Find your holiday cheer: Page 4
Roadrunner women’s basketball stunned in OT: Page 9
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
December 4, 2012
Volume 47
Issue 27
Matthew Duarte News Editor
news@paisano-online.com UTSA received an “A” grade on its core curriculum from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) according to its annual “What Will They Learn?” report. The university is one of just 21 schools to make the highest grade of over 1000 surveyed. The rankings, which have been compiled every year since 2009, aim to measure how well-rounded a school’s basic curriculum is and to give prospective students an additional tool to compare universities. To make an “A,” a university must offer six out of seven courses: composition, literature, foreign language, U.S. history or government, economics, mathematics and natural science. Of that list, UTSA requires students to take a course in all areas except foreign language. According to ACTA’s website, less than 14 percent of schools require a foreign language, while less than 20 percent require U.S. history or government. Less than five percent require an economics credit. ACTA’s mission statement noted that its goal is “to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus and ensure that the next generation receives a philosophically rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.” UTSA received an “A” in the report for the first time last year and is one of just four schools in Texas to achieve such a high rating, along with Baylor University, Texas A&M Corpus Christi
and the University of Dallas. No other school in the UT system made an “A.” More than 60 percent of schools received a “C” or lower in the report, meaning they offer three or fewer of the seven suggested courses. “Businesses are struggling to find employees with the skills to succeed in today’s high-tech and dynamic global economy,” said John Engler, former governor of Michigan and president of the Business Roundtable, in an ACTA press release. “Those abilities are built upon a foundation of math and science, but they also depend on students acquiring a wide range of general knowledge – including the ability to think and communicate clearly.” John Frederick, UTSA provost and vice president of academic affairs, believes that the rating serves as evidence that the school is ahead of the curve in ensuring that students are ready to enter the work force. “UTSA is committed to shaping broad-minded global citizens who are prepared to think critically and, in turn, have a greater competitive edge in the job market,” said Frederick, according to UTSA Today. Although UTSA has now received ACTA’s highest rating for the second consecutive year, it has already begun to shift away from its current core curriculum, a process that is the result of the state of Texas’ reworking of the requirements for core curriculums in all public colleges and universities in the state. As Associate Vice Provost Nancy Martin pointed out, “in the state of Texas, the structure for the core is mandated by the state legislature.” According to UTSA’s website, the Freshman Experience Task Force was charged with simplifying “the freshman year academic experience, to ease
Courtesy of Charles Miles
UTSA ranked in top two percent for core curriculum
Of 1071 schools surveyed, only 21 received an “A” grade for its core curriculum.
students’ transition to college while introducing them to the rigors of collegelevel coursework.” Working under the recommendation of Provost Frederick, the Task Force had suggested that, of the current core curriculum, only a math class and composition courses were “absolutely fundamental to success in a student’s curriculum, regardless of their chosen major.” Martin, who oversees UTSA’s core curriculum, explained to The Paisano in an interview last month how the task force’s recommendations would
reshape UTSA’s core curriculum. “In the current catalog, we have the World Society and Issues component and that’s gone away,” Martin explained. “Economics would be an option in the core,” she said, compared to being a requirement as it is now. Although the new core would restructure the freshman experience by removing certain classes from a student’s degree plan, it also seeks to make the transition to college more bearable for freshmen. The Task Force’s report suggested a new class—dubbed
an Academic Inquiry Course—which would “provide institutional support and academic challenge” and provide students with “an environment where quality faculty-student relationships can develop.” As Martin stated, “The general purpose of that course is to introduce students to the university.” Martin explain ed that the Academic Inquiry Course is being designed to highlight the differences between high school and college and would particularly emphasize that See CURRICULUM, Page 2
UT Board of Regents save $5 mil ion Stephanie Barbosa Contributing Writer
Natalie Frels / The Paisano
news@paisano-online.com
San Antonio Northside ISD’s “Student Locator Project” is intended to manage attendance reporting.
T r a c k i n g c h i p s e m b e d d e d in Northside ISD student IDs Jonathan Pillow Intern
news@paisano-online.com Northside Independent School District (NISD) is facing legal consequences following the implementation of the “Student Locator Project.” The project requires students at John Jay High School and Anson Jones Middle School to wear an embedded radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip found in all student ID cards during school hours. A federal court is considering hearing a case against the school
district filed by Andrea Hernandez, a student from John Jay High School. Hernandez equates the ID cards to the biblical “mark of the beast” from the book of Revelation and refuses to wear it. The district attempted to have Hernandez transferred from her magnet school to another high school, but her parents requested a temporary injunction from the state court to keep her at John Jay. According to a NISD statement, “Since the Jay High School student and her father are alleging a violation of the student’s federal constitutional
rights, Northside ISD asked that the case be heard in federal court. The case that was scheduled to be heard in state court has been canceled and will now rest with a federal judge to make a ruling. Heather Fazio of Texans for Accountable Government commented on the religious aspect of the case, saying, “This program and the expressed consequences with not falling in line with it have created a chilling effect in these schools in making them afraid to stand See NORTHSIDE, Page 2
On Nov. 15, the UT System Board of Regents approved a $102.4 million plan to consolidate their five existing administration buildings into one, new 16-level building in downtown Austin, Texas. This cost-effective plan is expected to yield up to $5 million in savings per year. These savings will be used to fund student programs throughout the 15 UT System institutions as a part of Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa’s newly established Framework for Advancing Excellence plan. According to a recent progress report from the Framework for Advancing Excellence action plan, the UT System put together a team of experts to review space-utilization and efficiency strategies. At the last regents meeting, Cigarroa said, “Several locations in the Austin area were considered for a new building, as were several different construction scenarios and the possibility of leasing existing space.” The current occupied buildings cost about $4.8 million to operate annually. The new building will be more efficient, costing approximately $2.1 million to operate annually, regents said. The plan for a single building promises to not only save money, but to also improve effectiveness and communication across all UT System departments. The building location will be in close
proximity to the Texas Capitol and public transportation. “After taking all of the data and staff feedback into consideration, the construction of a single building on the existing UT System land to house all of our business units made the most sense financially and organizationally,” said Cigarroa. Of all the five existing office buildings, the Colorado and Lavaca buildings will be demolished and the three remaining buildings – O. Henry Hall, Ashbel Smith Hall and Claudia Taylor Johnson Hall – will be available to lease once the new building is occupied. The 16-level building, one level of which will be underground, will contain enough garage space to house up to 700 cars and will include 258,500 square feet to facilitate office space, conference and board rooms and eating spaces. Further infrastructure and design plans will be reviewed at a regents’ meeting in early 2013. The demolition of the Colorado and Lavaca buildings will commence next fall. The construction of the building, which is due for completion in 2016, will be funded with Revenue Financing System Bonds and will not be appropriated from tuition costs. “This project is perfectly aligned with the productivity and efficiency goals of our Framework for Advancing Excellence and the savings will directly benefit our students,” Regents Chairman Gene Powell said. “This is a win-win opportunity for our students, institutions, the UT System and the city of Austin.”
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News
The Paisano
December 4, 2012
David Smith Intern
news@paisano-online.com San Antonio company Latakoo has partnered with UTSA to improve the data compression ability of its online service. UTSA professor Sos Agaian holds a patent on the new compression algorithm the company wants to use to improve its service. Latakoo currently provides their services to news organizations all over the world, including NBC Universal and other companies. The service facilitates the transfer of large files, such as high-definition video, across the Internet via a technology known as data compression. “We decided to compress the video and create a service where it was just drag, drop and click,” said Latakoo CEO Paul Adrian in an interview.
The company’s service encodes the file so that it becomes smaller, uploads it to a cloud server on the Internet and downloads the file to the desired destination, where it is unpacked to its original size. Upload speeds are much slower than download speeds, so a file that may download in an hour could take the better part of a day to upload. “The end goal is for the user not to have to worry about it at all,” Adrian said. Uncompressed video formats such as Apple’s ProRes files used by Final Cut programs are enormous. A one-minute video requires roughly a gigabyte of storage. In a demo, the Latakoo service was able to compress such a video to one percent of its original size and immediately upload it. The entire process took only a minute and a half. Adrian believes that the company’s
partnership with UTSA will allow them to reduce that time even further. “They have a sponsor research agreement with us,” said UTSA Chief Commercialization Officer Cory Hallam. Thus, not only will the university be making money from royalties through the use of Agaian’s compression algorithm, but Latakoo will also be funding ongoing research at the university to continue to improve software technologies, Hallam explained. More funded research means that UTSA would be able to hire more The Texas Legislature is requiring all public universities to revise their core curriculum for 2014. graduate students to work in its labs, explained Hallam. He also noted that the growth of Latakoo through this partnership could open up more jobs in San Antonio—jobs that could be filled by UTSA graduates. “We’re seeing research turn into real products,” said Hallam. “Hopefully we can create other deals like this.”
Curriculum: freshmen core to undergo significant changes in 2014
Northside: S A s t u d e n t s u e s district in federal case From Page 1
up for themselves. Now, I am not a Christian, but I understand the value in a free society where we respect the rights of others to walk with God however they see fit. This young “Do you have to lady and all of the children at destroy free will these schools to verify attenare being violated every dance?” day that this program is in Chris Steinbach effect.” Chief of Staff The district to Rep. Lois plans to fully Kolkhorst integrate the program into all NISD schools in 2013. According to NISD, the purpose of the chips is to track the whereabouts
of students when they are on campus in an effort to decrease truancy and keep students safe. However, the school district has met opposition from concerned parents. In a letter to the parents of the affected students, Jones Middle School Principal Wendy Reyes explained that the “smart” ID cards transmit location information to electronic readers throughout the day. “This is so that we always know where the students are in the building,” said Reyes, “After all, parents, you expect school staff to always know where your children are during the school day.” In the same letter, Reyes said, “One additional feature of the new ‘smart’ ID card is that Jones attendance office staff will be able to manage attendance reporting more efficiently. By reporting increased attendance to the state,
File photo
Online service Latakoo partners with university to improve upload speeds
From Page 1
Jones Middle School will be eligible for additional funding.” At a school board meeting in September, Fazio argued, “We are electrical beings. We have neurological functions that are interrupted and influenced by this radio frequency radiation. And I think that until we have a health-impact study that determines that it is safe for our children, we should not be subjecting them to experimental technology.” According to who.int, “A number of epidemiological studies suggest small increases in risk of childhood leukemia with exposure to low frequency magnetic fields in the home.” However, the report stated that no definite causeeffect relationships have been found between electromagnetic fields like the ones emitted by RFID chips and illness. This disclaimer, however, is not justification for concerned parents.
research universities “create knowledge,” whereas a high school merely teaches it. Additionally, the Task Force suggested in its report that students be placed in academic “blocks” of about 25 students who are assigned to common courses; the goal of this is to foster stronger relationships with teachers and amongst students while keeping class sizes to a minimum. It also proposed the addition of “Q courses,” which require students to think on a much more analytical level, to the core curriculum. According to the university webAl Gerloff, a retired Air Force communications specialist and parent of a Jay High School student, wants NISD to conduct thorough studies to determine the health and environmental risks associated with RFID technology. At a board meeting, he asked, “Can NISD afford the possible legal liabilities associated with RF radiation
site, the UTSA core curriculum is “designed to enable students to assess the perspectives and accomplishments of the past and to move to the future with an informed and flexible outlook.” The required coursework “promotes intellectual adaptability, ethical awareness and transfer among diverse modes of thought.” However, as Martin said, most of what a student learns in college is not taught in the core curriculum. “The purpose of the core curriculum is breadth of knowledge: a little bit of everything,” she said, “but your major is about depth and expertise.” illnesses imposed on NISD students and staff?” No date has been set for the federal case involving Hernandez and NISD and until the courts decide otherwise, NISD students will have to continue wearing tracking devices to school or risk expulsion.
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December 4, 2012
The Paisano
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Paseo
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The Paisano
Check out this week online:
Cramming for Finals by Stephanie Barbosa and Black Friday Becomes a Black Weekend by Corey Franco Visit:
December 4, 2012
Decorating for the holidays
While many roadrunners make the trip home for the holiday season, seasonal decorations are still common at student living spaces. Students find creative ways to decorate with limited space and a limited budget.
paseo@paisano-online.com As Christmas approaches, the ringing of bells and clinking of coins can be heard as the Salvation Army places red kettles at local supermarkets and department stores around the nation. These charity collectors, some paid workers and some volunteering out of good spirit, receive positive and negative responses from the public. While some believe that the red kettles are a friendly reminder to be generous and thoughtful during the winter season,
new law in the form of a no-panhandling ordinance passed on Nov. 6 in Colorado Springs restricts any method of money collection, including the Salvation Army’s red kettles. Further, individuals have filed complaints and even phoned the authorities about the constant ringing of bells. New Hampshire resident and store owner Sarah Hamilton-Parker has endured the incessant ringing for the past four years and insists that it disrupts her customers’ day as much as her own. The authorities recognized her concern, but could do little to remedy the problem, as “it’s something the city has given permission for,” Police Captain Mike Schwartz said, according to the Daily Mail. Areas that still allow bell ringers to collect donations may be dangerous as well. Charity collectors often have hefty amounts of cash in their bucket by the end of a shift, giving some individuals enough incentive to take it. A Salvation Army employee was robbed in front of a Sears in Columbus, Ga. last winter when a car pulled up to the sidewalk alongside the entrance to the store and said that they wanted to make a donation. The employee took the Salvation Army bucket to the driver’s side of the vehicle, at which time the driver pulled a silver handgun, pointed it at the employee and demanded the bucket. No suspects were apprehended. Another incident occurred in Charlottesville, Va. when a masked robber jumped out of a vehicle, pushed the Salvation Army bell ringer to the ground and grabbed the bucket as he jumped back into the car. The bell ringer sustained only minor injuries and the Salvation Army reassured people that someone would be back the next day to continue collecting donations. Some well known stores that have said they will continue to support the Salvation Army include corporations such as Wal-Mart, Walgreens and JCPenneys. This holiday season, the Salvation Army will continue to collect donations that help clothe and feed those in need with a goal of raising $215,000.
Will Tallent/ The Paisano
Staff Writer
others feel they are an unwelcome nuisance. Salvation Army bell ringers across the country are facing restrictions this holiday season from the stores they have previously been allowed to use as donation sites and from citizens themselves. Stores and businesses in several cities are reducing the number of weeks before Christmas that the Salvation Army can set up the red kettle donation sites. They are asking that the collectors wait until one week prior to the holiday to start collecting rather than the usual six weeks. In other cities such as Colorado Springs, Co. and at certain businesses such as Target, bell ringers have been denied entirely. A
Bear Wright purchased these electronically lit snowflakes and Christmas themed window decals at Dollar Tree, giving a wintery look to her dorm window without breaking her budget.
Shelby Hodges / The Paisano
Bridget Gaskill
Amber Phillips has taken a youthful approach to her Christmas tree decorations. Miniature red, white and blue Mickey Mouse heads adorn the branches of the tree.
Three UTSA students, Cat McCaully, Jasmine Rodriguez and Adilene Herrera, have chosen to stray from the traditional green Christmas tree. This blue tree was purchased from Big Lots and is proudly displayed in their student apartment.
Will Tallent / The Paisano
Salvation Army: struggling for donations at collection sites
Will Tallent/ The Paisano
paisano-online.com
Wreaths are a common decoration used to give homes a festive atmosphere. Ebangha Tanyi uses a traditional Christmas wreath placed on top of a door wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper to give her door holiday spirit.
The Paisano
December 4, 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
Paseo Assistant: Corey Franco
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, Alex Camacho, Ruth Olivares, Shelby Hodges
Contributing Staff:
Chris Butler, Julian Montez, Ethel Asberry, Leann Acuna, John Poplawski, Council Royal, Eliana Briceno, Marialuisa Bianchi, Ross Hutchinson, Erin Boren, Scott Cochran, Rachel Corbelli, Philip Taele
Interns:
Jennifer Alejos, Lorilee Merchant, Jonathan Pillow, David Smith
Editorial
Opinion
We are UTSA! It is up to us to represent it with maturity and respect
On Saturday, Nov. 26, 2012, nearly 40,000 spectators watched the I-35 rivalry football game between Texas State and UTSA in the Alamodome. Within minutes of kickoff, the student section of the arena broke into hysteria, displaying itself as a madhouse of drunken idiocy. In many cases, UTSA students were the first to point fingers, name call and even throw punches at Texas State fans, who were attempting to enjoy a good game of competitive football. Drunken brawls and crude language fights are not respectable behavior as UTSA students; our students are better than that. It is important to remember that as UTSA students, we all wear a uniform. We are all ambassadors of our
school, and therefore, all the decisions we make, good or bad, reflect on our school, students, faculty and staff. Professor Jay Coakley’s book, “Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies,” lists the following as potential factors that could lead to crowd violence: crowd size and seating patterns of spectators, the importance and meaning of the event for spectators, the history of the relationship between the two teams, alcohol consumption and the location of the event. Some may blame the shameful behavior on UTSA’s decision to allow the sale of alcohol at the Alamodome. While the NCAA has no rule preventing alcohol sales at regular-season events, it does ban sales and advertising of all alcohol during its 88 cham-
pionships. According to CBSSports. com, out of the 124 Division-1 football programs, only 21 schools sell beer to fans of legal age. Of these, 10 are situations in which the college is an occupant of another building, such as UTSA at the Alamodome. The sale of beer at athletic events pulls in large revenue that may be hard to pass up, but it could also be the catalyst to students’ irrational behavior. Others may blame the venue for the games. Previously, the Alamodome was home to the Spurs as well as to the Cowboys training camp – two professional and nationally recognized teams. Could it be that students are accustomed to the type of behavior at professional games? Does the Alamodome facilitate this type of behavior? It
could also be the fact that the schools competing share the same student section. Many of these factors may be out of our control. The university is locked into a contract with the Alamodome until 2035, where they will continue to sell beer to spectators that are of age. But we can control our attitudes and actions when attending athletic events. Students should display sportsmanlike behavior, regardless of whom we are playing. This means students should show a level of maturity and respect. We are UTSA, and we are better than the name-calling, fist-throwing students we appear to be at football games.
One day in 1976, a student arrived at the new campus on horseback and tied his horse in front of the Humanities building. Don’t believe me? There may be a photograph of this within our very walls. Some may not know it, but UTSA has quite an interesting history. The university that hugs the hills of northwest San Antonio has become a prominent thread in the colorful fabric of this city. Since our football team began playing at the Alamodome last fall, our bond with the city has only been strengthened. As a leading institution in San Antonio, UTSA has set its sights on becoming an esteemed institution nationwide and worldwide. The government-
partnered research conducted in cyber security is just one advancement that stands as evidence of our growing national footprint. We are setting our sights higher and broadening our perspectives as we welcome an increasing number of international students to shape our diverse identity. The population of students from Europe and the Middle East is rising at UTSA. The university also boasts a strong Asian studies program that brings the best and brightest from around the world to our hills of oak and cedar. This is UTSA as you know it today. However, the history of the university is just as intriguing. Unfortunately, aside from plaques and portraits on campus, few people know the interesting history of our university and its humble beginnings, even the silly (but true) stories of ingenious parking. Our school needs a museum de-
voted to this rich past—a museum that can spread the voice, your voice, of the memories and achievements that shape our ambitious school. No other university has an established museum dedicated to this endeavor. Our students and our story is unique, so let’s tell it. Some may argue that 40 years isn’t enough time to warrant a whole museum, but I say, if we wait any longer we will begin to forget the stories of the early years of our alma mater. Not only would it benefit the alumni and current students, but keep in mind those future students who could visit the exhibits and see the hard work and dedication that built UTSA from a dream by the Texas Legislature into a very real and great university on the world’s stage. The time has come for UTSA to have a museum and I intend to lead that charge, but I implore the help of
my fellow Roadrunners. For the alumni, a museum will host the sharing of stories and artifacts from their years at UTSA. We are creating what will stand behind for future Roadrunners, today. For my classmates and educators, we are able to witness, experience and influence the traditions, achievements and the reputation our university. The challenges of today will not be the challenges of tomorrow, but one day, wouldn’t it be nice to come back to these hills and meet your fellow and future Roadrunners under one Sombrilla to tell the stories, behind the glass display, of greatness—of how you, me and the University of Texas at San Antonio, together, shaped history?
Commentary The time has come for UTSA to celebrate its past with a museum
Comics
Vulpes Vulpes by: Christopher R Garcia
Stephen Whitaker Managing Editor
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Arts&Life
The Paisano
December 4, 2012
‘Prison Grievances’:
Victoria Puentes Contributing Writer
arts@paisano-online.com
“If you can help our prison system avoid stacks of frivolous prisoner complaints, would you? If you can help our inmates get better conditions in prison, would you?” These are the questions posed by UT-Austin English Emerita professor Dr. Terri LeClercq. “I would,” she says, “and I am.” In her latest publication, LeClercq has taken the initiative to point out a fixable problem within the prison system that affects prisoners, prison workers, court officials and administrators. According to LeClercq, one out of 12 Americans are in the prison system, and inmates do not always get the essential or special care that they need. In a recent interview, LeClercq explains that prisons are not meant to be places that merely house and feed bad people. “When someone commits a crime, they are removed from the society they hurt. Prison is a punishment.” She continues to explain that this specific punishment should not relinquish all rights
of these individuals, only the rights they had as a part of society. LeClercq has spent 10 years working on “Prison Grievances: When to Write, How to Write,” a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that is both entertaining and educational. LeClercq wrote “Prison Grievances” at a fifth grade reading level so inmates at any level may understand the message. The majority of the novel is through the view of a probono lawyer who sees the mistreatment of prisoners. He volunteers to help inmates understand the rights they still have. Through this, LeClercq educates her readers of those same rights. Aside from the prisoners’ rights, LeClercq also teaches about writing in her novel. “If inmates don’t know how to write about their problem,” LeClercq says, “they can’t get help.” According to LeClercq, taxpayers spend $27,000 per inmate per year, and even more if inmates are sick or injured. When prisoners write to courts about their problems, court administrators have to read through loads of letters that are illegible or do not meet guidelines. “That’s a waste,” LeClercq says. “It’s
a waste of the inmates’ appeal, it’s a waste of the courts’ time and it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money.” The purpose of LeClercq’s “Prison Grievances” is to actually teach prisoners on how to write to the courts about their problems properly. “We want inmates to learn their rights,” LeClercq says. “We want them to either write their complaint right or don’t write it at all.” To give an example of the real need for such education, LeClercq speaks of “Teddy Bear” cases, which are often compared to the story of the “Boy Who Cried Wolf.” In Teddy Bear cases, prisoners draw up frivolous grievances about items that the system either cannot or will not pay for. The representatives who review these grievances consider them a waste of time, and if such complaints continue long enough, the representatives eventually stop taking the prisoners’ requests seriously. In the back pages of “Prison Grievances,” LeClercq included a checklist for prisoners to review and decide whether their specific case is something that can be taken care of. The idea is to reduce the amount of Teddy Bear cases so the representa-
Contributing Writer arts@paisano-online.com
Jennifer Alejos/ The Paisano
Supporters and fans can donate Terri LeClercq’s “Prison Grivances” to prison libraries around the country.
tives’ focus can remain on real issues, such as work-related incidents that need medical attention, abuse from guards or other prisoners and mental illnesses for example. Throughout the last 10 years, prison and court administrators, attorneys and the formerly incarcerated have reviewed and approved “Prison Grievances,” and it will be available online around January 2013. Supporters of LeClercq’s cause have
the option of pledging $10 for their own copy donating copies of “Prison Grievances” to prison libraries around the country. For more information, visit < http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/240532>.
CPU will have an IBM Power-based ,multi-core processor making it faster than the old Wii. Overall, we are looking at a system that will provide the highest quality for videogames and videos that Nintendo has ever had to offer. The Wii U Game Pad controller is a notable addition to the new hardware and features. The Wii U Game Pad connects wirelessly and has a 6.2 inch touch screen interface, NFC locating capabilities, two analog sticks, a D-pad, camera, microphone, audio jack and stylus. The system itself will include builtin software like its predecessor; however, there is a noticeable change to what it comes with. Built-in software will include the Nintendo TVii, Wii U Chat, Miiverse, Internet browser, Wii Maker, and Nintendo eShop. Wii U Basic Set will cost $299.99 and comes with 8 GB of internal memory, the console and Game Pad. Wii U Deluxe will cost $349.99 and comes with a copy of Nintendo Land, 32 GB internal memory, Game Pad and console.
Nintendo 3DS XL: Improvements to the 3DS XL obviously include the 90 percent larger screen, but there is a little more to the new system than its screen. Other bigger changes include a 4 GB SD memory card, which doubles the original 3DS’s memory capability. The battery life has been improved from a 3.5 to 6.5 hour expectancy. The system is also slimmer with a matte finish. Other hardware changes include the location of the stylus, which has been placed back to a more comfortable position. The Nintendo 3DS XL will be $199.99, roughly $30 more expensive than its original 3DS counterpart.
Nintendo’s newest holiday releases Val Perez
The Wii U is the first Nintendo console to support high definition graphics.
Courtesy of Terri LeClercq
An effort to give inmates a voice and a pen
Technology is always updating, improving and changing. Sometimes, however, we have to question whether or not the newest gadget is worth upgrading from what we already have. Fans of Nintendo have a few upgrade options to consider this season, such as the Nintendo Wii U and the new Nintendo 3DS XL. Nintendo Wii U: Nintendo’s newest console seems to have a long list of improvements over its predecessor, the Nintendo Wii. First of all, the system will be backwards compatible with old Wii games. With the AMD Radeonbased High Definition Graphics Processing Unit, the Nintendo Wii U will be able to support high definition quality to both games and videos streamed on the device. Also new is the support for external USB hard drives that can provide additional storage. Another change is that the
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Local Holiday Events: Theater: “Peter Pan”
cal play. Admission is free.
$10 - $12.
Dec. 4 - 7 (8 p.m.), Dec. 8 (2 p.m & 8 p.m.), Dec. 9 (2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
Theater: “A Christmas Story”
Theater: “Bah Humbug—A OneMan Christmas Carol”
The boy who never wanted to grow up is back in the Majestic Theatre’s (224 E. Houston) production of “Peter Pan,” starring Olympic Gold Medalist, Cathy Rigby. Join Tinkerbell, Wendy and the rest of the gang in this spectacular musical for all ages. Tickets are $25-$95. For more information, visit <majesticempire.com>.
Theater: “The Pirates’ Holiday Buccaneers in Toyland” Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m. The Magik Theatre (420 S. Alamo) presents The Pirates’ Holiday Buccaneers in Toyland, a play that follows the story of Jolly Ole White Beard’s elves. Chaos follows when the elves go on strike and the Christmas Pirates take over the elf’s workshop. What will happen to the toys? Find out in this whimsi-
Through Dec. 23, Sundays (3 p.m.), Fri. Sat. (7:30 p.m.) The Woodlawn Theatre (1920 Fredericksburg Rd) presents “A Christmas Story,” the tale of Ralpie Parker and his attempt to get the best Christmas present of all—a Red Ryder B.B. gun. The production will continue until Dec. 23. Tickets are $15 - $50. For more information visit <woodlawntheatre.com>.
Theater: “Zombie Apocalypse Christmas 2012” Dec. 14 - 22, 9 p.m. The Rose Theatre Co. (11838 Wurzbach) presents the Zombie Apocalypse Christmas 2012, an R-rated comedy that follows the outbreak of zombies on judgment day 2012. Santa along with a handy machine gun and his reindeer save the day. Tickets are
Theater: “Cats”
Celebrate San Antonio’s diverse roots and history with this Christmas comedy at the Jump-Start Performance Co. (108 Blue Star). In 1731, Payaya natives of Yanaguana, King Felipe’s soldados of El Presidio de Béxar, San Antonio friars and others try to come together for a holiday feast, in spite of conflicts among them. Will Ebanazio, the selfish and bitter captain of the fort, have a timely change of heart? Tickets run from $10 to $15.
Dec. 15 - Jan. 31, Sundays (3:30 p.m.), Fri - Sat, (8 p.m.)
Theater: “Christmas Is On the Air 2012”
The Cameo Theatre (1123 E. Commerce) brings the popular musical “Cats” onto their stage. Enjoy the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, just in time for the holiday season. Tickets are $15 - $33.
Through Dec. 22, Fri - Sat. (7:30 p.m.)
Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Watch as award-winning actor J. Damian Gillen transforms into all of the beloved characters of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” in this one-man show at The Company Theatre (418 La Villita). Tickets run from $10 - $15.
Theater: “Ebanazio—A Winter’s Tale of Old San Anto”
In this comedy, the WSPR Radio crew must solve the mystery of their new owners when they take over the station. The Salado Silver Spur Theater (108 Royal Street) presents the holiday classic. Tickets are $10 - $18.
Through Dec. 16, Fri. – Sat. (8 p.m.), Sun. (3 p.m.)
Fo r t h e h o l i da y ’s f u l l c al e n dar, v i s i t : www.paisano-online.com
Theater: “Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In the Hat & Other Tales” Jan. 9 - Feb. 16, Tues.- Fri. (9:45 a.m.) Based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, the play follows the story of the mysterious cat who showed up on the doorstep of Sally and her older brother. The rambunctious character shows the children how to have fun before their mother comes home. The Magik Theatre (420 S. Alamo) presents the event for the entire month of Jan. Tickets are $10.
Theater: “Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It” Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. William Shatner takes you through his entire career—from his early stage career to his current international icon status—in this one-man show at the Majestic Theatre (208 E. Houston St.). Tickets run from $30 to $102.
Sports Roadrunners stunned in overtime Staff Writer sports@paisano-online.com On Sunday, Dec. 2 the UTSA women’s basketball team suffered an overtime buzzer beater loss, 61-60, to the Lady Dons of University of San Francisco (USF) at home in the Convocation Center. Both teams were coming off losses in their previous contests, and hoped to get back on the winning track in this early out-of-conference matchup. In the first half, the ‘Runners struggled to guard USF freshman forward Taylor Proctor who had the first seven points for the Lady Dons. UTSA was able to keep the score close through their inside game with 10 points coming from the paint. However, the ‘Runners had trouble capitalizing on scoring chances and missed five layups. Junior guard Miki Turner was the ‘Runners leading scorer in the first half with eight points followed by senior guard Simone Young with five. UTSA struggled on the boards as USF out rebounded them 16-12 in the first half. UTSA also allowed wide open shooting opportunities for USF’s Proctor and senior guard Mel Khlok who finished with nine points in the first half. UTSA swung the momentum back their way with seven minutes left in the half including two three-pointers from sophomore guard Jenny Menz pulling the ‘Runners to within two, 2729. Overall, USF kept the edge to end this half because of UTSA’s mental errors, but the score ended 33-29 before the break. “I think we did a great job getting down and scoring”, said Head Coach Rae Rippetoe-Blair speaking of UTSA’s offense. In the second half, the ‘Runners started out strong and turned the score around within the first six minutes gaining the lead, 43-39 and building on it. UTSA played much more aggres-
sive defense, especially UTSA center Whitney Wright ended the half with four blocks, two coming from the first four minutes of play. The ‘Runners had a seven point lead with five minutes left in regulation. Sophomore guard Kamra King scored 10 of her 13 points in the second half. “We just didn’t play great defense, we fell down and just didn’t cover their shooter who had most of their points” Rippetoe-Blair said about her squad’s final effort. The Lady Dons took advantage of rebounds to get within one with 33 seconds remaining. After what was thought to be the game winning free throw from Turner, USF’s Proctor was fouled with two seconds left and sunk both of those to tie the game, 53-53.
SPORTS RECAP Men’s Basketball
Full road trip recap avaliable online www.paisano-online.com Nov. 21 UTSA
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BYU 53 Nov. 29 UTSA 78 Oregon 95 Dec. 1 UTSA 52 CSU-Bakersfield 85
“As a team we just weren’t there at the end.”
Football 2012 All-WAC Football Honors
Kamra King
UTSA guard This was the first time UTSA went into overtime this season. The overtime period was an intense battle between the two teams. UTSA started out with a fast break layup from Menz, but then two consecutive missed layups from other ‘Runners gave USF the opportunity tie the game at 55-55. A jumper from Proctor put the Lady Dons up 56-57, and a foul on Khlok pushed their lead to three with 49 seconds in the game. Two clutch free throws from the charity stripe for Young and a jumper in the paint by the senior put the ‘Runners up 60-59 with only 13 seconds left. USF struggled to make a shot on their last play but with one second left on the clock, star of the night, Proctor was wide open on the baseline for an
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UTSA
Will Tallent / The Paisano
Shelby Hodges
The Paisano
December 4, 2012
First Team Triston Wade Safety
Second Team Scott Inskeep
Junior guard Miki Turner recorded 10 points and one assist in the Roadrunners overtime loss to SFU
Offensive Guard
easy jumper and crushed the ‘Runners with a 61-60 defeat. Proctor led in scoring with 21 points. “Personally I did the best I could, but as a team we just weren’t there at the end, like giving them too many free throws. We played hard but sometimes mistakes just happen,” King said about the tough loss. King recorded 13 points, four assists, one block and two steals in the overtime loss. Young and Turner were both big contributors to the ‘Runners
Franky Anaya
offense with 14 points and 10 points respectively. The ‘Runners will hit the road for their Dec. 5 matchup against Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. The Lady Frogs blew out the ‘Runners 65-30 last season. “We will have to be mentally prepared. We’re going to work hard in practice tomorrow, watch some game film and really get into it,” RippetoeBlair said.
Defensive Tackle Steven Kurfehs Linebacker Brandon Reeves Linebacker
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The Paisano
December 4, 2012