the end of the semester, there is always an art showcase of the graduating seniors that semester. You can find Clayfusion on Instagram at UTSA.Ceramics, and you can also follow them on their Facebook page, Clayfusion. To donate to Clayfusion visit https://fund.utsa.edu/ project/2921
Keith Urban ‘Ripcord’ tour visits San Antonio Annette Barraza Arts & Life Editor
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com Never have I seen so many cowboy boots at one time. This past Thursday, Oct. 13, Keith Urban dropped by the Alamodome as one of the many stops on his first arena/amphitheater tour in two years for his eighth studio album, RIPCORD. Urban’s ‘RIPCORD World Tour 2016’ features Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris. Both Eldredge and Morris are fans of Urban and were honored to be part of the tour. Maren Morris was rejected from the Voice and American Idol and is now touring with one of the most recognizable voices of country music. She recently released her new album ‘Hero’ and performed many songs from it. She acknowl-
Photos by Jose Santos, The Paisano Keith Urban is pictured with a woman (left) from the crowd that was celebrating her birthday and rocks out (center). Bret Eldregde throws flowers into the crowd (right).
edged that as time goes on, more people know the words to her songs and she could not be happier. Brett Eldredge remembers the times he performed in clubs with crowds numbering up to 500 people, and now he performs in amphitheaters and arenas. His current single, “Drunk On Your Love,” is
the second single from his recently released sophomore album Illinois. His 2013 debut album Bring You Back produced three consecutive #1 singles including the Platinum-certified “Don’t Ya,” the Gold-certified “Beat of the Music”—which was the most-played country song of 2014—and the Goldcertified “Mean To Me.”
He performed “Mean to Me” and encouraged the crowd to “get (their) fireflies out,” to which the audience responded enthusistically by whipping out their cell phones and illuminating the space. While singing “Drunk in Love,” he passed out roses to the crowd and took a shot of whiskey at one point. Finally, Keith Urban
Patty Barclay went to UTSA and is a breast cancer survivor. She was 38 years old when her doctor found the lump that had been growing in her breast for about a year. “I did not want to be pitied,” said Barclay. “I wanted to do as much as I could on my own.” Barclay’s penchant for selfempowerment led her to and down the path to success. “The best way to sup-
port the cancer patient is to validate their concerns.” Though supporting your loved one in this way can be scary, you must always remember your role as a support-network member. Still, according to the Young Survival Coalition’s “Caregiver’s Bill of Rights,” it is equally important to take care of yourself: “I have the right to take pride in what I’m doing. And I have the right to applaud the courage it has taken to meet the needs of my loved one.” Throughout her fight with the cancer, she developed a set of skills which she has weaved into her life. “Laugh; it truly is great medicine. I remember leaving an oncologist appointment and getting in my car. When I turned on the ignition, the radio was blaring a Nirvana song, “Heart-Shaped Box,” which was precisely at the line, ‘I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black.’ I busted out laughing and coughing at the same time. Fortunately, my friends laughed with me. I continue to laugh and live as much as possible.” Barclay does a number of things besides laughing to keep her spirits and health
intact. For her specific type of breast cancer, Barclay has found it best to avoid plant based estrogen, minimize red meat and reduce sugar consumption in order to limit the risks from obesity. To keep healthy, Patty also adds exercise into her schedule. “My favorite is BodyPump. I can’t run but I can use the elliptical for cardio and swimming feels great on my joints.” It can also be helpful to join wellness groups. For Barclay, the group she connects with is called the S.L.E.W. Wellness Center in San Antonio. “They offer supportive services that are not provided by insurance such as massage therapy, wigs, prosthesis, individual counseling and nutritional counseling. I am currently doing a fundraiser to support them. I love their philosophy and staff. They address the mind, body and spirit which has been proven to increase a patients’ perceived quality of life.” Barclay is a “14-year breast cancer thriver” and has an amazing outlook on life. She is proof that a disease does not have to define you.
Power in Pink : Patty Barclay Benjamin Shirani Staff Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and, according to the Young Survivor Coalition, “each year, approximately 70,000 men and women age 15 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer in the US. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in this age group.”
Courtesy of Patty Barclay Patty Barclay (right) ran in a Zombie run with Mei-lani Cabico, Senior Environmental Planner for UTSA (left).
graced the stage with his presence and a banjo. He performed many of the songs on his newest album such as “Gone Tomorrow (Here Today),” “Break on Me” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” He also threw it back to “Cop Car,” “Somewhere in My Car,” “Days Go By” and “Long Hot Summer.”
At one point, he invited a woman celebrating her birthday on stage. She brought two of her friends, one of whom was in tears and could not form a coherent sentence other than “are y’all getting this,” and the other who was determined to take a selfie and was basically all of us when she exclaimed “can you believe this s--t?” Urban showed off his skills on the different instruments he played throughout the concert, threw the guitar picks he used for each song to the crowd and introduced his band, even encouraging one of his bandmates to perform some of his own music. The recurring theme throughout the concert was an appreciation for each of the artists, Texas and the audience. No one was safe from parting with such sweet sorrow and the inevitable sore feet.
READ online at
paisano-online.com/?arts_ and_life=conor-oberst-acl
ARTS & LIFE Arts & Life Events Calendar:
Documentary directed by UTSA alumn highlights Gay History Month
Friday, 10/21 7 p.m. The Red Knot Chili Peppers This Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band will cover all your favorite songs like “Californication” and “Under the Bridge.” Local original artists will set the tone beforehand with unique blends of alternative rock for a night you won’t soon forget (21+ only). The price is $8 at Fitzgerald’s at 437 McCarty Suite 101.
Saturday, 10/22 9 p.m. The BlueBonnets Austin-based band The Bluebonnets play glam/ garage/blues/rock complimented with layered girl-group harmonies. Tight and tough, their songs are energetic and genredefying arrangements held together by guitar interplay and hooks you remember after the show ends. The show is free at The Amp Room at 2407 N. St. Mary’s St.
Thursday, 10/20 Saturday, 10/22 6-9 p.m. Smile Because It Happened UTSA’s Terminal 136 at Blue Star features the works of Stella Ebner, who draws from contemporary American vernacular to create images that transform the everyday happenstance into iconic images, and Emily Fleisher, who plays with ideas of spirituality embedded within the home and daily routine.
Friday, 10/21 10-11:30 p.m. The Alamo Horror Picture Show The Royal, Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Alamo Empire present The Alamo Horror Picture, a show dedicated to all things Rocky Horror and Halloween. So put on your lace, grab your toast and prepare for an interactive stage show like no other. Also, stick around for Divas (not so) live, hosted by Autumn Summers. $4 cover charge at Silver Dollar Salloon at 1814 N. Main Ave.
Saturday, 10/22 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Equal Pay SA This free summit will be located at Tripoint at 3233 N. St. Mary’s St. The Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women will host a summit of community members and business leaders to discuss strategies to ensure equal pay and equal opportunity.
8
October 18 - October 25, 2016
Courtesy of Robert Camina
Annette Barraza Arts and Life Editor @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com
October is ‘Gay History Month’ and ‘Fire Prevention Month,’ which made Upstairs Inferno, an award-winning documentary directed by Robert Camina, San Antonio native and UTSA graduate, a very timely film screening to come to San Antonio. Upstairs Inferno premiered in San Antonio in July during SAFilm: the San Antonio Film Festival. It was screened again this past weekend on Sunday, Oct. 16 during the San Antonio QFest International Film
Festival. Robert L. Camina graduated from UTSA in 1997 with a B.B.A. in Marketing. His previous film, Raid of the Rainbow Lounge (2012), screened at the inaugural San Antonio QFest in 2013. It was his first full-length documentary and, sold out to audiences, received rave reviews and created a media frenzy. The film recounts the widely publicized and controversial police raid of a Fort Worth, Texas gay bar that resulted in multiple arrests and serious injuries. The raid occurred on June 28, 2009: the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Inn raid. He then began his work on a new project when he realized that few people knew about the event despite the historical significance. “I thought I knew my Gay History. When somebody told me about this tragedy over three years ago, I was shocked!” On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar located on the edge of the
French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. For 43 years, it was the deadliest single event to affect the gay community in U.S. history. Camina was inspired to work on Upstairs Inferno because “It is as historic as the Stonewall Inn raid, but it doesn’t exist in the common LGBT history narrative. I thought that needed to change.” The film analyzes the importance of the event from the perspectives of the victims, their families, others affected by the tragedy, the first responders and the significance to the LGBT community. “I also wanted to humanize the story. It is easy to trivialize a situation when you gloss over a headline in the newspaper (or a Facebook post). There’s something about seeing and hearing the story from those who experienced an event that truly makes it ‘real’.” Camina also wishes to jumpstart the critical discussion about the current state of LGBT equality in the United States. “I believe it is crucial
to acknowledge, preserve and honor our history as LGBT people. As popular attitudes shift on LGBT issues, we risk losing the stories of the struggles that got us where we are today. It is our responsibility to honor the memories of those who came before us, including those who died at the Upstairs Lounge. The people who experienced this tragedy paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed by the New Orleans LGBT community of today, as well as the overall LGBT movement. I wanted to create a film that honored their forgotten stories.” Upstairs Inferno is a
Meet SA’s Southtown
Raquel E. Alonzo, The Paisano
Imagine Books and Records
celebrates five years in San Antonio Casey Luna
ARTS & LIFE COLUMN
Staff Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com A book store by day and music venue by night, Imagine Books and Records has become a pillar in the San Antonio music community. When it opened in October 2011, the store almost immediately began booking shows and has since been recognized as San Antonio’s Best Small Venue and Best DIY Venue by the San Antonio Music Awards. “The Loudest Bookstore in Texas” now publishes written works, records tapes for local musicians and has its own week-long music festival, Imagine Fest. This month, Imagine Books and Records is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a three-day music event from Oct. 20 to Oct. 22 and is featuring some of the best music acts in San Antonio such as Verisimilitude, Deer Vibes, Octahedron and Alix Williams & The Golden Fleece. In anticipation of the event, Don Hurd and his son Ezra, the event coordinator, discussed the anniversary and how Imagine became what it is today. Imagine Books and Records began as a fulfillment of Don Hurd’s dream to own a bookstore. A teacher for several years, Hurd found difficulty in continuing to teach, “(he) decided (he) wanted to do something that was a lifelong dream before it was too late,” and Imagine Books and Records was born. “I took all the things that I’ve loved to do in my past and brought them to Imagine,” said Hurd. The store represents an amalgamation of Don Hurd’s life experiences from working in several books stores across San Antonio, managing Apple Records, creating and organizing massive music events such as his “No Concept Art” series, creating his own magazine “Windows” and performing as a poet between punk bands. But he knew that Imagine needed to be more if it was going to succeed. “If we could somehow manage to also make the store a part of the community, then it could survive,” said Hurd.
Raquel E. Alonzo Arts & Life Assistant @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com
Courtesy of Oscar Moreno
After only a few months of operating the bookstore, Hurd organized the first show with his friends from the underground scene in December 2011. At first, the shows consisted of a mostly older crowd, but everything changed when John Stotko and Adam Koch of the band “Musicians Need Food” asked to play at the venue. Hurd believes that was the turning point of the store. “Everything changed once the young people came,” said Hurd, as more and more of the younger generation of musicians would seek to perform at the venue. “For a while, it was a small venue: once a month, then twice a month, then every weekend, and now it’s just nuts,” said Hurd. Don’s son, Ezra, now takes responsibility of coordinating some of the shows and has led it to becoming an award-winning venue. “Why aren’t we counted as a regular venue? We’re a bookstore; yeah, I know, but this could be a venue too,” said Ezra. Last year, Ezra led the movement in getting people to vote for Imagine at The San Antonio Music Awards. He has become an integral part of booking bands for the show and has helped the store grow to becoming a regular venue with multiple shows in a week. The growth of the venue has culminated this year with the creation of their very own festival, Imagine Fest, a seven-day festival with seven bands performing each night. Perhaps the most important aspect of Imagine Books and Records is that it’s family owned and operated. “We want bands to feel welcome and that we care about them,” said Hurd. “I don’t know how many hugs we’ve given to bands when they’re done performing.”
But working with family can be difficult, and Ezra said separation of home and work “takes a lot of patience, but, for the most part, we all work well together; we get on each other’s nerves, but we love each other.” The anniversary will celebrate this family-owned business that has become the heart of the underground music scene of San Antonio. The bands playing at the anniversary show will almost all have some connection to the store. “Most of them are people who meant something to us, through friendship or music,” Ezra explained. Ezra has worked closely with Verisimilitude and has played saxophone at several of their shows. Alix Williams & The Golden Fleece holds a special place in Don’s heart as he’s watched Williams grow up and become the artist she is today. Other bands, like Deer Vibes, have been members of the community the family has always wanted to work with. Imagine’s five-year anniversary will take place Thursday, Oct. 20 to Saturday, Oct. 22. All shows will start at 8 p.m. with a $7 cover charge. Imagine Books and Records is located at 8373 Culebra Road. For more information about the lineup visit their website at imaginebooksandrecords.com.
film that turns to the past to shine some light on the present. “This is a gruesome story; there is no way around it, and, in light of this Summer’s mass shooting at Pulse, the gay nightclub in Florida, the parallels strike a painful chord,” acknowledged Camina. “Hopefully, now, more than ever, audiences walk away from the film with a renewed call for compassion.” Learn more about the the film (including screening dates and locations) at www.upstairsinferno.com and through the Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/ upstairsinferno.
With San Antonio being such a beautiful city and one that is constantly expanding its horizons with art, music and various attractions, it’s no wonder why tourists flood into our city wanting to soak up our history and culture. But if you’re anything like me, you get a little stressed out and annoyed with how packed downtown can get with tourists snapping photos in front of the Alamo and the mass amount of people strolling along the River Walk. So, how does a resident of San Antonio catch a break from the touristy attractions? I bring you Southtown. This radical oasis sits a few blocks away from the noise of out-of-towners and proves that not all of the fun is in downtown San Antonio. Southtown offers a variety of things to do, see, eat, drink and shop. This side of town is so abundant with entertainment, you’ll never be bored again. Perhaps the most expansive site on the list is Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum. Famous for the First Friday art walk, they also host workshops and talks with featured artists. This museum not only houses extraordinary art by artists from around the state and the world, but they also house galleries, studios, shops and restaurants. Aside from Blue Star, other art studios include Hello Studio, Kevin G. Saunders Photography, Cinnabar Gallery, Flight Gallery, Terminal 136 (an off-campus gallery of the Department
of Art and Art History of UTSA), Haus Collective and numerous working artists in studios at Blue Star. Apart from the galleries and studios, there are a variety of shops and restaurants surrounding Blue Star. Shops such as Mockingbird Handprints, Blue Star Bike Shop, San Angel Folk Art, Twirl Salon, Eco-Synergy Advisors, The Brick and Tatum Originals reside in the Blue Star community for all of your shopping desires. If you’re feeling hungry or would like to sip a few drinks, try places such as Sukeban, Blue Star Provisions, Stella Public House, Blue Star Brewing Company, Bar 1919, Halcyon, Joe Blues and South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company to cure any craving. Southtown doesn’t stop at Blue Star—there are plenty of other sights to see and places to eat around this side of town. Take a stroll in the galleries of the Lone Star Art District or stare in awe at the Villa Finale of the King William District, home of San Antonio’s nineteenthcentury houses that have been well preserved and restored. If you prefer to see the city and not have to worry about finding parking, try opting for the San Antonio B-Cycle, a bike-sharing kiosk that allows you to check out a bike at rates of either $12 a day, $18 a month or $100 a year. A few more restaurants and bars to mention in the Southtown community are Bliss, The Friendly Spot, Hot Joy, Rosario’s, Tito’s, Alamo Street Eat Bar, El Mirador, Feast, Guenther House and Liberty Bar. Finally, if you’re feeling like staying in Southtown for a night on the town, stay a night at the King William Manor where the complimentary breakfast is at the infamous Liberty Bar down the street. With so many options to choose from, Southtown is anything but boring and is a sure-fire source of entertainment.
ECK Wisdom on Inner Guidance
Free Discussion Series – Includes booklet Weekly Thursday night meetings Sept. 1 to Nov. 17 7:00–8:30 pm , UC 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room)
With this booklet, discover how to: ● listen to the Voice of God; ● attune to your true self; ● work with an inner guide; ● benefit from dreams; ● ignite your creativity to solve problems.
Info: Mitziani: rbo233@my.utsa.edu Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization
SPORTS
9
October 18 - October 25, 2016
UTSA football, volleyball score big over the weekend
Tristan Ipock, The Paisano
UTSA VOLLEYBALL On Sunday, Oct. 16, UTSA volleyball defeated UTEP 3-2. Kara Teal (top) ran on to court as the Roadrunners were introduced. The Runners won strongly in the last set, 15-7. Tessa Dahnert (right) helped lead the Runners, recording three block assists.
UTSA FOOTBALL
Tristan Ipock, The Paisano
On Saturday, Oct. 15, UTSA football held off Rice 14-13 in a big win. Senior running back Jarveon Williams (top) helps keep the UTSA’s rush offense alive. The Runners out rushed the Owls 146 to 129.
Unusual sports popularize in other countries
Amanda Marmurek Contributing Writer @amandamarmurek
sports@paisano-online.com Everyone has heard of the basic sports: football, soccer, basketball and baseball. There are other sports–such as ping-pong or ultimate frisbee–that, while not as popular, are still well-known. But what about the really weird sports? There are hundreds of sports out there that the average person has probably never heard of. Wrestling is known as the sports in which two individuals grapple with each other and try to pin the other to the ground, but what if wrestling was taken to the next level? Enter oil wrestling! Oil wrestling originated in
Photo courtesy of Sean Chu, The Rice Thresher
use it to compete in a sport. The sport of bed racing was started in 1965 in the North Yorkshire, England town of Knaresborough. Each team consists of six members; five runners and one who sits on the bed. The bed must Graphic by Tristan Ipock be decorated, equipped with four Turkey and is the country’s wheels and have the ability national sport. to float. Each team runs Each player wears a pair with the bed for 1.9 miles of black hand-stitched up a hill and then down lederhosen-like pants that hill towards the Nidd called a kispet and covers River. They must then swim themself from head-to-toe 20 yards across the river. in a mixture of olive oil The first team to finish and water. wins. When the round starts, After the race, a bed the goal of each wrestler racing parade–led by the is to pin their opponent winners–is held on the to the ground and get a medieval streets of Knaresstrong hold on the his or borough. Awards are also her kipset. given out for the bestThe winner of the round dressed bed and the most is the one whose “umbientertaining team during licus is not exposed to the parade. heaven.” It sounds weird, Ironing seems like a but it’s true. Every year, mundane and ordinary approximately 1,000 task, but what if there was a people compete in the Oil way to make it riskier? Wrestling tournament in Extreme ironers does just Turkey, and while it origithat. Extreme ironing was nated in Turkey, the sport started in the English city is played around the world. Everybody, including my- of Leicester in the summer of 1997 and is now played self, loves sleeping in their around the world. All you own bed, but I’m not sure need to play is an iron, a if many individuals would
board, some clothes and your imagination. Some extreme ironers iron in places as safe as their backyard, but others iron in places as crazy as a mountainside or on a jet ski. The beauty of this sport is that you get to experience an adrenaline rush from being someplace risky while getting your housework done at the same time. “One, two, three, four, I declare a toe war!” Yes, you read that right: toe war. Toe wrestling was started in 1974 at a bar in Wetton, Staffordshire, England. It has become so popular that people have asked for it to be included in the Olympic Games. Before the match, each player’s toes are thoroughly inspected by a registered nurse to make sure they are clean and free of infections. Then, each player removes their shoes and socks and tries to pin their opponent’s foot to their respective sides of the ring. There are three rounds, and players alternate feet each round. The player who wins two out of the three rounds is the champion. So if a traditional sport is not your thing, try an odd sport. You may just find a new obsession.
Time to say ‘No’ to junk food
SPORTS COLUMN Abby Sharp Staff Writer @AbbySharp15
sports@paisano-online.com It’s time to stop thinking that you deserve that cookie or that sugar rich frappuccino from Starbucks every time you complete a task. You should definitely reward yourself after writing that eight-page paper or working out every day for five days straight, but don’t reward yourself with junk food anymore; it’s time to look at cleaner eating habits. Clean eating doesn’t necessarily mean eating less or starting a vegan or vegetarian diet. It simply means that you should try to cut out bad fats or junk food. If you have even a shadow of a doubt about what you’re going to eat, you should probably say no. The best way to start is to stock your fridge and
pantry with healthful options. This way, you won’t even have the temptation to snack on junk food. Start with your favorite fruits and vegetables and hummus with pita chips (or another healthy snack option if you’re not a hummus person). When it comes to chips, opt for kettle-cooked or baked over regular. Try to stay away from soda completely. If you can’t manage without that caffeine fix, go for a lighter soda like Sprite or Sierra Mist. At all costs, avoid sweets - no cookies, candy or ice cream. Just don’t. One substantial way to get on a healthier routine is to avoid going out to eat. Make it a goal to only go out to eat once or twice a week. Doing your own meal prep ensures that you know exactly what’s going into your body, which is the most important aspect of clean eating. It’s not easy to change your eating habits, but it gets easier over time. The healthier you eat, the more your body will adapt to your new eating habits. Healthy eating requires a lot of discipline, but it’s worth it to live a cleaner, more energized life. Your body will say thank you later.
Spurs look to younger players for post-Duncan success SPURS COMMENTARY Josh Zollicoffer Staff Writer @JoshZollicoffer
sports@paisano-online.com The Spurs bring out the best of the city as fans cheer for the beloved team. Year in and year out, the Spurs strive to capture the NBA championship and consistently rank in the top 10 when it comes to attendance. My love for the Spurs often has me screaming at my television in times of anger and despair and then again with joy during clutch moments, solid wins and, of course, any addition to their championship collection (1999, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2014). This year’s Spurs team has a very different look from past teams. While
guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili return for another year on the court, as do all-star forward LaMarcus Aldridge and potential MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard, the main center piece of the Spurs franchise is not returning. Tim Duncan, two-time NBA MVP, 15-time AllNBA Team member and three time NBA Finals MVP abruptly retired in early July. Duncan, the Spurs’ first overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, is often credited (along with David Robinson) with rejuvenating the Spurs franchise. He was a fan favorite with his humble personality, monotone expressions and consistency on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Duncan’s 157 playoffwin record is the second most of any player in NBA history, and his .710-win percentage is the best of any 19-year stretch in any
professional sport. Duncan left behind a winning tradition that will be difficult to keep alive. The Spurs will have some fresh faces wearing black and silver this season. Coming down to Texas from the “windy city” of Chicago is Spanish big man Pau Gasol. Gasol is a threetime all star who averages almost a career doubledouble with 18.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Gasol’s presence complements veteran forward Lamarcus Aldridge, both of whom will create a strong front-court presence Other notable acquisitions this off season include former Golden State Warrior star David Lee, French guard Livio-Jean Charles and Spanish forward Davis Bertans. These notable players could produce some quality minutes off the bench. With their first-round pick, the Spurs drafted
guard Dejounte Murray from the University of Washington. Murray, a combo guard (meaning he will either play point or shooting guard), brings explosive ball-handling abilities and tremendous lock down defense. Although his style of play consists of more one-on-one isolation, many people expect him to adapt in and excel in the traditional Photo courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images Spurs offense. With the the Warriors acquisition of Kevin Durant, many fans have placed them With the new wave as the Western Conference favorite for the 2016-2017 season. The Spurs look to match with the additions of forwards Gasol and Lee. of players coming to San Antonio, some This team is built for record (73-9) previously notable young players will championship contention, held by the ‘95-‘96 Chicago have bigger roles to fill with but this year is going to be Bulls. the departure of Tim Duntough. Western ConferI fully expect the Spurs can, Boris Diaw and David ence rival Steph Curry and to make it to the Western West. Players who had the Golden State Warriors Conference Finals, if not good stats but few minutes, picked up NBA superstar further and give the Warlike forward Kyle Anderson Kevin Durant. Many NBA riors the best run for their and guard Jonathan Simfans wonder how this move money out of any team in mons, are expected to gain will work out, considering the NBA this season. more minutes off the bench and even get a starting spot the Warriors already broke the NBA regular-wins in a game or two.
ADVERTISEMENT
10
THE WRITING CENTER
Your rewarding career in respiratory care starts here.
®
JUDITH G. GARDNER CENTER FOR WRITING EXCELLENCE
Got an upcoming paper? We can help! ™
Make an appointment today:
utsa.edu/twc Why you should consider our Master of Science in Respiratory Care: Bachelor’s degree in any field accepted No prior health care experience needed to begin Our graduates make up every emergency pediatric flight team in San Antonio Our school is located in the heart of the South Texas Medical Center, giving our students access to worldclass hospitals and health care facilities
. . . .
1604 Main campus JPL 2.01.12D Downtown campus FS 4.432 Phone (210) 458-6086
The UT Health Science Center is one of 14 UT System institutions graduating more than 200 doctors, 400 nurses, 100 dentists, 300 health professionals and 125 scientists every year.
Online tutoring also available!
More...
To start a meaningful career in health care visit healthprofessions.uthscsa.edu
LOCATIONS ALL OVER SAN ANTONIO PALLADIUM IMAX IH10 at La Cantera (The Rim) CASA BLANCA Alamo Ranch Parkway at Loop 1604 SILVERADO SI Loop 1604 at Bandera Rd. EMBASSY Embassy Row near 281 at Bitters MAYAN PALACE Hwy 35 and SW Military Dr. RIALTO Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel NORTHWEST IH10 West Near Callaghan Rd. BIJOU CINEMA BISTRO Loop 410 at Fredericksburg Rd. TWO HOUSTON LOCATIONS
VISIT SANTIKOS.COM
for tickets, showtimes & more information!
PROUD SPONSOR of