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Is the State of the Union speech necessary? Dance major heads to regional conference Bearkat track star sprints into Vine fame
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Alex Broussard | The Houstonian
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Volume 125/ Issue 5
Facebook.com/ TheHoustonian Thursday, Jaunary 30, 2014
LOCAL
Apartment robbers were hoax
HPD officials claim Facebook post warning false after widespread concern CONNOR HYDE Editor-in-Chief A Facebook post written Wednesday warning apartment residents of three individuals posing as solicitors and allegedly robbing and invading residents’ homes has been labeled a hoax by the Huntsville Police Department. HPD Lt. Curt Landrum said after calling apartment complexes listed in the Facebook post, sifting through criminal records, phone calls and talking to other officers he was able to label the rumor as false. The Facebook post circulated among Sam Houston State University students’ news feed and claimed “there are 3 guys that are going door to door posing to sell magazine…it is 1 white guy and 2 black guys that are scoping out the perfect victims to rob.”
The Arbors of Sam Houston, the Connection at Huntsville and the Villas on Sycamore were listed as targeted apartment complexes in the Facebook post. However, HPD police logs from Monday and Tuesday showed no reports or arrests that fit the description of the alleged robberies. According to Landrum, he first heard of the rumor after a Huntsville citizen called asking about the Facebook post that circulated through SHSU students’ news feeds. “We had a citizen call and ask about it that lived in one of the complexes and happened to know one of our officers personally,” Landrum said. “I have no idea as to how this began.” Arbors leasing manager Kendall Scudder said he heard about the rumor from residents calling and voicing their concern. Scudder said a text message was sent out to Arbors’ residents to remind them
RUMORED. Sam Houston State University students posted this status on Facebook Wednesday after fake reports of three robbers circulated on the social network. Huntsville Police Department has since dispelled the threats.
of the situation and to be cautious when answering their door. The Arbors at Sam Houston, the Connection at Huntsville and the Villas on Sycamore ban soliciting
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on their property as well. “We have a very safe community here, and we want to keep it that way,” Scudder said. Two days prior to the Facebook
post, Connections leasing manager David Bowles said he received a call regarding three individuals who fit the Facebook description on his way back from his lunch break. Bowles said he pulled over at Crosstimbers Street and Normal Park Drive to talk to the individuals regarding the soliciting policy at the Connections and asked them to refrain. Bowles said the group was “courteous” and understood his request. Although HPD hasn’t received any calls pertaining to suspicious individuals, Landrum urged students and citizens to notify police. If an individual sees suspicious activity after the fact, call the non-emergency hotline at 936-435-8001. “If it continues it may reach a level of harassment or a terroristic threat,” Landrum said.
STATE OF THE UNION
Charles Dharapak | The Associated Press
EXECUTIVE ORDER. : Vice President Joe Biden (left) and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio (right) listen as President Barack Obama gives his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday.
Obama flexes executive power KASSIDY TURNPAUGH Assistant News Editor
Kaleigh Treiber | The Houstonian
HELLBENT. (Top) Freshman Psychology major Doug Bray refutes with his own sign against Sister Cindy Smock, an evangelist with The Campus Ministry USA. (Above) Brother Jed hoists a crucifix-topped staff as he shouts to students about the dangers of “sinful” behavior. (Right) Sister Cindy banners her ministry’s core values in the Lowman Student Center mall area Wednesday. According to the ministry’s website, the group will be on campus until Friday.
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President Barack Obama shook the floor at Tuesday’s State of the Union address when he declared his intentions to progress his plans for the nation, with or without the involvement of Congress. As the president addressed Congress and the nation, he made it clear that while plans are not necessarily set in stone for 2014, he will do what it takes to bring progress to the nation. “To every mayor, governor, state legislator in America, I say you don’t have to wait for Congress to act,” Obama said. “Of course, to reach millions more, Congress does need to get on board.” While standing firm in his dedication to make changes to the country, Obama made his willingness and desire for cooperation clear. “I want to work with Congress to see how we can help even more Americans,” Obama said. “Some [proposals] require congressional action, and I’m eager to work with all of you.”
The decisive tone of the president’s speech left many Republican Texas representatives upset. In one case Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Texas) actually walked out of the House Chambers during the president’s address. “Tonight, I left early after hearing how the president is further abusing his constitutional powers,” Stockman said. “Needless to say, I am deeply disappointed in the tone and content of tonight’s address.” When speaking of plans for the future, Obama focused on what had not been accomplished since his last State of the Union Address, making obvious a note of the issues Congress has not tackled. The matters of gun control, tax reform, minimum-wage increase, education reform and many more issues were addressed, not necessarily as failures of the past year, but potentially areas of improvement for 2014. With the ideas of grade-school education reform and student loan debt reform being among the plans Obama has laid out for the close future, students should
prepare for a long wait before they see any major changes. As for Sam Houston State University and the surrounding 8th Congressional District, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) continued his opposition to the Obama administration. “The president continues to be the most divisive president I’ve ever worked with,” Brady said. “It is the wrong path for America. They want us to work together.” Brady, who is the chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, voted to raise the student loan rate for graduates, a point of difference to Obama’s plans for student loan reform. “We’re offering millions the opportunity to cap their monthly student loan payments to 10 percent of their income, and I want to work with Congress to see how we can help even more Americans who feel trapped by student loan debt,” Obama said. Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas) disagreed with Obama’s stance on utilizing his executive power. “The president had a chance to tell the American people how he would work with Republicans. He failed to do that,” Olson said.
Be sure to check out the Houstonian Orientation Guide located around campus and the City of Huntsville! Can’t find one? Let us know and we’ll get you a copy.
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News
Thursday, January 30, 2014 houstonianonline.com/news
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SGA helps Bearkats put All Paws In JAY R. JORDAN Associate Editor
Students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to participate in a city-wide community service project March 1. The 5th annual Bearkat All Paws In is Student Government Association’s brainchild and utilizes the Sam Houston State University community for service to the city. BAPI Director Kolby Flowers said it’s a good opportunity for people to give back to Huntsville. “Huntsville has given us, the students, so many opportunities,” Flowers said. “It’s our chance to give back to them and thank them for all the things they do for us. They let us live here, and sometimes it gets a bit crazy.” The volunteer work ranges from cleaning parks to assisting women’s shelters in their day-today tasks. Volunteers who sign up are sent where they’re needed the day of the event. Flowers said the event is held with cooperation from the city of Huntsville. With SGA’s low attendance and student involvement, BAPI’s officials are hoping the event will give them more name recognition around campus. “Students aren’t always aware that SGA even exists, or what it is if they do know it exists,” Flowers
Kaleigh Treiber | The Houstonian
DIRECTION. Bearkat All Paws In Director Kolby Flowers (right) updates the Senate on the event’s details. The initiative is in its 5th year as the university’s largest community service project. BAPI will take place on March 1.
said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase to the student body what we’re capable of and what we’re here for.” Former BAPI Director Cristan Shamburger said she hopes registration for the event goes smoother than it did when she coordinated it.
“Obviously, that’s the hardest part because we have hundreds of people registering and checking in the day of the event,” she said. “That’s something that we’ve always struggled with, but I think Kolby has really good ideas to improve it. He’s been on this committee for two or three years
now, so he understands the issues we have and how to fix them.” Shamburger also said that she hopes to have more locations for volunteers to work. Joked as a good problem to have, last year’s BAPI ran out of venues to send workers. The city of Huntsville works
assists SGA in finding parks and other places that need work. Flowers said he’s reaching out to churches and other non-profit organizations as well. The organization will never turn away a volunteer. Although the event is put on by SGA, its members aren’t required to attend. “Bearkat All Paws In is a volunteer project,” Flowers said. “The Senate has before made it mandatory to participate, but the Senate hasn’t done so this year. I don’t plan on doing that, because I don’t think you should force someone to volunteer.” During fall 2013, Student Body President Ramiro Jaime, Jr. made a point of information that SGA bought too many incentive items for volunteers and that they still haven’t gotten rid of the multitudes of Frisbees, t-shirts and backpacks from last year’s All Paws In. Flowers echoed Jaime’s point that the event isn’t about the incentives. “That’s not what Bearkat All Paws In is about,” Flowers said. “It’s not about the prizes; it’s not about what we give you. It’s about giving back to the community.” Registration deadline for this year’s Bearkat All Paws In is Feb. 13. For more information, call the SGA office at 936-294-1938.
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Consensual relationships on the line with HR policy LEX LAAS Contributing Reporter A new policy statement regarding consensual relationships drafted by Sam Houston State University’s Human Resource department has sparked controversy among some faculty. The statement, which was obtained by The Houstonian, outlined the importance of consensual, or mutually acceptable, relationships. It attempted to establish the policy and procedures of what constitutes relationships that are consensual and not a conflict of interest, such as a faculty member and a student who is not in his or her class, and ones that are an unethical conflict of interest, such as supervisory, teacher or advisor relationships. “For the personal protection
of member of our campus community, relationships in which power differentials are inherent (faculty-student, staffstudent, administrator-student, are strongly discouraged,” the policy states. Relationships in which one maintains a direct supervisory or evaluative role over the other party are unethical and a conflict of interest, the policy states. Some faculty members said the policy was not clear, and faculty senate members said the policy was in violation of privacy and “creepy” during their Jan. 23 meeting. The policy states that if a supervisor and his or her employee do get into a relationship, that it must be disclosed to a supervisor, so that alternatives can be found to end the conflict of interest. “The University does not wish
to interfere with private choices regarding personal relationships when these relationships do not interfere with its goals, policies and mission,” the statement read. Faculty senate members speculated that the sudden policy was issued after an on-campus relationship had occurred. “I don’t know what the driver was for this particular policy,” Faculty Senate Chair Renee James, Ph.D., said. “I think it’s kind of weird that we don’t already have something written down about this sort of thing.” However, David Hammonds, associate vice president for human resources and risk management, said that is primarily rumor. “We just want to be prepared in case a situation does happen,” Hammonds said.
STATE
Local incumbents challenged in Texas’s March primaries BRYNN CASTRO Contributing Reporter Long-time incumbents in Texas could be ousted during the upcoming midterm elections. Immigration and tax policymaker positions could shift in November for Huntsville’s governing officials and representatives. This year’s election cycles will begin with primary elections in March. Midterm primaries run in the same fashion as presidential primaries. Republican Craig McMichael is challenging Huntsville’s longtime U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (R-Texas). According to Brady’s website, his platform includes preventing tax increases for Texas energy and real estate companies, border security and stopping illegal hiring. In an interview with the Cleveland Advocate, McMichael, a former U.S. Marine, said that if Brady is re-elected, not much will change. “[Brady] has shown time and time again that he is pro-big government,” McMichaels said. “By voting for seven debt ceiling increases and by supporting CISPA, TARP and The Patriot Act, Brady has proven to the people of District 8 and Texas that another term with Brady at
the helm will be ‘status quo,’ or more of the same.” According to McMichaels’ website, his platform includes a smaller federal government through implementing a zerobased budget. Zero-based budgeting is the practice of building a brand-new budget each fiscal year instead of basing a new budget off of the previous year. He also wants to lower taxes, work on paying off the national debt, enforce border security and help small businesses grow. Also on the ballot will be the lieutenant governor seat where Republican David Dewhurst currently resides. Dewhurst, who has held the position for 11 years, is opposed by Republican Texas Sen. Dan Patrick, Republican Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Republican Department of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, and Democrat Texas Sen. Leticia Van de Putte. GOP lieutenant governor candidates held a debate on Monday to discuss issues such as undocumented immigration, abortion and education. When asked how he planned to protect Texas’ borders, incumbent Dewhurst says it’s a process he is familiar with. “My plan on securing our border is not a plan, it’s what
we’re already doing,” Dewhurst said. “I started seven years ago appropriating money to put assets… [and] high altitude spotter aircraft, helicopters, more DPS on the border.” Although all candidates said they want stricter immigration reform, Staples doesn’t believe Dewhurst is doing enough. “I can tell you that throwing money at the problem is not going to secure the border, and the border is not secure today,” Staples said. “I’ve taken budget savings from my agency and given grants to the Department of Public Safety.” Another office on the ballot is the district 18 state representative, which is currently held by Republican John Otto with Republican Pastor Terry Holcomb challenging. Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 ballot includes incumbent Republican Mark W. Holt, Republican Troy B. Allen and Republican Everett Harrell. Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 ballot includes Republican Sandy Brown Glisson, Republican Stephen Cole and Democrat Cade S. Reece. Primary voting will be held March 4. For a full list of candidate filings, visit https://webservices. sos.state.tx.us/candidate-filing/ cf-report.aspx
The statement released is just a draft, according to Hammonds, and it is not official campus policy. “This isn’t the final product,” Hammonds said. “We’ve still got time to work on this.”
Hammonds and his team said they are looking for comments and concerns from the university, as well as teachers and students, before finalizing the policy.
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Viewpoints
Thursday, January 30, 2014 houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
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SHSU consensual relationship policy is overreaching, unclear STEPHEN GREEN Web Editor Consensual relationships present a range of complex administrative issues for private and public institutions like Sam Houston State University. The university recently released a draft of Human Resources Policy ER10 Consensual Relationships that apparently attempts to stop those issues from continuing if they exist. The problem is that the policy as it has been drafted is overreaching, vague and redundant.
The policy requires that any relationship between a university employee – including student workers – and an “employee, student, or student employee who is directly supervised, taught, evaluated, or advised by that university employee” be brought to the attention of their supervisor. From there the supervisor is supposed to meet with the couple and advise “that this type of relationship is discouraged,” and potentially try and basically alter the workplace situation. Furthermore, if the employee who is in the position of authority continues in the relationship that has the appearance of a conflict of interest, they can be fired. For the most part, the policy is directed at relationships that provide a potential or inherent conflict of interest. However because of the policy’s vague and confusing wording, it applies to more than what the
university was intending. An example of this problem with the policy is that it would potentially forbid students with campus jobs from dating other students who are working for them. For example, I get paid from SHSU by working at The Houstonian. If my partner were to work for us under my section I would technically be in violation of this policy. Texas State University System Board of Regents already has policies that cover any impropriety that could come from any possible relationships including students bribing professors with sex or money, administrators giving pay raises to their significant others, and any other benefit a university or system employee could get as a result of a relationship. The drafted policy on consensual relationships is redundant and not in a good way.
Columbia University goes a step further, listing out the specific guidelines for relationships between students/faculty, staff/ student, etc. along with detailed information about how to violate the policy. They explicitly forbid faculty-student relationships. If that’s what SHSU wants, that’s what they should craft. The university also makes a statement in this policy that any faculty or staff member who dates a student, that relationship is “strongly discouraged.” We’re all adults and choose with whom we want to be. University employees and students can date so long as there’s no favoritism, which does exist from time to time. SHSU administration should rework this policy and enforce current policy to truly address inappropriate relationships. Perhaps they use the rest of the University of Texas’s consensual relationship policy that appears
to be almost a carbon copy of SHSU’s. The problem is SHSU cut out the section specifying that the definition of consensual relationship for the purposes of the policy included only those that had conflict of interest unlike SHSU’s policy. Ours is for any relationship where one supervises the other, which is inclusive of innocent ones without conflicts of interest. The university should revise the draft to be more specific on conflicts of interest and define them further than just a relationship existing. There should be more concrete language about when conflicts arise like when the supervisor can control their significant other’s pay or has hiring abilities. The current policy is entirely too vague and lacks the depth that many universities maintain.
NATIONAL
A more boring and pointless union COLIN HARRIS Viewpoints Editor Ah the State of the Union. The annual event where people take pause from posting their relationship problems and food selfies on Facebook and Instagram to pontificate about political issues of which they have little to no practical understanding. Unlike the national party
conventions every four years, which also capture the imaginations of low-information voters, nothing significant ever really comes from the State of the Union address. Yes, presidents hash out vague policy objectives for the next twelve months but the specifics are largely left up to Congress and various cabinet members, and many times the broad goals aren’t even addressed. For viewers, the event itself is largely an exercise in party identity. If you support whichever party holds the Oval Office, then the speech is characterized as renewed optimism and guidance from the chief executive. If you’re from the opposition, well then the president’s a grandstanding liar who’s avoiding the real issues.
Word on the Street:
Is the State of the Union even necessary anymore? Fans of platitude-palooza will contend that it’s written in the Constitution. They’re sort of right. Here’s the relevant passage from Article II (the “he” refers to the president): “He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Nice and vague, just like almost everything else in the Constitution. When the Constitution doesn’t delve into specifics, it’s best to look to precedent. According to a great historical write-up from Robert Schlesinger of US News & World Report, George Washington and John Adams delivered annual
“One time someone was talking on the phone… for probably an hour while I was trying to study downstairs.” -Kristen Karlovitz Sophomore Chemistry
Where do you buy your textbooks?
addresses. Thomas Jefferson quickly put an end to the practice, opting to give a written report to the legislature, because a speech reminded him too much of the British monarchy. For about the next century, presidents followed Jefferson’s lead and simply sent written State of the Unions to Congress, but Woodrow Wilson broke the mold in 1913, delivering an oral message to Congress citing the need to have a more personal, unifying presidency. Since Wilson, presidents have given annual addresses to Congress, with adaptations being made according to technological advances, starting with radio and moving to the primetime television speech we’re accustomed to today.
As it exists, the State of the Union is more spectacle than anything else. It serves little purpose other than to preempt primetime TV programming and allow members of Congress to publicly display their support or opposition to the president. It is theatrical Beltway posturing to the max, and the rest of us receive no tangible benefit from the January diversion. The State of the Union speech is self-serving for all politicians involved, so it will remain in place indefinitely. I’m not overly optimistic, but maybe we’ll elect another president who can take a page from Jefferson’s book and eliminate the needless spectacle entirely.
“People listening to their speakers really loud all the time” “Anyone who’s talking out loud and stuff on their phones”
-Abby Godwin Junior Pre-Nursing
-Tre Hubert Senior Business and Finance
The Houstonian Editorial
The Houstonian was named in the top 100 college newspapers for journalism students by JournalismDegree.org. Members of Associated Collegiate Press and Texas Intercolligiate Press Association.
EDITOR’S NOTE Articles, letters and cartoons by Houstonian staff members or others in this paper are their own and not the opinion of the Houstonian, unless it is noted as such. Submissions and letters to the editor are welcome. Please send submissions to viewpoints@houstonianonline.com. Articles may be edited for grammar and spelling at discretion of editor. Unsolicited oppinions should be 150 words or under. Please contact us if you wish to submit anything longer. Deadline for submission is by 5 p.m. on Mondays or Wednesdays.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Connor Hyde ........................................................................................................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISER Robin Johnson..................................................................................................................................936-294-1499 STAFF Jay R. Jordan .................................................................................................................................Associate Editor Colin Harris...................................................................................................................................Viewpoints Editor Jeremy Villanueva..................................................................................................................................Sports Editor Kizzie Frank.............................................................................................................................Entertainment Editor Stephen Green...........................................................................................................................................Web Editor Kassidy Turnpaugh.............................................................................................................. Assistant News Editor Dharmesh Patel.........................................................................................................Assistant Entertainment Editor Marissa Hill........................................................................................................................................Sports Reporter Hannah Zedeker.................................................................................................................................Senior Reporter Steven Snook.............................................................................................................................Multimedia Reporter Samantha Zambrano.............................................................................................................................Layout Editor Lillie Muyskens..............................................................................................................................Graphic Designer Staff Reporter(s)..................................................................................................... Kaleigh Treiber, Alex Broussard
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Arts&Entertainment
Thursday, January 30, 2014 houstonianonline.com/a-e
DANCE
Dance major advances to regional conference KIZZIE FRANK A&E Editor Senior dance major Cordarrel White will represent Sam Houston State University on a national spotlight at the American College Dance Festival Association’s regional conference in March. White is one of three choreographers from SHSU chosen to attend the Austin-based conference and will showcase his skills after a series of classes with a final performance to close the week gala. ACDFA officials host conferences in search of students that are genuinely moved by their craft. Those students attending will perform to secure a spot on a national level. According to the ACDFA website, their adjudicators look for students who are motivated to excel in the performance industry and further spread their talents. The primary objective of the National Festival is to highlight, on the national level, the outstanding quality of choreography and performance that is being created on college and university campuses, ACDFA’s website states. White’s original piece, “Passionate Savage,” earned him a spot at the event and stars other SHSU students. Former Miss Sam Houston Angelic Ortiz (2012) and fellow dance students including Autumn Harms, Carla Pinto, Carina Torres, Karina Martinez, Larodney Freeman, Tim Armitault and Natilie Escalante and Rachael Hutto are featured dancers in White’s piece.
Like many dance students, White said he aspires to move his audience to reach their goals. He works to encourage those around him to be themselves in whatever it is they want to do. “I want people to feel like it’s ok to make mistakes. It’s ok to live,” White said. The week-long event will present 10 pieces for performance in which dancers participate in classes to hone their routine. Throughout every semester, professors choose which student, faculty, and non-major piece will be nominated to attend the regional. Most times, outside works do not make the cut so two student pieces are selected. Those selected automatically become nominees to receive either the Student Choreography Award, or the Outstanding Student Performer Award at the National College Dance Festival. Only one student is chosen for each category. Through White’s years as SHSU, his strength in performance quality has already got him in the regional conference as a dancer. This time, he will appear as a choreographer. The Patterson, La., native graduating senior’s participation in the conference will put him in the running to showcase his piece at the National College Dance Festival on June 4-7. Despite the high volume of competition, he is going for the gold, White said. Senior dance major Laquane Anderson said that participation in the ACDFA conference boosts the dance department’s exposure
Kizzie Frank | The Houstonian
ON POINT. Senior dance major Cordarrel White is attending the American College Dance Festival Association’s regional conference in March. White will showcae an original piece with fellow Sam Houston State University dancers.
to international institutions as well as outside students. “It brings together dance styles
that you wouldn’t get to take part in otherwise,” Anderson said. “It’s like the Grammy’s of college
dance. You have a chance of getting recognized if you win one of the awards.”
SUNDANCE
Sundance features big names, unoticed films interview with Agence FrancePresse.
PARABATTEE MEHARAJ Contributing Reporter The 2014 Sundance Film Festival is making headlines for featuring seasoned directors and showcasing unnoticed films that feature upcoming and big stars. Already in its ninth day, “Camp X-Ray,” “The Skeleton Twins” and “Web Junkie” are films to keep an eye on for future mainstream success. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Camp X-Ray” starring actress Kristen Stewart is creating a huge buzz that has separated the Twilight actress from the vampire saga. The film produced on a relatively small budget of $1 million with a short five-week shooting schedule. However it’s Stewart’s role, a cross between “G.I. Jane” and “Romeo and Juliet,” that is stirring mixed reviews. Stewart switches from the role of vampire damsel in distress and plays a runaway teen who joins the military and is later stationed as a guard in the Guantanamo Bay prison camp. “Camp X-Ray” director and writer Peter Sattler said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal he struggled to maintain a strong female figure with emotion when writing Stewart’s character, Private Amy Cole.
Television meets feature film when two “Saturday Night Live” alumni come together in “The Skeleton Twins.” Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig play two deeply disturbed siblings who separately and randomly attempt suicide on the same day. Hader and Wiig have already proven their star power and bankability in hits such as “Super Bad” and “Bridesmaids,” respectfully. “The Skeleton Twins” has already been picked up for distribution by Roadside Entertainment and Lionsgate Entertainment according to IndieWire.
Chris Pizzello | The Associated Press
AND THE AWARD GOES TO. Director of of the film “Whiplash,” Damien Chazelle accepts an award at the Sundance Film Festival Award Ceremony. The festival is currently in its ninth day and will continue through February 1.
“This girl is a soldier,” he said. “From the beginning Kristen and I were both conscious that a girl who would be a soldier would have this toughness. How do you have a character who’s tough and reserved, but at the same time you can feel that emotion creaking out?”
Sattler added the film is “apolitical” and is more of a comedy versus political commentary. Another film making headlines is “Web Junkie,” a documentary delving into the shocking prison-like rehab centers for Internet-addicted teens in
China. Filmmakers Shosh Shlam and Hilla Medalia follow three teenagers sent to these militaryrun centers in an attempt rid them of their web dependency. “China is the first country to declare Internet addiction as a clinical disorder and to take action,” Medalia said during an
The Sundance Film Festival has also launched some of the most beloved movies including “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) and “Beast of the Southern Wild” (2012). Along with celebrating its growing popularity, the Festival is celebrated its 30th anniversary. Sundance continues to prove it’s lasting importance in the film industry as an active contributor to the launching of movies to the general public that would otherwise be overlooked.
OPERA
CENTER STAGE. (Left) Myah Lerch proclaims revenge on Dido as the Sorceress in Sam Houston State University’s production “Dido and Aeneas.” (Center) Nick Szoeke , Aeneas, and Ardeen Pierre, Dido, embrace each other in an intimate moment. (Right) Cameron Davis acts as narrator in the introduction to the opera performance.
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Sports
Thursday, January 30, 2014 houstonianonline.com/sports
NFL’s elite prepare for show SUPER BOWL
MARISSA HILL Sports Reporter
We have made it – the Mecca of football. Super Bowl XLVIII. The ultimate showdown between the NFL’s best defense and best offense: The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, respectively. Yet, the last time these two ball clubs saw each other was in a mid-August preseason matchup where Seattle dominated Denver in a 40-10 rout. But many football fans dismissed the early victory because they claim preseason games are irrelevant. That notion is wholly plausible because the odds are that preseason favorites won’t win the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers were chosen as preseason Super Bowl picks, and we all know that the 49ers sent them home the first round of the playoffs. So, it’s fine if you believe preseason has no bearing on the actual season because in most cases, it doesn’t. Until now. ESPN gathered its seasoned body of NFL analysts, insiders and hosts to predict the two teams that would play in SB XLVIII and its winner. Both the Seahawks and Broncos garnered eight votes each to have the honor bestowed upon them. Talk about a draw. Except Seattle Seahawks will be the victor of this contest. The Broncos are only the favorites because Peyton Manning is commanding the offense with his dynamic receiving corps, comprised of Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas.
This group set an NFL record in 2013, racking up 606 points while Manning threw 55 passing touchdowns and four receivers caught 10 or more of those touchdowns. This offense can be a tough animal to tame.
Let’s not forget about Manning on the line of scrimmage either. While the word “Omaha!” has become the word of choice, the actual word that describes his style at the line of scrimmage is ‘hurry.’ The Broncos spew out 72 plays per game –another statistic in which they lead the NFL. “For whatever reason, our offense plays better the faster we go,” Manning said to the Denver Post. “Anything we can do to make us more efficient as an offense, that’s what we’re looking to do.” However, the Broncos aren’t the only ones who harbor speed. The Seahawks’ secondary, which functions under the moniker “Legion of Boom,” has thwarted offenses throughout the NFL with their uncharacteristically large safeties and cornerbacks, but most of all, with their aggressive style of play. The most storied member of L.O.B is Richard Sherman, the “All-Pro Stanford graduate” who picked off eight passes for the season. His most recent came in the waning seconds of the NFC Championship against the 49ers. Colin Kaepernick sought receiver Michael Crabtree in lockdown coverage in the end zone to attempt the final dagger to the
John Froschauer | Associated Press
GAME OF THE YEAR. Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (left) shakes hands with Denver quarterback Peyton Manning (right) after their preseason match in August. NFL Analysts believe this game will come down between the Denver Bronco’s top rated offensive playbook versus Seattle Seahawks “Legion of Doom.”
Seahawks – or so it appeared. Sherman used hyped speed against a “mediocre” Crabtree to tip the pass to safety Earl Thomas to hold off San Francisco 23-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. As the self-proclaimed best corner in the game, Sherman has made a habit of tearing down receivers on the field with his lockdown coverage and patented trash talk – just ask Crabtree. If Sherman denying a game-winning pass isn’t frustrating enough, there’s always a body-rocking boom to level your physical foundation. Seattle can also rely on their offense run by dual-threat quarterback Russell Wilson. While the jury is out on him deserving
the label of elite, one thing is for certain: he can make something out of nothing. Wilson was steel-solid in third down conversions this season, particularly with long-shots over 11 yards. Of the 31 passes he attempted over 11 yards, he completed 20. He converted on 64 percent of third downs in general. When you think his time on the field is over, he can unload an all-out aerial attack on you and have someone catch the ball while falling effortlessly into the end zone. Let that sink in for a minute. Wilson can also hand off to Marshawn Lynch, better known as “Beast Mode.” He simultaneously evaded a San Francisco cornerback
and ran over a teammate to find himself in the end zone after eating up 40 yards of field. Don’t forget what he did to the Saints in 2011. Despite their prowess, the Seahawks still won’t get the full amount of respect they deserve because of one man: Peyton Manning. But it’s not about quarterbacks. It’s about who shows up: Denver’s highly productive, fastpaced offense or Seattle’s stifling, relentless defense. This game will decide if defense or offense wins championships. It will be the Seahawks defense that wins this championship.
TRACK
Alex Broussard | Houstonian
VINE AND DASH. When Chris Jefferson (Chris Jay) has an idea for Vine, he’s quick to film and continue to rise to fame. Jefferson is a member of the Sam Houston State University track team.
SHSU track star also a Vine star JEREMY VILLANUEVA Sports Editor Collegiate track and field competitions at Sam Houston State University don’t usually pull in the crowd the football team does. But more than a half a million people keep their eyes plugged in to SHSU’s freshman triple-jumper Chris Jefferson. Even though their eyes aren’t on him on the track. Chris Jefferson has made himself an elite user on the social media application Vine as Chris Jay. In Vine’s short run as a hit social media network, Jefferson has risen to popularity gaining the attention of many through his videos. Ever since Jefferson was a child, he knew he enjoyed being the life of the party and making others laugh. He got involved with theater and realized the spotlight was made for him. As Vine started becoming the newest hit of social media in 2013, Jefferson had big plans. “I knew I could make good Vines if I started doing it,” Jefferson said. Jefferson began producing comical vines and his rise to stardom quickly skyrocketed. One of his more popular Vines include an ongoing couple that he created between a “ratchet” girl and a teenage guy named Daquan. The most popular Vine using these characters involve the girl explaining how she was off her period and Daquan dropping everything he does to sprint from his house to meet her exclaiming he was ready to “dive in.” The Vine received over 81,000 likes, 74,000 revines and 4,000 comments. Jefferson said his success on Vine came as no surprise because his competitive
edge from track translates over. “Vine is competitive,” Jefferson said. “You have all these people with the same followers as you. It’s competitive. I’m a competitive person at heart.” Jefferson now has roughly 541,300 followers who constantly push him through positive feedback to continue making people smile through the social medium. “Somebody saying that you’re a naturally funny person without trying, that’s the best feedback you can get,” Jefferson said. Freshman teammate Simon Imagbe has helped Jefferson in his rise to fame by bouncing off ideas to being his cameraman. “We went on top of the Sam Houston statue, and Chris did the booty thrasher on it,” Imagbe said. “It was one of the most fun times I’ve had.” But even with the amount of good times and laughs that come through Vine, Jefferson keeps his head on straight while running track. “Track is why I’m here,” Jefferson said. “My mindset is to break the freshman barrier of coming in and expecting to do less than you did the previous year.” Jefferson’s success on the track is matching his Vine status. At the Texas-A&M Team Invite, Jefferson placed fourth in triple jump, beating out senior teammate Alejandro Trevino and breaking his personal record. “That’s a good sign right there,” Jefferson said. Jefferson’s next meet is Friday and Saturday at the Howie Ryan Invitational in Houston. Jefferson’s next Vine could be at any moment when an idea sparks. Either way, he’s glad to have the backing of many in wherever his talents take him, he said. “To know that people actually support you for being yourself, it’s a good feeling.”
Page 6 Thursday, January 30, 2014 houstonianonline.com/news
Tennis team ready to start season TENNIS
MORGAN JENKINS Contributing Reporter
Sam Houston State University’s tennis team is looking to revamp their winning ways when their spring season kicks off against North Central Texas Friday at the McAdams Tennis Complex. The Bearkats are coming in riding off an impressive finish to close their fall play at their host tournament, the Sam Houston Invitational in November, where they took home three of four flight titles. “Seeing how the girls have developed during the fall and seeing them practice, I am confident that they can compete and win like any other team,” head coach Jim Giachino said. However, SHSU is still adjusting to competing at their intensity despite the loss of Sheridan Currie, Nadia Dubyanskaya and Tatyana Postnikova who graduated in the spring 2013. “The loss of three key players
Alex Broussard | The Houstonian
FIRST SERVE. Sophomore Maddie Mortimore is getting ready for the spring season hoping to continue on her undefeated reign from last year. Mortimore and her teammates will open play Friday against North Central Texas.
from last year makes for a very challenging season,” Giachino said. Australian freshmen Isabella Costa said she has stepped up to
fill in the shoes of the graduated seniors but is still learning the ropes of competing at the collegiate level. Costa said she is anxious to get the season rolling
against North Central Texas as Southland Conference begins in March. “I am looking forward to playing in the dual conference
matches and being able to put all my hard work and training into the match,” Costa said. North Central Texas is bringing five freshmen of their own into Huntsville to take on the Bearkats alongside three international players. Sophomore Maddie Mortimore said she wants to strive into the spring season with another successful season. Mortimore finished her freshman season undefeated at 9-0. “I want to have the same impact, but a higher number in the lineup,” Mortimore said. “I feel confident knowing that I can win the matches.” With the matches against North Central Texas determing the tone of the season Giachino said he’s ecstatic hearing his squad is confident. “We don’t need mottos or sayings. We need to know that we are good when we face our opponents,” Giachino said. The first set begins at 2 p.m.
TECH
Lulu phone app allows women to rank men Facebook stalking your crush has reached a new level with a new app that allows women to rate their current and previous boyfriends and their male friends. Lulu is a free app that allows women to anonymously review men they know or have dated based on their looks, charm, personality, and even how they perform in the sack. To access the app, users log
in with their Facebook account. Once logged in, a dashboard of potential suitors is available to evaluate. To review a guy, female users click on his profile, answer a few multiple choice questions either as an ex-girlfriend, a crush, current girlfriend, friend, relative or a former hookup about his looks, first kiss and personality. To rate his personality, label him with as many hash tags as possible with the most popular tags including #BelievesinLove and #GoneByMorning. Lulu’s creator, Alexandra
Chong, said Lulu is not about bashing men, but about knowledge of who is out there. It was created for the purpose of researching a guy before dating him, she said. The app has created controversy on the fairness of the evaluations and the privacy of the men on the app, according to Mashable. com. If a guy has a Facebook account, he is automatically on Lulu, whether he is single, in a relationship or married. His female friends can evaluate him and label him a simple phrase like #CheaperThanABigMac. Sam Houston State University
junior Shelby Bourland believes Lulu should notify men of their presence on the app. “I think it goes against the guy’s privacy since they don’t know that they’re actually on the app,” she said. When asked if she would ever use it, Bourland said she would but would “take whatever I read with a grain a salt since anyone could post a review.” Although men have no control of what girls say about them, they can be removed from the app by contacting Lulu and requesting it. Although the information visible
on a guy’s Lulu profile isn’t more than what could be found on a private Facebook profile, the problem is the possible defamation of character. “We encourage students to be thoughtful and careful before putting any information because of the long-lasting damage that could occur,” Student Legal and Mediation Services Director Attorney Gene Roberts said. “Your online profile and statements that you make need to be one that’s carefully guarded.” According to Lulu’s website, the app has more than 1 million users.
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JENNIFER McCONNELL Contributing Reporter
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