November 1, 2012 by The Houstonian

TODAY’S FORECAST HI: 84o LOW: 63o Molly Waddell | The Houstonian

“Seagull” leaves audiences relfecting on own relationships and happiness

Chance of Rain:

Christian organization provides service to otehrs on Halloween

Volume 122 / Issue 19

SHSU prepares to take on Southeastern Louisiana Saturday

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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Campus News

Students ‘takeover’ LSC for Halloween MCKINZIE BROCAIL Senior Reporter

he Lowman Student Center (LSC) was transformed into a Halloween extravaganza during Program Council’s sixth annual LSC Takeover on Wednesday. From 8 p.m. to midnight on All Hallows Eve costumed students roamed the grounds of the mall area and all the floors of the building hunting for free thrills. Students warred in a huge tent, shooting each other with laser beams through thick fog. Others waited in line to pass through a conference room transformed into a spooky haunted house. “It was scary and thrilling,” Tori Cook, biology junior, said. “People were jumping out at us and there were people on the floor in the dark that you had to step around. On a scale of one to 10 on how scary it was, it was an eight!” Tay Whatley, an accounting freshman, interjected, “It was not that scary! I’ve been through enough haunted houses to know!” Students could make their own dog tags and sand candy. Fake money fluttered around eager participants in the Money Machine, who

were trying to capture as much as possible in 30 seconds to trade in for candy and chips. “It was fun and exciting,” Tonisha King, a biology sophomore, said. “I caught $214. You stuff as much money in your clothes as possible for prizes.” Three psychics, specializing in readings from facial to tarot cards to color auras and relationships were delving into students’ minds. “My psychic focused on relationships based off vibes and colors,” Jackie Delgado, dual criminal justice and Spanish major, said. “I was scared she would say something bad, but it was pretty spot on.” Spinning around in the ballroom were Bearkats inside giant human hamster balls. “It was a workout, a good workout,” Jacci Neal, psychology sophomore, said. “My arms hurt, those two minutes seemed longer.” Some students got a workout while stuffed into sumo wrestler outfits, while others rode a mechanical bull for as long as they could hold on. The LSC Takeover also included a photo booth, a showing of horror movie “The Awakening” in the theater and treats like sausage on a stick, hot dogs, sliders and cake.

Stephen Green, George Mattingly | The Houstonian

SPOOKTACLE OF A TIME Raven Jackson, sophomore nursing student, and Jennifer Williams, junior kineseology major, (above) partake in the sumo wrestling activity provided by Program Council’s LSC Takeover on Wednesday. Jackson eventually overtook Williams for the “victory” and showed off her victory dance for her friends. _ (Left) entered the money machine to grab as many “dollar bills” as she could. The more dollars participants grabbed, the more candy and other edibles they could take as trade. The takeover also featured a mechanical bull, a haunted house, and many many candy stations.

Campus News

Parents of Murdered Children victims themselves “When I woke up that morning, I knew Raynell was dead,” Gilda Muskwynsky recounted to her audience. Muskwynsky is just one of the thousands of people who have gone through what every person dreads; the murder of a loved one. Muskwynsky’s story was one of three shared Tuesday at the 30th annual Parents of Murdered Children program. The program featured three speakers who have lost their relatives to murder, including Muskwynsky, and Andy Kahan, the Houston area Victim Advocate. The program focused on the problems within the criminal justice system that the victim’s families experienced, as well as the victim’s rights movement. Muskwynsky described her experience with the criminal justice system as “there is something wrong with our state”. She was forced to deal with several glitches in the system, such as the death notification process and a soft judge, in order to try to bring her daughter’s killers to justice. Bruce Caldwell, a lieutenant with the Sugarland Police Department, felt that his experience with the criminal justice system was grossly inadequate for his son’s death. The man convicted of killing Caldwell’s son was given thirty years of prison time, the lightest sentence he has seen out of every

“

SOPHIE NELSON Staff Reporter

When I woke up in the morning, I knew Raynell was dead...

homicide he worked in his stint as a detective. “We go on with the trial and they made a complete mockery of my son and his life,” said Caldwell. “The jury wouldn’t even look my wife and I in the eyes.” Carlton Collier joined the Parents of Murdered Children organization in order to help others deal with the criminal justice system, since he also experienced frustrations, such as the confession his wife’s killer made was void because of police failure. “My best therapy is to try to help other people learn how to cope with the criminal justice system,” Collier said. “It’s more for the criminals than it is for the victims.” Following the experiences of the victim’s families, Kahan spoke to the audience about his job as the only Victim Advocate working for a city in the nation. He feels that the least the government can do is to “watch over victim’s rights, their well-being, their due process, and what happens with them,” instead of focusing on the criminal. To do this, Kahan focuses on passing legislature to help victims get their full rights. He has so far helped pass 22

pieces of legislature. “Anybody can yell and scream about the injustices of the world,” Kahan said. “But I would much rather prefer to find a solution or remedy.” Megan Stovall, a senior Criminal Justice major and student in the victimology class, really felt that the presentation brought the point across of how important victim’s rights are to society. “Instead of focusing on and glorifying the crime, more people need to get involved in the system and learn about victim’s rights,” Stovall said. “Listening to this presentation makes you understand what goes on in the background and what people go through instead of seeing the crime itself.” Muskwynsky’s daughter was murdered along with her boyfriend by two men in a drug deal dispute. After finding out the exact scenario that took place the night of the murders, Muskwynsky learned that her daughter had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. If she had not been out that night, her daughter would still be alive. “My pain will never, ever go away,” Muskwynsky said. “I will never forgive either one of them.” Caldwell’s 21-year old son was murdered by a neighbor and close friend who had grown up with Caldwell’s son. Caldwell’s talk stressed to listeners the importance of —

VICTIMS, page 6

Campus News

Former student loses lawsuit against SHSU STEPHEN GREEN Editor-in-Chief A former Sam Houston State University student has lost his lawsuit against the university. Aman Abdulaziz sued the university claiming his civil liberties were violated after his arrest in 2010. A court has dismissed the lawsuit after the university filed a motion to dismiss with the district court. In a widely publicized YouTube video picked up by Houston news stations, the dashcam video of the event shows, Abdulaziz alleges, an officer can be heard saying, “I choked the shit out of him.” Abdulaziz alleges that he was beaten before being taken to the police headquarters. He said the police originally charged him with three crimes while at the scene of the incident; possession of marijuana, tampering with evidence, and evading arrest. Abdulaziz was found not guilty of a fourth charge, assaulting a police officer, close to a year later. Requests for the police report and dashcam video were unable to be fulfilled by press time. Calls to Abdulaziz’s lawyer and the district attorney were not returned by press time. Abdulaziz filed his lawsuit two years to the day of his original lawsuit.

EARLY VOTING DEADLINE TOMORROW The deadline for early voting in the general election ends tomorrow, Nov. 2. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 9. Be sure to check the Walker County or Texas Secretary of State website to find your polling location.

Page 2

News

Thursday, November 1, 2012 houstonianonline.com/news

KatKab offers rides to keep students, streets safe Chi Alpha members provide safe alternative to driving drunk JAY R. JORDAN Staff Reporter Members of Chi Alpha (XA) offer a way to keep students and the streets of Huntsville safe with an initiative called KatKab. Alumnus Brandon Rains created KatKab and participates in the program every Tuesday and Thursday at Shenanigans and The Jolly Fox. “It’s called the team lift approach,” Rains said. The idea came from the National Designated Driving Service. “There are teams of guys and girls and they know who their teammate is. Say a drunken girl needs a ride home. If the girl has a car, the female team member walks with her to her car and the guy goes and grabs the team car and follows them home. If a drunken guy walks out, it’s vice versa,” said Rains. Along with the benefits of safer streets, KatKab is a way for people to serve their peers. Garrett Sakhel is a sophomore kinesiology major and said that he’s been participating in KatKab for about two months. “I feel like this is serving people because that’s what Jesus did. He

Jay R. Jordan | The Houstonian

DESIGNATED FOR FREE Members of Chi Alpha (XA) wait every Tuesday and Thursday at the Jolly Fox and Shenanigans to serve as designated drivers for students after a night out in order to make streets safer in Huntsville.

didn’t go to churches to serve people. He went to the bars of that time,” Sakhel said. “You don’t have to be a part of [XA] to do it. We’re not signing any paperwork with anybody and anybody can come out.”

Melva Gomez, senior political them,” she said. “Our goal is science major, was at Shenanigans getting them from point A to point on Tuesday night. B. We’re not pushing religion CLASSIFIEDS “It’s all about being a servant down their throat. We’re making to them and showing God’s love sure that they’re getting home efficiency through our actions and1 bedroom letting safely.” apartment for rent. and other XA members them know that we’re not judging Rains $360/month $200 deposit. 2809 Sam Houston Ave. Contact Odell: (936) 355 9187

had the idea to create a solution to the drunken driving issue two years ago and finally created the service aimed at tackling the problem at the beginning of this fall semester. “For the last two years, I was thinking, ‘man, we should do some designated driving’ because nobody had ever done that here,” said Rains. “We met with [the police] and we ran our ideas by them. We told them what we thought, they told us what they thought and we just went from there.” KatKab works closely with the Huntsville Police Department in making sure that both the patrons of the bars and drivers on the road are safe. Lieutenant Jim Barnes works for HPD and has helped create the partnership between KatKab and the police department. “Our goal is to ensure the safety of the community and certainly this initiate is aimed at the same deal and hopefully [the number of DUIs] will show a drop eventually,” said Lt. Barnes. For more information, visit the Chi Alpha’s Facebook page.

Student groups to ‘March to the Polls’ BRANDON SCOTT Staff Reporter Students can march to the polls with their classmates if they’re looking to vote today. Several organizations on campus coordinated a “March to the Polls” event that starts at the clock tower after students meet at 3 p.m. Sam Houston State Homecoming King Ashton Winfree is spearheading the event and said it’s meant to pull students together for a shared interest, which for many is voting and for the first time. “We have a role and we play an important part in the economy discussion,” Winfree said. “Just because you’re in school and you

graduate from college doesn’t mean you’re going to find a job right away. Decisions have to be made when it comes to education and economics.” Winfree is the president of the Talented Tenth, who along with the Bearkat Democrats, Black Student Alliance, African Student Alliance and Delta Sigma Theta and Women United, organized the march. A similar event was held in 2004, but that was before the significant demographic change in voter turnout. From 2004 to 2008, voters of color increased by 21 percent, according to exit polls. The same polls show that voters age 18-29 increased by 9 percent. “With the whole election

process, we’ve been registering election, there are Huntsville Full Time/ 0r Part people to vote andTime/Flexible then City- Forensic Council seats up for grabs. encouraging them to go out and SHSU student Kendall Scudder Interviewer/Program vote,” Chidera Eneh of Black is running against incumbent Director Student Alliance said. “So Keith Olson for Position 4 on whenever we were approached the council. Joe Rodriguez is the – Must with the idea to march to the polls,be dependable, challenger ofbe incumbent Don to Multi-task, of course we were goingable to take Johnson have for Position 3. There Good Writing it.” are and alsoSpeaktwo seats open for both Brian Howard of the ing Bearkat County Degree Commissioners and the Skills. College Democrats approached preferred Winfree or Huntsville years of ISD school board. with the idea of a marchexperience a week A goal for the organizations ago and pulled together other involved in the march, as well as organizations to participate in the skills a feware others around campus, has Computer event. Some have been tasked with been to make sure student voices Required – Microsoft placing signs on campus, while are heard in the local community. Office & Web The Based others are making signs intended march will begin at the programs Child to be creative for the march. The clock Friendly, tower around 3:15 p.m. Testifying in Court, Bearkat Democrats are providing From there, the group will walk to Meet- Avenue and to the water for the marchers. Facilitate Monthly Sam Houston ings are a MUST. Aside from the presidential AnnexMust Building. pass an Extensive Criminal History Check Mail Resumes to The Kalin’s Center at P.O. Box 901 Crockett, Texas 75835 Or Fax to #936-546-0500 CLASSIFIEDS

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New SHSU student organization to open doors to anti-fraud careers GEORGE MATTINGLY News Editor One new student organization at Sam Houston State University is giving students who are pursuing anti-fraud careers a unique opportunity to get ahead in the job market. The SHSU chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners was created by the efforts of accounting alumnus Cynthia Hoffzimmer, who was inspired by the Houston Chapter of ACFE to provide a new opportunity for students interested in antifraud careers such as forensic accounting, auditing and fraud investigation. The group is led by Hoffzimmer, who serves as the Alumni Representative, five student officers and two faculty advisers, Jurg Gerber, Ph.D., from the College of Criminal Justice and Andy Bennett, Director of the Center for Excellence in Digital Forensics. “I wanted to start an organization at SHSU for students with similar career interest to have a support group on campus,” Hoffzimmer said. With only one other chapter of ACFE in Texas at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Hoffzimmer said SHSU was the perfect place to start a new chapter. “I think [SHSU] is the perfect location for this organization with all of the resources we already have and the outstanding professors we have in [the college of Criminal Justice, the College of Business Administration and the College of Sciences].” The organization is awaiting approval from student activities to become an official organization at SHSU, though the group has

already began planning to host a series of speakers such as federal agents, prosecutors, and business executives with first-hand experience uncovering fraud. In addition, the group has discussed hosting a collaborative speaker series with the local Houston AFCE chapter at the Woodlands Center. Hoffzimmer is hopeful the organization will serve as a catalyst to expose students of criminal justice, accounting and computer science to a variety of career paths available after graduation. “I want students to be able to create their educational career path more uniquely for their goals instead of sticking to just one college in the university,” she said. “[The organization] is opening [the students] up to new opportunities so that they get a more well-rounded education.” The SHSU chapter of ACFE has already sparked the interest of about 11 students and looks to grow after gaining approval. ““Our goal of being able to find a similar interest to help better our future plans, even with different majors, in becoming a reality,” Keith Sanders, Jr., president of ACFE at SHSU, said. “I have complete faith that this organization will blossom into something no one expected. With our great officers, advisors founder of the student chapter for SHSU, I know great things will happen for us.” The SHSU chapter of ACFE has open officer meetings every Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. in Academic Building 1, room 202. Any student interested in joining is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Cynthia Hoffzimmer at cahoffzimmer@ yahoo.com

PART-TIME MAINTENANCE 1 bedroom efficiency POSITION apartment for rent. for small apartment $360/month $200 complex, hours flexible, deposit. general knowledge of 2809 Sam Houston Ave. carpentry, plumbing, and Contact Odell: electrical required, and (936) 355 9187 PART-TIME LANDSCAPING POSITION. 936-295-5414 Full Time/ 0r Part Time/Flexible - Forensic Interviewer/Program Director – Must be dependable, be able to Multi-task, have Good Writing and Speaking Skills. College Degree preferred or years of experience Computer skills are Required – Microsoft Office & Web Based programs Child Friendly, Testifying in Court, Facilitate Monthly Meetings are a MUST. Must pass an Extensive Criminal History Check Mail Resumes to The Kalin’s Center at P.O. Box 901 Crockett, Texas 75835 Or Fax to #936-546-0500 PART-TIME MAINTENANCE POSITION for small apartment complex, hours flexible, general knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, andIce Cream Galore electrical required, and Texas Made Blue Bell PART-TIME LANDSCAPING Ice Cream, Malts, Shakes, POSITION. 936-295-5414Freezes, Floats, Brownie and

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Viewpoints PAWS UP

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Time ticks on

Holidays losing Richard McKinney reflects on his time at ground SHSU and offers advice to underclassmen

PAWS UP to the LSC Takeover by Program Council. It was a great experience

PAWS UP to first responders helping those in need after Hurricane Sandy

PAWS UP to Darius Taylor returning after a one-game suspension

PAWS DOWN

PAWS DOWN to the damage Hurricane Sandy has caused to the Northeast and the lives that have been lost

PAWS DOWN to Old Main’s fountain drink machines malfunctioning

I hear the ticking of the clock as I sit on my couch with nothing to do. Well, I suppose that’s not true; I could study for one of the two tests I have this week or I could get started on that paper I have due. I suppose I could even get caught up on duties for my job or even for the Speech and Debate Team. I could have even started writing this. In reality, I just sit there; staring at my television. I am bored. There is no way to deny this–I am bored. I love education, I love studying, I love learning, so I am a little confused why I am so bored right now when I could be taking my time to absorb knowledge. It is here, in the solace of Storage Wars, where I begin to think back through my time here at Sam Houston State University. I have enjoyed myself, undoubtedly, but what have I done? I have spent four years at SHSU (and one year at a community college) getting a firm grasp on anything and everything I possibly can. I throw myself into education, really focusing on absorbing every possible sentence from my books, taking the time to study the syllabi I’m given. I go home and study, I go to class, go to the library – I currently have 16 books checked out! Is there more? Have I missed something? I have seen movies where

people are in college and they have friends that they meet up with every day. They have protests, seemingly just for fun. They even take road trips. Why have I not done any of that? Why have I not spent any time making memories for myself? I’m a first generation college student. My family is proud of me and it’s up to me to make sure that I do well. That I pass – preferably with amazing grades. And that’s what I have done. I have studied, made good (at least decent) grades. I have, in many ways, sacrificed the potential for more memories in order to make better grades. That is why, as I sit on my couch in my pajamas, my blue blanket covering me, I wonder if my time could have been even more enjoyable. As the clock ticks the next minute away, I find it

DR. J.E. STONE So much of today’s headline news concerns the federal elections – not only the presidential race, but also the contests for Senate and House seats, and those are important. In some ways, however, the races at the lower end of the ballot – your local elections – are even more critical, as they will have an immediate impact on life in your community. The local school board race is a case in point. For too many years, school boards have paid more attention to form than to function, spending most of their time on facilities and HR policies, with little left over for schooling’s primary activity learning. In fact, a doctoral student studying board minutes in Tennessee found that

school boards are spending six percent of their time on student achievement. By getting up to speed on your candidates and their platforms, you can learn who sees the same challenges in our schools that you do, find out what they plan to do about it, and support them accordingly. Because the fact is, although we do have tremendous challenges in public education, it is possible for schools to excel with the right leadership. In fact, some schools are already doing an exceptional job, boasting student proficiency rates of 40, 50 or even 60 percentage points over their peers in schools that are comparable in terms of poverty rates. At the Education Consumers Foundation, we see these differences every day. In fact, we have published state-bystate charts that plot third grade reading proficiency rates against poverty rates (see them online at www.education-consumers.org/ national.htm). While there is a recognized correlation between poverty and student achievement, one does not determine the other:

RICHARD MCKINNEY Recurring Columnist

symbolizing my time here; ticking away to my graduation in May. I think about the two degrees I’ll have. I think about what may come next and I start to cry. Not because I’m nervous or frightened of the future, not because I worry about what comes next. No, a couple of tears fall because of what I could have done. So, as the sun starts to set on my college life, as the clock ticks the time away, I think about what I would say to incoming freshmen. Well, here it is. Take your time. Make friends, make memories. Do not hesitate to spend a weekend traveling to Dallas to just see what it’s all about. Go to the movies with friends. Take a stand for something. Never neglect your grades or forget to study for tests. But, remember that college is an experience; a time for you to literally remember for the rest of your life. Go camping. Make an ultimate scavenger hunt. The possibilities for your life are endless – the memories should be too. Don’t end up on your couch watching another hour of Storage Wars alone. Not that I don’t enjoy the bidding but there is so much more. If you are ever aware of the clock ticking in your ear, it is time for you to do something.

Electing school board will build better future There are countless examples of high-poverty schools with high proficiency rates as well as significant numbers of lowpoverty schools with low levels of proficiency. Contrary to popular belief, demography is not destiny. We need school board members who recognize that our schools face challenges but who also understand that those challenges can be overcome—a fact that is demonstrated by many schools in every state. However, even the most informed and dedicated candidates cannot become a decision-maker without your support and your vote. Your schools will have the kind of leadership that you elect. So take the time to learn about your school board candidates and other local office-seekers. These races may have just as much impact on your life (and those of your children) as the national races, and you can have much greater influence over them if you get involved.

Dr. J.E. Stone is president of the Education Consumers Foundation.

PAWS DOWN to people leaving their trash all over campus. Pick up after yourself and throw your trash away!

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TAYLOR LIKENS Staff Reporter

The world has a funny/ depressing way of robbing you of your soul, and not even the holidays can save you. One minute you’re having the time of your life and the next you’re crouched in a parking lot, eating mini Snickers in a Michael Myers mask and wondering where your life went wrong. Me? I never had a proper Halloween as a child. I knew what trick-or-treating was, but only in the way I kind of knew that Las Vegas was a place. Today, knowing what I missed out on saddens me. I’m honestly a little jealous of those who got to meet with their friends, dress like whatever superhero corresponded with their weight and racial limitations, then go out and tame the night. Well, they used to. Unfortunately, Halloween is slowly being emasculated to death by child-coddling and sheer laziness. It’s tough all over for traditional holidays, and although the commercialization of Christmas is what everyone loves to talk about, Halloween has gotten it the worst being watered down and prepackaged to the point of lifelessness. Look into any crowd of costumed children and you’ll more-or-less only find a dozen or so costumes. Not much better for the majority of adults; for them, Halloween is shambling from apartment to apartment, drunkenly tonguing bits of Jell-O out of their fangs. Where’s the adventure in all of this? The most exciting thing about a modern Halloween is the smell of a fresh rubber mask--and I completely expect someone will find out within the next 10 years that even it gives you cancer. Ironically, Halloween has become a zombie in itself; the trace remains of a time when people enjoyed doing actual things and let their children leave the house without a military grade flak jacket. But rather than simply having the respect to bury it with some dignity, we’ve propped Halloween up against the wall in the hopes that we won’t have to admit it’s dead. Staying indoors and shaking a fish bowl really hard until your goldfish dies of a concussion is not fishing. Trick-or-treating in WalMart is not trick-or-treating. Think about what you saw this Halloween. Think about what you expect to see for Christmas. Halloween--holidays in general, really--seem to be showing their age. It’s sad to say, but I honestly believe that holidays as we know them are on their way out in our culture. We cycle through the motions without thought as to why it’s tradition in the first place, losing more and more each year the one true American way--faster, cheaper and a little less effort. Our children wear premade Halloween costumes identical to a million others, our friends pay to have our Christmas gifts wrapped for them at the mall, and our family celebrates American independence by watching New Yorkers watch fireworks. There is a sickening insincerity about holidays that will punish the observant. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, it’d be best to keep in mind that these aren’t times to cut corners. We compromise to hell and back in daily life--why do so for the holidays?

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Arts&Entertainment

Thursday, November 1, 2012 houstonianonline.com/a-e

“Seagull” receives a standing ovation after actors give heart-wrenching performance MOLLY WADDELL Arts & Entertainment Editor

The seagull in “Seagull,” represents the freedom that Nina, played by Amanda Parker, wanted and thought she would get in her pursuit of acting. The actors portray their characters expertly, specifically Melissa Molano who played Masha. Masha is unhappy with her life and in love with Treplev, played by Jonathan Teverbaugh, who did not even notice her. Molano does a fantastic job at playing a heart broken girl. She is not the typical sad girl who cries all of the time, instead she drinks to make up for her emptiness. Masha, although disdained with her life, added some comedic relief to the serious play with her attitude and drunkenness. Parker also showed great character development. Her character, Nina, went through a drastic change and Parker was able to make that change while still keeping a bit of the original Nina in her acting. “I really liked the transition we saw especially with the character Nina,” SHSU student Zach Adar said. “It was really incredible seeing the transition not just with her but with all. It was masterfully put together.” The final female of the show allowed the audience to connect and relate. Robin Van Zandt who plays Polina represents the typical motherly figure. Polina always worries about her lover getting

sick, and about her daughter, Masha’s broken heart. Van Zandt does a fabulous job grasping this character and giving her some flair. Although the women stole the show, the audience could not help but feel for Treplev. Teverbaugh gave his character life and emoted so well that he leaves some of the audience members crying for him. “It was funny but had some serious things in it. It was just a good play,” SHSU student Trey Bonentine said. “It was very well done.” “Seagull,” is a great production and will leave the audience thinking about the loves in their lives. The play runs from Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m. with a Molly Waddell | The Houstonian matinee showing at 2 p.m. on LOVE ME. Top: Nina kisses Trigorin, a writer who she loves, but he is with someone else. Bottom: Masha pulls away Saturday. from Medvedenko. He wants her to go home for their baby, but she is unhappy with him.

Dia de los Muertos celebrates dead in Mesoamerican cultures

CAITLIN ADAMCIK Staff Reporter

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a holiday celebrating deceased loved ones. Mexico and parts of the United States honor this holiday. Día de los Muertos is arguably the most commonly known Mexican holiday. According to National Endowment for the Humanities, the holiday is a mixture of European traditions brought by the raiding Spanish conquistadores, indigenous cultures and the catholic religion. Pre-Hispanic cultures believed that during the fall season, departed souls could return to the living world where they could be with their family and friends, according to National Endowment for the Humanities.

Skulls are a big part of the celebration according to Carlos Miller, writer for The Arizona Republic. The Aztecs and other indigenous civilizations kept skulls as trophies and displayed them during rituals. The skulls represented death and rebirth. It was said that the dead could come back and visit during the ceremony. In present day, people wear skull masks made of wood called calacas. While wearing the masks, people dance in honor of their departed loved ones. Like the indigenous civilizations, the skulls are placed on alters that are devoted to the dead. According to Miller, the popularized sugar skull’s are decorated with bright colors and the names of the deceased on the skulls forehead. It is also told that the sugar skull is eaten by a

family member or close friend, according to Mary J. Adrade, who has written three books on the ritual. Day of the Dead and Halloween are related in different ways. According to National Endowment for the Humanities, both holidays decorate with pictures of skeletons and have spooky shaped sweets. Day of the Dead makes bread called pan de muertos and sugar skulls. Huntsville Public Library is holding a free Día de los Muertos celebration at 2-3:15 p.m. today. There will be pan de muertos. Beth Williamson and her advanced Spanish class will be hosting the event and will provide information about this wellknown and popularized holiday.

Saint Arnolds, who provides free beverages to all those attending. Katherine Shilcutt, a James Beard nominated food critic for the Houston Press, is saying attendees shouldn’t pass up the Koagie Hots food truck. It’s an East meets West culinary experience with Korean cheesesteaks, creative hot dogs and more. The food truck line up for the big monthly occasion doesn’t stop there, however. Kay’s Kitchen, Zeapod Cakery, Flaming Patties, Rock ‘n’ Sandwiches, will also be a part of the event.

Zeapod Cakery is planning to have cupcakes on a stick, a form of cupcake push-pop, to serve to the public during the event. “We create cakes that create memories.” Liz Hale, proclaimed ‘cake lady’ of Zeapod Cakery, said. Food Truck Fridays is a big event in midtown Houston and is sure to draw many participants as usual. For more information or to RSVP visit http:// microapp.houstonpress.com/ foodtruckfridays/november.php .

AP Photo | Richard Vogel

SUGAR SKULLS. Visitors take part in a procession celebrating Dia De Muerte in Hollywood Forever Cemetery in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Food Truck Friday to feature new trucks, food every week JAMINE BROWN Staff Reporter

Food Trucks will take over part of Houston on Friday Nov. 2. The Houston Press hosted event happens the first Friday of each month and features a slew of food trucks. It will be held at the House of Dereon Media Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will have indoor and outdoor seating available. The event is free to the public and will have free street parking for attendees. Food Truck Friday is sponsored by

I made out with a guy dressed as Mitt Romney. I told him “you can’t have my vote, but you can have my body.” (336) When I left, he was drinking an entire pot of coffee out of a straw. It’s safe to say he’s using a personal day. (701)

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Just saw a gay Hitler on rollerskates. All other costumes are now null and void. (972)

Posh Spice and Baby Spice both in one night. Fantasy complete. God Bless Halloween. (206)

Spring Break Mission Trip—Honduras March 8—16, 2013

A guy in a banana suit just got the whole bus to participate in a call and response version of Bohemian Rhapsody. HERO. (617)

Just dominated a flip cup tournament with the cast of toy story. Buzz Lightyear was the anchor of course. To intoxicatoin and beyond. (936)

Christian non-denominational organization that helps orphanages needs SHSU! No experience necessary. This trip typically cost $1,300, can be paid in installments and will include airfare, lodging, and food. Please email for more information or to see how you can help no later than 11/5/2012. GroupMissions@yahoo.com

Page 5

Sports

Thursday, November 1, 2012 houstonianonline.com/sports

Southland Conference Executive Committee president answers criticism on suspension CONNOR HYDE Sports Reporter The recent suspension of Sam Houston State University linebacker Darius Taylor raised questions of a double standard of the Southland Conference Executive Committee from the SHSU fan base. Despite these criticisms, there was no conflict according to the committee’s president. University of Central Arkansas Athletic Director Brad Teague’s involvement as the Executive Committee president has sparked questions of biased decisions in the upholding suspension of Taylor. Despite the criticism, Teague said he has been consistent with conference rulings. “It’s not up to me to make the suspensions,” Teague said. “What happens is the conference makes the suspensions and then the institutions [that] has a student athlete who’s suspended can appeal that suspension. The appeal comes then to the executive committee.” Although SHSU filed an appeal, the committee denied overturning the suspension. “We disagree with the ruling that this was a targeted hit,” SHSU Athletic Director Bobby Williams said. “We asked the league to take a second look at the play in comparison to other similar hits that went unpunished this season.” With the upholding of Taylor’s suspension, Teague has come under fire under claims that the decision benefited UCA’s football team. Currently UCA and SHSU are involved in a tight battle for conference champions along with Southeastern Louisiana, but according to Teague the decision

did not benefit UCA because the two teams had already played each other earlier in the season. “Since I was involved with either a student athlete or a team in which UCA was playing I could not be on that appeal committee,” Teague said in regards of the halfgame suspension of UCA player Jestin Love in September “The only one I could be involved with was [Taylor’s] because we had already played Sam Houston and we weren’t going to play them again.” During the appeal hearing of Kevin Roberts of Southeastern Louisiana, Teague was not present. Confilicts of interest will always be an issue according to Teague. “Every member of the committee is a part of some institution [in the conference] and that’s never going to change,” Teague said. “The reason it’s not a conflict is because when it involves your institution, or an institution in which you may play, then you cannot be on the appeal committee.” Teague assumed the role of Executive Committee president in May, taking over for SHSU Athletic Director Bobby Williams after his two-year term ended. As president, Teague said he will continue to ensure the safety of players is a priority. “The issue is safety. It’s all about safety,” Teague said. “The conference is not going to change on safety measures so if there’s a severe and significant issue with the hit, or a helmet to helmet, then the conference is going to suspend players and that’s not going to change, so we just got to change the behavior.” The Southland Conference and the NCAA chose not to comment on this issue.

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

BACK TO BUSINESS: After serving a one-game suspension for an illegal hit made on a Nicholls State player, Darius Taylor will return to the gridiron to face Southeastern Lousiana for the last home game of the season.

Bearkats look to tame Lions in final home game of season CONNOR HYDE Sports Reporter The Sam Houston State University football team will strive to contain the running game and expand their passing attack in their final regular season home game against Southeastern Louisiana State at Bowers Stadium Saturday. The Bearkats are looking to expand their conference record to 5-1 with a victory against the Lions. In the past three matchups the Bearkat defense has held opposing offenses below 300 total yards and has continued to improve and remain versatile over different formations. “[Southeastern] presents a lot of problems with all of the formations and things they do,” SHSU Defensive Coordinator Scott Stoker said. “They kind of do a little different offense every week so we will have to do a great job of doing adjustments during the game.” According to Stoker, the Southeastern offense presents their running attack in different formations to keep defenses off

guard. SHSU will continue to expand their passing attack with more activity from Richard Sincere. Saturday against Lamar, Sincere connected with Brandon Wilkinson for a touchdown and will continue to pass from the wildcat formation this week. “We’re trying to get him 10 to 12 reps as a wildcat quarterback,” Coach Willie Fritz said. “We would like to get him 10 to 15 plays where he’s playing receiver. We’re trying to expand his role.” After serving his one-week suspension for an illegal hit on a Nicholls State player, linebacker Darius Taylor is ready to suit up and return to the gridiron. “I’m trying to work a little harder this week since I didn’t play last week,” Taylor said. “Ever since our second [conference] loss against UCA, coach has been preaching playoff intensity…we’re just playing hard every game because every game from here on out is a do or die for us.” Kickoff will be underway at 2 p.m. at Bowers Stadium. Tickets are available online at www. gobearkats.com

Bearkat basketball expected to do well, finish top three SLC KARMEN KING Staff Reporter The Sam Houston State women’s basketball team will return to the hardwood Sunday at 3 p.m. in an exhibition match against the Southwestern University of Georgetown Pirates. Returning all five of their starters and the six top scorers and rebounders, the Bearkats are picked to finish third in the Southland Conference behind McNeese and Stephen F. Austin. Seniors Britni Martin and Sequeena Thomas were both selected for the preseason AllSouthland Conference Team. “As long as we do our job, we’ll have a good chance to do well in the Southland Conference this year,” SHSU head women’s basketball coach Brenda Nichols said. “With

nine returning letter winners plus some top newcomers, we’re looking forward to an exciting conference race this year.” Coming off a record-breaking season that included the first ever hosting of post-season play, the Kats have put together a tough and travel-heavy schedule. Newark, Del., starts off the team’s travels on Friday Nov. 9, as they participate in the preseason Women’s National Invitational Tournament. This is the first time the Bearkats have been invited to a preseason tournament. The season includes trips to Lincoln, Neb., Mobile, Ala., and Long Beach, Calif.; not to mention the wide travels as part of their usual Southland Conference schedule.

Page 6

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Approach the Bench M aking the decision to attend law school is huge. Deciding which one to go to can be intimidating. Our program offers:

George Mattingly | The Houstonian

BOUNCING AROUND Students lined up around the corner to enter giant hampster balltype devices, which were then used to roll around the LSC ballroom, sometimes aimlessly before smashing into other participants, and

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VICTIMS,

page 1

recognizing that murder victims and their families are real people, and not just another statistic or news story. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My only son, the last of my blood line, was extinguished.â&#x20AC;? Caldwell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replace a child. And he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t die, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass away; he was taken from us, he was murdered.â&#x20AC;? Collierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife and niece were home alone when they heard noises outside, so his wife went to go check out the disturbance. A local teenager forced his way in the house after she stepped outside, and forced Collierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife and niece to lay face down on a bed. In an attempt to protect her niece, Collierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife tried to reach a gun kept in the nightstand nearby, but was shot in the head before she could get the weapon. While recounting the tale of her murder, Collier shared his last memories of his wife with the audience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My wife and I were on top of a hill, looking at the tangerine colored sky,â&#x20AC;? Carlton Collier said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was talking and I was looking at her and just thinking to myself just how lucky I was to have her in my life. Little did I know, that was the last time I would see herâ&#x20AC;?

t BO FYDFQUJPOBM GBDVMUZ t UIF CFTU BEWPDBDZ QSPHSBN JO UIF OBUJPO t BO BXBSE XJOOJOH MFHBM SFTFBSDI BOE writing program t B CSPBE BOE Ä&#x2DC;FYJCMF DVSSJDVMVN UIBU JODMVEFT FYUFOTJWF DMJOJDBM TLJMMT QSPHSBNT t DPOTJTUFOUMZ BGGPSEBCMF UVJUJPO SBUFT t B IFMQGVM BOE LOPXMFEHFBCMF TUBÄ&#x152; t B EPXOUPXO MPDBUJPO JO QSPYJNJUZ UP major law firms and corporations for enhanced job opportunities.

We rest our case.

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