November 27, 2012 by The Houstonian

TODAY’S FORECAST HI: 64o LOW: 40o Molly Waddell| The Houstonian

Part 3 of Misc-en-Scene: a look at how the finished set and costumes come together in the “Spring Awakening” which premieres Wednesday.

Chance of Rain:

10%

Firm hired to help in search for new COFAMC dean position

Volume 122 / Issue 25

Fritz denies rumors that he will interview with UTEP athletics

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Institutional Option(1 hr)

Sam Houston State University is currently working in order to have the new core curriculum ready for Fall 2012 The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) approved a revised curriculum in October 2011 based on the recommendation of the Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee. According to Richard Eglsaer, Ph.D, Associate Provost for SHSU and co-chair on the Core Curriculum Committee, the new curriculum will focus on skill sets to be used in the workplace instead of the previous completion of courses that most students feel are not necessary for their career. Students on the SHSU campus feel that the new core curriculum will be very beneficial for the students entering college after 2014. “I feel like the core classes I’m taking now are a waste of time,” Rhegan Stroup, a freshman nursing major, said. “It’s like being in high school all over again.” Students are also hoping that the new core will allow

Social/Behavioral Sciences(3)

Mathematics(3 hrs)

Natural Sciences (8 hrs)

Creative Arts (3) Lang., Phil., Culture(3 hrs)

Current Core Curriculum

Humanities, Visual & Performing Arts(9 hrs)

Proposed Core Curriculum

Life and Physical Sciences(6 hrs)

Communication (6 hrs) Communication (6 hrs) Government/Political Science(6 hrs)

Social and Behavioral Sciences (15 hrs)

American History(6 hrs) Component Option(6 hrs)

professors to be more free in their classes to teach what they feel is important instead of what objectives have to be met. “It feel’s like professors are teaching for a test, not for thinking skills or something that would be beneficial to my career,” Britney Nawara, a freshman education major said. “Maybe the new core curriculum will give students and teachers freedom to learn in a way that will aid our careers instead of making students feel like we’re wasting time and money on classes we don’t need.” The curriculum six skill sets

Eric Fite | The Houstonian

including critical thinking, communication, empirical and quantitative skills, teamwork, social responsibility and personal responsibility. Those skill sets will be taught in eight foundational component areas including Communication, Mathematics, Life and Physical Sciences, Language Philosophy and Culture, Creative Arts, American History, Government/ Political Science, and Social/ Behavioral Science. In contrast, the current core curriculum looks for six basic intellectual competencies in eight

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

SHSU details upcoming core changes SOPHIE NELSON Staff Reporter

areas of perspective, and has to have 51 areas evaluated and assessed. Students will be able to choose courses in each of the eight component areas to complete the required 42 core hours, the hours SHSU requires currently. Eglsaer detailed that the committee is currently in the process of reviewing the new core classes submitted by each department. SHSU will submit the new curriculum to the THECB in Nov. 2013 and will learn of approval or rejection in Feb. 2014

LDB evacuated after mechanical fire

NATION & WORLD US astronaut to accompany Russian in year-long spaceflight Former U.S. space shuttle commander Scott Kelly will spend an entire year in space with Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko on the International Space Station; liftoff is scheduled for 2015. Kelly is the twin brother of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords husband. Wal-Mart claims no involvement in Bangladesh fire 112 are dead after a fire erupted inside a Bangladesh garment factory used to supply Wal-Mart clothing without the company’s knowledge, Wal-Mart said. The U.S. franchise released a statement Monday claiming they’ve cut ties with Tazreen Fashions Ltd. factory and they will no longer be a supplier. Cyber Monday busiest sales day for online shoppers $1.5 billion are expected to be spent from online shoppers during Cyber Monday, reports research firm comScore. Shoppers accessed online deals from computers and smart phones to make it the biggest online shopping day of the year (up 20 percent from 2011). Fighting Irish claim BCS title game bid The Notre Dame (No. 1) clenched their spot in the 2012 BCS title bowl game with a narrow 22-13 victory over the USC Trojans Saturday night. Fighting Irish running back Theo Riddick rushed for 146 yards with a touchdown to conclude Notre Dame’s undefeated season. Follow us today! @TheHoustonian Manziel finalizes Heisman case against Missouri Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel made his last claim to the 2012 Heisman race with a 5929 win over Missouri Saturday night. Manziel rushed for 67 yards with two touchdowns, and completed 32-44 passes for 372 yards for three touchdowns against the Tigers. Manziel achieved the SEC’s single-season total-yardage record holder with Saturday’s performance.

George Mattingly | The Houstonian

UP IN SMOKE. Students, faculty and staff were force to evacuate the Lee Drain Building at around 2 p.m. on Monday after police officials say an elevator motor in one of the mechanical rooms burned up, filling the building with smoke and a strong odor. Normal operations resumed at about 4 p.m. after officials cleared the fumes from tne building. No injuries were reported.

Sexual assault, retaliation lawsuit ends in university’s favor BRANDON SCOTT Staff Reporter The case against Sam Houston State University involving a dispute between two former professors and art department chair Tony Shipp has been dismissed, according to court documents of the final judgment on Nov. 14. The lawsuit filed by Garry and Jasmyne Graybill claimed art department chair Tony Shipp created a hostile working environment through sexual harassment and retaliation in their time as employees at the university. The attorneys for SHSU argued that the Graybills failed to provide sufficient evidence of retaliation in the case against Shipp and the university. Sam Houston moved for summary judgment because they

believed the plaintiffs didn’t have the facts to justify going through with a trial. To meet their burden of proof, the Graybills attorneys needed to show evidence that indicated there were issues of fact that an unsafe work environment was created based on the couple’s complaints, rather than speculation. The University argued that if the evidence presented to respond to the summary judgment motion could not be proved in a court of law, then the summary judgment should be granted. The court agreed. According to the University, the Graybill’s claims only speculate on the possibility that they were “subject to unwelcome harassment on the basis of sex, or that any such harassment affected the term, condition, or privilege of employment.” The Graybills contested that

Shipp made sexual advances both at Jasmyne Graybill and the couple jointly and that it wasn’t until they went public with their concerns that Shipp retaliated. The married couple was hired by Shipp in the fall of 2008 to teach the new Workshop in Art Studio & History (WASH) program, but resigned in 2009 after the relationship with Shipp and the Art department went south. Their sexual harassment claim was dismissed early in the process. Complaints of the alleged sexual advances to then-Dean of Arts and Sciences Jaimie Hebert did not lead to disciplinary action against Shipp, rather the Graybills claimed that Shipp reneged on raises he promised and even made their jobs available to other applicants. But the university said there were “legitimate, non-

discriminatory and non-retaliatory reasons” for the employment decisions that the Graybills opposed, rather than reaction to accusations of harassment. The Graybills claimed that when they grew tired of Shipp’s invitations at the art office, the behavior continued through text messages, phone calls and unannounced visits to their offcampus offices in the evenings and on the weekends. The Graybills claimed that Shipp was infuriated after they voted in favor of him stepping down from the chair position. Garry Graybill was even concerned about a subsequent physical confrontation when the couple tried to work out its differences with Shipp in a face-to-face meeting at the advice of Hebert, according to court documents. The original complaint was filed in October 2011.

Houston receives shuttle ferry for display The Johnson Space Center will not receive a space shuttle that flew across the country according to editor of CollectSpace website Robert Pearlman. Shuttle Carrier 905 contained too many unstable parts Pearlman reports, but display of the 747 look alike will be on display in the future. Texas Hill Country man receives life for 8th drunk driving conviction A 45-year old Texas man must serve at least 30 years in prison, without parole, after receiving his eighth drunken driving conviction. New Braunfels’ man Cornelio Garcia-Mata received his eight convictions over a period of 22 years. He was convicted by a New Braunfels’ jury Monday. Strong cold front to hit Houston High winds and possible tornadoes are expected with a strong cold front that hit Houston last night. According to the National Weather Service, the storm is likely to bring heavy winds and possible hail with isolated tornadoes throughout the Houston area. Meteorologist Kent Prochazka predicts the Norther to be short lived and to expect warmer temperatures for the weekend.

Page 2

News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 houstonianonline.com/news

Department purchases motion capture system to increase research opportunities

MCKINZIE BROCAIL Senior Reporter

The Department of Health and Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University recently purchased a motion capture camera system to help increase research opportunities into different types of movement. The three-camera system uses highly reflective sensors that are picked up by the cameras. Input from the sensors reads out in different quantifying measures. “We place silver reflective balls at certain anatomical places and joints and the cameras see the reflections,” Assistant professor Jennifer Didier said. “How we’ll use it here is for motor behavior and biomechanics research.” The high-tech system is the same type of equipment used in some video game software. “Basically, it’s the same kind

of system used in video games,” Assistant Professor A. Page Glave, Ph. D., said. “It let’s us take things we’ve all heard growing up playing sports and gives us a way to capture it from a video point, but it also quantifies all this information.” The research possibilities of the system seem nearly as limitless as the motion capabilities documented by it. “We can measure the mechanics of obesity and how excess weight affects the body, weightlifting mechanics and sports performances,” Glave said. The motion capture system takes a motion and calculates it accordingly. “It allows you to actually mathematically calculate velocity, and synchronize with electromyography (EMG), force platforms and pressure,” Didier said. This system was purchased

by the Health and Kinesiology Department for multiple reasons. “It was partly because of the bid on the system, but also because this [system] is the standard,” Glave said. “It is student-friendly, undergrad and graduate-friendly; and it also gives the department a competitive advantage.” Professors are not the only ones excited about the new system. “I think it’s pretty cool,” senior kinesiology major David Freedman said. “It’s neat and it will definitely help with research and teaching.” The department hopes to add more cameras to the system. “As we get grant money, we’d like to purchase more cameras,” Didier said. “We’re at the minimum right now since three cameras are needed to see each reflective marker. For 3-D cameras you need at least six cameras, but typically you want about eight.”

Provided by SHSU Health and Kinesiology Department

CAPTURING MOTION. The Health and Kinesiology Department purchased a motion capture system to aid in research into different types of movement.

The Vicon Motion Capture System was purchased for $31,970.

The department is currently in the process of setting up the motion capture system.

COFAMC hires outside firm to assist in ongoing dean search MCKINZIE BROCAIL Senior Reporter

The College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication (COFAMC) has hired a search firm to assist in its ongoing search for a new dean, according to a member of the dean search committee. Greenwood/Asher and Associates, Inc., will help the

university in soliciting, reviewing and screening candidates for the Dean of the COFAMC position. The search will include many phases, including getting to know the client, assessment of the search opportunity, designing the plan for the search, recruitment of candidates, evaluation of candidates, interviews, closure of search and transition.

“We’ll be meeting with the search firm in early December to organize the search,” John de Castro, member of the COFAMC search committee and Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said. According to Greenwood/ Asher and Associates website, the firm is ”a women-owned executive search firm with a

diverse consulting team [that has] extensive experience in executive search, consulting and training for education markets….” The search firm competed against other bidding firms and was hired for $77,200. The COFAMC has had an interim dean, Mary Robbins, Ed. D., since February. The college formed a search committee in

August to seek out a permanent dean. The college’s first dean, Roberta Sloan, Ph.D., resigned as dean after only six months on the job citing health reasons. The Houstonian will continue to update on the searches for new deans as information becomes available.

Gonzales talks experiences, upcoming national issues JAY R. JORDAN Staff Reporter The man who once served as the second highest law enforcement official to the president spoke to Sam Houston students last week about the role he played as well as the future of the country as part of the Fall President’s Speaker Series. Former U.S. Attorney Alberto Gonzales sat down with SHSU President Dana Gibson and in the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center on Nov. 20 and discussed Gonzales’ views on the importance of education as well as the possible challenges of a new attorney general. Current Attorney General Eric Holder has been rumored to be resigning soon, and Gonzales was able to talk about which important issues the new Attorney General would face. “I think the war on terrorism continues to be the number one priority in the law Provided by SHSU website enforcement intelligence community,” JUST THE BEGINNING. Former Attorney General of the United States Alberto Gonzales sat down Gonzales said. “We live in a very dangerous with SHSU President Dana Gibson last week to share his experiences and advice with students. and complex world still today after a decade Gonzales served as the first Hispanic attorney general of the U.S. from 2005-2007. after 9/11. When I was Attorney General, somebody names Gonzales serving as the that was my primary focus. I think that will more important to him. “There’s no brown justice, no black Chief Officer of the country and the Chief remain true with the Attorney General in justice, no white justice; there is just justice Lawyer in the White House.” the foreseeable future.” Gonzales also gave insight and advice Gonzales served as the attorney general in America,” Gonzales said. “I always of the U.S. from 2005-2007, but he held an focused on… doing what was right for the to first-generation students after Gibson even more historic title of the first Hispanic American people. But I also understood pointed out that he was the first in his attorney general. He said that this didn’t that in certain households in America, family to attend college. “This is just the beginning,” Gonzales affect his service, but made his appointment there was a certain pride that there was

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said. “There is so much more to achieve with success in life and this is a solid foundation here at Sam Houston. Prepare yourself… At some point in your life, someone is going to come along and give you a chance and hopefully you’ll recognize it and take advantage of it.” After nearly 10 years of schooling and serving in the U.S. Air Force, Gonzales made partner at a Houston-based law firm where he dealt mostly with business transactions and paperwork. During the event, Gonzales joked that his wife said that he wasn’t a real lawyer because he rarely was inside a courthouse. In 1997, Governor George W. Bush appointed Gonzales to Secretary of State of Texas and two years later to the Texas Supreme Court. After Bush’s election to President of the United States in January 2001, Gonzales worked on the White House Counsel until his nomination to Attorney General, replacing John Ashcroft in 2005. During his term as attorney general, Gonzales faced controversy over many things. Among the controversies was the NSA’s warrantless wiretapping and eavesdropping when Gonzales publically threatened to sue the New York Times for releasing the information condemning the government’s actions. After many calls to resign made by Senators and other public officials, Gonzales resigned in August 2007. Gonzales is currently a political science professor at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX where he began in 2009.

Page 3

Viewpoints

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

Secession petitioners Living the single life: still hopeful, unrealistic not so bad

PAWS UP

Taylor Likens tells those who want to secede to unpack their belongings

PAWS UP to online shopping deals. Thank you for preventing us from getting mauled at malls.

PAWS UP to that house in Cedar Park, Texas that always sets their Christmas lights to music. This year they went ‘Gangnam Style’ .

PAWS UP to SHSU playoff football kicking off this weekend in Huntsville. Let’s beat those Mustangs!

PAWS UP to KatSafe for warning students of the fire at Lee Drain Building.

PAWS DOWN

With the election several weeks behind us, one would think that the dust had settled on the resulting rants and bitterness; one would be wrong. The tantrums continue, with the most notable/ hilarious being the residents of all 50 states that have decided to take their ball and go home. Whitehouse.gov is currently host to numerous petitions calling for withdrawal from the United States, and surprisingly, people are still ringing the alarm. To put these documents into context, understand that Whitehouse.gov also hosts hundreds of other adorable petitions, including a demand that all internet pornography require credit card information, one to ban the circumcision of anyone under 18, and a truly heroic cry to “Nationalize the Twinkie industry.” Whitehouse.gov. A serious house on serious Earth. As one might expect, the flagship for this surge in petitions is Texas, with almost 200,000 signatures to date. But could a seceded Texas even function without America? Perhaps. We stand a better chance than anywhere else, at least. Texas has an extensive power network, several military forts, gulf access and

receives some of the least federal aid of any state. On paper, Texas secession actually starts to sound pretty good. However, this paper is then crumpled up and thrown out the window upon realizing that it is still a horrible idea, even if one assumes that politics, economics and logic actually work that way. This is nothing if not a fantastic example of the loud minority. We see them everywhere, defining our stereotypes, dominating our media, and skewing our perceptions of one another. Despite the attention received by these petitions, very few people could actually finish reading such a proposal without a breaking into laughter. In fact, several of these states had a popular vote in favor of Pres. Barack Obama, making a popular secession within their borders

Stop skipping class, study up

Staff Reporter

PAWS DOWN to gaining weight over the break after stuffing your face with turkey, casseroles and mashed potatoes.

Staff Reporter

Two weeks until finals:

MORGAN MEARS

PAWS DOWN to not being able to sell back all your books.

TAYLOR LIKENS

mathematically impossible. Even some citizens of Texas-who is probably contemplating having “THE STATE THAT CRIED SECESSION” sown into the state flag--can’t muster up a notable margin of support for the movement. This irrational call to abandon ship is hardly representative of a state that many political analysts are predicting may actually become a swing state by as early as the next election. The only logical explanation is that these signatures are from the residents of other states that just got tired of hearing about Texas secession every other week. Could Texas Secede? In theory, yes. Will we? Go unpack your things; not anytime soon. No, we aren’t going anywhere, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I may not always be proud to claim her, but the United States of America has more good days than bad, with a history of correcting her mistakes. Unity is one of the only things that have ever worked out for us, and we’d be fools to forget that. And I mean most of what I just said. But admittedly, I mostly just find the idea of the elderly, white Bible thumpers in Austin having unquestioned dominion over 25 million people is the sort of thing

With two weeks until finals, I have noticed a lot of new faces in many of my classes. While their names have been on the class roster all semester long, they are normally only seen on exam days, skipping lectures and regular class days. With finals so close, many students believe if they start attending class now that they will be able to pass their final. However, that simply isn’t the case. Two weeks is not enough time for someone who only comes to

class on exam days to prepare for a final exam that covers everything the class has covered the entire semester. Many people argue that they don’t need to study or attend class to pass an exam, however a study done by UCLA professor of psychiatry Andrew J. Fuligni, shows that students need an adequate amount of studying time before each exam and their study schedule should be kept consistent. Many students study the night before an exam and never attend a class or lecture until the day of the exam. While they think they are taking the easy way out and gaining more time to party and hang out with friends, they are only hurting themselves. Students need to attend class as often as they can; skipping class and solely attending on exam days is doing more harm to their education than students realize. Not only is skipping class detrimental to a student’s

education but to their bank account as well. According to the SHSU undergraduate catalog, it costs a Texas resident $1,036 for three semester hours, meaning that it is about $20 per class meeting. Every time a student skips a class, they are wasting about $20. Skipping class can start to add up after a while and become very expensive. Skipping class often and only coming on exam days is like taking almost $1,000 and throwing it away. While skipping class hurts a student’s bank account, it also causes monetary issues for parents and those students that require financial aid. The only way to ensure that you have a chance at passing your final and that you are getting your money’s worth of an education is to attend class, always. Of course you may have sick days and family emergencies, but those don’t happen every single class days. So wake up, get out of bed and go to class!

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Brandon K. Scott Sophie Nelson Jeremy Kleiber Cheyenne Simpson Jasmine Brown Morgan Mears Allyson Wiley Taylor Likens Jay Jordan Karmen King Cody Cobb Cristina Baumann Caitlin Adamcik Cody Miles

ALLY WILEY Staff Reporter

Dear Ally, I have just recently broken up with someone. I know it was the right decision, and I don’t want to get back with him, but I feel so lonely. All my friends have significant others, and a lot of the time I feel like a third wheel. What should I do to feel less lonely and get my friends to quit making me the third wheel? Sincerely, Forever Alone Dear Forever Alone, First off, congratulations on deciding that you made the right decision and not going back to your ex. That’s the first step to getting away from your past and starting a new future. Everyone is looking for that special someone, and if you stay caught up with an ex, your future someone may walk right past you. If you know that it’s over, you need to put all of that in the past and move on. Be strong! Second, I think you should enjoy the hell out of being single. I can think of a whole laundry list of pros to being single. I just recently got out of a relationship and have learned all the great things singlehood has to offer, like choosing whatever you want on television. You get to decide where you eat and what movie you see. You have more time to hang out with friends. Also, you can finally go to that play he refused to see with you. You can flirt with those mega-hotties two tables down and not feel an ounce of remorse. Finally, you can drool all over Channing Tatum in ‘Magic Mike’ or Anne Hathaway in ‘Batman’ and not feel like you cheated. Everyone needs time to learn what they want in a relationship. So use this time to do just that. Find yourself. This can help you feel less lonely by going out and finding what you love to do in the world. Go enjoy your favorite hobby or go to that movie you have been dying to see. Don’t worry about finding someone. This is the most cliché statement in the world, but the moment you quit looking is the moment that person will stroll into your life. So for now, enjoy your friends and your freedom while getting to know yourself. Finally, as for being the third wheel, you need to stand up for yourself. If you feel like a third wheel, say something. Your friends may not know what they are doing. Sometimes when you are friends with both parties of the couple, they just think they are being there for you. You shouldn’t feel like a third wheel if this is what is happening, they are just trying to be friends. The problem happens when they start hanging all over each other. First, you need to say something and tell them that this makes you uncomfortable. If that doesn’t work, you can throw anything soft at them. They should get the hint. The most important part of this advice is to be happy. You deserve it. Don’t forget that. Sincerely, Ally

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Arts&Entertainment

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 houstonianonline.com/a-e

Mise-En-Scène:

Stage awakens with full set, costumes

MOLLY WADDELL Arts & Entertainment Editor The “Spring Awakening” cast and crew have been working since June to put together the spring musical of the Sam Houston State University theatre and musical theatre department. The set started with research about warehouses in Brooklyn, according to Liz Freese, set designer and assistant professor of theatre. The set design grew from there. The set designers based the building of the set off of the color model that Freese. The color model shows every aspect of the set and lets the director play “dollhouse” with the characters. On the other hand, costume designer and SHSU alumnus Keith Pitts researched steampunk. Steampunk is a style of story that involves gothic and Victorian ideas. The costume designers base their costumes over the renderings that Pitts made on paper bags. “Spring Awakening” is a story of teenage self-discovery and budding sexuality in 19th century Germany. “Spring Awakening” premiers Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre Center. It will also be showing Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. with a matinée at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for guests. For tickets contact the UTC Box office at 936-2941339.

Molly Waddell | The Houstonian

Samantha Villarreal | The Houstonian

AWAKE. (TOP) The actors of “Spring Awakening” sing the first number of the musical in full costume and on a completed set. (FAR LEFT) The brick walls are up and the wood has been aged but the set of “Spring Awakening” is not finished yet. (LEFT) Adrienne Whitaker works on a pair of pants for the men’s school uniforms in “Spring Awakening.” (ABOVE) The first step to making a costume is building the pattern, Jessica Ontiveros is working on patterns for the show.

Dance department ‘Red Dawn’ remake average action movie to present bi-annual Spectrum concert CAITLIN ADAMCIK Staff Reporter

CARIAN PARKER Staff Reporter

The Department of Dance brings forth internationally known choreographers to present their bi-annual Dance Spectrum Concert Reach. The concert will be held in the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center on Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, according to a press release sent by Dionne Noble. The concert will feature various works from numerous choreographers, including the internationally known, Khaleah London, Spencer Gavin Hering, and Andrea Dawn Shelley. A large cast packs the stage with an unusually syncopated dance. This performance is about coming together as a collective to make a difference by shedding societal burdens of complacency and stereotypes. Afro-Caribbean and Senegalese influences are evident in internationally known choreographer, Khaleah London’s new work The Ultimatum. Many may know Spencer Gavin Hering and Andrea Dawn Shelley who co-founded the nationally renowned company Infinite Moving Ever Evolving (iMEE). Their work Ogerelta creates edgy, confrontational, and circumstantial vignettes that reside within an interruptive musical score and a narrowly focused light design. Other works include, three sonatas by Scarlatti accompany

Jonathan Charles’ new work, Those who speak softly will hear quiet echoes. Music professor Sergio Ruiz plays live for a trio of dancers who perform a flirtatious neo-classic work reminiscent of a 21st Century Apollo. Jennifer Pontius’ new ballet, with measured step, is inspired by the yearning phrases of Beethoven’s aptly dubbed “Pathetique” sonata. “There is a poignancy, for me, in the formal structure inherent in both the music and the choreography that cradles the emotional content,” Pontius said Dana Nicolay worked closely with his cast who shared personal stories in effort to create a harmonious work danced to some of Led Zeppelin’s finest. His work, Social Fabric, includes groovy, bouncy, and easy flow choreography. This piece investigates the ways in which our society is woven together to create a whole. Dionne Sparkman Noble’s, A French Yodel for Penny combines unusual music selections, movement and costume changes

to celebrate an eclectic tour of folk music from around the world. “I didn’t set out to create this world but instead followed my instincts and before I knew it the dance had made itself. The decisions regarding music, movement and costume don’t go together at first glance but by the end, feel somehow balanced,” Noble said. Choreographer, Erin Reck questions the labels that people place on themselves and those around them in a new thoughtprovoking dance titled Surface. How many dancers can you fit onto one stage? This questioned is answered in Andy Noble and Laura Harrell’s Tower, a work utilizing 33 dancers. Tower starts off small and builds in momentum and size until it’s literally whipping and pounding its way past the boundaries of the stage. Tickets for Reach are $15 general admission and $12 for Students. Along with a Saturday Matinee, every performance will start at 8 p.m. each evening. For ticket reservation, please call the GPAC Box Office at 936.294.2339.

The action packed Red Dawn proves itself to be entertaining. With some minor details and flaws in the storytelling, this movie is still engaging. Red Dawn is about a group of teenagers that band together to fight a North Korean invasion. This movie is a non-stop adrenaline rush. There are cars blowing up, bombs going off, and guns shooting a large percentage of the film. The explosions are visually awesome. In part of the film, the teenagers begin the train to go to war with the North Koreans. The training was interesting to watch because the audiences see different forms of action like combat and weapon practice. The acting was typical in this film. There was no really big standout except Chris Hemsworth, who plays Jed Eckert. Hemsworth is known for his performance as Thor in The Avengers. He plays the strong leader very well. Other big names in this film are Josh Peck, who plays Matt Eckert, and Josh Hutcherson, who plays Robert Kitner. Peck is the iconic, Josh from the TV show Drake and Josh. Hutcherson is famous from his role as Peeta in The Hunger Games. The direction is ordinary. Dan Bradley is the director and

Red Dawn is his first movie he directed. Bradley has been in multiple movies as a stunt man. Small details were missing throughout the film which is disappointing. There are lesser points in the movie that do not add up. For example, there is a scene where Kitner drinks deer blood. It did not make sense because it did not flow with the story. Also the teenagers seem to simply come across some weapons in a RV in the woods. Again, did not really add up. There is no character development in the movie. The audience is clueless as to who the characters really are. They might understand the relationship they have with each other, but not really the heart of the character. However, there are moments in the movie that get emotional. The story telling in Red Dawn is not the best. The audience can understand the story, but how it is told is different. Trivial details are missing which makes the story seem stiff. Stiff as in it did not have great substance. The completion of the movie lacked a solid ending, which can be frustrating to some audiences. Plus the reason why invasion happened remains unknown. All in all, Red Dawn is a good movie. It is entertaining and action packed. The bad side of the movie is the minor details missing and the poor story telling. We give Red Dawn three out of five paws.

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Page 5

Sports

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 houstonianonline.com/sports

Round one of FCS playoffs in the books

Defending champs to play South Dakota State; Sam Houston faces Cal Poly

CODY LEWIS Sports Editor While the Sam Houston State Bearkats received a first-round bye week for the 2012 FCS playoffs, four games were played over Thanksgiving weekend. On their road to the National Championship, Sam Houston defeated Stony Brook, Montana and Montana State. Stony Brook and Montana State return to the playoffs this season and pose as possible opponents for the Bearkats. Stony Brook topped Villanova 20-10 from the legs of running back Miguel Maysonet. He rushed 25 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Stony Brook will go on to play Montana State in the second round on Dec. 1. Wagner knocked out Colgate 31-20 in their first playoff appearance since 1988 back when the team only competed at the Division III level. The Seahawks will travel to Washington to face No. 2 seeded Eastern Washington on Dec. 1. Coastal Carolina edged out Bethune-Cookman 24-14 as quarterback Aramis Hilary threw for 180 yards, a touchdown and added 50 yards rushing to lead the Chanticleers to their sixth straight win this season. This was Coastal Carolina’s first win in the playoffs as an FCS team. They will play No. 4 seeded Old Dominion in the second round on Dec. 1. South Dakota State silenced Eastern Illinois 58-10 as running back Zach Zenner rushed for a school-record 295 yards and three touchdowns. They will play Missouri Valley conference rival and defending FCS champions North Dakota State for the teams’ second meeting of the season.

North Dakota State

Montana State

South Dakota State

Stony Brook

Wofford

Sam Houston State

New Hampshire

Cal Poly

Appalachion State

Georgia Southern

Illinois State

Central Arkansas

Eastern Washington

Old Dominion

Wagner

Coastal Carolina

Eric Fite| The Houstonian

Coach Fritz denies rumors of interview with UTEP CONNOR HYDE Sports Reporter Sam Houston State head football coach Willie Fritz dismissed claims he interviewed with University of Texas-El Paso’s athletic program. Rumors have surfaced Fritz has been in discussion for replacing UTEP coach Mike Price, and has scheduled an interview with the UTEP program this week according to a www. footballscoop.com update on Sunday. “I have not been contacted or talk to anyone associated with Texas El Paso,” Fritz said. “The internet is full of all sorts of rumors and I guess I was interviewing there today.” In an El Paso Times article examining UTEP’s

coaching situation, Fritz received seven percent of votes in a reader’s poll involving coaches who have been in discussion to head the school’s football program. “It’s always a concern when you got a good coach and their successful,” SHSU Athletic Director Bobby Williams said. “[Fritz] nor I have been contacted. He always lets me know when he’s been contacted.” According to Williams, SHSU will remain competitive with other school offers in the future as Fritz’s reputation as a winning coach continues to spread. After the 2011 season concluded, SHSU increased Fritz’s salary ($139,032 as of May 2011) as well as recruiting four full-time assistant coaches to add to his

staff. “With his success we’re always looking to increase that,” Williams said. “We did a lot with [Fritz’s] coaching staff, we added four full-time coaches that got him to the NCAA level…we did that so that we could be competitive when this happens.” As Fritz continues to have successful seasons and consistent playoff appearances, Fritz’s coaching talent will be in high demand, Williams said. “That’s just part of the business when they can move up, or perceive to be moving up, and improve their financial status or different level of coaching,” Williams said. “We’re not going to get into any competition with anybody.

We’re going to basically do our best to make his situation very positive like we did last year.” After joining SHSU’s athletic program in 2010, Fritz has acquired a record of 28-9 with two consecutive playoff appearances including one FCS National Championship game. This season, Fritz and company are competing for another chance at the FCS title. “There’s not a better coach in this country in my opinion,” Williams said. “Whether I’m at Sam Houston or I could be at any school in this country and he would be a top candidate and I would hire him. He’s that good.” As of now, it is unclear whether Fritz has been contacted by other universities for coaching positions.

16 SHSU players selected for All-Southland Conference team JEREMY KLEIBER Staff Reporter Sam Houston State led Southland Conference football with 16 allconference selections last week, while running back Timothy Flanders was named the conference player of the year for the second consecutive season. Central Arkansas quarterback Wynrick Smothers took conference offensive player of the year honors while Sam Houston linebacker Darnell Taylor earned defensive player of the year for the second straight season. A finalist for the Walter Payton Award, Timothy Flanders has been the main force in the Sam Houston stable all season; leading the conference with 1,151 rushing yards on 187 carries for an average of 6.2 yards per carry and 104.6 yards per game. With 17 visits to the end zone, he tops the Southland in scoring with an average of 9.8 points per game. The Midwest City, Oklahoma product doesn’t stop at just treading turf: he also has 10 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown, accounting for 112.5 all-purpose yards per game, which ranks third in the Southland Conference. Flanders’ third-quarter rushing

touchdown at Texas A&M was the 52nd rushing touchdown of his career, tying the conference record held by Lamar’s Charles McDaniel (1971-74). Flanders, who collected 22 100-yard rushing performances in his career, ranks No. 5 in the Southland with 3,743 career yards. He is the first Sam Houston player to repeat as the conference player of the year in backto-back seasons. Other players from Sam Houston to be named player of the year include Chris Chaloupka (1999), Josh McCown (2001) and Dustin Long (2004). Darnell Taylor is the fifth player in Southland history to be named the league’s defensive player of the year in back-to-back years. Taylor has made 79 tackles this season; 54 solo stops and has assisted on another 25. He recorded 51 tackles in Southland contests and wrapped up doublefigure tackles totals against Central Arkansas (15), Stephen F. Austin (10) and Texas A&M (12). Taylor is the SHSU’s career leader with 219 solo tackles and ranks seventh with 317 total takedowns. The No. 3 Bearkat rush defense has been stingy this year, allowing just 76.4 yards rushing per game, and giving up only 305.4 total yards per game. The “Black Swarm” is

limiting opponents to only 19 points per game, the 14th best total in the FCS. Sam Houston State led all conference teams 16 student-athletes on the two all-conference squads. Flanders was a first-team running back, while Taylor was a first-team defensive back. They were joined on the first team by tight end T.J. Jones, offensive linemen Kaleb Hopson and Chris Rogers, all-purpose talent Richard Sincere, defensive lineman J.T. Cleveland, linebacker Darius Taylor, defensive back Dax Swanson and punter Matt Foster. The Bearkats’ six second-team honorees include quarterback Brian Bell, receiver and kick return specialist Trey Diller, defensive lineman Gary Lorance and defensive backs Kenneth Jenkins and Bookie Sneed. Sam Houston also contributed seven honorable mention selections. The all-conference teams consist of 29 first-team and second-team members. Each coach nominates players from his own team. The teams are then selected by vote of the league’s head coaches and sports information directors, who cannot vote for their own players.

Page 6

News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Board of Regents approve, discuss changes to SHSU, TSUS during quarterly meeting GEORGE MATTINGLY News Editor Sam Houston State University students could see an increase in student center fees among several other changes to campus after The Texas State University System Board of Regents voted on several key decisions in their quarterly earlier this month. The Board voted to allow TSUS Chancellor Brian McCall to seek legislative approval necessary to amend the Texas Education Code that would raise the student center fee cap from $100 to $200 per semester and $50 to $75 per summer term for universities within the system. The regents also approved a decision to request legislative approval to raise the recreational

sports fee from $100 to $200 for each long semester and $50 to $100 for the summer session after a similar request from Gibson to address the growing student body. McCall will address these items in the 83rd legislative session in January. In other action, the regents approved SHSU to extend its license agreement with Pearson Learning Solutions, Inc. from Jan. 1, 2013 through August 31, 2016. The regents also made several changes to academics at SHSU. The regents approved the addition of a fully online Bachelor of Business Administration degree offered by SHSU. The degree joins two other online undergraduate degrees at SHSU. The regents also approved to divide the College of Criminal

Justice into three separate departments: criminal justice and criminology, forensic science and security studies. These changes will go into effect in Fall 2013. The regents voted to make changes to the Capital Improvements Program to include new buildings at SHSU including a new academic building at SHSU at the estimated cost of $1.5 million. The regents also voted to modify the CIP to reflect plans for an Agriculture and Engineering building at SHSU at an approximate cost of $28.2 million. With approval from the regents, the university can begin engaging in programming, support and design for each project. TSUS university officials also discussed several system-

wide issues in several break-out meetings. In Academic Affairs, officials discussed ossible changes to core curriculum, and raising degree standards to eliminate lowproducing program. However, these changes would not affect SHSU as much, according to Jaimie Hebert, Provost of Academic Affairs. Officials also discussed implementing a Common Course Numbering system to make it easier for students to transfer between universities. While officials did not come to any decisions regarding distance learning fees in the Student Services meeting, SHSU Associate Vice President for Student Services Keith Jenkins emphasized the need to maintain

balance between providing a college culture and an online education. Officials discussed impacts of distance learning fees on the students’ learning environment. They also reached a consensus to continue collecting tuition along with separate fees for services and departments versus a two-pot fee collection system. In terms of finances, TSUS officials discussed a possible tuition freeze which would raise tuition by 18 percent, but would aim to provide stability for students and families. However, officials disagreed over the costs of the possible freeze. The next quarterly meeting for the Board of Regents is scheduled for Feb. 14-15 in Austin.

UPDate: Terroristic threats, sexual assault, two physical assaults GEORGE MATTINGLY News Editor Police say two cases involving a sexual assault and terroristic threats are closer to being solved while another case involving terroristic threats is still under investigation. According to James Fitch, deputy chief of the University Police Department, one case of sexual assault is on its way to the grand jury for a final ruling. Charges of sexual assault have been brought against a

suspect identified in a sexual assault case that occurred in early October. However, Fitch said the case is still active and UPD is in the process of forwarding the case to the District Attorney’s office to be brought before a grand jury. According to Fitch, the case involved two individuals who previously knew each other. After the two became sexually involved, the woman pleaded for the suspect to stop but the suspect did not. In addition, Fitch said two cases involving terroristic threats are at different stages

in investigation. Fitch said one case involved a victim was a member of a study group who received threats from the husband of another member in a group after he became upset over an unknown issue. UPD is in the process of interviewing all involved in the incident with the possibility of a charge of terroristic threat, a misdemeanor offense. Another case involving terroristic threats is still under investigation with no possible suspects, according to Fitch. “The problem with this

case is that we have no suspect information or leads in the case,” Fitch said. “Even though we spoke to potential witnesses, they were not able to identify a suspect or a vehicle license plate number.” Fitch said the case involved a male student who made threats with a knife to another student over a parking spot. When asked about two assault cases involving homosexual slurs that were reported last month, Fitch said no one else has come forward with new information, and no suspects have been identified.

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