The Houstonian

Vol 114 — Issue 30

Huntsville, Texas

Thursday, January 14, 2010

WHAT’S ON THE WEB

FEATURE PRESENTATION

INDEX

Nation & World...page 4

Visit our website to participate in our latest poll or post your comments on the stories in this issue at houstonianonline.com!

James Ashworth muses about the possible return of disco back into the mainstream.

Opinions................page 2

Entertainment........page 5

SEE page 5

Campus................page 3

Sports....................page 6

New Bacterial Meningitis requirements proves costly to students The passage of Texas House Bill 4189 necessitates all students living on campus to be vaccinated.

All graphics by Jared Wolf | The Houstonian

By Jessica Priest Associate News Editor

The some 110 new students living on campus this semester may have to run out last minute to receive a bacterial meningitis vaccine now that the new Texas House Bill 4189 has taken effect.

The bill, which was passed into law by Governor Rick Perry during the last Texas Legislative session (the 81st Texas Legislature), requires that any incoming new student living on-campus must either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet criteria for declining such a vaccination before they can live on-campus.

This requirement does not

Counting

kats in Brown Bag guest

speaker to focus on upcoming census

By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Counting is important, especially when money is involved. Ten years ago this counting took place, and the time has come yet again to see how big the final number is.

The United States census is just around the corner, and the Sociology Department is hosting a Brown Bag with guest speaker Partnership Information Specialist, Paula Wright to inform students about the upcoming census and how important it is.

The event will be held on Jan. 15 in CHSS 140 from 1 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

“The discussion will include a brief overview of the upcoming 2010 Census, Census products, The American Community Survey, The Economic Census, Census data for researchers, and a question and answer session,” said Charlotte Meadows, Partnership Assistant with the United States Census and representative for SHSU. The census is a count of all the people residing in the United States. This count includes all 50 states and the US territories, such as Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, etc. The Constitution requires that a census be conducted every 10 years to keep the number up-to-date.

Students will be sent questionnaires to fill out for the census; university-housed students will be counted oncampus and off-campus — See Counting, page 4

apply to those students who have lived on campus prior to the passage of this law.

Although the Residence Life website states that all students must have their proof of vaccination or affidavit before they are allowed to move into their dorm, the time limit students must turn in their documentation will be a bit more relaxed since this is the first semester the vaccination has been required, according to the Assistant Director for Business and Operations for Residence Life Dana Grant.

Instead, Residence Life will allow those students who did not receive notification of the change in law to move into the dorm as long as they receive the vaccination and turn in their paperwork in a timely manner.

“We have been working student by student this spring,” Grant said. “Because we got our information so late, we only sent out notices in mid

this vaccination process, the SHSU Student Health Center is currently administering bacterial meningitis vaccinations to students for a fee. The

The vaccine costs anywhere “ between $90 to $103 at the Student

Health Center, according to Student Health Center Director Keith Lott.”

December and some addresses came back undeliverable.

We are working as quickly as possible. For future semesters all of this will be taken care of well before orientation.”

To aid Residence Life in

vaccine costs anywhere between $90 to $103 at the Student Health Center, according to Student Health Center Director Keith Lott.

“We’ve administered a handful this semester which

is unusual…but this is a direct result of the change in law,” Lott said.

This will not be the first time that Residence Life has worked cooperatively with the Student Health Center to combat illness across campus.

In fact, last semester the two organizations worked together to prevent the spread of the influenza virus.

“When a student had the flu, the health center would notify us and our RAs would go and check on those students and bring them food,” Grant said.

“We had an agreement with the cafeteria as well.”

The Health Center is currently offering free H1N1 vaccines for students as well.

Both the university institutions and the students who live on campus have done a good

Nightclub Nightmare Officers offer tips for students who sense danger in the dark following deadly stabbing at local hot-spot.

job preventing the spread of illness, Grant said.

“It’s ultimately up to the students to make sure they are clean,” Grant said.

Last spring Residence Life installed antibacterial stations in all the dorms. They are still encouraging students to take preventative measures against illness like covering their mouths when they cough and washing their hands regularly.

“We both (Residence Life and the Student Health Center) have the same goal, which is to keep you healthy.”

— See Vaccines, page 3

Get ready for the Kat walk

Learn how to dress to impress for success

By Kristin Meyer

By Meagan Ellsworth

Senior Reporter

Editor-in-Chief

On December 30 at 1 a.m., a deadly stabbing took place in the parking lot of Shenanigans Nightclub, leading to the death of one man, arrest of another, and the suspension of the club’s beverage permits for seven days.

John Wayne McCrary of Shepherd, 22, was found with multiple stab wounds when HPD arrived. He was transported to Huntsville Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Hermann Memorial in Houston. McCrary died during surgery at Hermann Memorial.

With the help of many investigators and citizens, HPD located and arrested Cody Ray Walters, also from Shepherd. As of now no motive has been released.

Because of this act of violence, Shenanigans had its permit to sell alcohol suspended as the police department conducted its investigation.

“There is a statue that allows for an emergency suspension for investigative purposes if there has been a stabbing, or shooting or such HPD,” Capatin Wes Altom of the Huntsville Police Department said.

HPD wrote a letter to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission requesting a suspension because they felt that there was potential for retaliation. “We knew that there were multiple players involved, they were from out-of-town and we did not have a lot of information ini-

Career Services is working up its first “From Backpack to Briefcase” Fashion Show for students to learn the do’s and don’ts of professional dress as part of the upcoming “Career Week”, set to take place in the LSC Ballroom Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The fashion show is expected to last around 15 minutes and has been designed to be relatively short, so students can stop in between classes.

Topics covered will include: interview suiting, business casual dress, job fair attire and dressing on a budget.

According to www.campusgrotto.com, “The National Center for Education Statistics reports that two thirds of all College students have student loan debt after graduation, with an average of $19,237. The median debt load is $17,120; a quarter of undergrads borrow more than $25,000, and a tenth borrow more than $35,000.

These numbers are only going to increase.”

Deep in debt, most students will look to find a job or career, but they must first face the interview and what to wear.

A college kid’s budget tends to stretch tight, so while students model the looks of Dillard’s and Men’s Warehouse at this show, Paige Andrews, Career Fair and Special Events Coordinator, said, “You can take these fashion rules and tips as rules of thumb and adapt them to any store.”

“Career Week” is an event created to meet three main needs

tially,” said Altom. “We did partment, were to always be not want any of the players to aware of your surroundings. come back until we had some “Even though this case was time to investigate.” The club most likely premeditated, you opened its doors back up on should always know what’s Jan. 7. going on around you so you The occurrence of this in- can be prepared in case anycident between 12 a.m. and thing looks suspicious,” Fitch 2 a.m. does not seem to have said. Students should also raised much controversy over park in the most well-lit area the new 2 a.m. ordinance that they can find; stay in groups was instated towards the con- (especially females) whenclusion of the semester, ex- ever possible, but especially tending the cut-off time for at night; have your car keys the sale of alcohol from 12 ready so you can get into your a.m. to 2 a.m. “I have only car quickly if necessary; have heard it as a point of discus- your cell phone out in case sion that we might be attract- you need to call 911. ing outside people because of If students find themselves the ordinance, but not much in a dangerous situation, the has been said other than that,” most important advice Fitch said Altom. gave was to not be afraid to Some safety tips for students when they go out, given

by Deputy Chief James Fitch of the University Police De- — See Nightclub, page 4

• •

• •

• • •

Be aware of your surroundings.

Stay in well lit areas & run towards people.

Stay in groups.

Have your car keys ready & be prepared to use them as a weapon.

Have your cell phone out.

Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

Instead of mace, get a whistle.

— See Kat Walk, page 4

VIEWPOINTS

Page 2 The Houstonian

WORD ON THE STREET

What is your New Year’s Resolution this year?

Njera Keith Freshman

“To keep up on news and current events.”

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Letter to the Student Body

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body.

We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor.

If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Heath Wierck Viewponts Editor haw002@shsu.edu

Mad Brad: Aesop’s Aphrodisiac Josh Gertson

Kristen Williams

Juan Nunez

Rizzo Goeyns

“To quit smoking.”

“Improve my drawing skills.”

“I’m a huge Rockets fan, so stay faithful to my sports.”

“I’m already in shape, so to get more ripped.”

Freshman

Freshman

Freshman

Senior

No meat for the mighty Lotis Butchko shares his aversion to vegetarianism and why he is going to try it out.

I hate vegetarians. Let me say that again for emphasis, I hate vegetarians.

I love steak, chicken and pork. I love the feel of tearing into a great burger, or, heck, even a good Chili Relleno.

We made it to the top of the food chain on purpose.

Cows had their chance but they were too lazy.

I think Anthony Bourdain summed it up best, “"Vegetarians, and their Hezbollah-like splinter faction, the vegans, are a persistent irritant to any chef worth a damn. To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living.”

Food is a thing of beauty, it should be enjoyed and savored with every bite.

As a former cook, I find it incredibly disrespectful when people have a special

order, “Excuse me, could you make Pempek; hold the garlic.” How can you people do that? It is designed that way for a reason!

But it doesn’t stop there,

who don’t like good food, but to try something I hate.

I, Lotis Butchko, am going vegetarian.

I hate it, I hate the idea of trying no meat, but it’s

“Food is a thing of beauty, it should be enjoyed and savored with every bite.” people always feel the need to change recipes that are perfect already by adding things. Take tex-mex for example, why would you put cheese and lettuce on tacos that are perfect with cilantro and onions?

And god help me if someone orders an item off the menu, that’s grounds for castration in the cooking world.

But the point of this column isn’t to bash people

something I have to do. I can’t figure out why people, especially younger people, love this type of menu. So here goes nothing. I, for the next three months will be a vegetarian, and will live off bean burritos and salads.

Here is where my struggle comes, I hate the vegetarian attitude, I hate when waiters take an order and those smug people stare up and say, “Oh, I am a vegetarian, what kind of food do you

offer for that?”

And now I have to be one of those people. I have to try and convince myself that lengua and barbacoa are bad foods, and that I no longer like carnitas. Does this sound like a world you would want to live in?

And if it does, how do you do it? How do you manage to stay away from the beauty that is Tacos al pastor?

I am now embarking on my journey, and if you have any recipes that don’t involve tofu send them to The Houstonian, I will definitely try them and write about it.

As for now, all I can say is god help me.

Lotis Butchko is the Senior Editor for The Houstonian.

He is a Junior Print Journalism major, English minor.

Students are for learning Chris Marek talks about the annoyance of certain students and their disruptive behavior Humility is beautiful thing.

You know that person in class that is so sure they are the smartest person in existence, or at least somewhere near it?

That’s the topic of the day.

Oh, here is one of them now, “Alright, so what would [whoever we are studying] say about [something irrelevant though I am unaware of that fact]?” The biggest problem isn’t what he or she is saying alone, but that coupled with “how” he or she says it—with that air of superiority and overconfidence that suggests that he or she has studied this topic for decades and decades and has written five dissertations on it and the professor couldn’t possibly know more than him or her.

First of all, your professor is probably a doctor and has studied this field immensely for years and years (likely for decades and decades).

Secondly, you are an intrinsically inferior undergraduate who has taken three or four classes in this field and you’ve coupled that with your extreme knowledge of Star Trek and Nickelback and

now suddenly you think you are reinventing the discussion of whatever topic you are belittling with your ironically condescending questioning of it.

Thirdly, you are a student, your professor is your teacher.

by signing up for a class in college, we are admitting that there is something lacking in our knowledge.

A student could easily feel defeated by hearing those pointless question/comments, but it is more likely that, in

“A student could easily feel defeated by hearing those pointless question/comments...”

If you want to try and rival someone in your talents, go back home and start up your World of Warcraft troll and take it out on the Alliance (probably because you feel like you are too “different” to ever join with the the clean-cut, heroic-looking side—you’re above that, of course). There you will find your equals in intellectual combat. Let the rest of us learn. Learn. Learn.

That’s what we are there to do.

There is a reason debate is a club, not a class.

Moreover, there is the fact that other students are distracted by such intellectual self-promotion, whether it be real or a façade, because

their annoyance with those types of students, they will simply recoil at the thought of classes to come, or college in general. I even wonder how some of our professors react psychologically to such disruption. In attempting (and probably failing) to do the professor’s job for him or her, these haughty students are pushing the other students and their professors away from one another; thus the purpose of school is diminished.

Also, there are times when the professor is lecturing and will say something like, “None of the pre-Socratic thinkers would find peace of mind in the thought of the

day. There was more focus on the elements of nature and the questioning of the rudimentaries of science rather than a study of determinism,” and suddenly this type of student snaps out of his or her idiotic reverie and nods his or her head instinctually simply at hearing the word determinism, basically admitting: “I heard the word determinism; I know what that word means; everybody look at me understanding this word.” Stop. We get it, we see it, and we hate it. And if you don’t get it, see it, or hate it, you probably do it.

Let’s learn some humility, fellow students. What do we all really know? Maybe we will get there, but it is all right to admit that we have a way to go in our intellectual development.

Trust your professors, not your Wikipedia-cursed brains.

Chris Marek is a guest columnist for The Houstonian.

He is a Senior with a double major in English and Philosphy.

Brad Basker ponders about the different types of bedtime rituals There are certain things that people do before they go to bed every night. Many pray to the Lord, while others enjoy the dull illumination of a television screen lulling them into hours of comatose.

For me it’s a combination of things that gets me in the mood for a good night’s rest. I pray and repent for all of the unsavory things I’ve done, and usually fall asleep to my latest iTunes play list.

(Lately I’ve had Diana Krall in rotation. Good stuff.)

But there is one nightly ritual that has been missing from my life.

I have felt the need for a good bedtime story. The art of story telling captures imaginations, inspires dreams and can be the perfect night cap. I like to think that all across America every child gets tucked into bed and falls to sleep at the sounds of their parent’s voice reading from an exciting story. But, I think that the cliché bedtime-story scenario is made for Hollywood, because I don’t remember it every going that way for me.

I remember wetting the bed. I remember my mom coming into the room to whip me because I was playing after she had turned the lights off. I remember dreaming about Pamela Anderson. But, I don’t remember getting tucked in, with the sheets up to my chinnychin-chin, and my mother sitting in a rocking chair reading Aesop’s Fables to

me.

I started reading at a really young age, so maybe I never needed to be read to.

But, as I go to sleep these days I wonder what I missed out on. I have tried reading for myself at night, but it just doesn’t have the same effect as someone serenading me to sleep with strong verbs and diction.

Bedtime stories shouldn’t stop because we get older.

They should just evolve.

Wouldn’t be awesome if a married couple took turns reading to each other?

They each would have their set nights of the week, and could choose the books they wanted to hear read.

I’m getting excited just thinking about it. Not only would I be getting my literary satisfaction, but for me a woman reading is like an aphrodisiac. After my wife gets done reading 20 pages of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I don’t think I would be in the mood to sleep. I think I would want to express to her my literary critique on the vernacular of the Victorian Era novels.

In an unabridged thesis of course.

I want someone to read to me, and they better be good at it.

Brad Basker is a recurring columnist for The Houstonian. He is a Senior Public Relations major, Spanish minor.

The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.

The Houstonian Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Patsy Ziegler.....................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Lotis Butchko....................................................................Senior Joe Buvid.............................................................................Photo Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate Heath Wierck..............................................................Viewpoints Mike Silva...........................................................................Sports Kevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment Thomas Merka...................................................................Web Amanda Earp.......................................................................Copy

Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor

STAFF Kristin Meyer.................................................................Senior Reporter Brandon Scott.................................................................Sports Reporter John Rudolph.......................................................................Photographer Krystal Jackson.............................................................Photographer Jared Wolf....................................................................................Graphics

Advertising BUSINESS MANAGER Tammie Nokes.................................................................936-294-1500 STAFF Brittaney Pires.....................................................Advertising Manager

Advertising Deadlines

Tuesday’s Issue............... Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday’s Issue........... Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.

CAMPUS

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Big Plans for SGA

Vice President Lance Weaver discusses SGA’s plans for the spring semester

By Amanda Earp Copy Editor

The Student Government Association has various programs and initiatives that will be put in effect this semester.

“This semester we are going to be working hard to push forward with our T-Shirt Exchange program through Student Affairs and further our Recycling Program through University Affairs,” Vice President Lance Weaver said.

SGA and the President’s Office are trying to promote school spirit by beginning the T-Shirt Exchange program. Senators of SGA will be going to select places on campus throughout the semester and offer shirts in exchange for shirts or other paraphernalia from other schools.

The University Affairs

From Vaccines page 1

Students can find SHSU Meningitis Vaccination form online at http://www. shsu.edu/~hou_www/. All forms may be returned to the Residence Life office or be sent by mail to the Department of Residence Life Box 2416, Huntsville TX 77341-2416.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Bacterial Meningitis is a serious and potentially deadly disease that can progress very quickly.

It is the inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms include high fever, rash or purple patches

Committee has received permission to place recycling bins in residence halls and they are currently searching for bins that meet the specifications of Residence Life.

“The next step of the recycling project will be to have bins in the academic buildings,” Weaver said.

University Affairs is also working on a project called Bearkat All Paws In, which will be held at the end of March or beginning of April.

This is a service event designed to disperse students, faculty, and other participants in places around campus and Huntsville that are in need of service.

External Affairs is planning on working with different businesses in the Huntsville area to offer more discounts to students.

“Being on a tight budget in these current economic conditions the Student Government and External Afon skin, light sensitivity, confusion and sleepiness, lethargy, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, nausea, and seizures.

For more information on Bacterial Meningitis, please visit http://www.shsu.edu/ info.html.

To schedule an appointment with the Student Health Center or inquire about the bacterial meningitis vaccine or the H1N1 vaccine, please call (936) 294 – 1805 or visit http://www. shsu.edu/~uhc_www/.

For the entire text of the Texas House Bill 4189, please visit http://legis. state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/ billtext/html/HB04189F. htm.

fairs Committee understands the sensitive nature of our disposable income and is working to offer incentives to continue working with our local businesses,” Weaver said.

Internal Affairs is focusing on continuing the Town Hall Meetings that began happening last semester in the different colleges on campus.

According to Weaver, the meetings are there to ensure that students interact with their senators.

Created just before the winter break, the Public Relations Committee is working on promoting SGA and ensuring representation of underrepresented organizations and colleges.

For more information on the Student Government Association, please visit http://www. shsu.edu/~org_sga/ or call (936) 294-1938.

The Houstonian, Page 3

Re v i e w Accepting L iter ar y Submissi ons

By Jennifer Gaunt SHSU Public Relations

The Sam Houston State Review, the literary journal of SHSU, is accepting submissions for its 2009-10 issue.

The review publishes short stories, poetry and essays by SHSU students, alumni, faculty and staff.

“There are storytellers and poets all around the university community, writing in classes and outside of classes, filling notebooks and computer files,” said English assistant professor Scott Kaukonen. “We’d like to give those writers a chance to share their work with more than their Facebook friends and to give them more than 140 characters’ worth of space to do so.”

Submissions are read and evaluated by students in Kaukonen’s English 383 “Practicum in Publishing” course, comprised mostly of English majors and

creative writing minors who help determine the best submissions in each genre. Those selected will be published in the review in late April.

“It’s really exciting to read submissions from other students, and I often find myself surprised in a good way,” said senior practicum student Johnna Reynolds.

Writers whose works are accepted for publication are also invited to read at the review’s annual release party, held at the end of the spring semester.

Individual authors may submit one work of fiction and/or one essay and up to five poems, though no more than three poems will be published by any single author. The journal is also seeking artwork for the cover.

“We’re seeking stories, poems, and essays that are fresh and vital and urgent, the kind of literary work we want to push upon our friends,” Kaukonen

said. “We want to be able to say, ‘Here, you have to read this.’ The same applies to the cover art.

We want something that catches our attention.”

Submissions may be submitted electronically, as Microsoft Word attachments, to shsureview@yahoo. com or mailed to the SHSU Review, c/o The Department of English, PO Box 2146, 1901 University Ave., Huntsville, TX, 77341.

The SHSU Review also has its own Facebook page (SHSU Review).

The submission deadline is Feb. 1.

For more information, contact Kaukonen, review faculty adviser, at 936.294.1407 or kaukonen@shsu. edu; Bonnie-Jean Kalina, at bkk002@ shsu.edu; or Johnna Reynolds, at jnr003@shsu.edu.

R O T C C o m m i s s i o n s T h r e e At Wi n t e r C e r e m o n y

By Jennifer Gaunt SHSU Public Relations

Three SHSU cadets joined the ranks of second lieutenants in the U.S. Army on Dec. 18 during the Bearkat Battalion’s winter commissioning ceremony.

Commissioned during the ceremony were Marlena Murillo-Guerra, Mark J. Richardson and James D. Walston.

Houston native Guerra, who graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree in biology, enlisted in the U.S. Army in Decem-

ber 2003 and served in the Army Reserves before coming to SHSU. As a member of the Simultaneous Membership Program with the 1002nd Quartermaster Company Detachment 1 in Pasadena, Guerra earned the Army Achievement Medal.

She requested and received an active duty commission as a medical service corps officer, and her first duty assignment will be in Korea.

Richardson, from Driftwood, entered SHSU’s ROTC program and received a two-and-a-half year Army ROTC schol-

arship after successfully completing the Leader’s Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice, with minors in both psychology and military science.

Richardson requested and received an active duty commission and will serve as an Army ordnance corps officer, with his first duty assignment at Fort Lee, Va. A Spring native, Walston enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on active duty as a medic for almost

two years and graduated from basic training and advanced individual training in the top 10 percent of his class.

Walston graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in both finance and banking/financial institutions. He also graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate in Military Science.

He requested and received an active duty commission as a finance corps officer and will serve his first duty assignment at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Page 4 The Houstonian

Haiti-Earthquake-Aid

NATION & WORLD From Kat Walk page 1

the center has seen among our students and will be held from January 19-22, 2010 “The first is to provide students with marketable skills necessary to compete in the slowly recovering job market,” Andrews said.

Secondly, she said since students today are so busy these days and attending multiple workshops offered by the center is not always possible, Career Services “ want-

(AP) Rescuers from the Brignoles UIISC 7 Instruction and Intervention Unit board a plane before taking off for Haiti from the Istres military base, 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Marseille, southern France, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010. A 7.0-magnitude earthquake, the largest ever recorded in the area, rocked Haiti on Tuesday.

US, globe rush rescue, relief workers to Haiti (AP) President Barack Obama dispatched military troops and an air and sea flotilla to speed earthquake relief to Haiti on Wednesday, and governments from China to Venezuela rushed to help with aid and rescue workers, as well. Obama said the world's help was critical to deal with a "cruel and incomprehensible" tragedy.

The massive effort to alleviate the spiraling toll of death and destruction kicked in as the devastation from Tuesday's magnitude-7.0 quake revealed itself. Haitian officials predicted a death total of staggering proportions.

U.S. officials were checking reports of at least three deaths of Americans in Haiti.

State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley said few of the estimated 45,000 Americans living in the country had been able to communicate with U.S. officials and verify they were safe and sound.

The United States set in motion a sweeping military response that included ships, helicopters, transport planes and possibly a 2,000-member Marine unit.

Gen. Douglas Fraser, head of U.S. Southern Command, said one of the Navy's large amphibious ships probably would head to Haiti with a Marine expeditionary unit aboard. An Army brigade, which would include several thousand soldiers, from the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, N.C., was standing by for possible

part of a military assessment team landed in Haiti Wednesday evening, with the rest of the team en route. The team is tasked with determining what military resources are needed to respond to the disaster.

The initial contingent of 2,000 Marines could pitch in with both emergency aid distribution and law enforcement in support of a small U.N. peacekeeping force already there, Fraser said. The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson also was heading from Norfolk, Va., and should arrive Thursday afternoon.

Obama put newly appointed USAID administrator Rajiv Shah in overall charge of the American effort. He said the initial response would concentrate on search and rescue operations but would also look at longer-term humanitarian needs. Two 72-member American urban search and rescue teams were on their way, transported by military and civilian airlift.

"The goal of the relief effort in the first 72 hours will be very focused on saving lives," Shah told reporters.

To ease the crushing burden on Haiti's flimsy government and police apparatus, the U.S. announced it had suspended deportation of Haitians in the United States illegally.

The United Nations has released $10 million from its emergency funds, even as U.N. workers and peacekeeping troops on the island nation at the time of the quake struggled with their own

(AP) Girls cry as a little girl is removed from the rubble, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, in Port-AU-Prince, Haiti. Tuesday’s quake left a landscape of collapsed buildings — hospitals, schools, churches, ramshackle homes, even the gleaming national palace — the rubble sending up a white cloud that shrouded the entire capital.

deployment, he said.

Fraser said it was possible that some military personnel would aid in security, bolstering Haiti's beleaguered police, but final decisions on their use had not yet been made. A C-130 plane carrying

From Counting

page 1 students will have their questionnaires sent to their home addresses.

The data received will then determine how much federal money a state and community will be rewarded. “Census data guides local decisionmakers in important community planning efforts, including where to build new roads, hospitals, child-care, senior citizen centers, schools and more,” said Meadows.

“Census data affects your voice in Congress by determining how many seats each state will have

losses. The U.N. headquarters building collapsed, and the reported death toll there was mounting.

"We'll be using whatever roads are passable to get aid to Port-au-Prince, and if possible we'll bring helicopters

in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

The census affects students in that the correct number residents will determine how much federal money the community receives. “It is very important that students fill out their questionnaire so that they are counted as part of Huntsville, so Huntsville will receive more federal dollars,” said Meadows.

“Students benefit because federal dollars can be used by schools for financial aid, building new buildings, hiring more teachers, etc.”

Refreshments will be provided at the Brown Bag event and a lot of

in," said Emilia Casella, a spokeswoman for the U.N. food agency in Geneva. Its 200 staff in Haiti were trying to deliver high-energy biscuits and other supplies, despite looting and the threat of violence in a nation long plagued by lawlessness.

The American Red Cross ran out of medical supplies on the ground in Haiti, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The small amount of medical equipment and supplies that were available to Haiti had been distributed, spokesman Eric Porterfield said. More were being sent, but he said he did not know when they would be arriving.

Across the globe, governments and aid groups were sending sniffer dogs to search for victims. They also were sending food and tons of emergency medical aid.

The sheer number of dead bodies was expected to pose a problem. The World Health Organization said it had sent specialists to help clear the city of corpses, and the International Red Cross was sending a plane Thursday loaded mainly with body bags.

Sixty-five rubble-clearing specialists and six sniffer dogs left France on Wednesday, while Spain dispatched three planeloads of rescuers and 100 tons of tents, blankets and cooking kits. Israel was sending in an elite Army rescue unit of engineers and doctors.

A military reconnaissance team from Canada was arriving aboard a C-130 transport plane to assess the need for mosquito nets, basic household goods, tents and sanitation packages.

One of the first teams expected to arrive in Haiti was a 37-member search-and-rescue unit from Iceland, along with 10 tons of rescue equipment.

The Irish telecommunications company Digicel said it would donate $5 million to aid agencies and help repair Haiti's damaged phone network.

Doctors Without Borders said it had treated hundreds in tents near where its Martissant health center was damaged.

The injuries include broken bones and some severe burns from domestic gas containers that exploded in collapsed buildings. It said hundreds more Haitians were being treated in tents elsewhere.

Canada planned an initial donation of $4.8 million, with more aid to flow after reports to Ottawa by military reconnaissance team.

China pitched in with a pledge of $1 million, while the European Commission has approved $4.37 million.

European Union member states Spain, the Netherlands and Germany promised millions more.

information about the census will also be up for grabs.

If you cannot attend the event and would like to have a Census representative come and talk to you or your organization, contact Charlotte Meadows, Walker County Partnership Assistant, at cmeadows2010@ gmail.com or 936-2459159.

ed to give students a ‘one stop shopping’ opportunity via the MOCK Career Fair where they could quickly go through and get the information they need.”

“Finally, the last reason is that there has been an expressed interest from employers to provide our students with current standards for interview attire, as well as the skills to effectively communicate with potential employers.” Andrews said. “Our goal for “Career Week” is the same goal we have every day at Career Services, to provide

Thursday,January 14, 2010

a convenient and effective means for students and alumni of Sam to gain job search skills current to today’s market.”

For more information about “Career Week” events and other services provided

by Career Services: Phone: (936) 294-1713 Email: careerservices@ shsu.edu h t t p : / / w w w. s h s u . edu/~ccp_www/

LA anti-gang activist granted $2M bail (AP) — After a lengthy legal fight, an anti-gang activist accused of still participating in gang life by ordering a hit on a rival was granted $2 million bail on Wednesday, despite objections by federal prosecutors that he could flee to his native El Salvador.

After a closed hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Manuel Real granted bail — to be paid half in sureties and half in real estate — to Alex Sanchez, founder of the anti-gang organization Homies Unidos.

“It shows what we’ve been saying: Alex is not a threat to the community and Alex is not a flight risk,” said Sanchez’s younger brother Oscar Sanchez.

Oscar Sanchez said relatives and supporters, who include former state Sen. Tom Hayden, have already pledged $2.5 million in sureties and properties, and his brother could be freed in about a week after paperwork is processed.

“We trust in him,” Oscar Sanchez said. “He’s an asset to the community, not the danger they say he is.”

U.S. attorney’s office spokesman Thom Mrozek said he could not comment because the hearing was not public and transcripts were ordered sealed.

A former member of the brutal Mara Salvatrucha “MS-13” gang, Sanchez lat-

er disavowed gang life and became one of Los Angeles’ best known gang interventionists who work to steer youth away from violence.

Law enforcement officials, however, said the 37year-old father of three was leading a double life as an active leader of an MS-13 faction in central Los Angeles.

He was arrested last summer on a federal racketeering indictment based on wiretaps in which he allegedly ordered the murder of a troublemaker, Walter “Camaron” Lacinos, who was found dead in a Salvadoran beach town.

Sanchez’s arrest stunned his supporters, who have rallied to his defense, saying Sanchez’s gang slang in phone calls was misinterpreted and that he is being railroaded.

Real had ordered Sanchez held without bail, but the judge was ordered by an appellate court to rehear Sanchez’s petition.

At Real’s request, prosecutors on Wednesday called three law enforcement officers who are experts in gang crime to testify about Sanchez’s alleged continued involvement with MS-13.

The government’s witness list filed with the court Tuesday identified Los Angeles Police Capt. Justin Eisenberg; FBI Special Agent Robert W. Clark and

Los Angeles City Attorney gang division head Bruce K. Riordan as the experts.

At a hearing last week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Carpenter said Sanchez posed a flight risk because he has ties to the MS-13 in El Salvador who would help him, even though Sanchez was granted political asylum based on threats against his life in the Central American country.

As proof, she cited the wiretapped phone calls that Sanchez made to associates in El Salvador.

“He is not actually in danger in El Salvador,” Carpenter said.

She added that although Sanchez has removed visible gang tattoos, he still has an “MS-13” tattoo on his chest.

Sanchez’s attorney Kerry Bensinger argued that the wiretaps recorded Sanchez trying to mediate a gang dispute by suggesting that Lacinos be isolated from the rest of the gang. Sanchez was not talking to a hitman, as prosecutors allege, but to another inactive gang member, the lawyer said.

Bensinger noted that Sanchez’s last felony conviction was in 1994, and more than 100 people submitted letters to Real attesting to Sanchez’s character. Bensinger did not return phone calls for comment Wednesday.

Krystal Jackson | The Houstonian

“ To p r e v e n t y o u r s e l f f r o m b e c o m i n g a v i c t i m , check out the self-defense classes that SHSU has to offer or look up some moves online.”

From Nightclub page 1

yell for help. “A lot of the times, people are afraid that if they scream for help, the attacker will come after them whereas most will run actually away,” Fitch said.

“If you need to run, be sure to run towards people or to a well lit area.”

Always be wary of people lurking around by themselves, because most criminals work alone, so steer clear of any suspicious people.

As far as items to carry on your person, Fitch warned against mace for the act that, if not trained, the mace can actually work against you because you might get a

face full of it yourself if the wind is blowing. A whistle is a good object, but that can just be substituted for a loud scream. Most people do not know this, but if you put your car keys between your fingers, those keys can

become a weapon if necessary.

To prevent yourself from becoming a victim, check out the self-defense classes that SHSU has to offer or look up some moves online.

You can never be too safe.

Smither Company .com

1 & 2 & 3 BEDROOM LOFTS, HOUSES, APARTMENTS Visit Our Website For All Listings

936-291-1466 1416 Sam Houston Ave

Thursday, January 14, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

The Houstonian, Page 5

MUSIC SPOT

Disco isn’t dead, it’s just been on vacation James Ashworth

Contributing Writer

Music critics have said that disco died July 12th, 1979 with the “Disco Demolition Night”. The “demolition” was a promotional event held during a Chicago White Sox game in Comiskey Park. Baseball fans brought in disco records to trade for reduced ticket prices at the twilight doubleheader. In between the two games, all of the records were shoved into a crate and detonated with explosives.

This was supposedly the night disco died.

Jump forward to December 18th, 2009 and it appears that disco is anything but dead. Judging by Red Bull 45s, an event held at Houston’s Warehouse Live, dance and club music has evolved to new heights. After attending this event, it is clear that my generation embraces funk and disco music from the past.

Red Bull 45s is a musical competition similar to the Red Bull Sound Clash. The difference in Red Bull 45s is that it places DJs against each other instead of bands. Four DJs are chosen and dispersed into separate corners of a room.

As the competition begins, DJs spin music from 45s, a 7 inch vinyl record. The DJs emphasize their set lists on 1960s-70s funk and disco singles. After one DJ finishes a three to five minute set, the next performer in the adjacent corner will start their set.

The trick is that the DJs have to match the beat from the previous performer. Also, they have to operate without any beat matching programs. It was a test of wits for the turntablists. Entertaining at Warehouse Live were DJs CeePlus Bad Knives, DJ Brett Koshkin, John Doe, The Are, and DJ Sun. Headlining was Cut Chemist, an artist famous for being a member of Jurassic 5.

The floor at the Warehouse was packed with 1000 attendees with few people over 30 years old, providing a youthful vibe that transcended the club. As the needle hit the groove on the 45s, the unity of the music seemed to penetrate audience’s senses. I witnessed break dancing,

booty clapping, and funky moves on the dance floor. I even saw a participant pull off a back flip, which was quite impressive.

To complement the dancing, the DJs spun music that harmonized with the mood of the night. I heard everything from Rick James’ “Super Freak” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” to Queen’s “Under Pressure”, but the nostalgia didn’t end there. DJ The Are spun one of my favorite pop songs of all time: the Talking Heads “Once in a Lifetime”. Though the other DJs were entertaining on an aesthetic level, everyone was buzzing about headliner Cut

Disco Demolition Night. It was originally believed that Comiskey Park saw the end of disco on July 12, 1979 until Red Bull 45 came along.

The Houstonian Golden Globe Picks

Best Motion Picture-Drama

Best Motion PictureMusical or Comedy

Chemist. Cut, whose real name is Lucas MacFadden, truly embodies the philosophical meaning of “turntablism”.

He approaches the turntables like a painter would handle a brush. His technique is distant from the mainstream.

Likewise, he is innovative in the sense that he isn’t afraid to experiment. He is a founding member of hip-hop group Jurassic 5 and Latin funk arrangement Ozomatli. As a solo artist, he has toured with Shakira. Luckily, I had a chance to speak with him.

During my interview, Cut expressed a strong interest in Ethiopian, Arabic, and Brazilian music. In particular, he liked Latin samba, jazz, and bossa nova. I asked him about his early influences, which were as diverse as his tastes. He is influenced by Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, and performance artist Laurie Anderson. Besides DJing, Cut has picked up piano, guitar, and drums over the years.

He has steadily been working on the follow up to his 2006 album, The Audience’s Listening. About his next album, Cut explained, “Fatboy Slim influence and will be more punk rock and aggressive in style”. His goal is to incorporate world music, especially that of indigenous Africa. He noted that this unnamed album could be released by mid-2010. When I asked Cut about what he would play that night, he said it would include mixes from this new album. Besides new mixes, his set also highlighted obscure funk bands like Apple and the 3 Oranges. Displaying obscure music is important to Cut. “It’s my job as a DJ to expose people to new music,” he explained. I just wish more successful musicians shared this sentiment.

Overall, Red Bull 45s was a night of dancing and fun.

I would recommend this event to anyone who hasn’t seen professional DJs live. It’s a great opportunity to watch the complexities of spinning records. Having never been to a DJ competition, I found Red Bull 45s to be an enlightening experience. Please visit www.rebbullusa.com for events or go to www.cutchemist.com for more information about the artist.

Box Office Winners 1. Avatar, $48.5 million one week, $429.0 million overall 2. Sherlock Holmes, $16.6 million one week, $165.2 million overall 3. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakqual, $16.3 million one week, $178.2 million overall 4. Daybreakers, $15.0 million one week, $15.0 million overall 5. It’s Complicated, $11.0 million one week, $76.4 million overall 6. Leap Year, $9.2 million one week, $9.2 million overall 7. The Blind Side, $7.8 million one week, $219.2 million overall 8. Up in the Air, $7.1 million one week, $54.7 million overall 9. Youth in Revolt, $7.0 million one week, $7.0 million overall 10. The Princess and the Frog, $4.7 million one week, $92.6 million overall

SPORTS

Page 6 The Houstonian

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Bearkats Smash Lumberjacks Left: Gilberto Clavell handles a Stephen F. Austin player on his way to Southland player of the week honors.

Bottom: Justen Crow works his way down the court. Crow had 14 rebounds against the Lumberjacks.

Sam Houston beats Stephen F. Austin 66-57 in conference opener Brandon Scott Staff Reporter

The Bearkat basketball team protected the house last Saturday when they hosted archrival, Stephen F. Austin at Johnson Coliseum. In the Southland Conference opener, the Bearkats stomped the Lumberjacks, 66-57, before a crowd of 1,564.

Transfer forward Gilberto Clavell scored 13 of his game-high 21 points in the second half and added 12 rebounds. Josten Crow led the team with 14 boards, which matched his point total.

While the dynamic backcourt of Sam Houston struggled offensively, the collective defensive effort led to the win that snapped a two-game losing streak for the Bearkats (9-5, 1-0). The Lumberjacks (10-4, 0-1) entered the contest on a four-game winning streak, having won nine of their last 10.

In the first meeting of the season between Sam Houston and SFA, both teams tussled throughout the entire game, which saw 16 lead changes.

“It is real important to get off to a good start in conference,” Crow said. “Last year they hung one on us, so we had it on our mind for a little while.”

Sam Houston’s stingy defense held SFA without a field goal in the final 7:02 of the

game. Point guard Ashton Mitchell, who shot only 3-11 from the field for 11 points, led the team with nine assists and four steals.

Perhaps his most timely steal came when he stripped the ball from Eric Bell and raced down the court for a layup, extending the Bearkat lead to 59-51 with 3:12 remaining.

Extra possessions were important for the Bearkats in a game where their will to win outmatched the opponent’s. Sam Houston outrebounded SFA on the offensive end, 11-7. The Bearkats dominated in fast break points, outscoring the Lumberjacks 10-0.

Sam Houston scored 16 points off of 12 SFA turnovers and controlled the pace of the game.

Sam Houston received contributions off the bench from guard Lance Pevehouse, who hit two big three-pointers in the first half and finished with eight points. Preston Brown scored six points and Antuan Bootle added four points. The Bearkat’s oft leading scorer, Corey Allmond, scored his only bucket of the game with three minutes left in the first half.

SFA shot 40 percent from the field and an abysmal two of 16 from behind the arc.

Guard Eddie Williams led the Lumberjacks with 20 points, shooting 50 percent from the field and perfect from the free throw line.

Clavell, who was also heavily recruited

by SFA, carried the offensive load for the Bearkats in his first Division I Conference

game. He scored 10 straight points for Sam Houston, including two free throws that put his team up 46-45 in the second half.

Along with his solid shooting performance, Clavell added a game-high of five offensive rebounds en route to earning his second Southland Conference men’s basketball player of the week honors.

“We had great practices all week,” Clavell said. “Five straight practices playing hard and we were ready. We were mentally tough, ready and came to play.”

The Bearkats are back on the winning

Photos courtesy of Brian Blalock track after tough consecutive losses on the road. Sam Houston was defeated in a blowout to Wright State last month before losing to Western Michigan on a gamewinning shot.

Crow admitted the team had been inconsistent with their recent play. “It’s time to put that to rest and get this conference started the right way,” Crow said. “I know that as a team we can get it done.”

Sam Houston returns to action this Saturday when they visit Southeastern Louisiana at 3 p.m.

Upcoming Bearkat Basketball Home Schedule Men’s Basketball

Born to be a Bearkat

Photos courtesy of Sports Information

Willie Fritz named new head coach at Sam Houston State Brandon Scott Staff Reporter

The Bearkats’ new football coach shows a familiar face at Sam Houston State.

Willie Fritz, who was announced as the new head coach on Dec. 18, worked as a graduate assistant for the football teams in 1984 and 1985.

He later served as the secondary and special teams coach in 1991 and 1992, helping to build a prolific special teams reputation that lasted throughout the 90s.

After 13 seasons as head coach of the University of Central Michigan, Fritz left as the winningest coach in the school’s history (97-47) with 12 winning seasons. Fritz led Central Michigan to its first post-season appearance in 32 years when it won the 2001 Mineral Water Bowl.

“He is a proven motivator

and recruiter,” SHSU athletic director Bobby Williams said in an announcement. “I’ve seen Willie on the sideline, in the locker room, breaking down film, and on the recruiting trail and know first-hand of his work ethic, enthusiasm, integrity and ability.”

Fritz was an instant success as a head coach when he took over the struggling Blinn College football program in 1993.

In the three seasons prior to Fritz’s arrival, Blinn won a total of five games.

Fritz turned the program around in just four seasons, winning two national junior college championships with a 39-5-1 record.

Last Wednesday, Fritz announced that safeties coach Ben Beasley would remain on the SHSU coaching staff as the secondary coach.

Fritz appointed former Central Michigan wide receivers coach Jeff Conway as the recruiting coordinator.

Conway will also assume wide receiver coaching duties.

Fritz and Conway worked together as graduate assistants for Sam Houston in the 80s and continued their working relationship at Blinn and Central Michigan.

At the press conference held last month to introduce Fritz as the head coach, Fritz talked about his goals for the Bearkat football program both on and off the field.

“Our number one goal is to be the best students they can be,” Coach Fritz said.”I can’t lose sight of the fact that the number one goal for all of our student-athletes is to get their degree.

“I also want to make sure that I lead the guys in the right direction. I really want to make sure that our guys leave here a better person than when they came in. Last, but not least, we want to make sure we do all these things the right way.”

Wed, Jan 20 Wed, Jan 27 Wed, Feb 3 Sat, Feb 6

Texas State Lamar UTSA Central Arkansas

Women’s Basketball Sat, Jan 16 Southern Louisiana Sat, Jan 23 UT-Arlington Sat, Jan 30 A&M-Corpus Christi Wed, Feb 10 Nicholls