The Houstonian

Vol 116— Issue 15

Federal judge rules against ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy’

SEE page 4

Huntsville, Texas

Thursday, October 14, 2010

HOMECOMING 2010

Carnival lights up the night

Student activities continue homecoming week tradition

CRIME TIME

By Kolby Flowers

Shots fired at college apartment

Senior Reporter

More than 1,500 students attended the Ninth Annual Sam Jam Carnival Wednesday at Holleman Field and were treated a night of freebies – free rides, free food and free games.

The lights of the Ferris wheel was partnered with rides such as the Sizzler, the Fun Slide and the Hurricane, all designed to move bodies in various frenetic trajectories. Nachos and funnel cakes, along with cotton candy and caramel apples, awaited in food stands on more stable ground.

The carnival was offered as part of Homecoming Week 2010.

“We always look forward to bring that home-town carnival experience to the students,” said Brandon Cooper, assistant director of student activities, which sponsored the event.

“It has become a true SHSU tradition.”

Students took part in all that the tradition offers.

Police continue search for suspects

By Jessica Priest

Associate News Editor

The Huntsville Police Department is still searching for suspects in connection to the shots fired at the Brook Place apartment complex Sunday evening.

While many of the individuals involved were identified as SHSU students, HPD said they fear a non-local gang may be to blame. “[This incident] is still under investigation,” HPD Lt. James Barnes said. “We are coordinating with the Missouri City Police Department, as several of the suspects are known gang members from the Missouri City area.”

HPD officer Kevin Hammond was initially called to the scene in reference to a fight in progress at the apartment, located at 5020 Sam Houston Ave. “There was a large fight in the parking lot near building one,” said HPD Lt. James Barnes. “During the course of the fight, a suspect allegedly went to his car, retrieved a hand gun and fired shots into the crowd.”

Nobody was injured in the incident, and no property was damaged, police said.

Approximately four shell casings were retrieved,

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

NIGHT SCENE. More than 1,500 students attended the Ninth Annual Sam Jam Carnival Wednesday at Holleman Field and were treated a night of freebies – free rides, free food and free games.

— See SHOTS, page 3

Homecoming Events

Kats seek fourth win

By Mike Silva Sports Editor

Thursday Homecoming Parade: Sam Houston Ave. at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday SHSU Bearkat Alley: Bowers Stadium North Parking Lot at 12 p.m.

“My favorite part of any carnival is the Ferris wheel,” junior Mary Armstrong said.

“You can see the whole carnival from the top.”

The carnival also had many game booths set up.

“No matter how hard I try, I can never win,” said Trevor Shepherd, freshmen, “I’m still convinced that all of these games are rigged, even though they are free.”

Homecoming Week 2010 will continue Thursday at 6:30 p.m. with a parade down Sam Houston Avenue.

Alumni will meet in the LSC Center Ballroom Thursday at 11 a.m. for the Golden Circle Reunion. Friday, alumni will meet in the LSC Ballroom for a reception at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, President Dana Gibson will have coffee with alumni in Austin Hall at 10:30 a.m. Tailgating will be at Bearkat Alley at noon for the Homecoming Game against Southeastern Louisiana, which starts two hours later.

The Bearkat football team will host Southeastern Louisiana in Sam Houston State University’s 77th annual football game on Saturday at 2 p.m.

SHSU (3-2, 1-0 SLC) is facing a Lions (2-3, 1-0 SLC) team that leads the conference in rushing defense and scoring defense.

Having come off three consecutive wins, the Kats seek their fourth in a row against a team that they have struggled with in recent history. Despite leading the rivalry series 7-4 all time, SLU has come out victorious in the teams’ last two meetings, including a 30-27 overtime win at Huntsville in 2008.

WHAT’S ON THE WEB Visit our website to participate in our latest poll or post your comments on the stories in this issue at houstonianonline.com!

“We’re going to come in with a real fierce attitude and try to keep the winning streak alive,” running back Tim Flanders said. “The defense has been playing real good, and special teams keeps getting better. We just have to keep working on the little things to get better each week.”

The Kats are coming off of a defensive domination at Nicholls last week.

SHSU’s 12 sacks set a school record and tied an all-time SLC record, as the Bearkats handled Nicholls, 26-7.

The Lions are coming off of a 49-24 win over Texas State at home, ending a two-game losing streak with a conference win. SHSU will have its hands filled with SLU, the league’s

third total offense this season.

“Our game at Nicholls helped us learn how to respond to adversity when we are down,” linebacker Will Henry said. “The [Nicholls] win was just another stepping stone for us getting to where we want to be. We did a lot of good things defensively, but there is still plenty of room to get better.”

SHSU hopes to have a repeat performance of last year’s homecoming.

The Bearkats demolished Nicholls 44-21 in SHSU’s first conference game of the season, just one week before visiting SLU to be crushed, 37-21.

The Kats also look to improve to 16-9 all-time at Bowers Stadium for homecoming this weekend.

Autism Awareness Participate in the Seventh Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Saturday at Reliant Park.

SEE page 3

UPCOMING EVENT

SHSU recognizes five for ‘distinguished’ lives

By Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-Chief

SHSU Recognizes Five For ‘Distinguished’ Lives Five former students who have made notable contributions in their fields, communities and to SHSU itself will be honored as Distinguished Alumni on Friday as part of the university’s 2010 homecoming festivities.

The honorees include Calvert Harrison, Brenda Love, Marcus Luttrell, George Miles and John Garrett, the Distinguished Young Alumnus. The Distinguished Alumni Gala will take place at 6

p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.

Tickets are $70 each. Table sponsorships are still available for $1,500 for platinum sponsorship and $1,000 for gold sponsorship. For more information about the event, contact the SHSU Office of Alumni Relations at 936.294.1841.

KATlinks To learn more about the distinguished alumni and their notable contributions visit www. houstonianonline.com

INDEX

Entertainment.......page 5

Viewpoints...........page 2

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

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

Special...................page 7

Lifestyle................page 4 Special...................page 8

Page 2 The Houstonian

Skinny boy: Dirty dish digression

Thomas Merka offers his tale of

dirty dishes and advises you to clean up When I sat down to write this article, I intended to take a witty stance on some important issue, like the foul odor that haunts parts of campus or how the vending machine on the second floor of the Dan Rather building still will not accept dollar bills.

Yet, I digress and will instead bore you with a tale of dirty dishes.

It all started in the kitchen. I live in a dorm on campus. Actually, it’s the only dorm with a full kitchen that residents can access. Lucky us, right?

Well, as nice as having a kitchen is, it comes with one big, stinky, nasty problem. Dirty dishes.

I have to admit, I’m not the tidiest person in the world. My dorm looks like a tornado has hit it and my backpack is full of loose sheets of paper floating around all over the place, but I cannot tolerate having a dirty kitchen.

A dirty kitchen causes all kinds of stress and problems for everyone.

First, having a dirty kitchen increases the risk of contamination and food poisoning. Gross!

Second, I absolutely HATE walking into the kitchen to grab a plate, only to find that they are all dirty.

So, I have to wash the plate, use it, and then wash it again because, unlike some, I am a courteous person and wash my dishes when I finished with them.

Again, I have to admit that sometimes, when I am running late, I will throw my dishes in the

sink and go to class, but I always go back to wash them later.

Another phenomenon that’s just as bad as the dirty dishes stacked everywhere is the nasty collection of leftovers that tend to clog the drain. It’s absolutely nauseating to have to pull week-old ramen out of the drain before washing my dishes.

So, as a solution to this kitchen catastrophe, I am going to give you stepby-step directions on how to clean a kitchen.

Step one, place all excess food in either the fridge or the trash. Step two, using hot water and anti-bacterial dish soap, wash all dishes with a sponge, or wash them all in a dishwasher if you possess such a luxury.

Step three, place all dishes on drying rack or dry them with a clean towel. Step four, wipe down all counter tops with an anti-bacterial wipe, making sure to clean the stove, microwave and any other appliance you may have used.

Step five, CLEAN OUT THE SINK!!!

I hope this helps those of you who obviously do not know how to clean a kitchen and hopefully helps those of you dealing with the same problem I am. Let’s all step up and clean up the kitchen.

V

IEWPOINTS

Letter to the editor,

College students will play an essential role in this election. We’ve seen enthusiasm among young people across Texas and in the 30 chapters of Students for Bill White we’ve set up on Texas college campuses.

Texas is a growing state and our generation has an investment in how this election turns out on crucial issues like education.

White is the best candidate for our generation of Texans.

Bill White is in it for Texas. He fights for the people he represents, and brings people together to get things done. That’s why as Houston’s mayor, he was re-elected twice with margins of 91% and 86%.

During his time as mayor, the Houston area led the nation’s cities in job growth, adding more jobs than 37 states combined.

As mayor, Bill White

helped launch the Reach out to Dropouts program which organized volunteers to go door-to-door to bring back thousands of high school students to get their diplomas.

As governor, White will take the Reach out to Dropouts program statewide.

Bill White has made education a priority, and put forth a five-point education plan that includes improving career and technical education, cutting Texas’ high dropout rate, fighting to make college more affordable for Texans and working to get more Texas universities Tier-One status.

Rick Perry is a career politician who is in it for himself. He is refusing to answer tough questions from Texas voters, from newspaper editorial boards and in debates. Perry’s actions were recently called “disrespectful” and “unacceptable” by the Tyler

Morning Telegraph, which Perry has called his favorite newspaper in the state.

As legislators face up to a budget shortfall estimated between $18-$21 billion, Perry has compared attempts to start addressing the shortfall to using a “Ouija board.” Bill White has called Perry out for sticking his head in the sand: “What is it, Governor Perry? As a businessman, I get alarmed when people play games with numbers and duck questions..”

Meanwhile, Perry’s ethics violations keep racking up. Recently, an independent ethics watchdog group discovered that Perry has “reaped” $17 million in campaign contributions from his appointees or their spouses.

A Dallas Morning News report revealed soon after that Perry funneled $16 million in Texas taxpayer money to companies con-

nected to his biggest donors.

Days later, Perry’s office accidentally released the governor’s secret, political schedule he keeps hidden from Texans.

Perry’s story has changed numerous times and serious questions remain about how he has been using state resources, paid for by Texas taxpayers, for his political campaign.

Bill White has released a detailed ethics plan and pledges to end the use of the governor’s office as a political machine.

Please feel free contact the campaign by emailing Ben Sherman on our communications team at bsherman@billwhitefortexas. com with any questions you may have.

Sincerely, Garry Jones State Director | Students For Bill White

Comedy Center

Thomas Merka is the entertainment editor for The Houstonian. He is a Sophomore Broadcast Journalism major, Theatre minor.

By Dan Wasserman

Power of opinion

Jessica Priest writes on the importance of forming opinions and becomes a columnist before our eyes.

In the Fall of 2008, I wrote what I thought was a lighthearted column about my mp3 player’s shortcomings, and, ever since then, I have never been the same.

Being a new contributor, I would obsess over online comments. So, naturally, after refreshing the web page on which my column was displayed countless times, I was delighted to find I had not one comment, but ten! Boy did I receive a wake up call.

Each comment bellowed out to me in an angry voice.

Each comment screamed at my incompetence. Each comment, veiled with anonymity, attacked not only columnist Jessica, but actual, real person with feelings Jessica.

You see, my column, which pointed out what I believed to be the obvious benefits of owning an Applie iPod over Microsoft’s Zune, had a few technical errors.

The fact that my column was mistakenly titled “Mac’s iPods versus Microsoft’s Zunes” by a former viewpoints editor, unaware of such techie atrocities, certainly didn’t help things either. Although I will admit my style of writing may have asserted I was an authority in the area of mp3 players, I never did explicitly claim any expertise in the area. Still, I seemed to have enraged the

Thursday, October 14, 2010

masses, and this, despite the fact that these were virtual strangers, none of whom I would ever meet, weighed heavy on my heart. How could so many people think I’m stupid? They don’t even know me.

I called my Dad for some advice. He told me what any good parent would tell their child: suck it up. If you’re going to be a writer, if you’re going to express your opinion, you’re going to have to accept the fact

to choose from, you know? … I’m just so indecisive.”

But the truth is I DO know what my favorite TV show is. It’s True Blood, and everyone who knows me can answer that question.

So, what’s stopping me?

The same thing that stops everyone at least once in their life. I care what other people think, even if their people I don’t necessarily like. While a select few can choose to rise above the self-doubt, I’ve never

Let’s just put it this way: people are more inclined to express their discontent than their happiness. that not everyone will agree with you.

“You have to get a thicker skin,” he said.

So, I have a fear of writing columns. There. I said it. Despite what my Dad said all those years ago, I’ve never overcome it.

This fear has even extended into some other parts of my life as well. When someone asks me what my favorite TV show is, do you what my answer is?

“I don’t know. I don’t have a favorite,” I’d say.

Sometimes, I would make excuses for myself.

“I don’t know my favorite TV show is because it changes so much,” I‘d say.

“There’s just so many shows

been one of them, but this, right here, is the my first attempt. With this column, maybe I’ll join their ranks someday.

After all, working on the staff of the Houstonian hasn’t been easy. Here, I have been confronted by some very opinionated people. I’ve also written a few articles that - to put it lightly - were not received well by our readers.

Instead of cringing at negative words on a web page, I think about all the people who liked my article. Those people read it, got the information they needed and moved on.

Let’s just put it this way: people are more inclined

to express their discontent than their happiness. I mean, really, when was the last time you complimented your maintenance man for arriving on time to do his job? I’m expected to write accurately and concisely. I don’t normally get a “thank you” note. Although, it would be nice.

No comments are a good sign. That’s what I always say. And the Houstonian staff has taught me, among many other things, to express my opinions, whether everyone agrees with it or not. Because, let’s face it. Without them, I’m not only indecisive, but spineless. Having no opinion can let others think they can take advantage of you. So, speak your mind.

Say your peace. You’ll regret it if you don’t. And I know now, with my newly thick skin, that if I ever do choose to obsessively refresh a web page for comments again, I won’t regret the words I’ve written down.

I still think iPods are better than Zunes, even two years later. I still think True Blood is a great show, despite the blood, gore and sex. I’m still me, but with a voice, and, this time, I’ll speak up.

Jessica Priest is the associative news editor for The Houstonian. She is a senior mass communications major, English minor.

Letter to the Student Body Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: 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.

Brandon Scott Viewpoints Editor bscott@houstonianonline.com 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

FACULTY ADVISOR Robin Johnson.....................................................................936-294-1499 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 SECTION EDITORS Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate Editor Brandon Scott..............................................................Viewpoints Editor Mike Silva...........................................................................Sports Editor Thomas Merka........................................................Entertainment Editor Jared Wolf.......................................................................Graphic Designer STAFF Lotis Butchko.................................................................Sports Reporter John Rudolph.......................................................................Photographer Jessica Gomez......................................................................Photographer Erin Peterson.......................................................................Copy Editor

Advertising BUSINESS MANAGER

Brittany Hampton...........................................................936-294-1500 STAFF Branden Price.....................................................Advertising Manager Kyle Mackey...........................................................Account Executive Chelsea Boyd..........................................................Account Executive

Advertising Deadlines

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

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

“ s

Thursday, October 14, 2010

CAMPUS

The Houstonian, Page 3

A step in the right direction

SGA news Campus organization brief to walk for autism awareness

By Mike Silva Sports editor

The following students were elected as interns on Tuesday: • Z a c h a r y Raybourn • John Cravey Kalyn Cazazos was also elected as a senator for the College of Criminal Justice.

The next general Student Government Association meeting will take place Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. in Lowman Student Center Room 320. For directions, call its office at 936294-1938.

A university student organization is taking charge in the fight against autism.

The SHSU Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) will be participating in the Seventh Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Saturday at Reliant Park.

The walk is free to anyone who would like to partake and includes children’s games, live music, a community resource fair for autismrelated service providers and manufacturers, as well as the two-and-a-half mile walk.

“Autism is one of many disabilities that people should know more about,” said Ashley Skates, SCEC Public Relations officer. “This walk is just a stepping stone towards getting research regarding autism. Our group wants to help out as much as possible.”

The walk, sponsored by Toys-R-Us and Babies-RUs, was created to raise awareness and help find a cure for autism. Donations are welcomed, and collections will go towards funding for

research about the second most common developmental disorder in the United States.

SCEC is organizing a group of followers at SHSU to attend the event. Members of this team have the option to buy a t-shirt, the proceeds of which will be donated to Autism Speaks.

“The primary purpose of the Student Council for Exceptional Children is to advance the education of individuals with exceptionalities,” SCEC CoPresident Courtney Cordova said. “Anyone who takes part in this walk is singlehandedly spreading the word of autism and is helping to raise knowledge about it.”

All participants must either register online or at the registration tent on the day of the walk. All walkers must sign an insurance waiver before partaking in the event.

Registration for Walk Now for Autism Speaks opens at 8 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m., which lead into the official walk at 10 a.m.

Free parking will be available in the Main Street Lot to anyone prior to 10 a.m.

FIle photo | The Houstonian

STEP UP. Students from the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) will participate in a walk to educate others on a disability called autism this Saturday at Reliant Stadium.

Fair to educate students on various forms of cancer

By Janise Richardson Contributing reporter

Students and staff have the opportunity to educate themselves on the various forms of cancer during Sam Houston State University’s first In the Pink Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the LSC mall area. “[Our purpose] is to educate students on cancer awareness…and [encourage] them to change their lifestyle,” Kats for the Cause Coordinator Lisa Joyner said.

Though breast cancer is the main focus for this event, Kats for the Cause is also recognizing other forms of cancer, including colon and testicular.

According to the American Cancer Society web site, during their lifetime, half of U.S. men and a third of women will develop some form of cancer.

“Though cancer is very prevalent, it is important to understand testicular cancer since it affects most young men,” SHSU Health Center Interim Director Sarah Hanel said. “It is important to know the signs and

“What’s for dinner?”

The following is the tonight’s dinner menu for Cafe Belvin, which is located in between Belvin and Elliot residence halls. Dinner is served from 4-9 p.m.

DELI Chips Homestyle ranch sandwhich ham provolone wheat ENTREE Ham pit baked Station noodle bowl Casserole chicken bruschetta EXHIBITION STATION Grilled cheese sandwich

Burger garden 3.4 oz PIZZA Pizza spinach ricotta 16 (14) (3) Pizza cheese 16 (14) (3) Pizza pepperoni 16 (14) (3) PRODUCE MARKET Salad bar residential Black bean and corn salad SIDES

Candied sweet potatoes (fresh) French fries shoestring 2 1/4 oz SOUP Cream of tomato soup Minestrone soup VEGETABLES AND STARCHES Frozen peas and carrots Seasoned cauliflower augratin

Education connection

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

As a representative from Dickinson Independent School District, Carla Gerdes, Director of Human Resources, visited with SHSU students during the Fall Teacher Job fair on Wednesday in the Johnson Coliseum for the Fall 2010 Teacher Job Fair.

From SHOTS page 1 but HPD is still unsure of how many shots were actually fired.

Brook place residents were notified of the incident the following day via letters posted to their doors, and Barnes said he still believes the complex is relatively safe for student living.

“Brook place is a known college apartment, so of course there are problems associated with college kids, [like drinking and public intoxication,]” Barnes said. “We don’t have a lot of violent crime there…We’re hoping to make an arrest soon.”

If a suspect is arrested, he or she would face an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, Barnes said.

symptoms of [these cancers]….and behavior affects student lives. If you don’t start now, when will you?”

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure web site recommends that people “know their risk, get screened, know what is normal for you and make healthy lifestyle choices.”

Those organizations participating include Kats for the Cause, the Colon Cancer Alliance, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Initiative, the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Student Activities and the Student Health Center, among others.

Booths will be set up on the mall area

with giveaways, games and valuable cancerrelated information. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, Student Activities will have pink sno cones and Zeta Tau Alpha will be selling pink t-shirts.

To participate, students need to check-in at the Student Health Center tent.

For more information, contact Lisa Joyner at stdlij11@shsu.edu or the Student Health Center at 936-294-1805.

Page 4 The Houstonian

Thursday October 14, 2010

LIFESTYLE

Education Connection

By Kolby Flowers Contributing Reporter With more than 500 million active users on Facebook and over 190 million users on Twitter sending over 65 million “tweets” a day, social networking sites are changing the way the world communicates.

“Facebook is a great way to communicate with students,” said Diane McCormick, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions. “We use it to contact perspective students and alumni, as well as interact with current students on campus.”

McCormick runs the university’s official Facebook fan page. With over 18,000 fans, the site is updated with information about events going on around campus.

It’s also used as a forum to connect prospective students with administrators as well as a forum for current students to connect with other students.

Many professors are now using Facebook and Twitter.

They are tapping into social networking sites to connect with their students outside of normal class hours.

“I sometimes remind students about class activities, like exams or review sessions,” said Stacy Ulbig, Associate Professor of Political Science. “Other times, I might post a link to a story, website or video that relates to something that we have talked about in class.”

Ulbig thinks Facebook and Twitter can help remind students about their class responsibilities and make class more interesting.

“Receiving a reminder of an upcoming exam or due date can help students manage their time a litttle bit better,” said Ulbig. “I think it also helps keep classes relevant to students outside the classroom. If students keep getting information about class-related topics, its harder for the class to slip their mind.”

Of the approximate 135

students in Dr. Ulbig’s classes, about 65 are fans of her class Facebook pages and 44 are following the class Twitter page.

While it may be easier for her students to get information, it’s not necessarily more efficient for Ulbig to use Facebook and Twitter.

“I usually end up sending out an email,” said Ulbig. “I do think, however, that more students receive my messages when they go through Facebook and Twitter than when I send them through campus e-mail.”

Ulbig often updates her students on current events through her Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Several other university departments have also created Facebook and Twitter pages to connect with the students on campus.

Many on-campus departments have set up social networking accounts to spread information to students.

Dr. Ulbig’s class Facebook and Twitter can be found by searching for POL261 and POL472 The University’s Official Facebook Fan Page frequently updates students on events around campus.

Social Networking @SamHoustonState Many departments have created Facebook pages, as well as Twitter pages, to help connect with students on campus. Below are just a few of the campus department pages.

Federal judge rules against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

By Stephen Green Senior Reporter

Facebook Pages:

Sam Houston State University SHSU Bookstore Newton Gresham Library Bearkat OneCard Services Honors College University Police Department Student Activities Multicultural International Student Services

Twitter Pages: Greek Life Career Services

Bearkat Sports Parking 90.5 The Kat

Graduate Studies College of Business Administration Jr. Bearkats of SHSU College of Criminal Justice Bearkat Athletics Student Money Management Center Career Services Alumni Association Greek Life Rec Sports Diversity Newton Gresham Library

A federal judge ruled against the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on Monday with her ruling of Log Cabin Republicans vs. United States, on the basis that it violated the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution.

The policy banned gays and lesbians in the military from disclosing their sexua orientation. By enforcing the policy, the government infringed upon “the fundamental rights of United States service

members and prospective service members,” according to Judge Virginia Phillips of the Federal District Court of the Central District of California.

Phillips also said that the policy, which the Obama administration has called “discriminatory,” violated freedom of speech and due process of homosexual men and women in the military.

Although the justice department has not issued a statement in response to the ruling, it has filed objections.

The objections cite that

the government should be “afforded a reasonable amount of time” to delay the enforcement of the ruling in order to better understand the possible consequences.

“A court should not compel the Executive branch to implement an immediate cessation of the 17-year-old policy without regard for any effect such an abrupt change might have on the military’s operations,” U.S. Dept. of Justice attorneys said following Phillips’ ruling, “particularly at a time when the military is engaged in combat operations.”

Picture by: Rainatu R. Gabisi Last week, SH Dining Services held a Lucky Charms “Guess How Many Charms” Event in the Paw Print, sponsored by General Mills. Many students and faculty made their guesses in hopes of winning a box of Lucky Charms Cereal, as well as a free meal at Quiznos. Pondora Bradford won the contest with a guess of 621 charms.The exact amount was 672.

A-Okay Recipes

Microwave Cracker Pizzas Courtesy allrecipes.com Ingredients: - 24 whole wheat crackers -1/4 cup pizza sauce -24 slices of pepperoni, or pizza toppings of your choice -1 1/2 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese

EARLY VOTING October 18-29 ELECTION DAY November 2 Pol. Ad. Paid for by the Steve Ogden Campaign, Andrea Woods, Treasurer; P.O. Box 3126, Bryan, TX 77805-3126

1) Spread each cracker with 1/2 teaspoon pizza sauce 2) Place slice of pepperoni on top 3) Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozza-

If you have any story suggestions for this page or for suggestions for the Kats Krossword section.

Contact Stephen Green at smg032@ shsu.edu, or Kolby Flowers at kwf006@shsu. edu.

rella cheese.

4) Place crackers onto a microwave safe plate 5) Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, until cheese melts.

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 2 minutes Ready in: 7 minutes

This is the solution for the crossword puzzle from the September 21 issue.

ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Houstonian, Page 5

Grad student brings new life to classic show

By Erin Peterson Copy Editor

Program Council hosted the second “Open Mic Night” of the semester Tuesday night. Once again, Bearkats arrived at the steps of Austin Hall to showcase and support the talent hidden among the SHSU student body. Above, rapper and singer Milton Hamilton entertains the crowd. Below, Trent O’Neal plays some hits from The Beatles and Shiarnice Taylor reads an original poem.

LaNita Joseph, a new graduate student from Chicago and the founder and artistic director of Anita Davis Dance Theater, brings her Chicago style to Huntsville with an Urban Nutcracker production, showcasing hip hop, jazz and contemporary dance, to tell a traditional story in a non-traditional way.

The Urban Nutcracker is sponsored by Joseph’s company, Anita Davis Dance Theater, and will be debuting on Saturday, November 13th at 7:00pm in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.

Filling the void for organized hip-hop dance opportunities and events at Sam Houston State University, Joseph aims to bring large opportunities to the hip-hop dancers of the SHSU student body.

“I just feel that there are so many talented hip-hop dancers who want a place to dance but simply do not have enough opportunities,” Joseph said. “My goal is to bring the hip-hop community together and to the forefront of the performing arts com-

munity with a lot of hip-hop and jazz productions and events for everyone.”

A current graduate student of the dance department, Joseph has worked as a selfsupporting artist in Chicago as an independent producer, director, choreographer, dancer and filmmaker for the past five years. Her work has been shown to audiences of thousands on stages such as the Regal Theater, Harold Washington Cultural Center and Chicago Park District. In addition to her own company, she has worked with several prestigious companies such as River North Dance Chicago and Joel Hall Dancers.

Her choreography has debuted in various festivals, such as Chicago Dance Festival, Dance Chicago and Rebound Dance festival. She has been an in-resident dance instructor and choreographer for Dance St. Louis and Chicago Public Schools, and now she teaches at SHSU. Tickets are $10 dollars for general admission and $5 for SHSU students, available at urbannutcracker.eventbrite. com or by contacting 773807-3546.

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Photos by Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

Author to share interests with students during forum

By Thomas Merka

Entertainment Editor

Da Chen, author of SHSU’s Bearkats Read to Succeed common reader selection and the New York Times bestselling “China’s Son,” will engage students in some of his interests when he comes to campus on Oct. 18-19 for the First Year Experience’s annual author’s forum.

“The author’s forum is the pinnacle of the campus common reader program,” Angrove said. “[It] is designed to introduce freshmen to the power and joys of reading, not simply as a means of imparting knowledge, but also as a way to strengthen emotional connectedness, and to challenge their frame of reference.”

Chen will give a series of lectures that covers the course of his life beginning on Monday at 9 a.m. with “The Essence of Chinese Culture— Achieving a Noble Life,” in the Lowman Student Center Theater. The first lecture will emphasize Chinese history seen through Chen’s personal experiences growing up in China’s deep south during the Cultural Revolution.

From 10-11 a.m., Chen will discuss what it was like to be a victim of communist political persecution after his father was thrown into a reform camp and how he, at the age of 9, was threatened with imprisonment during “Cultural Heritage and Identity” in the LSC Theater.

At 11 a.m., he will give a keynote address on “From Suppression to Wall Street To Random House,” also in the LSC Theater, which will follow Chen’s journey to America at the age of 23, with $30 in his pocket, a bamboo flute and “a heart filled with hope,” according to Kay Angrove, director of the First Year Experience Office.

“He attended Columbia University School of Law on a full scholarship and upon graduating worked for the Wall Street investment banking firm of Rothschilds, Inc.,” she said. “After writing his first memoir, he went on

to become a New York Times bestseller.”

Following the lecture, Chen will sign copies of his book in Chinese calligraphy.

That evening, Chen will share one of his childhood pastimes, ping-pong, with students. The “Da Chen Invitational Ping-Pong Tournament and Book Signing” will be held from 7-9 p.m. in the Kat Klub on the first floor of the LSC. Chosen from a random lottery, sixteen people will be selected to participate in the tournament, the winner of which will play Chen. Prizes will be awarded to winners.

“In the book, he mentions that he was a very good pingpong player,” Angrove said.

“It was important to China and his life when he was young and going to school.

“He had problems with social and political status in his life because of who he was and who his family was (landlords stripped of their wealth during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s), and ping-pong was an avenue where he could be successful and gain stature in his village and school community.”

On Tuesday, Chen will give budding writers tips on being successful with a creative writing workshop. “Write Like a Blind Man—Significantly Elevate Your Writing to a New Level” will be held from 8-9:30 a.m. in Lowman Student Center Room 320.

“The writing workshops are his passion,” Angrove said. “This summer, he taught creative writing classes at New York University. He has a lot of books and best-sellers, and he likes helping people with their writing.”

That evening, SHSU’s Political Engagement Project will help round out the author’s forum events when it presents the third roundtable in its “Hot Topics” discussion series with an interactive seminar on “U.S.-China Relations.”

The panel discussion, which will be held from 7-9 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Theater, will include Tracy Steele, SHSU associate

professor of history; Jihon “Solomon” Zhao, SHSU professor of criminal justice; and Hans Stockton, director of the Center for International Studies at St. Thomas University.

Bill Carroll, SHSU associate professor of political science, will moderate the discussion and audience participation as the panelists talk about the political, economic and cultural relationship between China and the United States.

“Da Chen is excited to interact with students interested in reading, writing, Chinese history, Chinese politics, ping-pong, and music,” Angrove said. “For the forum, we really tried to pull as many themes out of his book and out of his life as we could to impact as many students as possible in diverse ways.”

Students wanting autographs should bring their copies of their books to signing events because all 2,500 copies purchased for the Bearkats Read to Succeed program have been given out. The Barnes and Noble University Bookstore will sell copies of the novel during the keynote lecture on Monday.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information on any of the author’s forum events, contact Angrove at 936.294.3422 or visit the BRTS author’s forum website at http://www.shsu.edu/~fye_ www/events.html.

For more information on the Hot Topics panel discussion, contact Stacy Ulbig, assistant professor of political science, at 936.294.1468 or org_pep@ shsu.edu.

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Sports

Page 6 The Houstonian

Face Time with Jenny Pence

Sports reporter Lotis Butchko talks soccer with the Southland Conference’s saves leader in 2010 The Houstonian: So Jenny, where are you from?

Jenny Pence: I am from Kingwood, Texas.

TH: What is Kingwood like compared to Huntsville?

JP: What is it like? There are a lot of high-school aged kids there, and it’s a really small community. It’s snobby, but it’s a nice place to grow up.

TH: How did you get started playing soccer?

JP: I was in third grade, my mom says, and she was putting me in every sport. I played tee-ball with the boys and gymnastics for a year, and she put me in soccer, and I guess it stuck. I really liked it.

TH: Did you play in any travel leagues?

JP: Yeah, when I was in high school we got a new trainer, and she introduced us to traveling and playing. So I went to Florida and Colorado for a couple tournaments.

TH: Other than soccer, what’s your favorite sport?

JP: To watch or to play?

TH: Both?

JP: I like watching college football mainly. What sports do I like to play? Well definitely not basketball. I think I like playing football, too. I am awful at baseball.

TH: Shouldn’t you be good at the eye hand coordination sports?

JP: It’s not the eye-hand coordination; it’s hitting things with something else in my hand. So baseball and softball I’m bad at.

And tennis I am awful at.

TH: How did you get started playing goalie?

JP: *Laughs* Well, normally when you are younger, they always stick the ‘fat kid’ in goal. So I was the fat, chubby kid and I was like, “I really don’t want to run,” so they stuck me in goal, and it stuck. I am still playing it, 15 years later.

TH: So, it’s like the fat kid who plays left field in baseball?

JP: It’s true. It’s so true. They stick him out there and say, ‘pick flowers or something.’

TH: How does the team look like this year compared to last year? You played Baylor and gave them a really tough game.

JP: Baylor we played well against. This year, we are better individually as players, and recently we have kind of learned to play as a team and became more cohesive. At the beginning of the year, we were really up and down, but now we are a lot better. And we are getting better when it counts, heading into conference. I like our chances this year. I like them a lot.

TH: Your teammate, Kirby Zak, is always in the news somewhere. Tell us about her.

JP: I love Kirby. Last year, she came in as a freshman and was like, bouncing off the walls all the time. You would literally have to look at her and be like, “Kirby, sit down.” But she scored a lot and she came back, and this year she is hilarious as usual and she is still scoring a lot. I like people who score a lot because they make my job easier, so I do like her.

TH: So what are games like for you? As far as intensity, I mean are you always intense or are there times where you just stare at the ground and kick the dirt?

JP: Well, it comes with the position. Keeper is more of a mentally intense position. I could stand there for 80 minutes and do nothing, and then all of a sudden get a hard shot I have to save.

Whereas, if I was a field player running around, it would be easier to maintain intensity, so it’s more of a mental thing. But there are

games when we play lesser skilled teams, like a Prairie View or a Grambling, where I am literally standing there kicking the dirt for 90 minutes. But, it’s fun.

TH: What do you think of shoot outs? Do you like them or hate them?

JP: I don’t mind them because I am in goal. I am 5’6” and the goal is eight feet tall and ten yards wide, so all the pressure is on the shooters. If they miss, or I save one of theirs, it’s more of them messing up. It’s one of those things where I am not expected to make a save, but it’s awesome if I do. I would rather just win a game outright, but I don’t mind PK shoot outs. They’re not bad.

TH: Who is the big dog in conference this year?

JP: It’s weird this year in conference. It’s a lot more level this year. Texas State has conventionally been the team to beat always.

T h e y h a v e John Rudolph | b e e n The Houstonian undefeated i n conference play for two years straight. But right now, UTSA is undefeated and Texas State is still pretty good.

T H : How do y o u like y o u r chances this year?

Jenny Pence JP: I feel good at a glance about it. We played a really good game against -Senior goalkeeper, UTSA last year, in conference lwomen’s soccer team play and tournament play. Texas State we didn’t play as well in the -649 career saves regular season, but we played them -21 career shut outs* pretty good in the tournament. So I feel good about it. It’s all about -1.52 goals against coming in confident, and hopelaverage * fully we will be coming in on a win streak and something -32 goalkeeper wins * can happen. *SHSU records

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Kats Stats SHSU FOOTBALL UPCOMING GAMES

SATURDAY, Oct. 16

Southeastern La. at SHSU

VOLLEYBALL UPCOMING GAMES THURSDAY, Oct. 14 SHSU at Texas State

SHSU SOCCER UPCOMING GAMES FRIDAY, Oct. 15

SHSU at Southeastern La.

SUNDAY, Oct. 17 SHSU at Nicholls

MEN’S GOLF HAROLD FUNSTON

TOP TEAM RESULTS

1 Sam Houston 278 289 279 846 2 Okla. Christian 294 283 273 850 3 Okla. City 290 278 284 852

TOP INDIVIDUALS

1 A. Ochoa Ok Christian 73 72 63 208 2 O. Stark Ok Christian 73 68 68 209 3 Jeff Litwak SHSU 67 72 70 209

WOMEN’S GOLF HAROLD FUNSTON

TOP TEAM RESULTS

1 Sam Houston 289 298 307 894 2 Redlands 305 315 306 926 3 UT-Pan Am. 319 319 314 952

TOP INDIVIDUALS

1 Landa Stewart SHSU 70 69 78 217 2 J. Marshall Tyler 72 72 75 219 3 J. Schiele Redlands 74 74 72 220

Want more SHSU sports?

Follow the Houstonian sports staff on Twitter at:

twitter.com/ HoustonianSport

Come join

President Dana Gibson and the Sam Houston State University

Alumni Association for

Coffee & Pregame with the President Saturday, October 16 10:30 a.m. - NOON Austin Hall Featuring the Bearkat Marching Band & Sammy the Bearkat Bring your friends & family. No Charge.

For Questions contact 936.294.3415 or events@shsu.edu A Member of The Texas State University System

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