Joyous excess of music and fun at FFF Fest: Online Record-tying performance in exhibition win: Page 7 Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
November 6, 2012
Volume 47
Issue 24
School districts suing state over funding, standards Lorilee Merchant Intern
Burk Frey / The Paisano
news@paisano-online.com
UTSA PD has coordinated with the Office of Business Community and Emergency Management to stay ready for a possible bomb threat.
UTSA staying prepared for UT Austin-style bomb threat Bridget Gaskill Staff Writer
news@paisano-online.com Due to recent bomb threats made to several universities within the state of Texas including the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State and Texas A&M, there has been a refocus on collegiate emergency response procedures. UT Austin received a phone call early on Sep. 14 that suggested there was a bomb on campus, triggering a massive evacuation. The campus reopened later that day and student activities for the evening were uninterrupted. Shortly after, on Thursday Oct. 18, Texas State received an email from Brittany Henderson, a former student, threatening to “blow Texas State up to small little pieces.” Henderson was also connected to a bomb threat the next day at Texas A&M, where students were evacuated but no threat was found on the College Station campus. Henderson was arrested the following Tuesday. The UTSA Office of Business Continuity & Emergency Management (BCEM), in cooperation with the UTSA Campus Police Department, is
“committed to openly engaging the university community to prepare, respond, and recover from local emergencies through an all-hazards approach,” and maintains emergency evacuation procedures for situations ranging from natural disasters to security threats, according to the BCEM website. There are multiple systems that “the university utilizes to be able to keep people updated on emergencies,” said Director of BCEM Lorenzo Sanchez. UTSA operates two systems to keep the campus informed. The first is an emergency notification system that students, faculty and staff can register with to receive a voicemail, email, text message or a combination of these to stay informed during emergency situations. The second, the “Giant Voice Mass Notification System,” is a network of indoor and outdoor fire alarm panels as well as five outdoor siren towers that will sound during an emergency. Although several buildings on campus are considerably older than others, Director Sanchez reassures that “all evacuation routes fall under National Fire Protection Association codes, federally regulated mandates that state there has to be so much space to evacu-
ate from a building.” Thus, some of the older buildings have been renovated to accommodate a growing university population. “We do the best that we can with the available resources to make sure that we have a secure and safe environment for people to go to school, to work, and to come visit and take preparedness very seriously on multiple levels,” said Sanchez. UTSA has been fortunate in the sense that there have not been any major incidents. Captain Sonego mentioned that there have been a couple of fires and instances of hazardous material, but mostly false alarms and that “a lot of students, faculty and staff have prepared just from practicing” the evacuations. Should there ever be an emergency situation, however, Captain Sonego said that contacting the police is always the safest option. To become better informed, there are flip guides that can be found in every classroom, meeting space and hallway that display different procedures for different types of emergencies. For more information about these procedures, visit: www.alerts.utsa.edu.
New curriculum on the horizon Jonathan Pillow Intern
news@paisano-online.com As UTSA pushes toward Tier One status, the university has been re-evaluating and reshaping its core curriculum in an effort to make courses more efficient and more relevant to all new students. The Freshman Experience Task Force, which consists of professors and administrators from around the campus, has reviewed the core curriculum and recommendations for new core courses have been considered. Pending the approval of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, UTSA has determined which changes it will make to its core curriculum in fall of 2014. “All public institutions are in the process of revising their core curriculum. It
will be implemented statewide in 2014,” said UTSA Assistant Vice Provost Nancy Martin. The Freshman Experience Task Force was charged with the task of determining which classes are absolutely fundamental to student success in college, regardless of their major. The main courses the task force identified included Freshman Composition classes, Math, Academic Inquiry and courses from the new Quantitative Literacy Program (QLP). The number of required hours in the core curriculum will remain at 42, but the core requirements will get a makeover. “One difference is that, in the current catalogue, we have the World Society and Issues component, and that’s gone away,” said Martin. “Right now, everyone is required to take an economics course. Economics would be an option in the core. We will also have a
new component called Language, Philosophy and Culture. We will have, the plan is, a new course called Academic Inquiry and Scholarship.” According to Martin, the new Academic Inquiry and Scholarship course is designed to introduce students to college and show them how a university is different from high school. Academic Inquiry and Scholarship will go far beyond a simple study-skills course, giving students an understanding of how knowledge is dispersed and created at UTSA and how different disciplines conduct research. “The Academic Inquiry and Scholarship course is intended to introduce students to how it is that various disciplines conduct research: how do they approach it, how do they think about it?” said Martin. In order to ease a student’s transiSee CURRICULUM, Page 2
In many parts of Texas, school districts are in the throes of a heated debate concerning the state’s “constitutional obligation to provide an adequate and efficient public education,” according to the Texas Tribune. Six lawsuits were filed on behalf of about two-thirds of the state’s school districts that educate about 75 percent of the state’s roughly three and a half million students. They have been rolled into a single case, which opened on Oct. 22 before State District Judge John Dietz in Austin. The lawsuit was filed after the state Legislature cut $4 billion dollars in state funding to schools, along with a 1.4 billion dollar cut to grant programs in 2011. This case has been reopened after the 2005 ruling that mandated, “the existing system was an impending crisis, but not a present crisis.” Attorneys representing children across Texas claimed, “Texas’s school financing system is so hopelessly broken that it violates the Constitution while keeping students from being prepared for the well-paying jobs of tomorrow.” David Thompson, a partner at the Thompson & Horton law firm out of Houston, referred to Article VII, Section 1 of the Texas Constitution which states, “Support and maintenance of system of public free schools: A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient
system of public free schools.” Section 2 of Article VII calls for a permanent school fund from the state. Thompson said, “Our group of plaintiffs represent all parts of the state. The system wants the state to support high standards, if you are to meet those standards, you need equitable and adequate systems for schools and students to meet those standards.” Funding for these demands is an ongoing problem. “Our districts [in San Antonio] have to use their available taxing capacity just to try to meet state requirements, and therefore, lack any real control over setting their local tax rates. The result is a de facto property tax,” said Mark Trachtenberg, attorney with Hayes & Boone LLP. Texas school districts argue that students are at a disadvantage when it comes to their education. Allegedly, there is not enough funding for wellqualified teachers, needed programs or small class sizes where students could benefit from one-on-one attention from their teachers. According to the plaintiffs, these deficiencies are making it harder for students to do well on more difficult testing standards imposed on them by the state. Recently, the Legislature implemented the Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STARR) to replace the former standardized test, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Weissert stated, “Texas has imposed increasingly more difficult standardized tests that high school students must pass to graduate. The districts claim that funding cuts have forced them to lay off teachers, increase class See TRIAL, Page 2
Violence at the Outpost continues Natalie Frels News Assistant
news@paisano-online.com Last week, San Antonio Police responded to two armed robberies in three days at the Outpost Apartments on UTSA Blvd. Police reported that at 1:15 a.m. on Wednesday, three men broke into a unit where a party was taking place at the Outpost apartments. Investigators said three men were pistol-whipped before the robbers collected wallets and cell phones. The suspects were seen in a gold Ford Taurus. This incident Daniel Switter followed another Outpost General report of armed robbery a few days earlier. On the morning of Oct. 30, the San Antonio Police Department searched the Outpost apartments property for both of the armed robbers. Investigators reported that around 11 p.m. Oct. 29, two suspects broke into an apartment and held two UTSA students at gunpoint while the robbers ransacked the apartment. One suspect, armed with a shotgun, forced the young couple into another room while the suspects stole a number of items. A concerned neighbor told investigators that he responded to the noise and
encountered the two robbers as they exited the apartment. One robber attempted to hit him over the head with the shotgun, but the neighbor was able to escape the blow, according to KENS5 News. SAPD stated that two of the three suspects involved in the incident on Wednesday match the description of the suspects in the robbery on Monday. However, investigators said that it is too early to determine if they are the same men. On Thursday, following the two incidents, Outpost residents received an email from General Manager Daniel Switter addressing the additional secuManager rity measures that will be implemented, including the installation of a fence and a gate, an increase in the number of security guards and the extension of patrolled hours. These armed robberies follow the Oct. 17 shooting at the Outpost apartment complex. Charles Duoto was rushed to University Hospital in critical condition after he was robbed and shot in the chest while walking to his apartment. “We will not tolerate the increased crime in the area,” stated Switter. No arrests have been made in the case.
“We will not tolerate the increased crime in the area.”
From Page 1
tion to UTSA, undergraduate student advisors will be assigned to each Academic Inquiry class. These advisors will be available to sophomores or above and will serve as mentors to incoming freshmen, assisting them with any transitional problems they may encounter at UTSA. Martin noted that the Quantitative Literacy Program is a separate initiative from the Freshman Experience Task Force. Designed to increase student quantitative skills by reshaping existing courses to incorporate more quantitative research and analysis, “Q” courses will be incorporated into revamped core curriculum. “All students must meet a ‘Q’ requirement and take a ‘Q’ course in order to graduate,” said Martin. “So we’re trying to grow the number of courses that have that ‘Q’ designation.” Many of the existing core courses are being redesigned as “Q” courses, so students do not have to take an extra course in order to meet their “Q” requirement. “Students still have a lot of questions about ‘where do I go to pay my parking ticket?’ and all of the things they need to
have tended to,” said Martin. “We care about our freshmen and we need to do something—I think we have an ethical responsibility to do something to help them to fit in and to make this their new home.” UTSA plans to link the new core courses in blocks, where groups of students are assigned to common courses much like the learning communities UTSA has now. Rather than registering for courses individually, students would sign up for a certain group of linked courses. This means that students would see the same peers in each of their classes, fostering a community spirit. “We’re linking students and trying to cohort students a little bit so that they’re more likely to be able to get to know people in their classes, more likely to get to know their professors and develop relationships and friendships with their peers,” said Martin. Although these changes have been approved at the campus level, the final word goes to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Changes may also occur during the implementation process.
The Paisano
November 6, 2012
TRIAL: Lawyers claim state has neglected its constitutional obligation can’t happen just because you wish it they have to compete with wealthy From Page 1 sizes and cut back on education pro- to…it doesn’t happen that way,” Hino- district children and the funding is just grams—all steps that ultimately leave josa said. “Virtually everything costs not there.” This case, Hinojosa said, is their students less prepared for tougher money. I’m not fighting against higher “about fairness and giving vulnerable exams.” standards; I just want equity to meet children a voice.” Assistant Attorney General Shelley those standards.” Judge Dietz questioned the districts’ Dahlberg said, “the lawsuits, inspired Hinojosa believes that students at- priorities and whether schools really by school districts…are sore because tending poor-property districts like need “big football stadiums.” Dahlberg they have to do urged Judge Dietz to more with less.” “grill school officials Dahlberg, howevon their spending er, dismissed the habits. Are they ofcomplaints “about fering curriculum the more rigorous and classes not reSTARR as premaquired by the state? ture because stuHow about extracurdents will steadily ricular activities inimprove, she says, cluding sports?” just as they did Attorney Rick years ago when Gray, however, statthe tougher Texas ed, “It is [the fundAssessment of ing system] not only Knowledge and inadequate, it is irraSkills (TAKS) artional, it’s unfair and, rived.” most importantly, it’s David Hinounconstitutional.” josa, counsel for Lawyers in the school finance case stated their cases at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin on September 22. Hinojosa agreed Mexican American and claimed, “The Legal Defense and Education Fund Edgewood ISD suffer because the finance system is the worst it’s been (MALDEF), represents the poor- funding stands at “less than $1,000 dol- since 1993.” property school districts—which col- lars per child, yet they are all forced to The trial will run through mid Janulect significantly lower revenues from play on a level playing field.” MALDEF ary and is expected to go to the Texas property taxes—such as Edgewood emphasized the disparity for the Eng- Supreme Court. If the ruling favors the ISD in San Antonio. “The state raised lish-language-learners (ELL) who “suf- districts, the legislature may have to call the standards on everyone. Things fer the most from less equity because a special session in 2014. Matthew Duarte / The Paisano
News
2 CURRICULUM: New degree, freshman core among changes
DREAM Act hits close to home for many San Antonians Lictor Prianti Staff Writer
news@paisano-online.com Illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children have been hoping for Congress to pass the DREAM Act since it was first drafted over 10 years ago. DREAMers, who name themselves after the bill, are now trying to get votes from Congress to pass the DREAM Act. This movement has been led by campaigns such as the “I am a DREAM Voter” movement by United We Dream
and “Dream Act Now,” which is active at UTSA. In addition to Congress, the groups also reach out to students to inform them on the issue. The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) was first introduced to the Senate in 2001. Its purpose is to give illegal immigrants who were younger than 35 years old, have no criminal background, and have lived in the country for five years before passage of the bill conditional permanent residency if they graduate from U.S. high schools; or complete two years in the military or two years at
a four-year institution of higher learning. If they meet the requirements, they would obtain temporary residency for a six-year period. Within this six-year period, they may qualify for permanent residency, giving them a path to become U.S. citizens. Even though the DREAM Act has yet to pass in Congress, President Obama made a “Deferred Action” policy in June that authorizes a non-U.S. citizen to temporarily remain in the U.S. “It is an amnesty to those immigrants, but does not change current immigration law,” said Maquel Marquez of UTSA’s
Sociology Department. With this Deferred Action, illegal aliens are able to apply for a two-year renewable work permit. The requirements for this deferred action are similar to the DREAM Act requirements, but even if the immigrant meets all of the requirements, the applicant must wait for approval from the Department of Homeland Security. In San Antonio, where there is a large community of Latinos, the effect has impacted school administration offices in particular. Transcripts requests for foreign students in Northside, North-
east and Edgewood ISD have all dramatically increased in 2012. In Northside ISD alone, officials received 642 transcript requests in August from graduates, whereas only 413 were requested in the same month in 2011, according to the San Antonio ExpressNews. However, Marquez does not see Obama’s executive order as a permanent solution. “This Deferred Action is a band aid for current immigration policy,” she said.
November 6, 2012
The Paisano
News
SAVE SAVE SAVE!!! ~AT ALPIN PARK~ Prelease now and pay NO deposit fees, NO parking fees, NO trash fee, & NO administrative fees!!! ♣ SHARE A ROOM FOR AS LOW AS $299.00, ALL BILLS PAID!!! ♣ RENT BY THE ROOM AS LOW AS $397.50!!! ♣ RENT A SMALL 1X1 FOR $595.00! ♣ FURNISHED APARTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE!!
COME BY AND SEE FOR YOURSELF BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO ANYONE! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! VISIT US IN PERSON OR ON THE WEB! HURRY, AVAILABILITY IS LIMITED! Alpin Park Apartments 15726 Chase Hill Blvd., 78256 (210) 691-5746 www.alpinparksa.com
3
Paseo
4 “In the U.S., 17 states plus the District of Columbia have laws on the books permitting the use of medical marijuana.”
November 6, 2012
Working for the drug industry Sarah Gibbens
Paseo Editor paseo@paisano-online.com
Marijuana Policy Project
“Marijuana advocates have placed measures on ballots in six states dealing with the recreational or medical use of the drug...” Alison Vekshin BusinessWeek
Will Tallent / The Paisano
The Paisano
Read: Busted: drugs on campus by David Smith Online at: paseo@paisano-online.com
Desperate situations can often lead to drastic measures. With college expenses adding up to thousands of dollars a semester, funding an education can become an enormous pressure for students already preoccupied with schoolwork. While financial aid provides some assistance to struggling students, many choose to supplement their income in creative ways. The Paisano sat down with one UTSA student who chose to finance his education through an illegal job, drug dealing. To protect the privacy of this student, his name has been changed to John. “To the public, I’m a criminal… I’m a marijuana supplier to a lot of people in this area,” says John. However, John sees himself differently. “I’m not a criminal. I’m not making a career out of this; I’m just trying to go to school.” Marijuana is more accepted than it has been in the past. As a dealer, John sees the legalization of marijuana as a double-edged sword. “I’m honestly for it, but it would run me out of business; I would have to get a new job, but I’d rather marijuana be legal.” Within the UTSA area, John has come to dominate a market for a product in high demand. “I don’t necessarily like to describe myself as a drug dealer,” says John. “What I do takes up a lot of my time and really is a job. It’s really sporadic, but I could spend about 30 hours a week. It’s a lot of driving; it takes up a lot of time.” Operating at night, John must be ready at a moment’s notice to take a call from a customer. “A lot of people in this business, they want it right then and there. If you can’t get it to them, they’re going to go somewhere else, and that’s two or three hundred dollars that you’re missing.” Of his market, John states, “My main focus is the UTSA area.” H o w e v e r, John does not sell his product to just anyone. “A lot of times I meet customers through a friend of a friend, but they don’t even know my real name,” John
explains. When it comes to finding people to buy his product, John does not advertise in any way, but instead relies on word of mouth. “In the beginning, you have to find people, but once you set up what you’ve created, you just sit back… I’ve been working so hard for the last two years in this area. I’m now at the point where if you don’t want to do business with me, I don’t need your business.” How did he first came into the business of selling marijuana? “I started at an early age, maybe around 15, but I didn’t just start out with weed. Now I focus strictly on weed; it’s a lot easier. With harder drugs, you work with people who are a lot harder to deal with; they’re more willing to cause violence.” John continues to sell marijuana as a way to support his lifestyle and pay his college tuition. “It pays for my life; it pays for my college. I don’t have any other money to pay for these things. A job won’t cut it.” John believes he would not be able to maintain the same privileged lifestyle if he stopped dealing drugs. He also worries about having debts in his name post-graduation. “I don’t want to risk debt. It’s more important to get out of college debt free.” According to John, the drug industry can be seen as an extensive network with many independent sellers operating on a chain within this network. The process of getting marijuana to sell can be difficult and dangerous. “Starting out at the bottom, you just have to scrounge around. I was fortunate when I moved to this area that I met the right person. I had a mentor, someone who was ready to have things flowing in an appropriate and safe way that he thought was manageable.” John describes the structure of the drug network in San Antonio. “It’s coming from everywhere, from out of state, out of the country, locally. There is not just one central place. There are multiple types of people on the same chain and there are multiple chains competing. That’s why you want to get to the people as fast as possible with the best quality and the best price.” John also explains that the majority of marijuana that comes to San Antonio comes primarily from California and occasionally from Colorado, where medical marijuana is legal. While Mexico neighbors the south Texas border, rarely will the dealers he interacts with have product from Mexico. “It has a lot of chemicals, and it’s just not a good environment,” John says of doing business with sellers from Mexico. “You’re messing with a drug cartel. They will kill you, and it’s not good weed. People are looking for hydroponic weed coming from California.”
cifically from California, but it takes a lot of effort to get it here. The logistics are crazy. People are paid to live in certain areas just so that there’s an address to ship (marijuana) to.” He explains that transporting marijuana is often so dangerous, that he would rather pay more money to have someone transport it for him than run the operation himself. So where is his place on this chain of drug dealers? “I’m really fortunate; I only have one person above me.” How many people are below him in this drug chain? “I could count them on my hand. Less than five.” Each of these people in turn have others working below them. In a state where possessing marijuana is a crime, being convicted of trafficking drugs comes with heavy consequences. John is careful to take safety precautions so that he cannot be easily tracked. “I try to never bring it up,” John says. “To be honest, sometimes it’s hard. You want to talk about it. You want to get it off your chest. Sometimes you just can’t help it. I never do business out of my house. A lot of people don’t know my identity; they don’t know where I live, my number, or even my name. I want to do whatever it takes to be safe.” To John, protection means developing a completely different persona so that his personal life and work life don’t ever cross paths. “I’ve been in situations where one person says my real name, and another person says my fake name. I’ve been doing it for two years now, and it takes a toll on you.” The dangers in drug dealing extend beyond fear of the law. Because the drug industry cannot be protected by law enforcement or insurance, dealers must take matters in to their own hands. Over the summer, John was set up and attacked when he went to deliver his product. “I went to drop something off… someone came up behind me and beat me up and took my backpack.” With all the dangers associated with dealing drugs, John hopes to deal only during his college career. “I want to be done before I graduate. I want to be able to make savings and be more mature and maintain those savings. I do not want to be selling marijuana past my graduating college,” says John. “I am a college student. I have above a 3.0 GPA. I’m going to make something of myself, and I’m going to contribute to society,” says John. As a struggling college student, John does not consider himself a criminal. However, the Texas criminal justice system would view John differently. If his business practices are discovered and he is tried in the criminal court system, John can be charged with a third-degree felony, a fine of no more than $10,000, or two to 10 years in a state prison.
“I can say that my weed comes spe-
OPENS THIS FRIDAY IN
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 12-863 Huebner RPX Skyfall 5_75x5_5.indd 1
11/2/12 5:00 PM
The Paisano
November 6, 2012
The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Katy Schmader
Managing Editor: Stephen Whitaker
News Editor:
Matthew Duarte
News Assistants: Natalie Frels David Glickman
Paseo Editor: Sarah Gibbens
Arts Editor:
Erica Cavazos
Arts Assistants: Valeria Perez Jennifer Alejos
Sports Editor: Rex Castillo
Sports Assistant: Sheldon Baker
Photo Editor:
Alyssa Gonzales
Photo Assistant: Will Tallent
Ads Manager: Kevyn Kirven
Business Manager: Jenelle Duff
Web Assistants: Magalieh Acosta Amanda Dansby
Senior Copy Editor: Alyssa Torres
Staff: Daniel Crotty, Victor Hernandez, Valeria Rodriguez, Katy Glass, Valeria Perez, Bridget Gaskill, Hector Torres, Christina Coyne, Randy Lopez, Lictor Prianti
Contributing Staff: Chris Butler, Julian Montez, Ethel Asberry, Leann Acuna, Corey Franco, John Poplawski, Council Royal, Eliana Briceno, Alex Camacho, Marialuisa Bianchi, Ross Hutchinson
Interns: Jennifer Alejos, Lorilee Merchant, Jonathan Pillow, David Smith
Advisor:
Diane Abdo
Advisory Board:
Steven Kellman, Mansour El Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a nonprofit, 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. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards:
© The Paisano 14545 Roadrunner Way San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)690-9301 Fax: (210)690-3423 E-mail: editor@paisano-online.com
Send letters to: editor@paisano-online.com
Letters must be less than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number. The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions.
Like The Paisano on Facebook
The Paisano
encourages new comic submissions! Send to Editor@paisano-online.com
Editorial
Opinion
5
Is a college degree really worth the investment? Last year, graduating college seniors who took out loans to fund their college education owed an average of $25,250. The graduating class of 2009 owed five percent less, according to the Institute for College Access & Success. This fuels the on-going debate that poses the question: Is a college degree really worth the investment? Many graduates can attest to the fact that a degree does not equate to a “dream job.” But, it is absolutely a foot in the door. According to a poll by the Pew Research Center, 55 percent of
graduates think that college prepares them for a job. College prepares graduates not only for the first job, but for the last job — the rewarding career. So many wide-eyed graduates enter into the “real world” (haven’t we exhausted this term already?), the workforce, with thousands of dollars of debt. But, as Peter Coy of Businessweek so eloquently stated, “You can lose your house to foreclosure, but never your education.” Students borrow what they need be-
cause college is more than a degree – it is an experience. Part of the experience is owed to the various resources available to young scholars on campus. A student has unlimited access to libraries, online databases and career centers. These faucets of the college experience caused 74 percent of graduates to feel that they have grown intellectually, according to the same Pew Research Center poll. Amenities aside, students have one resource that high school graduates do not: professors.
Networking with professionals in a student’s field of study is crucial to post-graduate success. Professors provide pragmatic “real world” advice. The hard work put toward the degree pays off well-past graduation. Professors notice outstanding students. The reward: An excellent letter of recommendation that can set one applicant apart from a large pool of college graduates. The college debt may be monumental, but the degree is still worth it.
On Oct. 23, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott caused an international stir when he posted on his twitter account, “UN poll watchers can’t interfere w/ Texas elections. I’ll bring criminal charges if needed. Official letter posted soon.” Abbot ended the tweet with the hash tag “come and take it” — a reference to the flag that the Texan rebels flew at the Battle of Gonzales in Oct. 1835, the opening battle of the Texas Revolution. The United Nations poll group that he was referring to is the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The OSCE was created with the help of the United States, first as a forum of conversation between east and west during the Cold War and later to promote freedom and democracy around the world. It has monitored elections in the U.S. since 2002. Abbott’s tweet was based on a fear that the OSCE was a liberal group trying to influence the election. This is the guy
who is in charge of upholding the law in Texas? Where are the Texas heroes when you need them? A day later, on Oct. 24, Abbott tweeted a quote from Sam Houston, the man who led Texas to independence in 1836 and served two terms as President of the Republic of Texas. The tweet said, “Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.” What would General Sam think of his Texas if he saw it today? I don’t think he would like that Abbott is trying to disenfranchise an entire group of Texans with his proposed voter ID law. Nor do I think Houston would have supported Abbott’s stance against the OSCE. The biggest issue is that Abbott is disgracing the state of Texas on an international stage during one of the most heated presidential campaigns in recent memory. I say he is disgracing Texas because he is threatening to use law enforcement if the members of the OSCE get “within 100 feet of polling places.” Abbott is also using the history of Texas to support his position. I do not think the men who defended the can-
non at Gonzales in 1835 had any idea that their battle cry would be used by future Texans to keep people from observing the very process they lost their lives to implement. Abbott’s decision to prohibit a group interested in learning about the democratic process gives the wrong impression, not just about Texas, but also about the United States. We are the land of the free, but if more people like Abbott hold public office, we might not be for much longer. At this point, I would like to let it be known that I have no political allegiance; I pledge allegiance only to the United States and the state of Texas. That said, things are not going well for our state. Since rejoining the union after the Civil War, Texas has traditionally held allegiance to one party; first, it was the Democrats from the end of Reconstruction in the 1870s until Texas’ own President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964. From that point, the Republican Party began to make gains in Texas, culminating to the present age in which a Democrat has not held a statewide office since 1994.
Abbott’s statement against the voter group sends a bad message that Texans are backward and territorial. In some ways, maybe we are, but we are also the Friendship State. Someone needs to remind Greg Abbott of that. We should be willing to let people who want to learn about our process get close enough to learn about democracy without scaring them away with our guns. It is hard to learn about our system when one is not allowed within 100 feet of a polling place. Perhaps Abbott should have listened to another of Sam Houston’s words of wisdom: “Texas, to be respected must be polite.” Abbott is not advocating the Texan thing to do. Heck, it is an un-American move. I cannot think of any state in the union that would be as unfriendly as Texas, represented by Abbott, in this situation. Rather than pushing the OSCE away, perhaps Abbott should have said, “Y’all come back and see us again.”
Commentary When did Texas become the unfriendly state?
Stephen Whitaker Managing Editor
Commentary
Will Star Wars franchise succeed under new Disney ownership? On Tuesday, Oct. 30, Disney announced its newest $4 billion acquisition: Lucasfilm L.T.D. This purchase gives Disney control over all Lucasfilm subsidiaries, such as Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), and all intellectual properties, including the Star Wars franchise. Disney wasted no time announcing its plans to release Star Wars: Episode VII in 2015. This announcement has been met with mixed feelings by the hardcore fans. The fanboy inside us is excited for more Star Wars, but the critic in us does not want to suffer another disappointment. After considering all the information at hand, however, this change of ownership may be the best thing to happen to Star Wars in a long time. Disney has already demonstrated its ability to handle large franchises such as Marvel, creating the blockbuster hit “Marvel’s the Avengers,” which they worked on closely with ILM. They were also successful with “Tron: Legacy” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. These movies were well re-
ceived by audiences without compromising Disney’s commitment to family-friendly entertainment, something Lucas wanted keep in the Star Wars franchise. Also, Lucas himself has announced his retirement, meaning he will not be calling the shots when it comes to future Star Wars film, which should comfort fans who felt he really dropped the ball on the prequel trilogy. Lucas will still be working with Disney as a creative consultant, however, contributing insights and ideas. Kathleen Kennedy, Lucas’s long time collaborator, will be left in charge of Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise. Lucas is happy with this arrangement and has said, “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers.” This move may bring the creator of Star Wars some redemption in the eyes of his fans. Having new, younger artists in charge will help the franchise stay fresh and relevant so future generations can enjoy the franchise, which means more money for Disney but also more quality entertainment for fans. The prequels were bad because Lucas was trying to do everything, and he just was not good enough at it all. Now, with a new director, and a lot
Alternate Reality:
more accountability, there is no reason that Disney won’t create something fans could be proud of. I will admit though, there will most likely be complications to the franchise. Although little information has been released about the upcoming film, the internet is buzzing with rumors and message boards about what the new story will be and who will be cast. The problem is that Star Wars’ Expanded Universe (EU) already has novels, comics, and games covering the events after “Return of the Jedi” (RotJ), all of which are considered canon, though film canon always overwrites the EU. So any story will come with major retcons for EU, possibly even throwing half of EU into an alternate universe, which many fans will likely take issue with. Some fans are advocating casting the original actors in a story set several decades after the events of RotJ, with younger actors playing the roles of the EU children of the Episodes IV, V and VI heroes. This story would be set in what fans call the “New Jedi Order” era, after Luke Skywalker rebuilds the Jedi Order. Others think the events of the new film should occur very soon after RotJ, where new actors will play just slightly older versions of the original trilogy characters. A favorite for this
story arc is Tom Veitch’s Dark Empire comic book series, which includes the resurrection of the Emperor thought dead at the end of RotJ. Some fans are intrigued by the possibility of casting Nathan Fillion as Han Solo or Ryan Gossling as Luke Skywalker, but others feel it just wouldn’t be the same. The director has either not yet been chosen or not yet announced, but big names in sci-fi like Joss Whedon and J.J. Abrams are bound to be thrown around. Whedon’s sequel to “The Avengers” is due out that same year, so he is probably off the table. For those concerned about other Star Wars projects, like the anticipated “Star Wars: 1313” video game, Disney has said they are leaving most in-development projects alone for the time being, which seems a wise decision. It is also possible that, to make more money, Disney may re-release the much demanded original cuts of Episodes IV-VI, and the world will finally get to see Han shoot first once again. Unfortunately, only time will tell what they have in store for the franchise, but you have to ask, “could it be any worse than when Lucas was in control?” This fan says to Disney, “congratulations, and may the Force be with you.” David Smith Intern
by: Michael Carroll
The Paisano Best of San Antonio Survey 2012:
The Paisano wants to know your opinion. What are your favorite places around town? Tell us by voting online on our website www.paisano-online.com
6
Arts&Life
Hookah:
The Paisano
November 6, 2012
Local Events:
SA students smoke up an ancient pastime
Tuesday, Nov. 6 8 p.m. Concert: “The Sound of San Antonio Concert Series”
The Arneson River Theatre (418 Villita St) will feature “The Sound of San Antonio Concert Series,” a presentation of San Antonio area musicians, educators and artists. This concert will be performed every Tuesday from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. through Dec. 25. Parking and admission are free.
Graphic by Will Tallent
David Smith Intern
arts@paisano-online.com
Green cuisine
Restaurant offers meatless options to locals Jonathan Pillow Intern
arts@paisano-online.com America’s fast food culture may have a tendency of trapping college students in a “burger-rut.” However, Chris and Mike Behrend, co-owners of Green Vegetarian Cuisine, are working hard to provide fresh and flavorful options for those interested in healthful dining. “We’re serving 100 percent vegetarian comfort food to assist people in pursuing healthy vegetarian lifestyles,” Mike says. He explained that he and his brother are both vegetarians. They noticed a glaring lack of vegetarianfriendly restaurants in San Antonio, so in 2006, they opened the city’s first completely vegetarian restaurant. “We promote vegetarian dining for environmental and ethical reasons,” Mike says. “Following a vegetarianbased lifestyle is better for the animals, the environment and the people themselves.” Green Cuisine’s original downtown location enjoyed so much success that the brothers were able to open a new location at the Alon shopping center on N.W. Military Drive in 2011. “Our new restaurant has been a great success,” Mike says. “We’ve at least doubled our business.” Green Cuisine’s new location serves the same high-quality food as their restaurant downtown and is more accessible to UTSA students living near the main campus. Green Cuisine serves vegetarian renditions of several classic American comfort foods, substituting meat with
“It’s the kind of thing where people are getting together—getting to know each other,” Qashou explains. In this way, hookah cafes are much like regular cafes or coffee shops. Cafes generally have pretty relaxed atmospheres. Qashou says it is not uncommon for students to come to his cafe, order some coffee and just study. Most cafes sell specialty drinks such as coffees, teas, bubble teas, and many also serve food, often Mediterranean style. The operation of the hookah is a bit different from most tobaccobased products. Hookahs burn a flavored molasses and tobacco mixture called mu’assel, which is more commonly known as “shisha.” At the top of the hookah, the shisha mixture is placed into a bowl covered in foil with coals placed on top. There is usually a tray under the
textured vegetable protein (TVP). Their signature “Neatloaf” is a novel recreation of the classic meatloaf and is composed of TVP, breadcrumbs, onions and bell peppers and topped with a tangy tomato sauce. The texture of the veggie-loaf is surprisingly similar to that of an actual meatloaf; it is dense, filling and served next to a mound of mashed potatoes. Be advised that meat substitutes are not for everyone. Green Cuisine succeeds in building complex flavor profiles with their vegetable products, but one simply cannot recreate the flavor and texture of real meat. The Neatloaf, however, is savory in its own right: the entrée is rich and nutty, and the mixture of different vegetables lends a powerful savory flavor to the dish. The dish’s only real down- Combining Green Cuisine’s pecan hummus with their fall is an excessive use of tomato sauce, falafel plate makes the dish more enjoyable. which has the tendency to mask the loaf’s subtler flavors. soned. Raw pecans give it a distinctive For those who are wary of meat sub- taste and texture. stitutes, Green Cuisine offers a variety Green Vegetarian Cuisine offers a of other meatless alternatives, includ- welcome change from monotonous, ing grain salads, fruit salads, quesadil- meat-based menus at affordable priclas and several entrees featuring egg- es. plant and mushrooms. These foods The original Green Cuisine is locatare packed with essential vitamins, ed downtown, at 1017 N. Flores. The proteins and, most importantly, flavor. new location is in the Alon shopping In the eggplant parmesan (a delec- center, at 10003 N.W. Military. For table fried eggplant served over spa- menus or additional information, visit ghetti with fresh tomato sauce and <greensanantonio.com>. parmesan cheese), one would not miss the meat; it is the perfect dish for any first timer at Green Cuisine. The huge slices of hearty eggplant are seasoned college ski & boArd week and pan-fried to perfection, and they breckenridge • Vail • beaver creek work with a deep and zesty tomato keystone • Arapahoe basin sauce to create a perfect harmony of flavor. breckenridge The falafel plate, unfortunately, is an uninspiring dish to say the least. It’s a shame that Green Cuisine of20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price. fers a rather bland and disappointing From n o ly rendition of the classic fried chickpea patty—a staple of vegetarian cuisine. plus t/s The falafel was seemingly unseasoned and had no flavor, except for the fried breading. Try ordering their raw pecan hummus along with the falafel, which can restore some flavor into the chickpea www.ubski.com patties. The hummus is complex and 1-800-ski-wild • 1-800-754-9453 delicious, though a bit under-sea-
4 p.m. Special Event: “Rackspace Mid-Week Farmers Market”
The Rackspace (5000 Walzem Rd.) invites the local community every Wednesday through Nov.7 for their “Mid-Week Farmers Market.” This event features local vendors, live music, cook offs and various forms of entertainment. Most farmers accept cash only, and there is no charge for admission into the market.
Thursday, Nov. 8 8 p.m. Theater: “End Days” The Gregg Barrios Theater at the Overtime (1203 Camden) presents the Proxy Theatre Company’s “End Days.” This offbeat comedy is about a dysfunctional family, the Steins, who left New York for the suburbs in the wake of 9/11. The family is composed of a nonfunctioning insomniac, an evangelical convert (who literally has Jesus Christ by her side) and their pot-smoking Goth child who begins receiving therapeutic visits from Stephen Hawking after an enamored 16-year-old Elvis impersonator gives her one of Hawking’s books. The winner of the 2008 American Theatre Critics Association Steinber Citation, “End Days” will be performed through Nov. 17. Tickets range from $10 - $15. For more information, visit <proxytheatreonline.com>.
Friday, Nov. 9 8 p.m. Theatre: “La Tempesta”
Trinity University (Trinity Theatre) is hosting the play “La Tempesta,” directed by Roberto Prestigiacomo. In this play, the work of William Shakespeare is depicted through puppets, marionettes and shadow theatre. The play will run from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11 and will continue from Nov. 14 to Nov. 17. Tickets are $6 - $10. For more information, visit <tutheater.com>.
Saturday, Nov. 10 8 p.m. Theatre: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
The Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start (108 Blue Star) brings “It’s a Wonderful Life” onto the stage in the form of a live 1940s radio broadcast. In this American classic, George Bailey contemplates ending his life on Christmas Eve, but he is given a second chance when an angel shows him the consequences of his actions. Tickets are $15 - $25.
Sunday, Nov. 11 12 p.m. Gallery: “Repetition & Ritual” and “Life Is an Electric Whip”
UTSA grad Student Julie Ledet brings her exhibition to the UTSA Satellite Space (115 Blue Star) with photographs, videos and an installation on obsessive compulsive tendencies. The exhibit follows the sacred rituals of Southern Louisianan culture. Another UTSA grad student, Ivan Salcido also brings his work to the UTSA Satellite Space with his installation based on discarded items and their purpose. Admission is free. For more information, visit <art.utsa.edu>.
Fo r t h e we e k’s f u l l c a l e n da r, v i s i t : www.paisano-online.com
Check out web exclusives at www.paisano-online.com
Jonathan Pillow/ The Paisano
Thick clouds of aromatic smoke fill bars and cafes around San Antonio as students relax and chat around large water pipes. Hookah may have recently become both a much-loved pastime and a hobby for American students, but the hookah itself has a history stretching back over a thousand years. The hookah began in India and ancient Persia. Hookah, also known as a “water pipe,” was a favored activity for nobles in the court of the Mughal emperor, Ackbar (a.k.a. Ackbar the Great), in Persia. It soon became popular among the affluent members of neighboring areas as a status symbol, and it quickly spread across the Middle East. Around 50 years ago, Middle Eastern immigrants popularized waterpipe smoking in Europe and opened the first hookah cafes there. It has been only in the last decade that hookah cafes have gained popularity in the U.S., mostly with young adults. In 2004, Marwan Qashou, owner of Hookah Café (14543 Roadrunner Way), opened one of San Antonio’s first hookah cafes Thousand Oaks. After a few unsuccessful attempts with other business ventures, Qashou says, “I was trying to come up with something new in San Antonio.” He explains that his business spread through word of mouth and that soon, hookah cafes were opening up all over San Antonio.
bowl to catch ash from the coals. The smoke runs from the burning bowl, down a pipe and into a water jar. The smoke then escapes through a valve and runs up a hose then out of the mouthpiece. The water cools the smoke so that it is not as harsh on the throat as other forms of tobacco smoke and also helps to filter out harmful chemicals. Shisha comes in many flavors and brands, even some tobacco-free ones. Many shishas are fruit flavored, but flavors like chocolate, mint and bubble gum are also popular. Some people have even mixed in actual pieces of fresh fruits with the tobacco and molasses. Mixing several flavors at once is a common practice. Some smokers even experiment by using other liquids in place of water: Kool-Aid, milk and even wine. It is not hard to find a hookah aficionado or guru on campus. Many devote time to perfecting hookahprepping techniques and creating tricks surrounding hookah, such as hookah smoke bubbles or smoke rings. Although it is of an ancient and foreign origin, this pastime is a local favorite for UTSA students of any background.
Wednesday, Nov. 7
HOW WOULD IT FEEL TO GET
UP TO100% COLLEGE TUITION? As a member of the Air National Guard, you’ll receive up to 100% college tuition assistance. Plus, you’ll develop the real-world skills you need to compete in today’s economy. And because you serve part-time, you can work or go to school full-time. All while receiving a regular paycheck and affordable insurance coverage. Talk to a recruiter today.
GoANG.com/TX
12061 ANG El Paisano 4.5x10 BW.indd 1
1-800-TO-GO-ANG
8/24/12 3:28 PM
November 6, 2012
Sports
The Paisano
7
Hale III ties steal record in exhibition win Seeking Redemption Assistant Sports Editor sports@paisano-online.com
As the final horn echoed its last sound, the sensation of defeat settled upon the UTSA men’s basketball team on March 7, 2012. It would be the final Southland Conference Tournament the ‘Runners would ever play in, and it was ended in an overtime defeat to the McNeese State Cowboys, 78-74. Nine months later, with the bitter taste of loss still lingering in the mouths of the UTSA men’s basketball team, the Roadrunners took out all of their offseason frustrations on the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm by beating them 71 - 43 on Nov. 1, 2012 at the Convocation Center. “I was excited about the way they played for the most part, but there’s a lot we need to work on,” said Head Coach Brooks Thompson. Thompson was referring to the firsthalf of the game, the Savage Storm out rebounded UTSA 22 – 16. The Savage Storm also led the Roadrunners in points in the paint, 20 – 8; fast break points, 4 – 2; and they tied UTSA for bench points 6 – 6. The Roadrunners were taking the majority of their shots late in the shot clock, which was another cause for concern because it forced UTSA into bad shots. “I was more concerned with getting clean rebounds. We were playing with it too much out there, and when we get clean rebounds it allows us to get into our transition much smoother,” Coach Thompson remarked. The Savage Storm, in addition, shot 53 percent on 14 – 26 shooting from the field while the Roadrunners shot only 33.3 percent on 11 – 33 from the field. However, senior point guard Michael Hale III and junior forward Jeromie Hill were two bright spots in an otherwise dim first-half for the Roadrunners. “He’s a sparkplug…he’s your ulti-
mate leader and your ultimate winner. And I expect a bunch more out of him,” Thompson said of Hale. In the first half, Hale led the team in scoring with eight points, and he contributed two assists, three steals, and two rebounds in 15 minutes of play. “I’m a leader. I’m a senior, so I have to do what I have to do to win,” said Hale. UTSA had Senior point guard Michael Hale III ties the UTSA record for steals (eight). trouble containing the Savage Storm’s senior forward 69. 2 free throw percentage. Urald King. King finished the first-half Other than points in the paint, the with an explosive 12 points, one block, Roadrunners led the Savage Storm in and one steal in 18 minutes of play. points off of turnovers, 29 – 11; second King made his presence known with chance points, 11 – 6; fast break points, plenty of dunks in the opening half. 12 – 6; and bench points 20 – 5. If the first half of the game was Hale finished the game with 22 about getting all the first game jitters points, five assists, eight steals, three out, the second half would prove to be rebounds and only one turnover. Hale’s more productive for the Roadrunners. eight steals tied the UTSA record for The Roadrunners had six additional steals in one game. Hill finished with a turnovers, but aside from that, UTSA solid performance recording 14 points played like a cohesive unit. and eight rebounds. In the second-half, the ‘Runners imOne of the newest players, junior proved their shooting by scoring 16 of forward Edrico McGregor, had an im36 field goals. UTSA’s shooting per- pressive UTSA debut with 10 points, centage increased from 33.3 percent two steals, and one rebound. to 44.4 percent. As the field goal perUTSA hits the road for their next centage went up, so did the free throw game on Nov. 9, against Morgan State percentage. in the Liberty Tax Classic in Norfolk, In the first-half, UTSA shot a horri- Va. UTSA’s next home game will be ble 27.3 percent on 3 of 11 makes. The played on Saturday, Nov. 17, against second-half, the Roadrunners settled University of South Carolina (USC) their nerves down at the charity stripe Upstate at the Convocation Center at by making nine of 13 free throws for a 7 p.m. Will Tallent / The Paisano
Sheldon Baker
Women’s basketball looks to rebound from disappointing 2011-12 season Sheldon Baker
Assistant Sports Editor sports@paisano-online.com
The UTSA women’s basketball team recently took the first step to redeeming last year’s 8-21 overall record, one of the worst seasons in program history on Saturday, Nov. 3. UTSA beat the McMurry War Hawks 64 – 36 in front of 532 fans, including the San Antonio Spurs’ point guard, Tony Parker. “They were very nervous. They missed some easy layups and free throws, but my biggest concern right now is the rebounding,” Head Coach Rae Rippetoe-Blair said of her team. During the first-half, the lady ‘Runners had to play through some first game jitters. The lady ‘Runners committed 13 turnovers and were out rebounded 29–25. But, the Roadrunners’ defense forced the War Hawks to commit 19 turnovers. The ‘Runners held McMurry to 23.5 percent from field making only eight of 34 attempted shots. The War Hawks missed all six of their three point attempts in the first half. UTSA shot a meager 30.6 percent from field on 11 of 36, and a horrible 23.1 percent from three-point land on making three of thirteen three-point shots. “Even Simone Young told me, ‘Coach we’re just nervous,’’’ said RippetoeBlair. If the rest of the team was playing through first game jitters, senior guard Simone Young looked like she was in mid-season form. She scored 10 firsthalf points and also contributed two assists and two steals. “With me being a senior, I want it; I want it bad. I want my teammates to want it. This is our only opportunity to be in the WAC,” said Young. The first-half ended with UTSA ahead of McMurry 30–19. The second
half would prove to be more fruitful for the Roadrunners. “We settled in. We were relaxed more; we were more so anxious ‘cause this is our first game,” said Young. UTSA’s lockdown defense played a significant role in Saturday’s victory. UTSA forced 19 first-half turnovers with an additional 10 second-half turnovers. Also, the lady ‘Runners held the War Hawks scoreless from three point land on 0-7 shots and a staggeringly low 13.8 percent from the field on 4 – 29 shooting. The Roadrunners out scored the War Hawks in the paint, 30 – 14; points off of turnovers, 30 – 6; second chance points, 12 – 11; fast break points, 13 – 2; and bench points, 30 – 20. With the exception of sophomore forward Jenny Menz (broken nose), all members of the team contributed, with 11 of the 14 players on this season’s roster scoring in the game. Young led all players in scoring with 13 points and also registered five assists, and three steals. Sophomore guard Karma King was just behind Young with 11 points and two steals. Among the new players on the Lady ‘Runners, freshman guard Niaga Mitchell-Cole had an impact on UTSA’s offense and defense recording nine points, four assists, three blocks, and one steal. UTSA already looks like a drastically improved team compared to last season’s team at this point. The Lady ‘Runners will be back in action when they host Texas PanAmerican on Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center. Read about UTSA football’s game against #22 Louisiana Tech on our website
www.paisano-online.com
8
Advertisment
The Paisano
November 6, 2012