Vol 114 — Issue 27
Huntsville, Texas
WEATHER FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2009
Morning Showers High: 61 degrees Low: 42 degrees
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
FEATURE PRESENTATION
INDEX
Nation & World...page 4
Entertainment editor Kevin Jukkola reviews An Education as a wonderful experience.
Opinions................page 2
Entertainment........page 5
SEE page 5
Campus................page 3
Sports....................page 6
BREAKING NEWS : SHSU FOOTBALL ON PAGE 6
Whitten fired!
SATURDAYS @ SAM
Calling future Bearkats
Krystal Jackson | The Houstonian
Welcoming possible students. In an effort to continue to attract future students, Saturdays @ Sam showcases the best that Sam Houston State has to offer. In order for prospects and their parents to get a better inside view of degree programs and curriculum, students were broken down into the major they would like to pursue.
SHSU faculty, students team up to impress prospective students By Kristen Meyer Courtest photo of Paul Ridings | Sports Information
After five years at Sam Houston State, Head Coach Todd Whitten was relieved of his duties early Monday morning. SHSU ALUMNI
Alumni O’Dell shares artistic work, lessons
Senior Reporter
Welcome future Bearkats! Last Saturday, Nov. 21, SHSU hosted its biannual preview day, Saturdays @ Sam, for potential students looking to make Sam Houston their place of study and home away from home. Saturdays @ Sam is held to promote Sam Houston to prospective students and their families, and to show what the school has to offer. “We try to highlight as many programs as we can, including the academic fields that each student might be interested in studying, as well as organizations on campus,” Susan Houston, enrollment management counselor and Saturdays @ Sam coordinator, said. At Saturdays @ Sam, students are divided up by their majors and are given infor-
mation on the field that they are looking to study and what SHSU can offer them in that field. “First thing students do is go to a classroom where they get information on their potential major, whether it be Criminal Justice, Fashion Merchandising, etc. Whatever they are, we have teachers and faculty to give them an overview of what to expect with that major,” Houston said. During their visit to the campus, students and parents are able to go on campus tours given by volunteers and self-guided tours through the residence halls. There is also an organization fair where students can get questions answered about Financial Aid, Residence Life or any other department, and see what organizations the school has to offer. Something that was new
this semester at Saturdays @ Sam was the Junior Bearkats Program. “From the time they checkin till the academic sessions are over (8:00- 10:30), we have the younger brothers and sisters of the students visiting over in one of the gyms where they play games and do activities,” Houston said. “This program develops loyalty to Sam Houston at an early age.” Due to rain, the turnout was lower than what was expected, but the number of people that registered prior to the event totaled to over 2,100. To get Saturdays @ Sam in motion, it takes contributions from the entire campus- departments, organizations, professors and volunteers. “Saturdays @ Sam takes about 200 volunteers to run — See SATURDAY, page 4
ECONOMY AND JOB MARKET
College graduates struggle to land dream job By Kara Vaughan
Contributing Writer
Courtesy photo of Dale O’Dell/www.fictionwerks.com
Artisitc view. Above is one of the many artistic works of Dale O’Dell. He graduted from SHSU in 1982.
By Victoria Craven Contributing Writer
Dale O’Dell, Sam Houston State University alumni, digital artist, photographer and paranormal researcher, is a self-made man. O’Dell received a Bachelors of Science degree in Photography in 1982. “Sam Houston State has the best photography program in Texas and that’s why I went there,” O’Dell said.
Dale said his photographic education prepared him for the photographic aspects of his career; but, like most graduating college students he had a tough time at first. “I didn’t learn about business, my fault for not taking those classes in school, and I was quite unprepared for the ‘nonstandard’ aspect of the business of art,” O’Dell said. After graduating, O’Dell worked as a
corporate photographer, optical effects technician, computer artist, teacher and a photographer’s assistant. After facing many obstacles in the workforce, he soon learned his ‘place in the business food-chain.’ “With all the ‘real’ jobs I had, the usual big challenge was how to satisfy the client, or boss, while still satisfying my creative needs,” O’Dell said. — See O’Dell, page 3
Only three months ago Dixie Patton graduated on the fast track to success. Today she is struggling to pay bills while working two jobs as a waitress. “I worry that my life-my future-is on hold,” she says. Patton acquired a job before receiving an associate accounting degree from Blinn in June. The future had appeared bright but then the lay-offs came and unemployment began to rise. “They gave me the notice six weeks before I was laidoff so that I could train the other girls to do my job,” she recalls. Patton remained hopeful that she would find another job, but nobody was hiring.
As a last resort, she took a job at Sonic Drive-in for temporary employment. Then her fiancée was laidoff. However, even though Patton took on a second job, their bills still exceed their income. She is not alone. The unemployment rates continue to rise and college graduates are finding themselves overeducated for the jobs they take, or are returning to college to pursue a different degree. Al Rampmeier, CEO of Express Personnel, leads one of the largest staffing services in the United States. He has made a career through finding people employment, but the job is becoming more difficult as the country’s economy continues to landslide. “There are a tremendous
number of people looking for jobs but there are no jobs. Their all overseas.” As the applications continue to pile up on Rampmeier’s desk, small businesses that once could have provided solutions are now closing their doors. “All we see are retails and restaurants but what graduate wants to work there?” Job security satisfaction among U.S. employees has fallen and consumers are not confident that jobs will be created with the government’s stimulus plan according to recent internet polls by Express Personnel. “What we are seeing now is worse than what we had in the 70s after Vietnam,” Rampmeier stated. — See JOBS, page 4
OPINIONS
Page 2 The Houstonian
THE ROSTRUM
“Our rural ancestors, with little blest, Patient of labour when the end was rest, Indulged the day that housed their annual grain, With feasts, and off’rings, and a thankful strain.” Alexander Pope English Poet 1688-1744
Adam Key discusses the importance of owning up to your mistakes. dered. Palin takes absolutely no ownership for her failure. Instead, she blames Couric for asking tough questions, the broadcasters for not editing her repeated flubs from the interview, and the political rallies she had attended the same day of the interviews for tiring her to the point where she could not gather her thoughts. In her diatribe of excuses and equivocation, we here plenty of “maverick,” “hockey mom,” and “ahboot,” but there are two very important words that we never hear: I’m sorry. The only thing she says that even borders on an apology is her regretting that she didn’t hide her annoyance for Couric’s “very unprofessional” questions. As Americans, we realize our politicians are, in fact, still human. We’ve come to accept that our leaders will make mistakes. Joe Biden is apparently under the impression
that the word jobs only has 3 letters, while former Vice President Dan Quayle thought “potatoe” was a correct spelling. George W. Bush, the formidable king of the spoken gaffe, wanted to know how often we asked the question, “is our children learning?” And, of course, Barack Obama both called Kanye West a jackass before an interview, and by all accounts “acted stupidly” himself when he criticized police in the Professor Henry Gates arrest. Obama could have gotten angry at the reporter who unethically Twittered his comment on Kanye West. The comment was said off-the-cuff during a time agreed to by all media present to be off the record, but was reported anyway. He also could have blamed the speech on healthcare he had just given as to why his thoughts were unclear when he got
the question on Gates. But he didn’t. He accepted that he made a mistake, apologized, and life went on. The problem is as old as time. When Adam and Eve committed the very first mistake ever made, they all tried to pass it off on someone else. Adam blamed Eve for giving him the fruit, Eve blamed the snake for convincing her to pick it. No one ever admitted it was their fault. From world leaders to McDonalds cashiers, we would all benefit if we would simply own our mistakes. Don’t attempt to lie about them, as Clinton did about Monica Lewinsky, or deny them altogether as Bush did about weapons of mass destruction. Don’t pass the buck, let it stop with you. Adam Key is a recurring columnist for The Houstonian. He is a Communication Studies graduate student.
Mad Brad: Caffenated Conundrum. Brad Basker discusses his recent experiences at a Houston coffee house. It was 10:39 P.M. and I drove 24 minutes to the only Starbucks in Houston that’s open 24 hours. I’m certain I passed at least 20 other locations on my way, but I knew that once I got settled in I wouldn’t want to be interrupted by some pesky barista telling me it’s closing time. I hate when they do that. I’m not paying $4.55 for them to tell time. I pay for sub par coffee that has been marketed really well, not overachievers. In all of the years I have been coming to this location I have never seen it empty. So, when I entered, I had a decision to make. Seating was heavily limited, and the line to order almost met me at the entrance. My intentions were to write on my laptop so I opted to secure seating. I approached a fluffy looking girl named Krista at the laptop station, and asked her if anyone was sitting next to her. She said she didn’t know, but that I could have her seat when she left
in a few minutes. I was overjoyed, and I asked her if she could watch my bag as I waited in line. She said yes with a reassuring smile, and I said “Thank you so much! I trust you.” I walked to the line and overviewed the menu for the newest breakthroughs in caffeinated creations.
Thank God there was a honorable chap named Charles who noticed that she had left it. He told me that he had been watching it for me, and I graciously shook his hand and said, “Thank You.” I thought about buying him a reduced fat cinnamon swirl
“
The negligent act of one could have affected hundreds and maybe thousands of readers.” I noticed a really cute Indian girl who got in line behind me. I considered turning on the charm, but then I noticed the new Caramel Brulee Latte. So much for love. I ordered my coffee, and went to see what Krista was up to. But, upon my return I found my laptop bag sitting unattended, and Krista nowhere in sight. That roughish female left my precious commodity unattended amidst the unsavory nightlife of a capitalist coffeehouse!
coffee cake, but then the attractive Indian woman came walking by. So much for gratitude. Maybe I’m just too trustworthy of lethal gypsy women, but I really thought she would wait. I mean what if it had gotten stolen? Not only would faithful readers be deprived of my the latest nonsensical ramblings, but I would have lost all of the music I’ve been stealing for the past 2 years! The negligent act of one could have affected
Letter to the Student Body
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. Addison Reed Opinions Editor areed@houstonianonline.com
Key Words: All apologies.
It seems like every time you turn on a television lately, you’re bound to see Sarah Palin. From Sean Hannity to Oprah Winfrey, the former McCain running mate has been making appearances everywhere she can in order to promote her new book. Beyond ducking questions about her daughter’s baby daddy, there is one thing that shines through each and every media appearance: her pure and unadulterated hatred of Katie Couric. As you may remember, during her series of sit down interviews with Couric, Palin was repeatedly shamed by her inability to withstand such extremely hard questions as what news publications she regularly read. In what should have been Palin’s shining moment to prove the critics wrong and demonstrate that she was ready to be the first woman to be a heartbeat away from the presidency, she floun-
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
hundreds and maybe thousands of readers. Thousands can turn into tens of thousands over night, and before you know society’s deprivation of liberal print journalism will plunge this troubled nation into the Great Depression part deux! First they took our money, but now they want our sense of humor. This country can’t afford to lose any laughter. But perhaps I’m no better than a roughish heifer. I didn’t even buy Charles a pastry for his good deed. And even when I had a second thought about strolling to the counter to get him a cake, I saw the Indian girl leave. When she opened the door she let a crisp November breeze slap me in the face. It’s 12:34 A.M., and I think it just got a bit colder inside. But my beverage warms me up. Thanks for doing your job barista. Brad Basker is a recurring columnist for The Houstonian. He is the paper’s former Business Manager.
Thanksgiving Facts and trivia With the Thanksgiving break approaching, we at The Houstonian decided to lighten the mood and take a look at the not-so-serious side of Turkey Day. After all, we all need something funny to get us through the days with crazy families.
- Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. But it was Thomas Jefferson who opposed him. It is believed that Franklin then named the male turkey as ‘Tom’ to spite Jefferson. - Only male (tom) turkeys gobble. Females make a clicking noise. The famous gobble is actually a seasonal mating call. - If you or your family makes cranberry sauce with real cranberries, be sure to literally throw every cranberry on the floor first. The best fresh cranberries will always bounce! - Congress didn’t officially declare Thanksgiving a national holiday until 1941. Abraham Lincoln was the first president to declare a day of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt moved it forward a week in 1939, in an effort to extend the Christmas shopping season to stimulate the depressed economy! - According the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the United States at Thanksgiving. That number represents one sixth of all the turkeys sold in the U.S. each year! - According to the National Turkey Foundation, approximately 690 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the United States during Thanksgiving 2007. This equals the weight of 4.48 million individuals of average weight (154 pounds). This is the same amount of the estimated weight of the total population of Singapore. - Turkey was the first food eaten on the moon! Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin enjoyed roasted turkey eaten out of a foil pack.
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
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kristina Salazar...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Patsy Ziegler.....................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Meagan Ellsworth........................................................Associate Editor Addison Reed................................................................Opinions Editor Lotis Butchko....................................................................Sports Editor Kevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment Editor Thomas Merka.....................................................................Web Editor STAFF Kristin Meyer.................................................................Senior Reporter Mike Silva......................................................................Sports Reporter Joe Buvid..............................................................................Photo Editor Krystal Jackson.................................................................Photographer Heath Wierck.......................................................................Copy Editor
Advertising BUSINESS MANAGER Tammie Nokes..................................................................936-294-1500 STAFF Brittaney Pires.....................................................Advertising Manager Samantha Berezowsky............................................Account Executive
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Tuesday’s Issue............... Friday at 2:00 p.m. Thursday’s Issue........... Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
CAMPUS
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
From O’Dell page 1
O’Dell found teaching to be the most rewarding job. He still hears from ex-students who are successful artists today. “I could have remained teaching but that didn’t work out for me either, I was fired as a photographic arts teacher for being too creative”. O’Dell said. “After four jobs in four years I realized that if I was going to ‘make it’ as an artist, commercial or a fine-artist, I’d have to go it alone, and work as an independent, freelance artist,” O’Dell said. He opened his own studio in 1986. O’Dell said, “Selfemployment for me was completely unplanned and unexpected and the ONLY way to be creative and have any hopes of being a ‘working artist.’” Dale O’Dell’s artwork has been exhibited in over one-hundred group and solo exhibitions. His commercial works are published internationally. Mostly collectors buy his work through galleries. “I am with a half-dozen art galleries in the U.S., one in Italy, four on-line galleries,” O’Dell said. “and, for commercial clients, my imagery can be licensed from 12 different stockphoto agencies around the world.” Some of his art can be purchased and viewed at http://www.fictionwerks.
com. O’Dell is also the author of six books; Photographic Memories: A look at life through the lens, Human/Nature, The Surreal Landscape: Woodlands, Flying Saucer Safari, Paranormal
said, “I always believed that Dale would be a real success story because he was so dedicated to being able to create superior photographic work. I have followed his career since he left SHSU, and I’m very proud to say
Photo courtesy of Dale O’Dell
Freelance: Facing a turning-point as a working artist, former bearkat
Dale O’ Dell opened his own studio in 1986 and is now a paranormal success.
Pajama Party, 35/50: A 35-year Retrospective. His seventh book, The Surreal Landscape: Desert, is due out in mid-2010. Dr. Emmette Jackson, O’Dell’s former photography professor,
that he has proven my initial thoughts right.” O’Dell entered paranormal work in 2002 when he pitched an idea for a calendar of hoaxed UFO photos to a number of calendar publishers. One publisher went
The Houstonian, Page 3
Winning Toss
for it, and in 2004 the publication of ‘UFO Calendar ’ was released, which did very well. This led him in to more involvement i n ‘ p a r a n o r m a l illustrations.’ O’Dell has done book cover illustrations, photoanalysis and made crop circles for The Discovery Channel, posters, web graphics, and DVD packaging for the annual International UFO Congress. He has also been called “The World’s Foremost Photographer of the Paranormal,” and a “UFO Expert.” He has also participated in expeditions to search for Bigfoot, Ghost Hunts and surveillance of UFO hot-spots. Through all of his experiences during his career the most memorable aspect of it all was being selfemployed. “All of the success is mine, as are the failures; I’ve never ‘sold out,’ compromised, or done anything ‘just for the money.’” O’Dell said. “I’ve maintained an honest, ethical, creative, lifestyle, provided for myself and family and I enjoy my work and feel I’ve made a positive, artistic contribution to the world.
Contestants win prizes as washers tournament raises funds with successful turn-out, prepares for upcoming annual cook-off. By Blake Myers Contributing Writer Attendees had to watch their heads at the Sam Houston Indoor Arena last Thursday, Nov. 19th, as three-inch metal washers were being hurled around with deadly accuracy by over 80 people. As many as 41 teams of two competed in the huge washer pitching tournament, hosted by the Department of Agricultural and Industrial Sciences as a fundraiser for the Beef Cattle Show Team. It was a double-elimination event, with cash prizes up for grabs. The tournament lasted from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. due to the unexpected turnout of so many teams. “We’ll be changing the format for next years tournament, so things will move a little more quickly,” Dr. Kyle Stutts, assistant professor of animal Science and organizer of the tournament, said. The game of washer pitching is very similar to horseshoes. Teams of two stand 25 feet away from four-inch wide “cups” (pipes sunk into the ground), and do their best to toss their washer inside. Points are awarded for sinking the washer, and less points are given for those that don’t make it, or lean against the pipe, or are just the closest of the bunch. After nearly four hours of washer pitching, Kevin Burke and James Bartlett emerged victorious, and claimed their $100 prize. Right behind them in second place were Reid Wendell and Zach McDonald, earning $60 for their ability. These four guys have something else in common besides skill with washers, they are roommates. “Reid and Zach said they always win when they play in their backyard,” Stutts said, “But Kevin and James beat
“Everything I have is a result of my ability to make photographic art. That’s what’s special for me. I really did do what I set out to do.”
“All of the success is mine, as are the failures; I’ve never ‘sold out,’ compromised, or done anything ‘just for the money. I’ve maintained an honest, ethical, creative, lifestyle, provided for myself and family and I enjoy my work and feel I’ve made a positive, artistic contribution to the world.” -Dale O’ Dell
them when it counts.” In the individual part of the competition Katie Blaylock won first place, and Reyse Jatzlau came in second. “The whole event went really well, and I think we’re going to keep doing the tournament every semester,” Stutts said. Another upcoming event in the Agriculture Department is the Annual Chili Cook-off, hosted by the SHSU Block and Bridle Club. The competition will be the last event of the semester for the Agricultural Department, and will be held on Dec. 10 at 5:00 p.m. at the Indoor Arena, same as the washer pitching tournament. The event is open to all students and faculty, and to attend, $5 will be charged at the door, which covers samples of every team’s chili entries. Costs to register a team will be $50, and each additional chili entry will be $10. A maximum of eight people can be on a team, and their cover charge is included in the $50 entry fee. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, Dec. 9.
For more information about the upcoming Chili Cook-off, or any other Agricultural Department events, please contact Dr. Stutts at 936-2941219 or Dr. Beverly at 936-294-1222, or in Thomason Building room 307.
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NATION & WORLD
Page 4 The Houstonian
Embattled SC Gov. Mark Sanford faces 37 charges he broke state laws on travel, campaign cash (AP) — South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, whose tryst with an Argentine lover blossomed into a wide-ranging scandal, is accused of breaking ethics laws by using taxpayer money for pricey airline seats, taking state planes for personal and political trips and occasionally tapping his campaign chest to reimburse himself for travel. The civil charges, which carry a maximum $74,000 in fines, stem from a threemonth investigation by the State Ethics Commission and could be pivotal in a push by some lawmakers to remove him from office. The state attorney general is deciding whether the governor would face any criminal charges. The ethics charges include 18 instances in which Sanford is accused of improperly buying first- and business-class airline tickets, violating state law requiring lowest-cost travel; nine times of improperly using state-owned aircraft for travel to political and personal events, including a stop at a discount hair salon; and 10 times he improperly reimbursed himself with campaign cash.
More like Scrooge than Santa: Stress over debts could hold back holiday shoppers (AP) — A lot more Americans are feeling stressed out by debt this holiday season, raising the glum likelihood they'll behave like Scrooge rather than Santa. In fact, fully 93 percent say they'll spend less or about the same as last year, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll. Half of all those polled say they're suffering at least some debt-related stress, and 22 percent say they're feeling it greatly or quite a bit. That second figure is up from 17 percent just last spring, despite all the talk about economic recovery. Most people — 80 percent — say they'll use mostly cash to pay for their holiday shopping, and that generally means buying less.
Attacks kill 12 in Afghanistan; Obama convenes war council to discuss strategy to beat Taliban KABUL (AP) — Bombings and shootings killed 12 people across Afghanistan, including four American troops and three children, as President Barack Obama convened his war council again Monday to fine-tune a strategy to respond to the intransigent violence. Obama is considering sending tens of thousands more troops to fight an increasingly virulent insurgency, and pressure has been mounting for a decision. NATO is also calling on allied nations to add to their military presence. The violence has continued unabated despite the tens of thousands of foreign troops already in the country since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion. The deaths bring the number of Americans killed in Afghanistan in November to 15. October was the deadliest month for U.S. troops in the eightyear war, with 59 dead.
From JOBS page 1
“We are experiencing something this country has never had to deal with before.” The jobs created by the stimulus plan are in construction, environment, health care, and education. Accounting, marketing, communication, and many other fields show no sign of improvement. Meanwhile, Patton continues to search. “Finding a job depends on your major,” Patton explained, “and I don’t know if mine is strong enough.” Fear of unemployment
has spread across campuses. The average student will make four career changes in their lives, but many students have changed majors to find a job they consider recession-proof. The top three majors today are psychology, biology, and education according to the Princeton Review. Students are attempting to safe-guard their future but will it help? Rampeier receives over 3,000 applicants a year just at his location and is forced to offer many entry-level jobs that they are overqualified for. In some instances the applicant’s education surpasses their employers.
“It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better,” Patton stated.Rampeier offers this advice to struggling graduates: Go back to school and get a second degree. If you can’t find a job in your field, get a masters. It is not what the recent graduates want to hear but it may be a requirement in the new economy. Keep putting in applications. Network and be willing to relocate. Consider the future of your degree. Remember that the companies of tomorrow need the insight of today’s graduates. These are difficult times but not impossible. Don’t give up.
WAR IN AFGHANISTAN
Obama could lock in Afghanistan decision Monday (AP) — The White House said President Barack Obama could use an unusual evening war council session Monday to lock in his longawaited decision on whether to commit tens of thousands of new U.S. forces to the stalemated war in Afghanistan. Military officials and others said they expect Obama to settle on a middle-ground option that would deploy an eventual 32,000 to 35,000 U.S. forces to the 8-year-old conflict. That rough figure has stood as the most likely option since before Obama's last large war council meeting earlier this month, when he tasked military planners with rearranging the timing and makeup of some of the deployments. The president has said with increasing frequency in recent days that a big piece of the rethinking of options that he ordered had to do with building an exit strategy into the announcement — in other words, revising the options presented to him to clarify when U.S. troops would turn over responsibility to the Afghan government and under what conditions. The presidential spokesman said it was possible Obama could lock in a decision at Monday's meeting or that it could come "over the course of the next several days." In either case, it will not be announced this week, he said. The force infusion expected by the military would represent most but not all the troops requested by Obama's war commander, for a retailored war plan that blends elements of Gen. Stanley McChrystal's counterterror strategy with tactics more closely associated with the
Decision to be made. President Obama is believed to make a decison as to whether to increase troops in Afghanistan by Monday the latest.
CIA's unacknowledged war to hunt down terrorists across the border in Pakistan. McChrystal presented options ranging from about 10,000 to about 80,000 forces, and told Obama he preferred an addition of about 40,000 atop the record 68,000 in the country now, officials have said. Obama has already ordered a significant expansion of 21,000 troops since taking office. The war has worsened on his watch, and public support has dropped as U.S. combat deaths have climbed. The additional troops would be concentrated in the south and east of Afghanistan, the areas where the U.S. already has most of its forces, military officials said. The new troops that already went this year were directed to help relieve Marines stretched to the limit by far-flung postings in Helmand province and that would continue, while the U.S. effort would expand somewhat in Kandahar. The increase would include at least three Army brigades and a single, larger Marine Corps contingent, officials said. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because
the decision is not final. U.S. war planners would be forgoing the option of increasing U.S. fighting power in the north, a once-quiet quadrant where insurgents have grown in strength and number in the past year. But McChrystal's recommendation never called for a quick infusion there. As originally envisioned by McChrystal, the additional U.S. troops would begin flowing in late January or after, on a deployment calendar that would be slower and more complex than that used to build up the Iraq "surge" in 2007. McChrystal's schedule for full deployment has it taking nearly two years, military officials said. The relatively slow rollout is largely driven by logistics. But it also could give the White House some leverage over Afghan President Hamid Karzai. U.S. officials note that where and how fast troops are deployed are a means to encourage fresh and more serious efforts at cooperation and clean government in Afghanistan. The White House is aiming for an announcement by Obama by the middle of next week, after Congress returns from its Thanksgiving break.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
From SATURDAY page 1
and we wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” Houston said. Sophomore and second time Saturdays @ Sam volunteer, Lauren Lampe, wanted to be a volunteer at Saturdays @ Sam because of the positive experience she got from the event before becoming a student. “Saturdays @ Sam was fun for me and so I decided I would help out,” Lampe
said. “I think Saturdays @ Sam is a good event because you get the opportunity to talk to professors, which I think really helps out because you can get a feel for what you would be like in a classroom, and you also get to walk the campus and see what it’s like.” The next Saturdays @ Sam will be held March 27, 2010. Contact the Visitor Center for more information on the event and volunteering.
Not guilty plea in alleged Ariz. honor killing (AP) — An Iraqi immigrant accused of killing his daughter because she had become too Westernized has pleaded not guilty in a Phoenix court. Faleh Hassan Almaleki pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of aggravated assault. Prosecutors are expected to issue harsher charges now that his daughter has died. Peoria police say Almaleki ran down his daughter and her boyfriend's mother on Oct. 20 with his Jeep. Noor Faleh Almaleki died about two weeks later. The other woman survived. Almaleki fled the country after the attack, but was stopped at a London airport and sent back to the U.S. Monday's hearing had been delayed twice because Almaleki was on suicide watch in jail.
Atty: Fort Hood suspect may seek insanity defense (AP) — An attorney for an Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 people during an attack at Fort Hood says his client will likely plead not guilty and may pursue an insanity defense at his military trial. John Galligan, the Fort Hood-area civilian attorney for Maj. Nidal Hasan, told The Associated Press by phone Monday that the court must consider his client's mental status because the allegations against Hasan contradict his lifestyle and military career. Hasan is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder in the Nov. 5 shooting. Galligan says military law requires that his client plead
Insanity plea. Fort Hood shooter, Maj. Nidal Hasan, is anticipated to plead not guilty, as well as entering an insanity plea.
not guilty if prosecutors seek the death penalty. Hasan remains in intensive care at a San Antonio military hospital, where he was taken after being shot during the attack.
24 killed in election massacre in the Philippines (AP) — Gunmen ambushed a caravan of political supporters and journalists on their way to file election papers, killing at least 24 people in a massacre considered shocking even for a region notorious for violence between rival clans. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said at least 10 local reporters were part of Monday's convoy, but police spokesman Leonardo Espina said Tuesday that authorities had identified the remains of only one so far. Their newspapers and radio stations have not been able to reach any of the journalists, raising fears that they were killed. If confirmed, it would be the "largest single massacre of journalists ever," according to Paris-based Reporters Without Borders. "Covering the news has always been dangerous in the Philippines, but the wanton killing of so many people makes this an assault on the very fabric of the country's democracy," said Bob Dietz, Asia program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists in New York. The president's office termed Monday's attack the worst political violence in recent history. Many among the
Fighting back. In response to the recent deadly attack, Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered military action to be taken and secure the area.
24 dead were women, including two lawyers, Espina said. Police said the convoy of 40 people was going to register Ismael Mangudadatu to run for provincial governor when they were stopped by some 100 gunmen and taken to a remote mountainous area. Soldiers and police later found 21 bodies, including those of Mangudadatu's wife, Genalyn, and his two sisters, sprawled on the ground or shot in their vehicles about three miles (five kilometers) from where they were ambushed, military spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said.
Mangudadatu, deputy mayor of the town of Buluan and a fierce political rival of the current governor of Maguindanao province, said his wife called him by mobile phone shortly before she and her entourage were abducted. The five vans being used by the group were found abandoned. The army and police were searching for the 16 people who were missing, Brawner said, adding that troops were looking for more bodies in areas that appeared to have been recently dug up. A backhoe was apparently used to bury the bodies, said army commander Lt. Col. Rolando Nerona. While candidates are typically part of the festive caravans that travel to file election papers, Mangudadatu had sent his family and supporters because he had received death threats. Most of those on the caravan were women because it was thought they would be safer than men. The identity of the attackers was unclear, but the military said it believed the motive for the attack was political. National police chief Jesus Verzosa placed a police chief in the area under investigation and relieved him of his duties. The Mangudadatus blamed
their rivals, the powerful Ampatuan family, which has ruled since 2001. The region, among the nation's poorest and awash with weapons, has been intermittently ruled by the Ampatuan family. Andal Ampatuan, the family's patriarch and governor of the province, has survived half a dozen attacks on his life. He has blamed those assaults, one of which claimed a son, on Muslim rivals from the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been fighting for a greater autonomy in the southern Philippines for decades. Government officials called Monday's attack political and said it was not thought to involve the front. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered her defense chief, Norberto Gonzales, to fly to the south Tuesday to oversee military action against the attackers and secure the area. The coastal province of Maguindanao is part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which was created as part of a 1996 peace agreement with a large Muslim rebel group. Philippine elections are particularly violent in the south because of the presence
of armed groups, including Muslim rebels fighting for self-rule in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation, and political warlords who maintain private armies. The last elections in 2007 were considered peaceful, even though about 130 people were killed. The decades-long Muslim insurgency has killed about 120,000 people since the 1970s. But a presidential adviser, Jesus Dureza, said Monday's massacre was "unequaled in recent history." Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said the guerrillas had nothing to do with Monday's massacre, which he described as election-related. Army troops went on full alert in Maguindanao to prevent retaliatory killings, regional military commander Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton said. According to information provided by the Committee to Protect Journalists, there have been attacks on media buildings that resulted in more deaths, but not all of those killed were journalists. For example, five journalists and six other employees of satellite TV channel Al-Shaabiya were killed in attack on their offices in Baghdad in 2006.
ENTERTAINMENT
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Houstonian, Page 5
At the Movies with Kevin:
An Education luminates on the silver screen Kevin Jukkola
Entertainment Editor
Carey Mulligan is receiving deserved universal admiration for her tremendous performance in “An Education,” but the film would lack the same resonance it possesses if Peter Sarsgaard failed to match her any step of the way. A film that is purely character-driven is paralyzed by its reliance on the accuracy of the dialogue and the ability of the actors to express unending depth within their intricate characters. The actors in “An Education” are equal to the task, but the wonderful performances by Mulligan and Sarsgaard are the main forces driving the story to its inevitable, if unforeseen, conclusion. Mulligan plays Jenny, a 16-year-old schoolgirl whose fears that her life will be a predictable bore are continuously reinforced by her parents, Jack (Alfred Molina) and Marjorie (Cara Seymour).
They are incessantly grilling Jenny about her schoolwork with hopes for the future without ever taking the time to inquire about what would bring her genuine happiness. Jenny is on a clear path to study at Oxford, and the world will keep spinning. Everything changes when Jenny meets David (Peter Sarsgaard), a suave, sophisticated, and charismatic 35-year-old man who drives a nice car and talks a great game. Through their relationship, Jenny is introduced to a world of beautiful art and expensive hotels that seduce her into believing that she is prepared for adulthood without ever having to experience the entirety of adolescence. Eventually, she learns that this grave misunderstanding of her emotional intelligence is simply an unfortunate and unavoidable indication that she is growing up. The scenes between Jenny and David are electric, not necessarily sexually, but through shared chemistry
and uncertainty among two people who are connected if for no other reason than it is more exciting than being alone. Carey Mulligan is innocent and mature, naïve and wise, often in the same scene. Her luminous and enchanting presence is commanding with eyes that sharply pierce through the screen as sharp knives whose edges cut deeply to the essence of Jenny. Although Jenny tends to earn our sympathies because of her youth and inexperience with such a master manipulator, she often lies to her parents in order to hide the true nature of the relationship. Mulligan easily expresses intricate emotional transitions within scenes whose difficulties are difficult to comprehend and almost impossible to describe. Peter Sarsgaard has a smile, a look that can be interpreted as anything from conniving to kind. There is a revelation at the conclusion that comes as a complete surprise because
Taste for culture. Jenny (Carey Mulligan) looks to David (Peter Sarsgaard) for cultural knowledge.
of his reluctance to part with any additional information through his reactions. Sarsgaard expertly crafts the character in a way that delays the disclosure of his intentions until the last possible moment. Sarsgaard’s subtlety is essential in deceiving Jenny, her parents, and the audience into only observing the best parts of him through an insidious charm. By overdramatizing any situation, he would set off alarm bells that could not be undone about the possibilities of danger that could derive from a relationship with him. Sarsgaard has been largely overlooked by the Oscar prognosticators because there is no yelling and screaming; just close, careful meditation on the benefits and implications of his next move. He is a fantastic actor who has created memorable characters in many films, including “Boys Don’t Cry”, “Kinsey”, and “Jarhead”, that become an integral part of the atmosphere while eloquently blending into the flow of the narrative. The film is truly an emotional, spiritual, and intellectual education for Jenny. “An Education” is not about whether Jenny becomes brighter through her schooling knowledge, but rather an exploration on whether she becomes smarter about life through the harsh consequences of these actions. The conclusion of “An Education” unnecessarily takes the time to encourage a certain path for Jenny to follow, even though the film is actually about what she has learned, instead of where she is going.
The screenwriter, Nick Hornby, is a talented scribe who tends to focus on relationships between people who are learning more about themselves than the people they become involved with. Although his other films, such as “About a Boy”, “Fever Pitch”, and “High Fidelity”, are about people of varying ages, they are all comingof-age stories of grown individuals who have not emotionally developed past their adolescence. The relationship between Jenny and David is an unstable one built on misunderstandings, lies, and half-truths. It is obvious that the building blocks will eventually fall precipitously and heartlessly on Jenny. The hope is that they will tumble softly enough as to not crush the engaging spirit that makes her so pleasant to be around.
An Education
Stars: * * * 1/2 Grade: ARunning Time: 100 min. MPAA: Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexual content and for smoking. Cast:. Carey Mulligan (Jenny), Peter Sarsgaard (David), Alfred Molina (Jack), Cara Seymour (Marjorie), Dominic Cooper (Danny), Rosamund Pike (Helen), Olivia Williams (Miss Stubbs), Emma Thompson (Headmistress). Directed by Lone Scherfig. Written by Nick Hornby, based on a memoir by Lynn Barber.
MUSIC SPOT
Say Anything among four acts that bring energy to Warehouse Live Heath Wierck Copy Editor
On Nov. 16, the Warehouse Live venue in Houston hosted a wonderful concert. The show comprised of four acts, including Miniature Tigers, Monnen, Eisly, and the headliner, Say Anything. Being an avid fan of Say Anything since 2004 with the release of their album, …Is A Real Boy, I had to see one of my favorite bands. Miniature Tigers started things off with a solid set
of songs from Tell It To the Volcano, and closed with a new song. I did not know of this band, but they were tolerable, reminding me of a more mellow version of Kings of Leon. Moneen took the stage with a mission, and that was to infuse the crowd with a burst of energy with their short, high-octane set, which included songs from The Red Tree and The World I Want to Leave Behind. I was also unaware of this band, and they thoroughly
impressed me. After their set, I quickly marched to the merchandise booth and bought their album. Moneen is definitely one of the most underrated bands out there, and they are well worth the purchase of a CD. Eisley played through a set of old favorites, adding to the mix a few new tunes from the Fire Kite E.P., including a new song, “Smarter,” featuring Max Bemis on guitar. I have long been a fan of Eisley, and it was great to finally see their
Bemis and his gang plowed through songs from each of their major albums, including favorites “Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too”, “Woe”, and “Shiksa”. Bemis spent time in between songs asking the crowd if they liked the new album, and a vigorous praise instantly rushed across the venue. Bemis also spent a lot of time thanking everyone for attending, and genuinely poured his heart out on stage for the fans both in songs and through
his thankfulness. The bands encore consisted of a solo performance of “Crush’d” by Bemis, which had the crowd swaying to this heartfelt song. Finally, the band performed “Admit It!!!” as their final song, causing pandemonium among concert goers. Whatever your opinion of the band, there is no denying that they hold honesty and integrity in their music and, undoubtedly, put on one of the best shows I have ever attended.
Smither Company .com
Box Office Winners 1. The Twilight Saga: New Moon $140.7 mil. 2. The Blind Side $34.5 mil. 3. 2012 $26.5 mil. 4. Planet 51 $12.6 mil. 5. A Christmas Carol $12.2 mil. 6. Precious $11.0 mil. 7. The Men Who Stare at Goats $2.8 mil. 8. Couples Retreat $2.0 mil. 9. The Fourth Kind $1.7 mil. 10. Law Abiding Citizen $1.6 mil.
amazing talent live. All three sisters (Chauntelle, Sherri, and Stacy) in the band produce vocals that have a way of tugging at your heart. Before Say Anything took the stage, the atmosphere was engulfed in anticipation for the headliners to come on stage. Once the band went into “Fed to Death,” the rest of the concert was a blur of loud music, screaming and pure ecstasy, which was exuded through the enthusiasm of the fans. With an incredible set list,
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SPORTS
Page 6 The Houstonian
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Heartbreak in San Antonio
Both Photos Joe Buvid | The Houstonian
After a stellar year the Sam Houston State volleyball team lost in the first round of the conference tournament Lotis Butchko Sports Editor
San Antonio, Texas – The Sam Houston State Bearkats volleyball team went on an unprecedented run this year, winning 11 straight games and putting up their best record since 1994. The Kats talent level was extremely high at the beginning of the year. Freshmen Kelli Stewart, Jamie Haas, and Kaylee Hawkins were starting, with Camille Alfaro, another freshman, coming off the bench to add another weapon for the Bearkats. However, none of that was able to save the Bearkats from a showdown in the conference tournament. Nicholls, a team
that Sam Houston had faced earlier this year and beat in less than an hour, stunned the Bearkats Friday night in the first round of the tournament. “I’m just sick,” said a tearful Head Coach Brenda Gray. “Things started to go in game three, we were up by six and we let them hang around.” From the opening serve, the Bearkats looked dominant; as things kept going right for the Kats. Anna Fergusson looked dominant, racking up seven kills in the first game and setting a tempo for the team. Both teams swapped points in the first game, neither team really being able to establish a setting. But after the game was tied at 14 all, the Bearkats pulled away,
stepping on the gas the Bearkats got every break and every bounce on their way to winning the game 25-21. In the second match, the Bearkats started strong again. Both teams continued to look for the upper hand with neither really pulling away. With almost everything going the Bearkats way, Ferguson was able to add another seven kills and Kolbe added another three. But after a stall at 22 all, the Colonels were able to pull away and put the Bearkats down 25-23. “Everything was going really good those first two games,” Ferguson said. “But it just went downhill from there. We couldn’t get any breaks.” Both teams went into their breaks
struggling to find a way to win. But game three is where the tides turned. The Bearkats took a six point lead in the third game. However, when Ferguson went to the sidelines, Nicholls came to life and took the lead to win the set 26-24. From there nothing went back the Bearkats way. Game four put the Bearkats backs against the wall. With Nicholls getting every bounce, the Kats could do nothing and lost the game 25-22. “We have a lot to be proud of,” said Carli Kolbe, who finished the night with 17 kills. “They had a good night, and we shouldn’t have given up the lead.”
Sam Houston begins quest for new coach Lotis Butchko and Mike Silva Sports Editor and Staff Reporter
Word spread quickly Monday morning that Sam Houston State University football head coach Todd Whitten had been fired. Whitten, who has been at Sam Houston state for five years, has had three losing seasons and no playoff appearances. “I was disappointed and upset,” said quarterback Bryan Randolph. “He has done a lot for the program.” Randolph and several other players found out through word of mouth, as no meeting was called to inform the players. On Monday, Whitten and athletic director Bobby Williams sat down for their end of year meeting. After reviewing the season and the state of the program, Whitten was relieved of his duties. “I want to thank all the players and the assistant coaches on our staff for all their hard work over the
last five seasons,” Whitten said in an interview with Sports Information. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with some outstanding young men.” In the past two years, Whitten’s job has been under heavy scrutiny. His teams have placed no higher than fifth in the Southland Conference, and have a combined record of 5-9 in conference play. In his tenure at Sam Houston State, Whitten has accumulated an overall record of 25-28, including a 16-17 record in conference play. He has had just two winning seasons in his five seasons at Sam Houston State. “I appreciate the hard work that Todd Whitten and his football staff have given the university,” Williams said during an interview with Sports Information. “Decisions of this nature are complex. When there are so many quality people involved, in addition to positive personal relationships, it is made even more difficult.”
Williams has stated that the search for the next candidate will begin immediately.Some candidates who could be considered for replacing Whitten include Abilene-Christian’s Chris Thomsen, West Texas A&M’s Don Carthel, and Blinn College’s Brad Franchione, Jr. “I don’t know,” said Carthel, who has coached four conference champions en route to a 90-53-1 career record. “I’d have to talk with them and think about it.” Whitten was hired in 2005 to replace four-time Conference Coach of the year Ron Randleman. He came in from Tarleton State University with a 45-23 record, along with three conference titles and a Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year award in 1996. In his time at Sam Houston, his teams have placed no higher than second place in conference. “He’s always been a players’ coach,” Randolph said. “We are going to miss him.”
Paul Ridings | Sports Information
Two of a kind. Former Sam Houston Head Coach Todd Whitten talks with Rhett Bomar about play selection.
One last road lost Mike Silva
Staff Reporter After falling asleep in the second half, the Sam Houston State Bearkats suffered a 28-20 loss to rival Texas State this weekend. The loss drops Sam Houston to 5-6 overall, and 3-4 in the conference to finish the season. The Bearkats led for most of three quarters, until the Texas State defense stiffened and allowed for the offense to overtake Sam Houston. Trailing 28-20 late in the fourth quarter, Bearkat cornerback Jarvis Pippins picked the ball off deep in Texas State territory. The offense took over and got the ball down to the 10, but from there, they were unable to punch it into the end zone. “We struggled in the red zone,” running back Chris Poullard said. “Give Texas State credit for their defense in the red zone. They let us get there, but when we did, they buckled down and played some good D. As an offense we have to come together and put the ball in the endzone. We couldn’t capitalize and it showed on the scoreboard.” Poullard led the offense with 19 carries for 118 yards, along with five catches for 31 yards and a
rushing touchdown. Blake Joseph had another solid day, completing 24 of 36 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. His performance tallied his season total to 2,440 yards, the sixth highest single season passing performance by a Bearkat. Jason Madkins was a presence in the passing game once again. Madkins reeled in nine catches for 108 yards, giving him a thousand-yard season. Madkins’ 1,084 receiving yards makes him only the seventh 1000-yard receiver in Sam Houston history. “We moved the ball,” head coach Todd Whitten said. “We drove the ball down inside the red area, we missed a couple field goals, went out on downs there in the end. We got down inside the red zone, we just didn’t execute.” The Bearkat defense played well in the finale, holding the Bobcats to 396 yards of total offense. The defense also forced three turnovers, including a fumble and two interceptions. Sam Houston’s offense played well in the first half, but only managed to score three points in the second half. The last five possessions the Bearkats had resulted in an interception, a missed field goal,
Joe Buvid | The Houstonian
a punt, a turnover on downs, and a lost fumble. The defense contained the Bobcat offense and gave the Bearkats a chance to get back in the game. Pippins’ interception gave Sam Houston life, but the offense failed to execute following a turnover on downs. “They were challenging me and had a lot of success heading my way,” Pippins said. “I was
trying to compete and make it tough for them. I made a play on the ball and the interception happened.” The Bearkats finished the season one game under .500. With another exciting young team, Sam Houston will look to make noise in 2010 and earn its first winning season since 2007.