Volume 126 | Issue 11

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

What’s happening at Sam SUDDENLINK, P.2

FILM, P.3

ADVISING, P.4

PUNTER, P.5

TEXANS/COWBOYS, P.6

The cable company dropped a whole slew of channels

A big name in the Houston film industry visited campus

Here’s how to get the most out of being advised (not just so you can register)

Bearkat football’s punter comes all the way from the land down under

Our senior reporters look at which team will best the other Sunday

Volume 126 | Issue 11

THE HEADL I N E S i n br i e f Compiled by: Manny Jawa, web editor

/HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

Theta Chi accused of hazing by member

SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR RESIGNS

Following multiple breaches in security at the White House within the past month, Julia Pierson resigned her role as Director of the Secret Service yesterday.

Pierson’s resignation comes less than a day after members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee questioned her leadership and ability to protect the president and others under the protection of the service. Pierson told the committee on Sept. 30 that there are 327 active investigations into presidential security. Former Special Agent in charge of presidential detail, Joseph Clancy, was named Acting Director of the Secret Service.

EBOLA CONFIRMED IN DALLAS

The Center for Disease Control confirmed the first U.S. diagnosis of Ebola in a man who recently travelled to Liberia and was admitted into “strict isolation” Sunday at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. According to a hospital spokeswoman, the patient is in “serious condition”, but CDC officials are confident the virus can be stopped and will not spread any further. Gov. Rick Perry stated that several school-aged children who were in contact with patient are being kept at home for monitoring.

TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN

Brynn Castro | The Houstonian

HAZING. The Theta Chi house which is located on Bearkat Boulevard, is home to the fraternity which is now under investigation after claims that hazing took place Sept. 28.

JAY R. JORDAN Editor-in-Chief Sam Houston State University’s Theta Chi fraternity is under investigation for “military style” hazing by both the Dean of Students Office and University Police Department.

According to UPD Chief Kevin Morris, a Theta Chi member approached university police late Sunday night claiming he witnessed his fraternity hazing pledges. Morris said the member alleged that the fraternity made pledges do “military-style exercises for a couple hours” as a form of initiation, which is against state law and the SHSU Greek Life Guidelines.

“We’ve met with witnesses and collected statements,” Morris said.

“We’ve forwarded the statements to the dean of students.”

Dean of Students John Yarabeck said his office’s investigation is in its preliminary stages.

“One could assume if there was a police report of that nature that our office would be looking into it,” Yarabeck said. “We don’t know [the details] in this particular case yet, and we’re investigating it in its totality. We’re not going to comment until we know more about what’s going on.”

DELTA TAU DELTA UPDATE Theta Chi is not the only fraternity currently under investigation.

While not disclosing details of the current investigation into allegations against SHSU’s Delta Tau Delta chapter, Yarabeck said that the issue is currently in the appellate stage. “[The Delta Tau Delta case] hasn’t been decided yet,” Yarabeck said. “I can’t give you anything more until

a decision has been made. There’s an appeal process, and you know, there should be. That’s what we’re looking into at this point. Part of it’s done. An appeal has been made, and that’s what we’re waiting for.”

FERPALICIOUS Yarabeck cited the Family Educational and Privacy Rights, or FERPA, law for withholding more information about both cases.

“A students’ disciplinary record does in fact fall under FERPA, so an investigation therefore would be considered a part of students’ record,” Yarabeck said. “Even if you have an investigation, [if] we find somebody not responsible, there’s still a disciplinary record and it still would be considered confidential.”

Follow The Houstonian for continuing updates on both investigations.

HoustonianOnline.com

I-45 to be closed for weekend STAFF REPORT A series of closures are planned for Interstate Highway 45 northbound and southbound as construction at State Highway 242 continues, including a full closure of both northbound and southbound lanes from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

The closures are so construction crews can operate a large crane to place steel girders on the SH 242 overpass.

Closures at Woodlands Parkway/Robinson Road will begin Oct. 3 while closures at Shenandoah Park Drive to SH-242 began Oct. 1. Closures at SH-242 to St. Lukes Way will start and continue next week, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Northbound commuters are advised to divert onto the frontage road through SH-242 before merging back onto I-45 north. From Shenandoah Park Drive, motorists wanting access to SH-242 will need to U-turn at FM 1488 this weekend.

For closures at SH-242 to St. Lukes Way, motorists will be diverted westbound on SH-242 to St. Lukes Way back onto I-45.

To see where the I-45 closures will be, look on page 2

Afghanistan’s newly elected president, Ashraf Ghani, signed a bilateral security agreement Tuesday that allows 9,800 U.S. troops and 2,000 NATO troops to stay in the region after the combat mission formally ends this year. President Obama originally ordered the withdrawal of all but 9,800 troops from the area in May as one of the longest wars in U.S. history dwindled down.

AIRSTRIKE POLICY

After coming under scrutiny for its actions in Syria and Iraq, the Obama administration announced Sept. 30 that a 2013 airstrike policy meant to protect civilians does not apply to the fight against the Islamic State because the region is “an area of active hostility.” The announcement comes after protests in Syria started over the release of a video showing women and children being pulled from rubble after what appears to be a U.S. airstrike.

WILDLIFE POPULATION HALVED

The biannual Living Planet Report, published by the World Wildlife Foundation Sept. 29, showed that the population of wildlife in the world has decreased 52 percent from 1970 to 2010. Freshwater animals were hit the worst, declining by 76 percent while land and ocean populations decreased by 39 percent each.

AUDITIONS. Judges Michael Coker, Blake Whittaker, and Taylor Perry observe Gabriel Williams (on screen) as he auditions for KSHU Channel 7 weather reporter Wednesday.

REDDIT REWARDS USERS

SEAN SMITH Campus Culture Editor

Reddit raised $50 million in financing at a valuation of $500 million on Sept. 30 and announced plans to set aside 10 percent of its shares to give to users. The company did not detail how they plan to distribute the shares, but Sam Altman, who led the funding round, said he hopes to increase community ownership over time.

Brynn Castro | The Houstonian

Greeks cross councils for blood drive All 30 Greek organizations at Sam Houston State University have come together to host an on-campus blood drive next week.

Phi Gamma Delta treasurer and Order of Omega president Tyler Patek said the blood drive is a great opportunity for all of Greek life to work together for a good cause.

“This blood drive shows that Greek life truly has a passion for positively impacting the commu-

nity,” he said. “I have volunteered with this particular blood drive since I have been involved with Greek life for the past two years. To see fellow Greek members team up to host this blood drive is an inspiring experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Greek life coordinator Allison Miller said the event benefits not only the Greek community but SHSU and Huntsville as well.

“This is a great way for everyone in the Sam Houston and Huntsville community to give back and help save a life,” she said. “Given that

the blood drive is located on campus, we want to encourage not only Greeks but all students, faculty and staff to come out and donate.”

The blood drive, a tradition since 2011, will pair SHSU Greek life with the Blood Center of Brazos Valley, an affiliate of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.

The blood drive will be held Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.

The donation process lasts approximately one hour, and donors are encouraged to drink plenty of water and eat a hearty meal prior to

their donation.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center guidelines state that donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors who are 16 years old must have parent consent to donate and must weigh at least 122 pounds.

Those who donate or attempt to donate will receive a free Commit for Life t-shirt.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit givebloodbv.org.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Page 2

Suddenlink. You’re Connected (just not to Viacom)

HANNAH ZEDAKER Associate Editor As of midnight Wednesday, Suddenlink will no longer host Viacom-owned channels after the two companies failed to reach what each side considered to be a “fair” contract.

Viacom Media Networks, which owns channels like Nickelodeon, MTV, BET and Comedy Central, claims on its website to have “the largest portfolio of ad-supported cable networks in the United States, in terms of audience share.”

However, the television, internet, security and phone provider Suddenlink, claims that due to recent declines in viewers for said Viacom channels, the two companies will no longer be in contract with oneanother.

“The truth is, Viacom has rejected all our offers, including one we made [Tuesday],” Gene Regan, senior director of corporate communications for Suddenlink, said. “It’s unfortunate we could not reach agreement, and we understand the frustration this will cause some customers, but we sincerely hope they’ll give the new channels a try and that they find those channels as compelling as others have said they do.”

Channels that Suddenlink customers formerly enjoyed through Viacom included BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, TV Land and VH1. The channels Suddenlink has attempted to fill this void with include FXX, Hallmark channel, Investigation Discovery, Pivot, Sprout, TheBlaze, UP! And TV One. “Through phone and email sur-

veys, social media polls and calls to our care centers, our customers have consistently told us they do not value the Viacom channels as much as they value others,” Regan said. “They do not want to pay significantly more to keep the Viacom channels and they would like other channels added. And, by the way, the agreements with the new channels are long-term.”

Though Suddenlink was unable to reach an agreement with Viacom, Regan assured that has not been the case with other channel owners.

“Suddenlink has had considerable success in reaching new agreements with the likes of AMC, Fox, Turner, Disney, Discovery and many other channel owners,” Regan said. “We had been negotiating with Viacom for a few months. It’s important to note, also, that Suddenlink is not the only company affected by negotiations efforts with Viacom. Earlier this year, a Wall Street Journal story indicated that 60 other companies faced a similar situations.”

Junior mass communication major Cassius Clay lives at Gateway, an apartment complex which offers Suddenlink for Internet and television services. Clay said he is not happy with the change in channel lineup.

“Why would you drop channels the majority of your people watch?”

Clay said. “I’m definitely going to miss VH1, MTV and Nickelodeon.

I think Suddenlink needs to go talk to Viacom and make a new deal.

Although I am looking forward to some of the new channels they’re offering like UP! and TV One.” Brianna Carter, junior business major echoed Clay in her oppo-

sition to the discontinuation of channels, stating she does not fully understand the actions of Viacom.

“Why would you drop the popular channels, if anything, because if your numbers are going down, wouldn’t you would want the people that are with you to stay?”

Carter said. “I barely watch TV as it is, but when I do, those are the channels I watch VH1, BET…” In addition to Suddenlink no longer providing service for Viacom channels, allegations have also been made that the company is blocking access to shows on Viacom websites. However, Regan said that’s a misconception which may be out of compliance with the Federal Communications Committee.

“Actually, Viacom is the one blocking those shows and has done the same thing to other companies,” he said. “In doing this, Viacom is violating the principles of an open Internet. If people agree, they may wish to contact the FCC. In the meantime, the shows people like may be available through YouTube, Hulu, Hulu Plus, Amazon, Amazon Prime, iTunes or other Internet sources.”

Carina Medders, junior psychology major said she does not think the future of this change will look good for Suddenlink, especially in a college town like Huntsville. Additionally, she said she does not feel the new channels will serve as adequate replacement for those lost.

“This is a college town, so those TV channels are pretty popular so most likely they’re going to have petitions and riots,” Medders said.

“I think they really need to try to come to an agreement because these channels are irrelevant that they’re bringing in.”

Graphic: Lillie Muyskens | The Houstonian Photo: Scott Engle | Montgomery County Police Reporter

UPD chief takes exclusive trip to Poland ABIGAIL VENTRESS Contributing Reporter After many hours on a plane, Sam Houston State University Police Department Chief Kevin Morris anxiously steps off to breathe in the Polish air in Warsaw. He walks with honor to meet and greet the welcoming members of the Poland police force, for he knows he is fortunate to be one of only six public officials chosen to attend this prestigious conference and the first from Huntsville.

As he is handed his itinerary, Morris realizes this once-in-a-lifetime trip is going to be filled by the hour with the most interesting and eye-opening activities.

Morris was one of the few law enforcement officers selected to attend the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas on Sept. 9-19. This opportunity allows Texas law enforcement officers to travel to Poland and observe the strategies of the Polish police officers. The goal of the trip is to gain new insight and ideas as the Polish do when they travel to observe Texas law enforcement.

“We are actually doing a lot of the same things,” Morris said. “It’s always good to see that perspective

and how they operate versus how we operate. We are always looking for different ways to stay ahead of trends and for opportunities to see how policing works in other parts of the world.”

To earn a spot on the trip, Morris had to apply through the Bill Blackwood website. Morris decided to apply after meeting some Polish police officers in years past.

“Every year when the Polish National Police come, we show them how we operate,” Morris said. “The university police entertain them, and I’ve even had them over to my house for dinner. I’d heard all the aspects of what they do in Poland, and that’s what really drove my interest to apply for the trip.”

The trip consisted of three stays in three different Polish cities including Kielce, Krakow and Warsaw. A Polish National Police officer translated for Morris and his fellow Texans, despite the fact that most Polish people can speak some English.

Morris’s delegation, or the group he went to Poland with, was made up of public officials with a variety of different job titles from all over Texas. The six public officials that make up the delegation stayed in the provided hotels in each city.

COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK Breckenridge • Vail • Beaver Creek • Keystone • Arapahoe Basin

breckenridge

20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price.

FROMY ONL

The trip was completely paid for, excluding airfare.

“I really enjoyed the trip,” Morris said. “It was a really good learning experience. It makes you appreciate what you have when you come back home.”

The first city the delegation stayed at was Kielce. In Kielce, the delegation toured a prison and visited the main police headquarters.

They also were able to view Kielce’s police vehicles and see how the officers respond to certain situations.

On Sept. 11, the delegation attended a ceremony in commemoration of 9/11. Kielce is the only city in Poland with a 9/11 memorial.

“They had all of the firefighters, police and paramedics come out to the ceremony,” Morris said. “It was a really nice ceremony, and our delegation also got to participate in it by laying a wreath.”

The second city the delegation stayed at was Krakow. In Krakow, the delegation went and saw different police headquarters and the district levels. The delegation was able to observe the efforts of the community police in Krakow as well as gain insight of their politics.

“With everything going on in Ukraine right now, being able to talk to them and learn about their politics was very interesting,” Morris said. “I really enjoyed Krakow.

I liked the history and everything that is going on there.”

The third city the delegation stayed at was the same in which they arrived and from which they left: Warsaw. In Warsaw, the delegation spent their last three days at the police training centers where Polish police train the new police

members.

“Warsaw was very nice,” Chief Morris said. “We got to see a lot of their different facilities, and the food was really good.”

Differences Morris found between the U.S. style of policing and Polish style of policing include that while the U.S. divides prisoners by gender, Poland does not. In addition, Poland also allows prisoners to decorate their cells.

“Poland has a big problem with ‘hooligans,’ which are basically aggressive soccer fans,” Morris said. “[Polish police officers] have specialized equipment to break up disputes. Also, with Poland being newly democratic, it was interesting to see how closely Poland police watch democratic ideals to respond without violating someone’s rights.”

While in Poland, the delegation was able to see and visit several churches and a monastery where they were able to eat dinner with the bishop of the Catholic Church and discuss with him the different things that impact Poland and religion.

“Poland is predominately Catholic,” Morris said. “The churches were old and decorated extravagantly. It was very interesting to see history of Poland, because it goes back so far.”

The delegation also explored a salt mine, viewed an old town wall and visited a castle built in the fourteenth century. The delegation was provided tours to see artwork and were able to examine the different historical and modern weapons used in Poland.

“It was very interesting to see that type of history,” Morris said.

“You grow up learning about this stuff in history classes, but to actual see it is a moving experience.”

Morris and his delegation also toured concentration camps in Poland from World War II. The tour guide explained to them the different methods for torturing and killing the prisoners in the camps.

“The tour was silent except for the guide,” Morris said. “It was just an amazing experience to see not only the size of the camp but also the sobering place where 3.5 million people died. It’s really kind of heartbreaking to see what the Nazis did.”

Morris has been the UPD chief since 2008. He was a student at SHSU who became a student assistant writing parking tickets. Eventually, Morris worked his way up to his current position.

“My advice to criminal justice majors would be to take all the writing enhancing courses possible,” Morris said. “That’s all we do is write. Being able to write everything we do down with details in chronological order is key. They don’t show that in the movies; it’s all about getting the bad guys. Also, being able to talk to people face-toface is important.”

Morris recently returned from his trip to Poland with a vast and cultured education of policing.

“The trip was better than I expected,” he said. “I’d never been to a European country, so I was a little nervous about how things would work out, but they kept us so busy that time flew by. I would definitely do it again.”

/HoustonianSHSU

plus t/s @HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

WWW.UBSKI.COM

1-800-SKI-WILD • 1-800-754-9453

HoustonianOnline.com

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Page 3

Houston film buff visits campus PHILLIP GARCIA Contributing Writer Film students and moviemakers alike were treated to an inside look of the film industry as a Houstonnative filmmaker came to campus yesterday.

The Film Society of Sam Houston State University is the newest student organization for future filmmakers. Although it is in its first semester of existence, sophomore mass communication major and TFS president Khoi Ngyuen has high hopes for the organization.

“The main goal of the film society is to get to know each other and allow the society to create a friendly environment that creates strong networking,” Ngyuen said. “I want to help future filmmakers at SHSU leave the school with an awesome portfolio.”

Yesterday at the weekly TFS meeting, deputy director for the Houston Film Commission Alfred Cervantes enlightened students about a more in depth part of film production.

Cervantes is an experienced mind when it comes to filmmaking and hoped that, during his presentation, students got an overview of the Houston Film Commission, what is has to offer and how film production works in the state of Texas.

During his presentation he went over the essentials to making it in

Brynn Castro | The Houstonian

SPEAKER. The Film Society of Sam Houston State University brought a special guest to campus Wednesday. Deputy director for the Houston Film Commission Alfred Cervantes speaking to students on campus at SHSU’s Film Society event.

the film industry and the amount of effort that goes on behind the scenes.

He went into further detail about the different career fields within the film industry in Texas, such as commercial, industrial, independent films and music videos. Cervantes said all career fields in film creates employment and makes the film industry not only for enter-

tainment but for economic benefit as well.

Cervantes is also a huge supporter of student films, a message he shared while at SHSU. “I want to get film writers as close to their vison as possible,” Cervantes said. “[SHSU film program alumni] have been very active and a great asset to the film industry.”

Cervantes also noted that any filmmaker who wants to be successful should make as many films as they can, and “start yesterday.”

Aspiring filmmaker and freshman mass communication major Veronica Sieckman walked away from the presentation with a new mentality on the film industry.

“It’ll take a lot of responsibility and we will have a lot of opportu-

nity to make ourselves known, I’m excited,” Sieckman said.

The SHSU film society plans to bring in several more guest speakers throughout the year, including filmmakers from who are alumni.

Additional speakers may come from as far away as Iran.

For more information on The Film Society, contact the group at tfs_shsu@gmail.com.

Groups to highlight domestic abuse SEAN SMITH Campus Culture Editor In recent weeks, the domestic violence controversies in the NFL have rocked the nation. While the cases of professional athletes and high-profile celebrities receive national attention, student groups at Sam Houston State University are coming together to raise awareness on the issue.

Women United and National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity Phi Beta Sigma are kicking off their month-long campaign for Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

Shanice Jones, junior mass communication major and vice president of Women United, said that one of her group’s mission during

this campaign is to highlight the different perceptions between domestic violence cases involving celebrities versus average people.

“We have a program called ‘Real Men Don’t Hit’ with Phi Beta Sigma,” Jones said. “It’s basically going to be about the differences between people who are high-profile celebrities and people who are not and how they get treated differently, how people still support [celebrities], how people still buy their music and go to their concerts.”

Nieesha Birdine, junior mass communication major and social chair of Women United, echoed Jones’ thoughts on the perception of domestic violence.

“In the common world, where it’s not celebrities and people we see everyday on the news on the

news, [domestic violence] is bad,” Birdine said. “We take light of when it comes to celebrities and other people of importance, because we recognize their name and we really enjoy whatever they do to make us happy. When it comes to regular folks among us it’s a big deal, but when it comes to celebrities it’s brushed off and that’s really sad.”

Jones said that for people who are not celebrities, domestic violence is seen differently.

“Say, for instance, your sister has a boyfriend who was in a domestic violence situation with her,” Jones said. “People will look down on him and they’ll call him names and don’t want anything to do with him.”

Jones stated that October is nor-

mally recognized as breast cancer awareness month, leaving domestic violence awareness overshadowed.

However, she believes that both are equally important since peoples’ lives are at stake.

Senior criminal justice major and Women United secretary Lykendrea Mims said she wants to educate students on how they can end domestic violence.

“It’s to put awareness out to women and to men, because statistically it is men who commit more of these crimes,” said Mims. “For that, we have to have the men realize that they can step in and stop this. It’s our generation that can actually stop it.”

Birdine hopes that promoting awareness for domestic violence will help victims in the SHSU and

Huntsville communities.

“In college, there are domestic violence cases going on that we don’t know anything about.” “Hopefully, [Domestic Violence Awareness Month] will allow victims who are going through it to step up, step out and say this is happening to me.”

The organizations will be selling t-shirts as a fundraiser to benefit the SAAFE House, an organization that helps individuals and families affected by family violence and sexual abuse. Shirts are $12 and can be purchased at any Women United meeting, held Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center room 304.

For more information on Women United and their domestic abuse awareness campaign, contact Jones at sdj011@shsu.edu.

Festival of Strings beta tests high school program SAVANNAH WOODWORTH Staff Reporter The Festival of Strings at Sam Houston State University will not only showcase the talent in the School of Music, but will, for the first time, invite a high school orchestra to record their pieces and learn from the faculty.

The Festival of Strings is a threeday event filled with clinics and performances featuring internationally renowned artists, as well as an invitational recording session for Houston-area high schools.

Assistant professor of cello Daniel Saenz said this is an important time during a high school orchestra’s recording season.

“We are offering a space for the string orchestras to record,” Saenz said. “In Texas, we have what is called an Honors Orchestra. There’s Honors Choir and band and they have different times of the year for

/HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

HoustonianOnline.com

when they record. In the fall, string orchestras record and they send off their CDs and recordings to get judged.”

Students from Klein High School will work with music department staff members over the weekend during rehearsals and clinics culminating in a recording in the state of the art facility on campus. While getting ready to record, the staff will offer technical and musical advice.

“As far as strings are concerned, we would like to get more string players involved in our program,” Saenz said. “One thing we like to offer is a space, because we have such a beautiful hall with a great sound, and it’s probably the best hall in this whole area. Also, the price we are offering it for is quiet quiet low.”

Although the School of Music is looking to attract more string players, they are almost at full capacity with roughly 500 students enrolled.

This is an increase from the approximately 300 students in 2006.

The School of Music also plans to start an outreach program in the next few years in conjuncture with the festial where SHSU music faculty would go to high schools and hold clinics, according to Saenz.

“Part of what we want to do is go to [the high schools] in August,” Saenz said. “If they promise to come to our event then we go in August and help them prepare, and then maybe sometime in September we help them once more and then when they come in October they are ready to play.”

The Festival of Strings will also feature performances from Josu De Solaun and Anna Petrova, both recent additions to the piano staff in the School of Music.

De Solaun returned to Huntsville this week after winning first place in the piano section of the George Enescu International Competition in Bucharest, Romania. He

will perform with the Sam Houston State Symphony Orchestra on Saturday Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gartner Performing Arts Center.

Admission is $5 for students, $17 for general admission, and $12 for the group rate.

Petrova currently splits her time between Huntsville and New York’s Manhattan School of Music where

she works on her Doctoral Studies.

She will perform with the Kolonneh String Quartet on Monday Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gaertner Performing Arts Center. Admission to the concert is free.

The Festival of Strings runs Oct. 4 – 6. For more information, contact Saenz at 936-294-1374.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Page 4

The main point of getting advised: To remove advising hold

PARBATTEE MAHARAJ Assistant Viewpoints Editor It is that dreaded time of year that students around campus hate. We have to take time out of our already busy schedules to sit in an office and wait around for someone to tell us when we can take that random class that doesn’t pertain to our major. Yep, you guessed it -- it’s time to go see our advisors.

I know that you’re busy and sitting down in an office full of strangers isn’t an appealing thought, but I recommend not waiting until the last minute. You’ll only end up screwing yourself over in the long run, because you will more than likely end up in an office full of strangers for more time than you’d like.

There’s also the fact that you won’t be able to register for classes for the upcom-

ing semester. The advisors are the ones who hold the power to clear the registration bar that prevents you from registering. If you want to get into any good classes --meaning 9:30 a.m. or later, then you should probably go talk to someone soon, otherwise you’ll be stuck in all the 8 a.m. classes with the freshmen. Trust me when I tell you that you do not want that. Avoid it like the plague.

Another thing to take into consideration are the classes that are completely useless, but you still have to take. Make sure and ask your advisors about those classes. Ask them a million questions about these “core” classes until you’re absolutely sure of which classes you have to take and that it will count towards your degree plan. If you don’t need to take a course, don’t waste your time, or money, on it. You’ll only end up regretting it in the long run.

However, take all of this advice with a grain of salt. Up until recently, I never had a problem with the advising department. At the beginning of my senior year, I was registered to take 15 hours. I thought that everything was fine and dandy with the world, until a girl from one my classes told me that I needed to take two different courses in order to get into the senior level PR class in the spring. I would have

registered for said classes had I KNOWN that I needed to take them. Since I was unaware that these classes were prerequisite, and I found out that I wouldn’t be able to take them concurrently with the senior level class, I had to rearrange my entire schedule.

My question is why I was never informed about the prerequisites in the first place. I mean, this is the entire purpose of getting advised, right, so what’s the problem? My goal was to graduate college in four years, and that was nearly ruined because someone wasn’t doing their job correctly. You had one job, ONE! I know that I’m quite the catch, but dang, enough is enough. I know when to leave, and this relationship is long overdue to end.

The main thing to remember when talking to an advisor is make sure to ask a million questions, that every class you’re ‘supposed’ to take is required for your major/concentration and finally make sure those classes don’t have any prerequisites.

Don’t be that person that has to stay here an extra semester, or even a year, and don’t think that it hasn’t happened, because you were screwed over.

FDA enables pill-poppers to death

DHARMESH PATEL Viewpoints Editor Painkillers live up to their namesake by killing thousands of people every year as prescription opioids continue to become a growing problem in this country. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 46 people die from an overdose of prescription painkillers containing opioids every day in the United States.

In 2012, healthcare providers wrote 259 million prescriptions for pain killers, enough for every adult in America to have a bottle and then some.

To put this number into perspective, take into consideration that deaths caused by illegal drugs do not even come close and make up less than half of all deaths caused by some form of overdose.

At this point in your life, you have either been prescribed, consumed or known someone who has had direct interaction

with prescription painkillers such as Vicodin or OxyContin. While the drugs themselves do not pose immediate harm, more and more people are starting to abuse them due to the opioids in them being highly addictive and dangerous in the long run.

People who become addicted to painkillers are not always prescribed the drugs by doctors but obtain them though illegal methods.

Illegal abuse of the drugs is not a coincidence but a growing problem, especially among youth who are easily influenced by popular media and culture. Music artists such as Justin Bieber, Juicy J and even Sia have all produced tracks about the use of prescription painkillers.

Unfortunately, many of these artists are glamorizing the after effects of consuming and getting high on painkillers in the form of a drink called lean, widely known to have originated in Houston. Young people believe that partaking in the same activities as their idols is a way to emulate the lives of the rich and famous but do not completely understand the threat that they impose.

Celebrities including Brittany Murphy, Heath Ledger and Kurt Cobain were all found dead with some form of prescription drugs in their systems. Most deaths caused by painkillers are not direct but coupled with the misuse of other substances including alcohol or harder drugs like heroin.

Sadly, the Food and Drug Administra-

tion continues to undermine the increasingly problematic situation surrounding the abuse of prescription painkillers and deaths involving their use.

The FDA recently approved a painkiller named Zohydro, a new drug that contains a pure form of hydrocodone. The drug makers claim that this pure form of the painkiller is necessary in order to rid the final product of acetaminophen, an additive commonly found in over-the-counter pain medicines such at Advil and Tylenol that can be damaging to the liver in large doses.

The downside, however, is the fact that hydrocodone is highly addictive. Patients easily build a tolerance to it and in turn need progressively higher doses in order to keep feeling its effects.

The controversial drug has met much opposition from many government officials and even members of Congress.

According to USA Today, attorney generals in 28 states have publicly criticized the FDA’s decision to accept the drug into production, with Massachusetts even attempting to ban it all together.

Whichever side of the argument you may be on, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that prescription painkillers are a dangerous threat to today’s youth. As more people find different ways to use and abuse these substances, we easily forget that they were originally created as medicines and should be used for precisely that purpose.

The Netflix Moocher Apocalypse DHARMESH PATEL Viewpoints Editor Netflix moochers are real, and the disease that causes them to become moochers is spreading at an alarming rate. The mooching of the online streaming service did not pose any substantial threat until recently, and those affected by the sickness are starting to pop up like zits on photo day.

To really understand how this pandemic began, we must go back to the beginning.

First it was VHS which, progressed into DVDs and eventually Blu-Rays. Owning movie and TV series is a celebrated feat that allows us to enjoy our favorite episodes and cinema moments over and over.

Then in 1997, a miracle occurred with the conception and release of Netflix, an online streaming service that would hold all of your most treasured movies in one neatly presented package. Including movies, documentaries, TV programs and even original content, the Netflix library grew exponentially.

Fast forward to the age of iPhones, tablets, phablets and Google fiber and we have an unstoppable generation of youth

Editorial

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

who are constantly connected and plugged in allowing for immediate streaming onto a host of devices.

With the short history of Netflix out of the way, we can now address the cause of mooching. As the cost of living increases and we as college students run out of money, we have to look for alternative ways to stay on top of movies and TV shows.

Enter Netflix. It’s cheaper and more readily available than old-school cable and most people you know have an account.

The complication begins after we start sharing our account logins and passwords with family, friends and significant others.

Sharing with family is not the issue but when friends or lovers get involved the disease takes over quickly and people become rabid over the newest season of “Orange is the New Black.”

Phase one is the initial transfer of account information. The people receiving said information become immediately attached to you like leeches. Unfortunately for you, the transfer only has to occur once and you are stuck forever.

Phase two is pseudo porn flicks and early seasons of “Yo Gabba Gabba” clogging up your queue and suggested items to watch. Frantically wondering where

STAFF, cont.

Brynn Castro ................................ Photo Editor Parbattee Maharaj...... Asst. Viewpoints Editor Connor Hyde .......................... Senior Reporter Ryan Reynolds.............................Layout Editor Jasmine Rangel...........................Layout Editor Lillie Muyskens .................. Graphic Designer Alex Broussard ............. Senior Photographer

these came from, you start reexamining your late night watching choices until you realize that the moocher has already been infected and the disease has spread too far to be reversed.

The third and final phase is the worst.

Once the disease has taken a strong hold over the moocher, it’s almost impossible to detach yourself from them. Changing your password will not work as they are extremely cunning and coax it out of you.

And breaking up with a moocher can have detrimental effects on their health and well-being. They will become unpredictable and desperate as their source of entertainment has now been cut off.

The only thing you can do is change your name, email, passwords and dye your hair or invest in a really good wig. Going into hiding will not be easy, but Netflix moochers are everywhere. The illness is continually spreading faster than any known cure can be applied.

My advice to you is to be careful who you transfer your information to and screen everyone in your immediate circle.

But be warned, they may already be infected. Happy marathoning.

Editor’s Note Subject matter in this newspaper and on www.HoustonianOnline.com does not reflect the opinion of The Houstonian unless otherwise noted. Staff editorials are subject to the approval of listed Houstonian staff members. For more information, call 936-294-1505.

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

What’s the

WORD ON THE STREET? Viacom has severed ties with Suddenlink and in turn cut channels, including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV and VH1 from its current

How do you feel about Huntsville’s cable provider Suddenlink dropping all Viacom channels?

“It’s really upsetting that they cut [the channels] because we were kind of used to watching it at home, and nothing else is on TV because that’s where all the entertaining shows are. We watch “Love and Hip-Hop” every Monday and KENDRA HOWARD “Ridculousness” and “Catfish” and all of Freshman these shows come Kinesiology on these channels that they are cutting. It’s just sad and disappointing.”

“I’m kind of sad about it because that’s all I watch.

Everyone does have Netflix in their rooms and stuff but I guess that’s all we are going to have to watch now since they deleted all the channels.”

BRIANNA PELLUM Freshman Human Resource Management

“I’m actually furious because they changed and dropped all these channels after we paid for this coming month. And then instead of replacing them which are the only channels we ever watch that BEN PASLEY Viacom provided Sophomore Business Entrepreneurship is upsetting. We are probably going to drop the cable “I’m pretty upset provider.” about the channels being gone, and they took away so many of our channels with one day notice, so I’m pretty sure I’m just going to drop the cable service pretty JOSH WILLIS soon as soon as Junior this month’s ser- Physics vice we already paid for is up.

We will just keep their internet and stream a whole bunch of stuff.”

Advertising BUSINESS MANAGER Paty Mason ........................... 936-294-1500 ADVERTISING MANAGER Stacy Hood ............................ 936-294-1495

ADVERTISING DEADLINES

ADVERTISING STAFF Advertising Executives ....................... TBD Joey Peters ....................... Delivery Manager

Tuesday’s issue ................. Friday at 2 p.m.

Thursday’s issue ............. Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Call for pricing.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/sports | Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Page 5

Bearkat golf finishes first at tournaments MATTHEW STANFORD Contributing Reporter Sam Houston State’s men’s and women’s golf swept their respective tournaments Tuesday.

The men’s team took home the trophy at the Wisconsin Badger Invitational hosted by the University of Wisconsin at the University Ridge Golf Course while the women’s golf team picked up its honors at the Oral Roberts Shootout at Meadowbrook Country Club.

The men’s golf team had a 10-stroke lead into the final day of the tournament.

Seniors Zach Cabra and Logan Boatner finished the tournament sharing fifth place. Cabra started with a 71, which was followed by an impressive 68 in the second round. However, Cabra could not hold through to finish and had a 78 in the last round. Boatner was steady with his scores, hitting a 71 the first round and a 73 in both the second and third rounds.

Sophomores Klein Klotz and Andrew Ertel covered ninth and 10th place, respectively. Klotz scored a 71 in the first and last rounds with a 76 in the second round. Ertel started low with a 70 but slipped in the second round, scoring a 76 before bringing it back a bit with a 73 in the final round.

Senior J.T. Taylor had a tough time in the tournament placing 49th after a top-10 finish in the team’s opening tournament. Taylor scored a 74 in the first round, 79 in the second and a 78 in the third round.

The women’s team ended the tournament five stokes ahead of ORU. Just like the men’s team, the women had four girls finish in the top ten individually.

Sophomore Paige Nelson wanted a second individual medalist title after winning at the Louisiana Monroe Fred Marx Invitational last week but fell just short. In hindsight of ORU’s Alejandra Acosta, Nelson scored a 73 in the first

round, 70 in the second and a 76 in the final, finishing the tournament in a tie for second place.

Senior Alisa White and Junior Nicole Budnik tied for fourth place with scores of 220. In all three tournaments White has finished in the top-15 and in the top-10 in two of those.

Freshman Sarah Black finished sixth in just her third collegiate tournament. Scoring a 74 in the first round and a 72 in the second, Black kept it steady in the third round with a 75 score.

In her first tournament of the season, sophomore Brooke Fouts finished with a 236 that landed her 42nd in the rankings.

The Bearkats return to Huntsville to prepare for their host tournament at Ravens Nest Golf Course.

SHSU will tee-off at the Harold Funston Invitational Oct. 6.

Courtesy Go Bearkats

GOLF. Sam Houston State men’s golf returned to Huntsville with a first place finish at the Wisconsin Badger Invitational. The women’s team followed suit and took home first place at the Oral Roberts Shootout

One punt, two nations How one punt changed the course of SHSU’s Australian punter

RYAN REYNOLDS Layout Editor

Alex Broussard | The Houstonian

PUNTING. Junior Lachlan Edwards has started for Sam Houston State football the past two seasons. However, he didn’t touch an American football until a little less than two years ago while back home in Australia.

At a local park in Australia in December 2012, Bearkats’ junior punter Lachlan Edwards punted an American football for the first time while hanging out with some friends.

He did not know at the time that one punt would change his next three years.

“One of my professors from Ballarat University - the university I attended at the time - drove by and saw me punt,” Edwards said. “He stopped, parked his car and asked if I played. He put me in touch with a kicking coach in Australia, and it just took off from there.”

The kicking coach helped Edwards put together a highlight film that consisted of him punting and playing Australian football. He started emailing it to a number of colleges in the United States.

“I was pretty excited when I started getting replies and phone calls from all of the different colleges,” Edwards said. “Even if it was

at all hours of the day because of the time difference.

Sam Houston State was one of the schools to which Edwards emailed the highlight film and former special teams coach Robert Discher liked what he saw. He contacted Edwards and his family and got to know them a little better.

He also wanted to see more film to make sure he was the real deal.

“Discher got in touch with me, because his punter at the time (also Australian) was graduating, and he was recruiting people that could potentially fill the spot,” Edwards said.

After receiving offers from other schools, Edwards chose to travel across the Pacific and attend SHSU. “I eventually chose Sam Houston State because I felt it was a good fit for my Australian lifestyle,” Edwards said. “It’s crazy that everything happened so fast. One moment I was punting for the first time and the next I’m booking a flight to Texas.”

At Ballarat University, Edwards made the First Team All-Australian University in Australian Rules

football in 2012. He also played rugby, cricket and ran track in field.

He also played for the state rugby champions in 2009.

He had to leave that all behind him, but coming to Texas was an offer he could not refuse, he said.

“To come to a place I had only seen on TV to play college football and get a free education was an amazing opportunity for me,” Edwards said.

Last year, Edwards led the Southland Conference in punting with an average of 42.3 yards on 31 kicks and his longest punt went for 70 yards. After graduating, Edwards wants to try his luck and play in the NFL. “I’m going to give everything I have and try to make it,” Edwards said. “I don’t want to finish playing college football knowing I didn’t give it my all. I am determined to make the League.”

@HoustonianSport @HoustonianSport

SHSU heads to Louisiana for Southland Conference matches AMSHI STEPHENSON Staff Reporter After a disappointing five-set loss to Lamar, Sam Houston State volleyball is looking to redeem itself as they travel to Thibodaux, La. to play Nicholls State on Thursday.

The Colonels will host the Bearkats as they try to get another big win in Southland Conference play.

Nicholls State is 1-1 after losing their SLC home opener to Stephen F. Austin and beating Northwestern State last weekend. Overall though, they have a record of 5-10.

Sam Houston State will match up offensively to Nicholls with se-

nior outside hitter Deveney WellsGibson leading the Bearkats in kills almost every match. She had 23 kills in the loss against Lamar last weekend. Backing Wells-Gibson, SHSU has power hitter Carling Urben who has been making a name for herself in recent matches.

The junior totaled 12 kills while sophomore middle blocker Shelby Genung and freshman outside hitter Brooke White posted nine kills respectively.

Sophomore rightside hitter and lefty Kali Schwartz led the Cardinals offensively with 15 kills against Northwestern. Freshman outside hitter Stephanie Tobison and sophomore outside hitter Kaci Eaton

shared 12 kills each.

The setters from both teams are unevenly matched. Sophomore setter Ainsley Marroccoli had 32 assists against Northwestern. Marroccoli had a season-high in 2013 with 29 assists against Southeastern Louisiana. She also played a great game against the Bearkats last season with 23 assists, 10 digs, 5 blocks and one kill. Marroccoli finished the 2013 season with just 263 total assists.

On the other side of the net, sophomore setter Michelle Griffith assisted on 53 of the Bearkats’ 67 kills against Lamar. Getting her start last spring, she is already ranked fourth in the league in as-

sists with 370.

Defensively, the Colonels are led by senior libero Kalynn Egea who had a team-high with 32 digs against Northwestern. Sophomore libero Claire Kilpatrick led the SHSU defense with 27 digs against Lamar.

Approaching Thursday’s match, volunteer assistant coach Tayler Gray said Nicholls is a better team this year than in past years.

“They have an outside and a lefty rightside who they use a bunch,” Gray said. “We must focus on ourselves and contain those two and we will play great.”

The Bearkats defeated the Colonels in both matches in the 2013

season.

SHSU will also take on McNeese State in Lake Charles on Saturday.

The Cowgirls are 9-8 overall and 0-2 in SLC play. Offensively, the Cowgirls are led by senior outside hitter Rachel Cagnina who totaled 13 kills in the 3-0 loss to SFA last weekend.

The Bearkats defeated the Cowgirls 3-0 in both matches last season.

The first serve will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Memorial Gym.

@HoustonianSport @HoustonianSport

Cowboys vs. Texans

Senior Reporters Connor Hyde and Shawn McFarland square off in who will win the Texas Bowl this Sunday

The Texans will win SHAWN MCFARLAND Senior Reporter There are two reasons the Houston Texans will beat the Arlington Cowgirls on Sunday at noon: J.J. Watt and the rest of the Texan defense.

The Texans won their first-ever regular season game against the Cowboys 19-10 in the 2002 inaugural season.

The Texans’ defense will always be a threat towards any team. The question this week is if they can stop the NFL’s leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, and penetrate the Dallas offensive line. The problem for the Cowboys is they have to play against Watt, Brian Cushing and D.J. Swearinger and the rest of the Texans’ defense.

Watt has been an absolute beast this season and has shown to be the favorite already for Defensive MVP. Cushing leads the team with 37 tackles and is finally healthy (knock-on-wood), and Swearinger’s ability to force fumbles on violent hits is dangerous for anyone against him.

DeMarco Murray has had problems holding onto the ball this season and you never know when Romo will try to force a ball he should not have thrown. It is in these moments that the Texans need to capitalize. The Texans’ defense has been doing rather well this season so far even without their first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney, who should be returning in the next few weeks. Although the Texans’ defense has already given up 521 rushing yards this season, and DeMarco Murray is av-

eraging 128.3 yards a game, the leadership of Watt will have to show in this game.

The Texans have a chance if the defense makes key stops and forces turnovers.

The Texans’ offense only works if the quarterback’s play is on point. With all of the offseason changes and pickups, it seems that the Texans are in the same predicament as last year with a questionable quarterback play. With a future Hall of Fame receiver in Andre Johnson and run game led

by Arian Foster, Ryan Fitzpatrick has to lead the offense and be productive to win the game. The Texans will need to balance the run game and pass game and not turn the ball over to win this game.

The Texans are in a disadvantage going into a largerthan-life stadium against a

The Cowboys will win

team that just demolished a high-powered New Orleans Saints’ offense. Not only do the Texans have a disadvantage for being the away team but also disadvantages in almost every other category.

The Texans will have to rely on big plays on defense, most likely coming from Watt or an out-of-this-world offensive showing.

This game is not just another game for either team.

This is the fourth “Texas Bowl” between the two teams. Since these two teams do not play but once every four seasons, the winner gets bragging rights for being the best team in Texas at the time. Although the Texans have lost two of the three games against the Cowboys, this is by far the best the two teams have been when playing each other.

CONNOR HYDE Senior Reporter I want to remind every Texans fan who proudly and emphatically boasts, “well, we have JJ Watt.”

And? If I want to follow petty and pointless argument strategies of naming our top players I could dish out Dez Bryant, Demarco Murray, Terrance Williams, Jason Witten, Dwayne Harris and Tony Romo – a second half monster. Basic math supports six outweighs one.

However, this is not the basis of my argument.

Traditional football philosophy tells you: win the ground game and you’re unstoppable.

The ‘Boys have reverted to their roots on the ground through Demarco Murray; the current league leader in rushing yards. Murray is averaging 128.3-yards per game and has steamrolled through defensive lines consistently on the ground.

Overall, the Cowboys’ run

Associated Press

HUNT SV I LLE

game has totaled 660 yards on the ground through week four.

And yet, there is still JJ Watt.

Watt is beyond his pads and has impressed the overall culture of the NFL with his philanthropy and moral grounding. However, on the field, he remains the consistent wall in the Texans defensive scheme. A man of all trades and a miner for swatted passes. Nevertheless, the ‘Boys have a young and developing offensive line who embarrassed a seasoned New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. Travis Frederick has risen to the challenge for the ‘Boys offensive line after feeling pressure from first round pick Zack Martin during the preseason. Frederick has been vastly underrated the past two seasons but has established himself as a truck in the run protection as well as pass protection.

The Texans’ defense, outside of Watt, is – to reiterate – dependent…on Watt.

Associated Press

As the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, Watt has tallied 15 tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, an 80-yard pick six and a touchdown reception. Just put him at quarterback and solve that issue. CBS Sports claims Watt “will make Tony Romo’s life hard the entire game.”

Romo is on a weekly recovery basis from his offseason back surgery which illuminated week one against the San Francisco 49ers. A seemingly doomed offense and a crumbling secondary living up to its reputation had Cowboys’ fans question Jerry Jones passing on Johnny “this close” Manziel. Week two was progressively better for Romo as he rebounded from his three interception performance against San Francisco for a moral victory against Tennessee. Romo’s competence came under fire again during halftime against St. Louis.

However, erasing a 21-point deficit shocked the football community.

Then the New Orleans Massacre.

Romo completed 22 of 29 attempts with three touchdowns for 262 yards to obliterate the Saints, completed

by Murray’s 149 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

The point is: Houston will fall, and they will fall hard.

Despite Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins as wide outs, despite Arian Foster – who is hardly consistent – and despite the powerhouse of JJ Watt, Houston will fall.

Dallas’s running game is too strong and Tony Romo is too hot.

Plans reveiled for high-speed rail

Jay R. Jordan | The Houstonian

TALK. Outreach Coordinator for Texas Central Railway, Rebecca Cowle speaks to students and city council members Lydia Montgomery, Tish Humphrey, and Mayor Mac Woodward.

TEDDI CLIETT Staff Reporter

It’s not just a higher level of care.

It’s a higher level of expertise.

PhysiciansER is a freestanding emergency room unlike any other in the Houston area… and the difference is in our expertise. Many freestanding ERs offer convenience.

PhysiciansER also offers you Texas Medical Center emergency medical expertise, close to home.

e r ’ e W

n e p O

/ 7 4 2

When you or a loved one has an emergency, would you want anything less?

Choose PhysiciansER.

936.439.5292 PhysiciansER.net | 540 I-45 South Huntsville, TX 77340

A room full of hands shot in the air after a representative for Texas Central Railway asked, “How many of you have made the trip from Houston to Dallas, or vice versa,” at the Student Government Association meeting Tuesday.

By 2021, a breakthrough transportation could change the aggravating commute.

The TCR bullet train will provide a new, less than 90 minute ride of seemingly silent transportation from Houston to Dallas, offering a stop somewhere near Huntsville.

TCR, a private, for-profit organization, furthered their presentation by discussing how to get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible. Today, the average trip between two of some of the nation’s largest cities can cost up to four hours of drive time, mass amounts of traffic-induced stress or hundreds of dollars for a plane ticket.

The train will offer firstclass seating with comfortable leg room along with full food and beverage services during the guaranteed “less than 90 minute” trip. Ticket prices, although not yet definite, will be competitive with airline tickets and rental cars will be available in both sta-

tions when passengers arrive downtown.

Modeled after the bullet trains in Japan and much of Europe, the TCR train will be able to advertise itself as the safest mode of transportation. According to TCR’s website, the same highspeed bullet trains that will be in Texas have been operating overseas for almost 50 years without a single derailment, injury or fatality.

SGA’s College of Science senator Drew Carson, among others, questioned a different safety concern aside from the train’s physical security. The train service will offer free Internet connection throughout the entire duration of the trip, which birthed Carson’s concern of cyber terrorism.

Carson explains that two major concerns exist when talking about Internet security on the train. The first, a slightly less foreseeable event, is the thought of someone hacking the electrical system and then using that power to shut off the train in an instant, which, at 205 mph, could be dangerous to passengers. The second, however, is much more common and worrisome.

“There will be all different walks of life on this train and if all these people have access to the same network, everything can be linked together,” Carson said.

For example, if a CEO is

working on a new project and the right person has the right software to sneak around the network, that person can have access to all of the CEO’s files, emails and even protected information.

“If the network is not protected, that’s what could happen,” Carson said. “Someone could have your entire bank account on their computer without you even knowing it.”

Because the bullet train is still in the beginning stages of production, the representatives could not give a sufficient answer to Carson’s question. When contacted to see when the information would be available, TCR did not comment.

Although these concerns exist, optimism for the construction of the bullet train is at a high.

“I’m going to take a train because I think it’s a really cool experience, it’s just fun to take a train,” Carson said.

“It’s expensive, but it’s a part of the experience. They’re going to have to be competitive with Greyhounds and airfare, but hopefully that will make the airlines lower their prices and ticket prices everywhere will decrease.”

To find out more information, visit TCR’s public interest meeting Oct. 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veteran Museum of Texas.