Volume 126 - Issue 29

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

Volume 126 | Issue 29

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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

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Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrated

Groups unite for Dream Day SEAN SMITH Campus Culture Editor

Four campus organizations came together Monday to promote unity at the second annual Dreams Day. The Exceptional Men of the Talented Tenth, Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha hosted the event at the gazebo near Pritchett Field, where speeches and discussions were held prior to a party with music and refreshments.

Sean Reed, president of the Talented Tenth, said the events goal was to promote unity.

“This is a unity event between four major male organizations on

campus: the Talented Tenth, the Theta Rho Sigmas, Omega Psi Phi and the Alphas,” Reed said. “We just wanted to unite like Martin Luther King Jr. would have wanted back in the movement.”

Reed said the topics discussed at the event revolved around how King’s actions affected society, both past and present.

“We started the program with a brief ceremony where we talked about his life and his legacy and the history of MLK,” Reed said.

“Then, we talked about things going on today in society and touched on why we marched and why we do the things that we do and some things for the future…

How to become a leader and how we need to lead our people in the right direction.”

Reed said the holiday is a time of remembrance for King’s legacy and its importance to this day.

“The most important part is just remembering what he fought for and what he stood for and not forgetting,” Reed said. “I feel like so many people have forgotten that because they feel like it was so long ago when in reality, it wasn’t that long ago. Just not forgetting by continuing to bring it up and keeping it relevant. The same things he fought for back in the day are things that are still going on that have just changed.”

Dreams Day is an annual event and Reed said the groups have plans to hold the event next year for the third consecutive year.

Brynn Castro | The Houstonian

CELEBRATE. A Dream Day participant dances on the gazebo stage next to Pritchett field during the event held by several organizations yesterday.

How the rev. got his day HANNAH ZEDAKER Associate Editor For the last 29 years, the United States has observed a federal holiday in honor of the minister each year on the third Monday in January.

On Aug. 28, 1963 at 3:00 p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered an impromptu, 16 minutelong speech in front of more than 200,000 demonstrators.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Well known for his social activism, King played an important role in achieving landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In addition to his famous speech at the March on Washington, King also took part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and actively sought equal rights for Americans of all racial and socio-economic backgrounds through peaceful protests until his assassination in 1968.

However, aside from the accolades and quotable tidbits of King’s memorable speech, how many observers of this annual holiday actually know how the day many view as just another day off of work and/or school, actually came to be?

Four days after King’s assassination, Congressman John Conyers, a democrat from Michigan was the first to introduce legislation recommending a federal holiday in honor of the Baptist minister.

When the bill was stalled, a petition endorsing the holiday containing six million signatures was submitted to Congress hoping to propel the legislation forward.

Spearheaded by Conyers and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a democrat from New York, the two representatives resubmitted the legislation each subsequent legislative session hoping to eventually establish a day of commemoration.

In addition to the petition, musician Stevie Wonder added his support of the holiday with the release of his single “Happy Birthday” in 1980.

“I just never understood how a man who died for good could not have a day that would be set aside for his recognition. Because it should never be just because some cannot see the dream as clear as he that they should make it become an illusion. And we all know everything that he stood for time will bring for in peace our hearts will sing thanks to Martin Luther King.”

The bill was finally endorsed in 1976 and became a law in 1983.

The federal holiday was first observed in 1986 however it was not celebrated by all 50 states until the year 2000.

Brynn Castro | The Houstonian

ANNUAL HOMAGE. Members of Omega Psi Phi dance in front of a large crowd to celebrate the life and legacy of MLK. This is the second year the event has occured.

Keynote to highlight suffrage fight SEAN SMITH Campus Culture Editor The Sam Houston State University department of history will present “Why the Voting Rights Act Still Matters,” a Martin Luther King Jr. Day keynote address featuring a guest speaker.

Albert Broussard, Ph.D, professor of history at Texas A&M University, will headline the event reflecting the significance of the Voting Rights act of 1965.

Bernadette Pruitt, Ph.D, associate professor of history at Sam Houston State University, said the event will present the important legacy of the civil rights movement.

“Dr. Albert Broussard’s lecture will remind our community and university that the Modern Civil Rights Movement sought to transform not only the lives of African-descent Americans,” Pruitt said. “Its most important goal was creating a culture that respected and cherished each other in spite of and because of the great differences that make us all members of the great human race. Dr. Broussard, a nationally known scholar of the Black experience, will remind us of this legacy.”

Pruitt stressed the importance of students hearing from scholars speaking over the various topics in which they are experts.

“In addition, it is always important for our students to meet scholars of nearby Research One

Players of the Week

JABARI PETERS, GUARD

Jabari Peters recorded a game high 21 points in the 69-60 win over McNeese State. Peters shot 7-11 from the field, including 3-6 from behind the threepoint arc. Peters added six rebounds and three steals to against McNeese State as the Bearkats stay undefeated in Southland Conference play. The senior guard from Brooklyn has now recorded 21 points in back-to-back games and is second on the team in scoring, averaging 10.4 points a game.

KARA WHITSON, POLE VAULTER

Kara Whitson won her third consecutive win of the indoor track and field season in pole vault Friday at the Texas A&M 10 Team Invitational. Whitson accomplished a 12’ 11.5” jump to set a meet record, her second time setting a record this season in College Station. The senior from Port Lavaca broke a seven-year-old record at the Texas A&M Reveille Invitational in December with a mark of 13’ 2.25”.

institutions, institutions such as TAMU that will continue to lead the way in research development, technological innovations, and liberal arts scholarship,” Pruitt said. “Our students must make the necessary inroads that will ensure their success at becoming part of the national and international leadership that makes these transformations possible for all. Dr. Broussard will possibly serve as a first link for our students, particularly our students interested in the humanities and social sciences and interested in gravitating toward graduate or professional school at our neighboring institution in the future.”

See more at HoustonianOnline.com

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Page 2

Trotters to defend rivalry at Sam LAUREN LAYFIELD Contributing Reporter The world famous Harlem Globetrotters are set to bring their one-of-a kind show full of comedy, trick shots and unmatched fan interaction to Sam Houston State University’s Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum as a part of the Globetrotters’ 2015 “Washington Generals’ Revenge” tour.

A great challenge lies ahead for the Harlem Globetrotters as the infamous Washington Generals set out to match their historic last victory over the Globetrotters nearly half a century ago. Having been five years since the two teams have faced off, the Generals have been doing whatever it takes to revamp their roster in order to achieve one thing: a victory over the Globetrotters.

Globetrotters’ player Julian “Zeus” McClurkin said the rivalry stems back to the 70s.

“They haven’t beat us since 1971, but that wasn’t my fault,” McClurkin said. “I was not born yet. You’ll have to talk to Curly

Neal and Meadowlark Lemon about that one.”

McClurkin gave a fair warning to their long-standing rival.

“They are back with a vengeance, recruiting from around the world,” McClurkin said. “But all I have to say is good luck.”

The six-foot-eight forward used to be a General himself before signing to the Globetrotters.

“I used to play for the Washington Generals, I lost more games that year than any other year,” McClurkin said. “I guess the Globetrotters got tired of me dunking on them and decided to sign me.”

While he has seen success with the Globetrotters and Generals, McClurkin did not always score those high-flying dunks with world-class talent. He was cut from every team he tried out for from seventh to tenth grade and, despite loving the game, he almost gave it up.

“I was told I wasn’t good, I was too nice, they said I wasn’t made for it,” McClurkin said. “I was just a happy go lucky kid. I was told I needed a killer instinct, a mean streak. I started drinking milk, grew five inches. It’s ironic that I

ended up on a team that encourages smiling.”

He recalled the first time he saw the Globetrotters play and what sparked his interest in become one himself.

“As a General I played against the Harlem Globetrotters,” McClurkin said. “That was the first time I got to see them. That was when I first decided I wanted to be a Harlem Globetrotter. You get to smile and have fun on the court.”

Being a professional athlete involves a lot of strenuous exercise.

As a testament to not giving up, McClurkin found out as a college athlete that he had exerciseinduced asthma. He wants young athletes everywhere that may face similar difficulties to never give up.

“I never let it stop me,” McClurkin said. “If you have exercise induced-asthma, not to let it be a crutch.”

McClurkin, in his rookie year for the Globetrotters, said his perseverance paid off. Getting to travel around the world to arenas like Madison Square Garden helped him love what he does.

“I didn’t have to compromise myself, or become someone else,” McClurkin said.

“I love my job. I’ve done things that people can’t take away from me.”

To perfect their ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, the Harlem Globetrotters go through rigorous training and preparation.

“There is a training camp that’s

two weeks long in Long Island, New York,” McClurkin said.

“We practice tricks, strategy for games.

We have a nutrition expert come in and we have two practices a day that are four hours long…

Before each of the 310 games, two hours prior to the game we start practicing” Being known worldwide as ambassadors of goodwill,

a member of the military will be honored as the Harlem Globetrotters Hometown Hero. A portion of each game across North America will also be played with a camouflage basketball to symbolize the teams respect for our service men and women.

“It’s a great thing,” McClurkin said. “We are giving back to our military.

A portion of all our games will be played with a camouflage basketball to commemorate our military. You can log on to our website to nominate a hometown hero. Any active duty, wounded or retired service man or woman can be nominated.”

McClurkin stressed the impor-

tance of education and staying true to who you are to the college athletes of SHSU. “Get your education,” McClurkin said. “Every member of our team has a college education. We value education. Stay true to who you are. If you have athletic scholarships, keep up your education.”

Courtesy Harlem Globtrotters

Boasting a starstudded roster, fans can expect to see Zeus McClurkin as well as the talents of Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard, Firefly Fisher and Moose Weekes.

Featured female stars will include TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J. Ekworomadu.

The Globetrotters are set to tip-off at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Johnson Coliseum.

Fans are invited to hang around after the show to meet player, get autographs and take photos.

Tickets can be purchased online at harlemglobetrotters.com or at the Johnson Coliseum box office.

Films to present Malaysian culture SHELBY ESCAMILLA Contributing Reporter

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Sam Houston State University students will have the opportunity to have their horizons broadened and their eyes opened to different cultures tomorrow with 15Malaysia, an event organized by the College of Fine Art and Mass Communications in partnership with Piney Woods Fine Arts Association.

15Malaysia will feature short films by fifteen different Malaysian filmmakers, produced

by Malaysia-based musician, actor and filmmaker Pete Teo. In addition to the screening, the audience will get to hear Teo speak and will have an opportunity to ask him their questions.

Tom Garrett, associate professor of mass communication and Film Program coordinator, has been heading up all of the organization for this event and said Teo’s presence will be beneficial to students.

Teo has worked in the media for a long time and has an accomplished professional life. The event will be of interest to students, especially those who are hoping to do similar things in the media industry once they finish their degrees, according to Garrett.

“Teo has a vast background association with the independent arts movements and is one of the most influential personalities in Malaysian arts and new media to-

day,” Garrett said. “His work has been featured in international media and film festivals around the world, including Venice, Cannes, Tokyo, Rotterdam and Marrakech.”

The short films deal with sociopolitical issues, such as corruption, freedom, race and religion-all

films no different than any other films that are driven by passion, inspiration and a story to tell and could be coming out of anywhere... It is important to see and hear other artists and hear what inspires them. I always find hearing speakers inspires me. When we hear ‘where they were, how and why they do what they do and what they are doing now,’ we sometimes hear a little of our own story there, even if we are worlds apart.”

Garrett said Teo’s colorful personality will excite and interest students as well as his genre of work and the innovative things that he does.

In addition to the evening screening, the Film Society is hosting an event Friday at SHSU-The Woodlands Center.

The Youth Film Conference Day is an annual conference designed for high school students in the greater Houston area.

The conference is booked full with over 120 students attendCourtesy Tom Garrett ing. The Film Society has an entire day of which would be issues of media planned for these guests, includcensorship in Malaysian culture. ing many guest speakers all in the Garrett said students can ex- film industry, including Teo. pect an entertaining event.

15Malaysia will show tomorHe believes it is important for row at 7:30 p.m. in the James and students to be exposed to these Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts types of films, saying it is good Center Recital Hall. Admission is to learn about other cultures and free. point of views.

“We live in a global society now,” Garrett said. “I see these

the

T S BEof HUNTSVILLE 2014 SHOPS/SERVICES

PLACES

THRIFT STORE Bargain Box

DATE NIGHT The Homestead

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TATTOO PARLOR FN Classy

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CHICKEN FRIED STEAK Farmhouse Cafe

NAILS Perfect Nails

BAR

Smokin’ Jozee’s

BURGER Mr. Hamburger

PAWN SHOP EZ Pawn

GYM HKC

PIZZA Papa John’s

BOUTIQUE Fincher Fabric Fantasies

ACTIVITY State Park

ASIAN Yummy Yummy

ANTIQUE Antique Mall

CHEAP DATE Cinestar of Huntsville

FRENCH FRIES Mr. Hamburger

TANNING Unique Tan

PATIO Humphrey’s

HAPPY HOUR FOOD Potato Shack

CAR SERVICE Huntsville Auto Center

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RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE Mr. Hamburger

BOOKSTORE Bearkat Books

APARTMENT COMPLEX The Arbors

RESTAURANT SERVICE Bennie J’s Smoke Pit

JEWELRY Ernst Jewelers

FOOD

SANDWICH 5 Loaves Deli

VET Huntsville Pet Clinic HAIRCUT Facemaker

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The best of Huntsville From the university, to the restaurants, to what might be the most random attraction a city could possibly have, here is why this city is unique among the others of Texas. This is what makes Huntsville, Huntsville.

PARBATTEE MAHARAJ Assistant Viewpoints Editor Huntsville, better known as “Prison City,” has more perks than you would think.

Having lived here for about a year and half, I have come to appreciate the small-town charm that this city has to offer. Being from Houston, a much bigger city, the small environment that Huntsville offers is quite appealing. The entire atmosphere is completely different. In Houston, there is always that need to go, go, go. While I love the rush my city has to offer, it does become a bit tiresome after a while. Huntsville does not have that rushed feeling, rather there is a more laid back, ‘I go at my own pace’ feeling.

One of the best things about moving from a big city to a small one is that there are hardly any loud, cranky commuters around

Best of huntsville 2015

Categories

rush hour. If I want to hop in my car around five in the afternoon and go out for a drive because it happens to be a nice day out, it is not a problem. If I were in Houston, there is no way I would even consider leaving my house around that time for a fear of the traffic headache I would encounter. Not to mention the fact that I do not have to deal with a bunch of people who are less than capable of driving.

Another quality that Huntsville has I find charming is its diverse population. While majority of the city is occupied by students, there are a few people out there that have chosen to permanently call this city home. And although I know that there are more than just students here, I am always pleasantly surprised when I see other citizens around. It is kind of like having my parents, grandparents and other family members around

without them actually being here.

Maybe this might be a bit more than obvious, but part of the charm of Huntsville is Sam Houston State University. I like that the school is named after a Texas hero – this shows some real Texas pride. Let’s be honest, there is no place like Texas; it is, in fact, the best state in the nation. If that is not persuading enough, then I am sure the beauty of the campus will entice you to slow down and smell the roses.

While you are at it, you should also take the time to feed the chickens in the park across from campus on Sam Houston Avenue.

Why? Because, why not?

How often do you come across random chickens? These birds roam free all over what use to be Sam Houston’s home. Not only is Huntsville a hidden treasure in the middle of nowhere, but it also holds historical significance. What

is now a museum, his home is a signature attraction of the city.

Some other things that are unique to the city is the local cuisine. Being from Houston, you would think I would know about every restaurant known to mankind. However, when I moved here, I found a few hidden gems: I am absolutely in love with Five Loaves Deli. I am sad that I only recently discovered it thanks to a good friend of mine. If you ask any Huntsvillian what restaurant is a hit, they will more than likely mention Farmhouse Cafe.

Established in 2004, this small yet quaint restaurant has much to offer! Last but not least, I have to pay homage to the thing that got me through four long years of college – Starbucks! No, this is not a restaurant unique to Huntsville, but it is vital to get through life.

If not for Starbucks, who knows what I might be doing…

They do not call this place “Prison City” for no reason. While you cannot actually go in to any of prisons here in the city, you can however visit the Texas Prison Museum. The museum has many different exhibits that express the lifestyle of inmates that inhabit the prison. It gives a thorough history of what life was life those who spent the rest of their days behind bars, as well as express what it was like for those who worked there.

Be it the restaurants, the university or one of the many attractions here in town, Huntsville has a lot to offer. Yes, it is a small city and yes things may get boring from time to time, but there is more here than you realize. You just have to take the time to find what is right there in front of you.

Food & Drink

Shopping & Services

Entertainment

BEST BURGER

BEST THRIFT STORE

BEST GYM

BEST RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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BEST PATIO

BEST CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK

BEST TANNING SALON

BEST DANCE FLOOR

BEST HAPPY HOUR FOOD

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On Campus

BEST HAPPY HOUR DRINK

BEST PAWN SHOP

BEST FRENCH FRIES

BEST BOUTIQUE

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

BEST ANTIQUE

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What’s the

WORD

on the

STREET? TAYLOR GRISBHY Freshman Physical Therapy

“My favorite thing about Huntsville is that everyone is so nice and welcoming. You can walk around anywhere and ask anyone anything and they will help you. Everyone is just so nice.”

This city is so much more than just Sam Houston State University. We are not just students that attend the university here; we are residents of this city.

BLAKE BLAKENEY Sophomore Criminal Justice

“My favorite thing about Huntsville is the restaurants.

There are so many, it’s convenient. You’ve got Whataburger, Taco Bell and there are the ones here [on campus] in the LSC. All around, it’s great.”

What is your favorite thing about Huntsville?

LOUIS ENKELMANN Freshman General Business

“There are a lot of good people here. Honestly, everyone I try to meet here or just talk to, they’re super friendly.

There’s no one trying to hold over any grudges or trying to base someone off their race or ethnicity. There are just a lot of well-rounded people that are really cool.

MCKAYLLA BAYLOR Sophomore Sociology

“As far as the school goes, I like the scenery. The way it looks is beautiful, especially during the different seasons.

As far as Huntsville, I like that the people are really nice.”

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Page 5

Immigrants: Our stories DHARMESH PATEL Viewpoints Editor America is a melting pot, a stew of different peoples, cultures and traditions. For generations, families, workers and those looking for a fresh start crossed the Atlantic on vessels afloat with all their hopes and dreams. Over the years,

the manner in which people have crossed the borders has drastically changed, but the stories still remain rich in customs from all around the world. Immigrants make up the backbone of this country and built infrastructure that allowed it to thrive into the most powerful and greatest country in the world.

I, myself, am an immigrant and came to this country in search of the American dream. Along with my family, we left what was familiar and comfortable to find fortune

and opportunity in a new place.

Like millions of people before us, my family and I came with a hundred dollars in our pocket and endless hopes for the future. But not every comfort from home was abandoned. We also brought with us a rich culture steeped in traditions and customs as old as time itself through which we crafted a unique existence in the new world.

Countless people make this life changing journey, but their stories become lost in their hardships to adjusting to a new life. They drown

in their own hopes and dreams and quietly disappear as the western culture quickly changes who they were into the consumer driven and power hungry minions of our ever-changing world.

This series is a small insight into the lives of those who came in search of a better life and their experiences that helped shape who they are today. It is an opportunity to step into the shoes of someone that had a hand in crafting the new American dream.

The Octogenarian: On torture

KENNETH LEVIN Columnist What is torture?

According to my dictionary: a noun. 1. The action or practice of inflicting severe pain on someone as a punishment Or to force them to do or say something, Or for them to do or say something, Or for the pleasure of the person inflicting the pain.

Synonyms: infliction of pain, abuse, ill-treatment, maltreatment, persecution Wow, that covers a lot. That includes the SOB who keeps their spouse or kids frightened every time they come home, the schoolyard bully, or the nation that perpetrates horrors as only man can on his fellow human under the guise of national need.

Of course, we are a nation whose history is based on the principals of Judeo-Christian teachings so we wouldn’t perpetrate such atrocities. It wasn’t me who dunked a possible sinner so that if they died from the dunking we knew they were guilty. (Early

water-boarding but not torture!)

How about branding an “A” into the forehead of a woman whose crime was falling in love. Of course, such torture perpetrated only by men on women!

Then minor tortures ranging from the Trail of Tears to Ruby Ridge and we won’t count the forcible removal of children from their parents to be educated in my Judeo-Christian proper method because I determined that their way of life was savage. The torture of being unable to protect your children.

And, who can forget the other great immigration period at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries’ when all of those foreign peoples of different race and religion came to ruin our pleasant country. The Irish (need not apply), the Italians, (all Mafioso) and the Jews (come to take our money) and sneaking in from the west, the Chinese (fright and horror).

But, we handled that situation.

When we got into WWII, we opened internment camps (the enemies’ were called concentration camps), and we put all our enemies in those camps except the members of the German/American

Bund and other fascists cause they looked like us Judeo-Christians but them Japs were different. (They sure were, their army unit that fought in the European war was one of the most heroic of WWII) So, now we are into the 21st Century and the Senate report on Torture and who is guilty. I have a theory. OK - I know by listening to him on TV that former Vice President Dick Cheney, who brags about his part in it is guilty but unless some Israeli-like undercover group kidnaps him and takes him to The Hague to stand trial for war crimes, he will remain around to entertain us.

I’d rather be honest about real guilt so I see it like this. Twenty five percent of the American public cannot vote because they are too young or other reasons. So they, we know, are innocent.

In the last election, here in Texas 28.5 percent of eligible voters voted; nationally only 36.3percent.

Using the national figures, that means that a whopping 27.225 percent of the American population voted and we all know that the election was a landslide for the Republican Party who took almost 60 percent of that vote which means that 16.333 percent of the

American public gave us our next government. So 17 out of every 100 Americans gave us back the government we had when we tortured those Arabs after 9/11.

Does that mean that the 17 are guilty of torture? Not yet. You see, that also means that 10.89 percent voted against this government.

Well 17 out of every 100 voted the government in and 11 out of every 100 didn’t, that ends it.

Hold on. For every 100 Americans, we have determined that 25 are innocent. Eleven voted against that makes 36. Now if 17 voted for, that only makes 53. Who are the other 47? Not me, I would not do that. (Water board people, subject humans to extreme cold, take away all of a person’s clothing and chain them to a wall or put them in a cell or in a position where they have to remain in a crouch.) Hey, I am not a torturer!

Well baby, if YOU ARE THE OTHER FORTY SEVEN PERCENT? Yea baby, you are the SOB that is condoning human torture by not voting which makes you just as guilty as the guy that force feeds another by shoving his alleged sustenance into his anal cavity.

Proud?

PAWS

up

Paws Up to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the greatest leaders in history is remembered and celebrated in the month of his birth. His legacy permeates every part of our lives and his work towards peace and equality will never be forgotten.

Paws Up to all of our favorite television series coming back after winter hiatus. I need to know who A is on Pretty Little Liars.

Paws Up to the Seahawks for the amazing comeback and securing their place in NFL history. Hopefully, you can continue with the winning streak in the most important game next month.

PAWS

down

The Market: An intro MICHAEL GORBATY Contributing Columnist Happy New Year Bearkats! I’m Michael Gorbaty, the bearded bald student who trades stocks and securities in the computer lab next to Starbucks in between classes.

I am an economics student here at Sam Houston State University and a chef wannabe. Being in economic classes, I have developed my business-minded personality. I am a trading addict who loves to trade everything from stocks to commodities. What healthy person doesn’t love food or preventing student loan debt? However, this article is not about my love for cooking Thai food. In this column I will bring to you the most current and in-depth market news and how it affects you and me.

For some, market news is very confusing and frustrating, so they decide to open up the sports section instead. For me, stocks, options, currencies and bonds come very easy. Why gas prices fluctuate because of crude future price movements comes easy to me. You may not understand what I just wrote, but you will soon. I get your frustration and hope to clear up financial news through simple and easily understood methods including charts, graphs and common language. I want you to be comfortable reading the business

section by reading my column. If you can understand everything from stocks to corporate junk bonds, you are one step ahead of your peers. The major reason for this series is for your financial comfort. Investing as a young person and taking risks is beneficial towards you earning more long term. As a young person, you have your entire life to make up for losses where someone who is retiring is not able to do so.

The market news that I will cover will range from major corporation stocks like Apple to Kroger and Starbucks. I will also cover foreign exchange (currencies), commodities, bonds and other varying market news that is important.

Here is a lot about me: I always have been and always will be an investor. I grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Houston to work in the environmental treatment industry in 2011. I spent three years working as an operating technician for a small business that offered thermal oxidation services to refineries throughout the gulf coast to avoid EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) fines. I spent at least two out of the three years living in a hotel room and my suitcase. I got to see first-hand the ins and outs of the pipeline, marine transportation and refining industry. Since age 13, I have spent every day reading the Wall Street Journal, whether in print or digital online. I picked up trading securities when I was 13 for one simple reason, my father. My fa-

Editorial

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jay R. Jordan ........................... 936-294-1505 STAFF Hannah Zedaker .................... Associate Editor Dharmesh Patel .................. Viewpoints Editor Jeremy Villanueva ...................... Sports Editor Sean Smith ................... Campus Culture Editor Manjot Jawa .................................. Web Editor

STAFF, cont.

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ther subscribed to the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal in my high school years to improve my reading comprehension; little did he know it would spike my business and trading interests.

The biggest news I want to cover is the massive drop in crude prices and the major effects. Crude is traded in two major forms.

Both WTI (West Texas Intermediate) and Ice Brent Crude have dropped from over $100/barrel to under $50/barrel, over 50 percent in the last few months. For those that don’t know, crude is traded as a future in the derivative market. The derivative market is a market in which energy and commodity prices fluctuate second by second. This market has products that have physical assets tied to the price, like crude. Crude prices fluctuate because banks, hedge funds (massive pools of money managed by a team of people who buy and short anything and everything), institutional and individual investors buy and sell it. The price of crude is also affected by demand of the population and the refineries throughout the world; if the majority of traders are selling crude the price will fall. When looking at the rise and fall of the current prices of crude, one could say it resembles a boom to bust era.

What I mean by this is what made the crude industry so prosperous is making it fall. In case you don’t know, the industry discovered a new way to extract crude through fracking and horizontal drilling.

Both of these methods discover

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Faculty Advisor Marcus Funk ......................... 936- 294-3553

crude quicker and in more supply. Fracking uses extremely high pressured streams of chemicals and water through rock beneath the surface that allows trapped crude to escape upwards. Horizontal drilling allows drilling companies to tap into crude deep beneath the land thousands of feet in any direction from the current drilling location. This method allows drilling companies to extrapolate crude from beneath other’s land.

The improvements in discovering crude have created a massive oversupply of crude driving the prices downward. The two major areas in which crude has been tapped is arriving from the Permian basin in western Texas and the Bakken formation in North Dakota. The U.S. has stepped up its position on the ladder competing against Russia and the Middle East. The advent of fracking and horizontal drilling sparked crude traders into buying the future driving up the price to over $100 a barrel over the last couple of years. And since the beginning of Fall 2014, traders have been selling in massive amounts, driving down the prices by over 50 percent. I have been one of those traders selling ice brent crude futures. For the last two months I have been selling these futures through my own brokerage account. As I type this I am thankful for lower gas prices and more income from crude futures, despite the possible long term negative effects it can create in the job market and small to midsized oil companies.

Paws Down to Lifetime for attempting to make another biopic of a dead celebrity. Whitney made its debut on the emotionallydraining channel and even you couldn’t save that sinking ship, Angela Bassett.

Paws Down to the new #meninist movement that needs to just die a horribly painful death and go away forever. It’s not clever by any means and these people need to get a real job.

Paws Down to Israel and Lebanon. When two beauty queens from your countries take a selfie together it should be celebrated not criticized as an act of blasphemy over a bitter political feud.

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Call for pricing.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/sports | Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Page 6

Colonels to test Kats’ perfect conference record RYAN REYNOLDS Layout Editor

Brian Blalock | Bearkat Athletics

UNBROKEN. Sam Houston defeated McNeese State on Saturday 69-60. The Kats now head to Nicholls State for a Tuesday night tipoff.

Sam Houston State men’s basketball team (13-4) will return to action tonight against Nicholls State (4-10).

The Bearkats are currently on an eight-game winning streak, outscoring their opponents 607 to 466 during the stretch and are looking to stay unbeaten in Southland Conference play. SHSU is currently first in the conference with a 5-0 record.

The Kats are coming off a sloppy nine-point victory to rival McNeese State in which the Kats only shot 37.7 percent from the field.

Although the Kats did come out with a win, the offense will be looking to get back to their usual form. SHSU averages 76.6 points per game, ranking the Kats 28th in the nation in that category.

In the game against the Cowboys, the Bearkats leaned on senior guard Jabari Peters for scoring. This is unusual because the Bearkats tend to spread the ball around, which is why they are currently 39th in the nation in assists per game with 15.2 and third in the nation in rebounds with 44 per game.

“Jabari is feeling it right now,” Hooten said. “When he’s making his threes he’s really hard to guard, and when he is, you have to call his number and obviously ride that wave. I hope he keeps this going for the next twenty games.”

With only 14 regular season games left to be played, senior guard DeMarcus Gatlin is averaging the most points for the Bearkats this season with 11 per game.

Senior guard Kaheem Ransom is leading in assists with four per game, and senior center Michael Holyfield is leading in rebounds, averaging around eight per game.

As for Nicholls State, the Colo-

nels are currently in a slump, losing five of their last seven games, but if the Bearkats want to keep things under their control, they must focus in on the top two Colonel scorers: junior guards Amin Torres and T.J. Carpenter.

The Colonels do not share the ball very well as they only average 11 assists with sophomore guard Richie Lewis leading the way with only two per game. If the Bearkats can keep the ball in front of them and lockdown whoever has the ball, then the Kats should have a good opportunity to travel back to Huntsville with a win.

Even though Nicholls State is suffering through a rough patch, fans have to expect them to bring their best possible game if they want to beat the number one team in the SLC. “Teams are going to want to beat us,” Holyfield said. “They are going to want to knock us off.”

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

SHSU falls 79-74 to McNeese State

Brian Blalock | Bearkat Athletics

NO STRIDE. Despite junior transfer Shernise Robertson’s 30 point performance, the Bearkats fell 79-74 at Johnson Coliseum on Saturday. The Kats are now 2-4 in Southland Conference play.

SHAWN McFARLAND Senior Reporter Sam Houston State women’s basketball team shot more than 70 percent from the field in the first half but dropped to McNeese State 79-74 Saturday at Johnson Coliseum.

The Bearkats shot 17-24 in the first half and 12-13 from the free throw line, yet only led by four at the half.

Despite the high-powered offense in the first half, the strong offensive performance would not continue into the second half. The Kats shot eight for 33 in the second half and finished the game shooting 43.9 percent. The Kats also shot 3-10 from behind the arc, including 1-7 in the second half.

Junior transfer guard Shernise Robertson finished

with a game-high 30 points, shooting 9-14 from the field, including 11-14 from the free throw line. In her 37 minutes of play, Robertson did not record a single assist and recorded five turnovers. She now has recorded at least 30 points in back-to-back games for SHSU this season, scoring 31 points against Nicholls State last Thursday.

Despite Robertson’s hot offensive match, SHSU head coach Brenda Nicholls did not think she got the full potential out of her team Saturday.

“It has to be a total team effort,” Nicholls said.

The game was tight throughout as there were nine lead changes and sevens instances where the game was tied. McNeese took control of the game late as their bench players not only played a determining role but gave the starters a break. The

Cowgirls bench recorded 16 points as the Kats bench only scored two. Only eight players for the Kats dressed out for the game compared to the 13 who dressed out for the Cowgirls. All five starters for the Kats played for over 30 minutes in the game.

The Kats finished the game with 17 turnovers as the Cowgirls capitalized and scored 14 points off those turnovers.

“First half we didn’t turn the ball over, but second half we made a lot of bad decisions,” Nichols said.

SHSU moves to 3-13 on the season while 2-4 in SLC play.

The Kats now travel to Abilene to face Abilene Christian on Thursday at 7 p.m. before heading back to Huntsville for the Battle of the Piney Woods match Saturday at 2 p.m.

By the numbers JEREMY VILLANUEVA| Sports Editor 8 - game win streak Sam Houston State men’s basketball holds heading into tonight’s game at Nicholls State.

3 - meet records the Bearkat men and women’s track and field team set at the Texas A&M team meet.

24 - days until SHSU baseball returns to for the 2015 season opener against Wichita State.