The Houstonian

Vol 112 — Issue 20

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

Party in the House Bearkats urged to vote

Election Day Polling Locations Precinct No. Name/Address of Building

101/102 Walker County Annex 1301 Sam Houston Ave Ste 101, Huntsville 103 Crabbs Prairie Fire Dept.

26 FM 1696W, Huntsville 104 Northside Baptist Church 1207 FM 980, Huntsville

404 New Waverly First Baptist Church 460 Fisher at corner of Hardy St, New Waverly

301/302 Martin Luther King Center 300 Avenue F, Huntsville

Senior Reporter

401 University Heights Baptist Church 2400 Sycamore Ave, Huntsville

203/204 Walker County Fairgrounds 3925 SH 30 W, Huntsville

206 Region VI Education Service Center 3332 Montgomery Rd, Huntsville

By Stephen Green

304/305 Riverside Fire Dept.

2341 FM 980, Huntsville

402/403 Phelps First Methodist Church Dorrell Rd @ Watson Lake Rd, Phelps

205 Elkins Lake Conference Center 634 Cherry Hills Drive, Huntsville

on election day

303 Dodge Fire Dept.

28 Dodge/ Oakhurst Rd, Dodge

201 First Presbyterian Church 1801 19th Street, Huntsville

For Additional Election Information: Please contact the Voter Registration/ Elections Department at (936) 436-4959 or contact the applicable Party Chair

Caleb White, Democratic Party Chair - (936) 6619691 Russell Martinez, Republican Party Chair - (936) 2951823

Tuesday November 2, 2010

Graphic by Jared Wolf | The Houstonian

THE RACE IS ON. Voters in Walker County will, among numerous state elections, decide the

governor’s race along with the race for U.S. Representative of the 8th Congressional District.

The governor’s race will be decided among Rick Perry (R-Incumbent), Bill White (D), Kathie Glass (L) and Deb Shafto (G). In addition the House seat will be decided amongst Kevin Brady (R-Incumbent) and Kent Hargett (D).

Polls open today for midterm and gubernatorial elections, and analysts are predicting that there will be a turnover of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Analysts are predicting that Democrats will maintain majority control of the Senate, but just barely.

Voters in Walker County will, among numerous state elections, decide the governor’s race along with the race for U.S. Representative of the 8th Congressional District.

The governor’s race will be decided among current Gov. Rick Perry (R), Bill White (D), Libertarian Kathie Glass and Green Party candidate Deb Shafto. In addition the House seat will be decided between Kevin Brady (R-Incumbent) and Kent Hargett (D).

Currently, Democrats have a majority of seats in both the House and the Senate. That could change if Republicans are able to win 39 additional seats in the House and 10 additional seats in the Senate.

Kendall Scudder, vice-president of the Bearkat Democrats, said that he believes the Republicans will handily take the House but not the Senate.

“I think that the influx of the

Tea Party candidates will drastically help Democrats,” Scudder said. “This is all because of the crazy people in the Tea Party.

[Democrats] will win a seat in Delaware that we didn’t think we would win before. We also might win a seat in Alaska.”

David Frievalt, SHSU College Republicans public relations officer, said he disagrees with Scudder about Republican chances, and said that Pres.

Barack Obama’s administration will cause the downfall of the Democratic Party.

“The inability of Pres.

Obama to reduce unemployment by creating new jobs, his misguided focus on health care when he should have been completely focused on the economy and the financial stimulus bill, [caused anger towards the party in control],” Frievalt said. “[The stimulus bill] may have avoided another great depression, but left this country trillions more in debt.”

Perry goes into election day with a 12-point lead over White in the polls. Hargett challenged Brady for the 8th Congressional seat two years ago, getting only 24.8 percent of the vote.

— See POLLS, page 3

Breaking Ground Construction of new Woodlands University Center begins

By Kolby Flowers Senior Reporter

Sam Houston State University officials broke ground for its new University Center, which will be located in the Woodlands, Friday morning.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved the design development documents for

the University Center at the SHSU shares the current Woodlands and its project University Center with the budget of $40.5 million University of Houston, Texas dollars in August, according to A&M University, the Lone a university press release.

Star College System and the The new University Center private sector. building will be a four-story, “We have been teaching 70 144,164 sq. ft.-structure that percent of the classes at the will include classrooms, labs, existing campus,” Richard enrollment counseling and Elgsaer, Ph.D., associate advising and administrative provost, said. services, as well as a parking lot and a five-story parking — See CENTER, page 3 garage.

E.Jay Miranda | The Houstonian

NO SHAVE NOVEMBER Delta Tau Delta members prepare to show off the progress of their beards after a month without shaving for testicular cancer awareness. Starting from bottom right: Chris Pratt, Curtis Smith, Dallas Michael Deen to top right: Liam Vincent, Matt Garza, Lance Le Blanc, Jeff Pyle see PAGE 2

Campus vandalism

By Stephen Green Senior Reporter

Students may be involved in a string of reported campus vandalisms, according to James Fitch, the University Police Department’s deputy chief.

Last month, UPD received seven or eight reports of graffiti on numerous buildings including Sorority Hill, the Sam Houston Parking Garage, the Visitor’s Center, the new Performing Arts Center, the University Theatre Center and the Smith-Hudson Academic Building, Fitch said. “[Individuals] are spraypainting the letters KB, Kowboy and a smiley face with the tongue sticking out,” Fitch said.

Although graffiti may Photography courtesy of SHSU Communications sometimes be affiliated with BUILDING FOUNDATION.The new University Center building, located in the Woodlands, will gangs, police do not believe be a four-story, 144,164 sq. ft.-structure that will include classrooms, labs, enrollment counseling this is the case. and advising and administrative services, as well as a parking lot and a five-story parking garage.

“I don’t think it’s gang

FACING FELONIES. There have been at least eight reports of graffiti

on numerous campus buildings in the last month and has also been seen around the Huntsville community. The “Kowboy” and smiley face vandalism is not believed to be gang-affiliated.

activity, but it’s not a harmless prank,” Fitch said. “This has been seen over and over again.

Personally, I believe that it is a student.”

Graffiti vandalism has also been seen in the Huntsville community, Huntsville police said. They, too, do not believe gangs are involved.

There are currently no suspects in the case, and,

if caught, the individual or group responsible could face felony charges, Fitch said.

“We are currently taking proactive steps to stop [the vandalism],” Fitch said.

Those who have any information regarding additional vandalism or possible suspects are encouraged e-mail kmorris@ shsu.edu.

WHAT’S ON THE WEB

CAMPUS CONTENDERS

INDEX

Entertainment.......page 4

Visit our website to participate in our latest poll or post your comments on the stories in this issue at houstonianonline.com!

Sam Houston State University ROTC and Debate teams take on competition and take home trophies.

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

Sports...................page 5

SEE page 3

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

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

Viewpoints

Page 2 Tuesday, November 2, 2010

houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

Media influence, power underestimated

In preparing for today’s elections, political campaigns haven’t been the only ones sending messages driven by their own agendas.

The mainstream media conspiracy has taken over what is supposed to be objective journalism news stations and turned them into propaganda center stages.

Fox news is unbelievable.

Some of the assertions of the personalities on this network are divisive and sometimes even ignorant.

But they’re reaching out to a specific audience and those people are listening.

Same is the situation with CNN, a network that my family has paid attention to for years.

In the rare instances where they have a guest who disagrees with the liberal and even borderline socialist ideas of President Obama, there’s always a more

passionate figure that is set million viewers as of October up to make the conservative of this year. guest look foolish.

People are experiencing If we’re honest about it entertainment rather though, we can get ready to than gaining substantial kiss journalism information as we’ve about the known it (and most serious as I’ve studied issues that it) good-bye, affect our or at least when nation. it comes to F o x politics. personality No one Glenn Beck cares about started the journalistic “Rally to integrity, in Restore situations H o n o r ” where we s i n c e Brandon Scott appear to need it according to Viewpoints Editor most.

The objective is to send the conservatives, there is most provocative message nothing honorable going on to haters and supporters, to in the White House. ensure the target audience is Television hosts and apparent. comedians Stephen Colbert According to the Nielsen and Jon Stewart countered Cable ratings, CNN and Fox with the Rally to Restore News each have around 100 Sanity, since according

to liberals, conservative counterparts are delusional.

We should stop it, all of us.

Let’s not allow the media venue we favor most to influence, necessarily the way we look at issues.

At what point do we just become a reflection of the provocation we embrace, instead of independent thinkers on real issues?

Let’s stop calling the president names like Hitler and please people, he is NOT a Muslim. And even if he was, let’s be intelligent enough to not believe that every Muslim is a terrorist who wants to see you die.

With the same token, Tea Partiers are no more racists than the NAACP it combats with.

Calling out racism is like saying the sky is blue. What people want to know is, are you going to do something about it and vote?

Top 10 Reasons to ...

“Go Green” & Love It Column courtesy of Green Kats

Have you noticed the “green” movement that is slowly beginning to grip our nation? We are a culture full of trends, and this trend is one that may have a long-lasting positive impact.

For the past few years, the media and modern science has brought to light the dire straits our consumer culture is creating. We are all guilty of acquiring, consuming, and condemning products that are cool for a moment. The negative influence of our bad habits is beginning to make a difference in our livelihood.

Most students agree with the “green movement” but aren’t quite sure how to get started.

Moderation is key and starting slow is ok. Here are a few tips from the Sam Houston State University’s “Green Kats” organization on how to make a difference at your own convenience.

1. Parking on Campus is Lame:

Until the 300:1 student-parking spot ratio is resolved, there are other options. Ride a bike. The bike racks on campus are never full to the max and everyone could use a little exercise. If this option isn’t for you, make sure to sign the SHSU shuttle petition.

2. It’s the Cool Thing to Do: The trendiness of green products is completely undeniable. The recent influx of TOMS shoes is proof of this. This may be the one time in your life the cool thing to do is good for you and the environment.

3. It Can Save You Money: One thing that unites college students everywhere is that we are all short on funds. Managing your electricity consumption can benefit your pocketbook and the environment.

4. It Can Make You Money: Saving your “coke”

cans can make you money if you choose to recycle them. Instead of throwing away old clothes, take them to a resale shop. While you’re there, look around, you might find something cool and one of a kind.

5. It’s Getting Easier: Stores like Wal-Mart are beginning to keep their shelves stocked with more “green” friendly products than ever before. The “Great Value” Wal Mart brand is even producing many environmental and consumer friendly products.

6. Health Benefits: While helping the earth, you can also help yourself. Weather you choose to walk to school or buy organic products, your body will benefit.

7. Renew, Reuse, Recycle: When you’re finished with this news paper, find a recycle bin. Give it to a friend. Use it to make a paper mache

project, so long as it doesn’t find its way to a land fill.

8. People Matter: Many of the “green” products on the market are also “Fair Trade” certified. This simply means that no one was exploited to get you your morning coffee.

9. Support Local Commerce: Shopping and dining locally can benefit all of us. You’ll save money in gas and help create jobs in Huntsville.

10. Every Small Change Counts: Pick the low hanging fruit. Start small and you can and will make a big difference.

If you interested in more information about how you can make a difference, find the “Green Kats” page on facebook. They meet once a month and host many environmentally friendly events.

Lotis Butchko Sports Reporter This weekend, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert hosted the first ever “Rally to restore Sanity and/or Fear” to the delight of millions of young liberals, including myself.

While the event was meant to symbolize the comedy that we can still find in our country, it really did have a deeper meaning. Stewart is a genius, a man who knows more about politics than

first, but both men mean more to the college demographic. I am not insisting that people take these guys too seriously – we all know that – but so what if liberals want to have a rally where we can laugh. Is that so wrong? Just because we don’t fall under the hate mongers like Glen Beck who insist on putting all Americans on a scared-for-theirlife basis with his “Rally to Restore Honor.”

All I heard was how all the young people at the Rally and at home were smoking pot and drinking while they enjoyed this. What a joke.

Fox News couldn’t come up with an honest problem with this rally because there was none. These were people who are growing up in one of the worst recessions in American history and just wanted to enjoy themselves for one Saturday.

Excuse us for not wanting

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body.

We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor.

If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Brandon Scott Viewpoints Editor bscott@houstonianonline.com

No shave November Two whiskers appeared on my chin during eighth grade year. At that moment, I grew an attachment to the beard that eventually filled in by high school.

Some kids want to look older when they’re too immature to appreciate their youth. But that was never my problem.

The beard just became apart of me. It wasn’t any twisted love affair. It’s just after a while, the facial hair and I were exclusive.

This is going to have to change in light of my introduction to the recently established “no shave November” tradition.

The initiative requires men to shave their facial hair on Oct. 31, and leave it alone until the end of November in honor of survivors as well as victims of testicular cancer. And it makes perfect sense.

As a general public, we go the extra mile to cooperate with the happenings of AIDS awareness and breast cancer awareness, especially. The entire month of October is overwhelmed with pink ribbon paraphenalia to honor the millions who have struggled from the deadly disease.

This is a good thing, but we want to be conscious of other cancers that eat away at our society.

According to the National Cancer Institute, 2010 has seen more than 8,400 new cases of testicular cancer and more than 350 people have died this year.

Men have to be proactive with these concerns. Cancer doesn’t show preferential treatment and tragedy can

strike on anyone. The exact causes of testicular cancer are unknown, so there isn’t a specific strategy for prevention.

That’s why I’m all for “no shave November.”

In a time when our country seems so divided in ideas, a plotted statement against testicular cancer would show a refreshing motion to form the more perfect union that so many Americans preach about.

But what about my situation, where my beard is apart of my identity?

The last time I shaved my face naked, my mother made me promise to never do it again, because it seriously takes away from my appearance.

That’s pretty serious.

I would argue that it isn’t close to as serious as testicular cancer and of course, growing the beard back is no problem.

It sounds like I’m leaning towards making a sacrifice. Could I really be doing something that I don’t want to do, for a cause that is greater than my individual preferences? If so, it goes against what many of us have come to be about.

Why inconvenience ourselves for people we don’t know and a cause that may never apply to us?

The answer is because we’re Americans, thoughtful and light-hearted.

Grow a mean beard in the spirit of cancer awareness, even if all you have is two whiskers.

-- Brandon Scott, for the editorial board

The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.

The Houstonian Editorial

The liberals are coming, rally around most of our senators. If you have ever seen him on his show, he stands toe to toe with any politician and typically battles them evenly.

There are going to be several college newspapers around the nation that are going to talk about how funny it was, and it was funny. But I chose to take a different approach to the story.

I watched the rally from my hotel room in Clarksville, Ind. And in between commercials I would head to the business center of the hotel to send out e-mails. The hotel lobby was blaring Fox News, much to my dismay, and it seemed like every time I went in I heard a new “anchor” – and I use that term loosely – bashing the people at the rally.

That got to me after a while and I became more angry than anything. Sure Stewart and Colbert are comedians

Letter to the Student Body

to hide in our bomb shelters, which, by the way, Glenn Beck endorses on his show.

Instead, we liberals choose to show up in the hundreds of thousands to an event, where we could hold signs like: “Homophobia is Gay;” “I masturbate and I vote;” and my personal favorite, “Glen Beck: Show us your high school diploma.”

When the rally ended near its 6 p.m. deadline, Stewart took the stage and rejected the idea that our country was on the brink of self destruction because we could not work together. He said “we work together to get things done every damn day.”

And with that the most influential journalist in America left the stage, doing something Fox News could never do. Tell the story without a slant.

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

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ROTC emerges triumphant in annual competition

By Sonja Nitschke

Contributing Reporter

The Sam Houston State University ROTC allmale team placed second in the Ranger Challenge Competition, despite stiff competition from Texas Tech University’s all-male team.

The Challenge, which took place at Camp Bullis on the weekend of Oct. 22-24, pitted SHSU against the following teams: Baylor, UMHB, Prairie View A&M, U of H, SFA, UNT, TAMU Central Texas and TCU. The SHSU team had seven members: Colton Barber (freshman), Jared Gantt (junior), David Hernandez (junior), Holden McCord (freshman), Soniel Barbosa (sophomore), David Spicer (freshman) and Trey Withington (junior).

Over all, 26 contestants participated in the Challenge, including all-male, all-female and co-ed teams, according to 1st Lt. N. Scott Tyner.

The Ranger Challenge typically sparks fierce competition between universities’ ROTC programs by emphasizing physical

endurance, strength and speed. It also provides participants the opportunity to enhance their future military career, Tyner said.

“Events at the competition included an Army physical fitness test, [which includes] two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups and a timed two-mile run, a military general knowledge exam, a timed obstacle course, a timed hand grenade assault course, a timed disassemble/ reassemble of an M-16 assault rifle, a day and night land navigation course and a 10K road march,” Tyner said in an email.

SHSU’s ROTC prepared for the challenge under the guidance of the team’s two cadet coaches Wayne Salazar and Austin Harms.

Their teammates geared up for the competition by participating in physical training in the morning and other practices in the afternoon for five days per week while maintaining their grades in other classes, according to Tyner.

“With that young of a team, I’m very, very proud of them,” said Tyner.

CAMPUS CALENDAR TUESDAY, NOV. 2 Majors Fair: from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom PC I love College “Happy Hour”: from 12-2 p.m. in the LSC 304 SUBMIT AN EVENT E-mail Associate News Editor Jessica Priest at jpriest@houstonianonline.com to have your organization’s event included in the campus calendar. Deadline for Thursday’s issue is on Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Page 3 Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Protect yourself: ROTC to offer free self-defense course

By Jessica Priest

Associate News Editor

A special trainer will visit SHSU this Sunday to teach students, faculty and staff members with tips on selfprotection.

The Self Defense Clinic will be led by Aaron Gillespie, who holds the title as

a Third Dan Black Belt Instructor, and will be held at 7 p.m. in Recreational Sports Center Multipurpose Room 2.

“Knowing how to protect one’s self is extremely important,” said Tina DeAses, of Rec Sports, who is hosting the event.

“Mr. Gillespie will provide self defense information that one would not want to miss, from basic information

to more advanced skills to helpful tips that can remembered for a lifetime,” she said.

The event is free for all SHSU students, faculty, and staff with a valid Bearkat OneCard.

For more information, visit the Recreational Sports web site at www. shsu.edu/recsports.

Brian Blalock | SHSU Marketing

EARTH SHATTERING. Pictured are David Payne, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Marie Hoke, WHR Architects; U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady; State Sen. Tommy Williams; Jim Gaertner, SHSU president emeritus and Texas State University System interim vice chancellor; SHSU President Dana Gibson; Ran Key, senior vice chancellor for Lone Star College; TSUS Regent Trisha Pollard; Dick Eglsaer, associate provost; and Mike Simpson, Vaughn Construction participating in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new University Center in the Woodlands last Friday.

From CENTER page 1

“This fall, we are teaching 90 percent of the classes. Basically, the existing campus has been our campus, but one in which we are spending a lot of money on rent.”

The university currently pays in excess of $1 million a year to rent the current space in the Woodlands, according to Elgsaer.

“The only difference [with the new building] will be that we will own this building,” Elgsaer said. “Our money will be spent on the debt reduction rather than on a lease agreement.

Otherwise the center will be similar.”

University President Dana Gibson, Ph.D., was among those who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

“Based upon the dedicated efforts of Dr. Gaertner, President Emeritus, and others, Sam Houston State University

recognized the historic event when we broke ground on the second location in The Woodlands,” Gibson said.

“The SHSU Center at The Woodlands provides strategic opportunity to better serve non-traditional undergraduates needing to complete a degree, as well as graduate students.”

Both the completion of the new University Center and its grand opening are scheduled for the spring or summer of 2012, Eglsaer said.

Photo courtesy of Adam Key

SCORE. The SHSU Debate Team visited LSU-Alexandria for a tournament this past weekend, and received second place overall.

It’s a major decision...

The results are in ...

The following is the outcome of this weekend’s competition: Game I Professional Division Quarterfinalist: Addison Reed Varsity Division Octafinalist: Jerusha Rodgers, Adesuwa Omoruyi, and Sara Harrigan

From POLLS page 1

“I’m glad that people like Kent Hargett throw their hat in the ring,” Scudder said.

“He was poorly funded, and he didn’t have the momentum in an area heavy with Republicans.”

Frievalt said that if Republicans were to take back the House, Obama would be forced to be bipartisan. “[Obama] would not be able to push through legislation that is unpopular

Quarterfinalist: Clayton Goss 4th place speaker: Adesuwa Omoruyi 2nd place sweepstakes Game II Professional Division Champion: Adam Key Semifinalist: Jeremy Coffman Varsity Division Octofinalist: Clayton Goss, Adesuwa Omoruyi, and

Heather Linder Quarterfinalist: Sara Harrigan 2nd place speaker: Sara Harrigan 1st place speaker: Heather Linder Novice Division Semifinalist: Ashley Olson 2nd place sweepstakes

with the majority of this country and he would be forced to work with Republicans for common sense solutions to our country's biggest problems,” Frievalt said.

Frievalt said that if the Republicans win back the House and the Senate, the scariest time will be between when the current Congress re-convenes and the new Congress is sworn in Jan. 3, 2011.

“Obama will attempt to push through all of his major spending packages and bills while the lame

duck House and Senate still have Democrat majorities,” Frievalt said. “I know Halloween just ended but that's scarier than any costumes I've seen.”

Scudder said that if Republicans were to take back Congress, individuals would see the return of failed policies that brought the United States into the economic crisis.

“You would see minorities muscled in Congress, and college students improperly represented in Congress,” Scudder said.

“The Republican Party is the party that puts Wall Street ahead of Main Street. There has been significant job growth in the last nine months.

If you hand it over to the Republicans, there would be dire consequences.”

Currently, Democrats hold 253 seats in the House, compared to 177 seats that are held by Republicans. In the Senate, Democrats hold 59 seats while Republicans hold 41.

Exploring Majors Fair Tuesday, November 2, 2010 LSC Ballroom 9 am - 3 pm Sponsored by:

Student Success Initiatives www.shsu.edu/fye 936-294-3422

and Career Services

www.shsu.edu/careerservices 936-294-1713 Sam Houston State University Is A Member of The Texas State University System

Arts & Entertainment

Page 4 Tuesday, November 2, 2010

houstonianonline.com/entertainment

When genres collide Sibling trio blends country and rock

By Thomas Merka

Entertainment Editor

other musicians that inspire them, but The Band Perry also draws inspiration from literary sources.

“In addition to musical influences, the three of us are really influenced by literature,” Kimberly said.

“We’re pretty avid readers.

One of our favorite literary genres is southern gothic.

Flannery O’Connor is one of my very favorites. We try to write with a little bit of an antiquated language sometimes. We’re very much influenced by both literary and musical artists.”

The band’s literary influence is evident in their hit song “If I Die Young.” The song alludes to a poem entitled “The Lady of Shallott” by Lord Tennyson.

“I had read ‘The Lady of Shallott’ before I started writing the lyrics to “If I Die Young,” and a lot of imagery in that is so gorgeous and so

Three siblings, with different musical talents and tastes and a knack for writing catchy country tunes, have made their mark in the music world. “The Band Perry” was nominated for the “Vocal Group of the Year” award for the 2010 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.

The band features a unique sound that pleasantly blends traditional country style with a rock-and-roll undertone.

Achieving this sound comes naturally for the band as they draw off of each others’ unique musical qualities.

“The boys and I we really have different tastes in music, based around the instruments that we chose,” Kimberly Perry, vocalist for the band, in the Top 10 on the country said. “So it [the band’s sound] charts. The concept for “If I Die is sort of like the blend of all Young” began on “a cloudy of our musical powers.” day in eastern Tennessee” and “The three speaks of of us are contentment brother and “Daddy rocked us to sleep with the Rolling with one’s sister and, Stones; Mama woke us up with Loretta life. even though “ W e we do our Lynn. So we get it honest.” actually – Kimberly Perry wrote musical it distinctions, out of we all grew up listening to the we wanted to include that,” contentment,” Kimberly same stuff. Dad was a rock and Kimberly said. “It sort of said. “It was a moment in roll lover and our mother was added another level to the time when we were really a country music fan. We’ve video.” beginning to get into our always been at the crossroads The song is on their debut music, and we just looked of those two roads.” album, which hit stores on at each other and said, ‘You All musical artists have October 12, and has landed know what? At this moment,

Red Bull Sound Clash

Photograph courtesy of Red Bull

By Brandon Scott Viewpoints Editor

Veteran hip-hop talent Talib Kweli headlined the Red Bull Sound Clash at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas last Thursday. Kweli joined forces with the Rhythm Roots All Stars to battle Ozomatli, a versatile Latin band from Los Angeles, in an unparalleled musical dialogue amidst more than 2,100 screaming fans.

The Palladium was a scene fit for glamour. Six bars surrounded the club, with the VIP section conspicuously placed behind the stage and sound equipment. While the doors opened at 8 p.m., the show was set to start at 10 and the anticipation grew immensely.

Fans wanted to see Kweli, best known for his contribution to Kanye West’s hit single “Just to Get By” and his connection to longtime actor and emcee, Mos Def. “I knew we were in for an all-time classic show with Talib,” said Kendra Murphy, a Sam Houston State student who attended the Sound Clash. “I read up a little on Ozomatli. They seem like the perfect style to sort of contrast what Talib’s going to COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK breckenridge

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be doing.”

Jake Crates of allhiphop. com hosted the event, with DJ Sober spinning on the ones and two.

The battle consisted of four rounds: the Cover, the Takeover, the Clash and the Joker. Fans were closely so connected to the performances that they decided the winner of each round. The sounds of cheers were measured in loudness, relative to the MTV skit Wildin Out. Mere decibels decided Kweli’s victory over Ozomatli.

“I think it was the Dallas crowd that put me over the edge tonight,” said Kweli, following his win. “Hearing these guys chant my name…

Wow! I wish more emcees had the chance to rock with cats like the Rhythm Roots Allstars and Ozomatli. It’s just a wonderful thing.”

The Dallas area has made waves in the hip-hop community recently, with catchy dance routines like the “dougie” and “stanky legg.”

It had to have been refreshing for something more veritable act to grace the city.

In the first round, each band was given a song to cover, but they had to incorporate their own renditions. Kweli

used the Ozomatli’s Latintunes to his advantage, with crowd-friendly, hip rhymes.

The second round consisted of each act playing original pieces, where the opposition had to pick up the beat as it dropped, by far the most artistic aspect of the show.

“I think shows like this are really beneficial to all of us as artists because it forces you to think outside the box,” said Ulises Bella, saxophone player for Ozomatli. “It makes you think about not only your own music in a new way but someone else’s music as well, then throws in a competition element to top it off.”

What makes the Red Bull Sound Clash so luring is the fact that it puts the fans on the main stage. The bands play on podiums set up on opposite sides, while the crowd takes center stage to determine who reins supreme, if for one night only.

“It felt like I was a part of the performance,” Murphy added. “Being so close to the music, it seemed like they were genuinely playing for us as we were screaming for them. A sound clash makes beautiful music.”

Photo Courtesy of Justin Nolan Key | The Band Perry

even if it all ended, really at our young ages, 27, 21, and 20, we have gotten to live life so completely because we’re getting to follow our dreams and we’re doing it together.’”

“And so for us, it’s always been just that, a statement of contentment which is why we wrote it over major chords and with a lullaby melody.”

The lullaby melody is accompanied by the haunting harmonies that the band believes can only be achieved by those who are closely related.

“We talked a lot about what makes family harmonies so

different,” Reid, bass player for the band, said. “I think it’s because we all grew up in the same regions and we all talk the same. We say our vowels and the consonants the same.

And we kinda know where everyone else is going to go vocally.”

The three siblings are not the only family members making the magic happen.

Behind the scenes, Mom and Dad Perry keep the trio trucking down the path of their musical career.

“They’ve been anything from chauffeurs to referees and roadies,” Kimberly said.

“They have supported us in every way since day one, whether it was literally doing the grunt work or whether it was supporting us emotionally, spiritually or financially when we needed it. Honestly they’re like the fourth and fifth silent members of The Band Perry.

We’re so grateful for their council in our lives.”

Looking at the band, it’s easy to see that family is the key to their success, reminding us all to value and cherish the individuals in our own families. They may have what it takes to make all of your dreams come true.

Arts & Entertainment

Page 4 Tuesday, November 2, 2010

houstonianonline.com/entertainment

When genres collide Sibling trio blends country and rock

By Thomas Merka

Entertainment Editor

other musicians that inspire them, but The Band Perry also draws inspiration from literary sources.

“In addition to musical influences, the three of us are really influenced by literature,” Kimberly said.

“We’re pretty avid readers.

One of our favorite literary genres is southern gothic.

Flannery O’Connor is one of my very favorites. We try to write with a little bit of an antiquated language sometimes. We’re very much influenced by both literary and musical artists.”

The band’s literary influence is evident in their hit song “If I Die Young.” The song alludes to a poem entitled “The Lady of Shallott” by Lord Tennyson.

“I had read ‘The Lady of Shallott’ before I started writing the lyrics to “If I Die Young,” and a lot of imagery in that is so gorgeous and so

Three siblings, with different musical talents and tastes and a knack for writing catchy country tunes, have made their mark in the music world. “The Band Perry” was nominated for the “Vocal Group of the Year” award for the 2010 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.

The band features a unique sound that pleasantly blends traditional country style with a rock-and-roll undertone.

Achieving this sound comes naturally for the band as they draw off of each others’ unique musical qualities.

“The boys and I we really have different tastes in music, based around the instruments that we chose,” Kimberly Perry, vocalist for the band, in the Top 10 on the country said. “So it [the band’s sound] charts. The concept for “If I Die is sort of like the blend of all Young” began on “a cloudy of our musical powers.” day in eastern Tennessee” and “The three speaks of of us are contentment brother and “Daddy rocked us to sleep with the Rolling with one’s sister and, Stones; Mama woke us up with Loretta life. even though “ W e we do our Lynn. So we get it honest.” actually – Kimberly Perry wrote musical it distinctions, out of we all grew up listening to the we wanted to include that,” contentment,” Kimberly same stuff. Dad was a rock and Kimberly said. “It sort of said. “It was a moment in roll lover and our mother was added another level to the time when we were really a country music fan. We’ve video.” beginning to get into our always been at the crossroads The song is on their debut music, and we just looked of those two roads.” album, which hit stores on at each other and said, ‘You All musical artists have October 12, and has landed know what? At this moment,

Red Bull Sound Clash

Photograph courtesy of Red Bull

By Brandon Scott Viewpoints Editor

DALLAS, TX - Veteran hip-hop talent Talib Kweli headlined the Red Bull Sound Clash at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas last Thursday. Kweli joined forces with the Rhythm Roots All Stars to battle Ozomatli, a versatile Latin band from Los Angeles, in an unparalleled musical dialogue amidst more than 2,100 screaming fans.

The Palladium was a scene fit for glamour. Six bars surrounded the club, with the VIP section conspicuously placed behind the stage and sound equipment. While the doors opened at 8 p.m., the show was set to start at 10 and the anticipation grew immensely.

Fans wanted to see Kweli, best known for his contribution to Kanye West’s hit single “Just to Get By” and his connection to longtime actor and emcee, Mos Def. “I knew we were in for an all-time classic show with Talib,” said Kendra Murphy, a Sam Houston State student who attended the Sound Clash. “I read up a little on Ozomatli. They seem like the perfect style to sort of COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK breckenridge

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contrast what Talib’s going to be doing.”

Jake Crates of allhiphop. com hosted the event, with DJ Sober spinning on the ones and two.

The battle consisted of four rounds: the Cover, the Takeover, the Clash and the Joker. Fans were closely so connected to the performances that they decided the winner of each round. The sounds of cheers were measured in loudness, relative to the MTV skit Wildin Out. Mere decibels decided Kweli’s victory over Ozomatli.

“I think it was the Dallas crowd that put me over the edge tonight,” said Kweli, following his win. “Hearing these guys chant my name…

Wow! I wish more emcees had the chance to rock with cats like the Rhythm Roots Allstars and Ozomatli. It’s just a wonderful thing.”

The Dallas area has made waves in the hip-hop community recently, with catchy dance routines like the “dougie” and “stanky legg.”

It had to have been refreshing for something more veritable act to grace the city.

In the first round, each band was given a song to cover, but they had to incorporate

their own renditions. Kweli used the Ozomatli’s Latintunes to his advantage, with crowd-friendly, hip rhymes.

The second round consisted of each act playing original pieces, where the opposition had to pick up the beat as it dropped, by far the most artistic aspect of the show.

“I think shows like this are really beneficial to all of us as artists because it forces you to think outside the box,” said Ulises Bella, saxophone player for Ozomatli. “It makes you think about not only your own music in a new way but someone else’s music as well, then throws in a competition element to top it off.”

What makes the Red Bull Sound Clash so luring is the fact that it puts the fans on the main stage. The bands play on podiums set up on opposite sides, while the crowd takes center stage to determine who reins supreme, if for one night only.

“It felt like I was a part of the performance,” Murphy added. “Being so close to the music, it seemed like they were genuinely playing for us as we were screaming for them. A sound clash makes beautiful music.”

Photo Courtesy of Justin Nolan Key | The Band Perry

even if it all ended, really at our young ages, 27, 21, and 20, we have gotten to live life so completely because we’re getting to follow our dreams and we’re doing it together.’”

“And so for us, it’s always been just that, a statement of contentment which is why we wrote it over major chords and with a lullaby melody.”

The lullaby melody is accompanied by the haunting harmonies that the band believes can only be achieved by those who are closely related.

“We talked a lot about what makes family harmonies so

different,” Reid, bass player for the band, said. “I think it’s because we all grew up in the same regions and we all talk the same. We say our vowels and the consonants the same.

And we kinda know where everyone else is going to go vocally.”

The three siblings are not the only family members making the magic happen.

Behind the scenes, Mom and Dad Perry keep the trio trucking down the path of their musical career.

“They’ve been anything from chauffeurs to referees and roadies,” Kimberly said.

“They have supported us in every way since day one, whether it was literally doing the grunt work or whether it was supporting us emotionally, spiritually or financially when we needed it. Honestly they’re like the fourth and fifth silent members of The Band Perry.

We’re so grateful for their council in our lives.”

Looking at the band, it’s easy to see that family is the key to their success, reminding us all to value and cherish the individuals in our own families. They may have what it takes to make all of your dreams come true.

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