Vol 119 | Issue 21
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Publishing since 1913
Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Florence + The Machine, pg. 4
KAT Links For more information and news content, visit HoustonianOnline.com.
Football predictions, pg. 5
INDEX Viewpoints ...... pg. 2 Sports ............... pg. 5 News ................ pg. 3 Special .............. pg. 6 A&E ................. pg. 4
SGA: ‘No’ to total tobacco ban
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
SPEAKING FOR ALL. The Student Government Association voted against an “all-encompassing tobacco ban during this week. SHSU currently prohibits smoking tobacco inside of buildings, restricting use to to 20 feet away from entrances.
By Stephen Green Associate News Editor The Student Government Association voted last night to not support an “all-encompassing” tobacco ban on the university campus at Tuesday nights’ meeting. Pres. Tyler Eberhart was asked by the university to give an “opinion of the students” regarding tobacco on campus. He asked the senate if they would vote for a complete ban on the policy, five senators voted in favor. The rest of the senate voted either for a partial, or amended, ban on all tobacco products. “We need to take this seriously,” Eberhart said at the meeting. “We will hopefully be working on this through the semester and write the policy in January.” Eberhart said the issue will be looked into carefully before proceeding on any policy. The current university policy bans the use of tobacco inside university buildings. The statewide policy bans the use at all public school events, libraries and museums (and more) because “those areas are open to the general public.” Eberhart also said that a ring payment plan report would be finalized yesterday. Vice-President Jason Tilton also
Lesson in extreme thriftiness By McKinzie Brocail Senior Reporter Tiffany Ivanovsky of TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” taught a full crowd of Bearkats and Huntsville community members how to save money using couponing and other strategies Tuesday evening. The event officially lasted from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; however, Ivanovsky stayed to answer any remaining questions students had. Ivanovsky and her husband, Paul, live in the Greater Houston area and have seven children that range in age from 15 months old to 14 years. Couponing is something she started in college but didn’t really get into it until later. In regards to couponing at the level of the “extreme couponers” on the hit show, Ivanovsky said, “It is unrealistic. You’re not going to get shopping trips that save 80 to 90 percent every time you shop.” The audience was reminded that in the hit TV show the shoppers that do save that much typically get a large quantity of the same items and do not usually purchase things like produce and meat. Shopping that extreme doesn’t yield a full grocery
presented several problems to the senate he has encountered. The first is that the Lowman Student Center is being filled up and some student organizations aren’t able to find rooms available in other buildings. “The [criminal justice] building doesn’t let any organizations in,” Tilton said. “[Smith-Hutson Building] only lets business organizations in, and the education building only lets education organizations in.” Tilton said there are some buildings, including the Dan Rather Communications Building, which let any student organization hold meetings, but that he will continue to look into it. Eberhart also told senators that he will be holding them accountable for doing their work and showing up to general meetings. “I’ll be contacting people who haven’t been showing up and doing their work,” Eberhart said. “We were elected to be up here, representing [the students] and at least letting [them] know we exist.” He commended hard-working senators, namely Rules and Regulations Chief Steven Perry (CHSS), for their effort and dedication to the organization, but — See SGA, page 3
Spring 2012 advanced registration schedule
Image courtesy Corbis Images
SAVE IN PROGRESS. Tiffany Ivanovsky of TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” shared her experiences, tricks and advice with members of both the university and Huntsville communities Tuesday evening.
list. That doesn’t mean that students cannot save an impressive amount of money through couponing with an entire grocery list. “If you’re couponing and saving 30 to 40 percent, you’re doing a great job,” Ivanovsky said. She said that couponing is difficult and time consuming at first and
encouraged students not to give up. It is more difficult for beginners because there is quite a bit to learn: stores’ coupon policies, couponing lingo, how to read coupons, the different types of coupons and when you can use different coupons together. Her success story in the world of couponing is an inspiring one.
“We started out paying $1,200 to $1,300 a month on groceries and toiletries, including diapers and wipes. I was buying store brands, bought things on sale and was being realistic,” Ivanovsky said. Although she had always been frugal, she learned and fine-tuned her couponing — See COUPONS, page 3
Enter to win $25 to Hastings
Bearkats, got plans to get scruffy this November? Might as well make a little money in the process, right? The Houstonian is hosting its first ever “No Shave November” competition this year, and the winner will receive a $25 gift card to Hastings Books, located at 1710 11th Street, which buys and sells books, movies, video games and music. This competition is open to both students and faculty.
Photo courtesy Kevin Lawver’s Flickr
Undergraduates must register by classification and alphabetical order (last name) as listed above. Classification statuses by completed hours (not including hours currently in progress) are as follows: 90+ completed hours = senior classification 60-89 completed hours = junior classification 30-59 completed hours = sophomore classfication 0-29 completed hours = freshman classification
Viewpoints
Page 2 Thursday, November 3, 2011
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
STAFF LISTING Robin Johnson
FACULTY ADVISER 936-294-1499
Erin Peterson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 936-294-1505
epeterson@houstonianonline.com
Stephen Green ASSOCIATE EDITOR sgreen@houstonianonline.com
Karmen C. King VIEWPOINTS EDITOR
kking@houstonianonline.com
Zachary Birdsong SPORTS EDITOR
zbirdsong@houstonianonline.com
McKinzie Brocail SENIOR REPORTER
mbrocail@houstonianonline.com
Jessica Gomez PHOTOGRAPHER
April Sanders COPY EDITOR
Christian Pratt
GRAPHIC COORDINATOR
Reality check: get in or get out
Stephen Green gives advice to Mass Comm Dept, students “Deadlines don’t matter.” “Deadlines? Haven’t you heard of the 24-hour news cycle?” “I was relying on someone I knew to get me a job.” “I wrote some stuff in class… doesn’t that count?” Normally, mass communication students who say any of the things above would bother me. I had no comprehension as to why they would assume any of those things. Anyone who works in the news understands that in order to get a job you have to have an understanding of deadline and a fair amount of networking to get any job. However, upon further asking around, I saw that students in this department and others don’t have a concept of life after graduation. They learn what they can from textbooks, get advice from a professor, but have absolutely no practical experience in the field because they aren’t involved in campus media. In the Mass Communication Department we have a practicum for public relations, The Houstonian,
90.5 The Kat and appreciation for KSHU Cable 7 things I just could News that give not have learned students real-world in class. I have a experience and a résumé packed résumé they can with stories. I am show to employers a better writer and when they graduate. performer because While a few sign of my experiences. up for the radio To address the practicum, only quotes at the two signed up for beginning of the Stephen Green the television class, story, which are and only one for Associate News Editor unfortunately real: the newspaper class Deadlines exist in (and she is our wonderful senior every job, at the top of that list is reporter). the mass communication field. The These are some of the best and 24-hour news cycle deadline does most useful classes you could ever exist: That deadline is immediate. get into. I’m not sure what quite Never rely on one person to get causes this apathy. Oh wait, it’s not a job, get to know more people. required. The mindset of so many Working on a staff in college opens students at this campus as a whole those opportunities up. And finally, is “if it’s not required…I don’t need no, employers don’t care at all about it.” False. what you did in class. Welcome to As a member of the newspaper for the real world. the past two years, the television This issue can be solved by doing station and (next semester) one thing: Requiring practicum for the radio station, I have gained every mass communication student,
every year. Students (on a large basis) won’t get involved unless they are forced. This would increase the number of students at the publications/ productions, increasing the quality and manpower at their disposal. The better the quality, the more awards and recognition for the department. The more recognition, the more money. The more money, the more professors we can hire. I think I’ve made my point. Yes, this has been specific to the Mass Communication Department, but I want it that way. I want to see all of my fellow majors get great jobs out of college and sitting in your dorm/apartment is not going to cut it. No disrespect at all to my hardworking colleagues at this paper, but I’m sad to only see three mass communication majors on staff out of 14 when there are hundreds of mass communication majors/ minors with zero experience. My opinion on the mass communication students: get involved, or get out.
All comics courtesy Creators.com
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Today in history: 644 – Umar ibn alKhattab, the second Muslim caliph, is assassinated by a Persian slave in Medina. 1783 – The American Continental Army is disbanded. 1911 – Chevrolet officially enters the automobile market in competition with the Ford Model T. 1913 – The United States introduces an income tax. 1918 – Austria-Hungary enters into an armistice with the Allies, and the Habsburg-ruled empire dissolves. 1964 – Washington D.C. residents are able to vote in a presidential election for the first time. 1969 – President Richard M. Nixon addresses the nation on television and radio, asking the “silent majority” to join him in solidarity on the Vietnam War effort and to support his policies. 1986 – Iran-Contra Affair: The Lebanese magazine Ash-Shiraa reports that the United States has been secretly selling weapons to Iran in order to secure the release of seven American hostages held by pro-Iranian groups in Lebanon. 1986 – The Federated States of Micronesia gain independence from the United States.
Open letter to media: Your opinion doesn’t matter Kendall Scudder on newspaper endorsements, water plant proposal In the Oct. 30 issue of the Huntsville Item, for some reason unknown to myself, decided to roll out an endorsement of the new $18.5 million water plant that will raise water rates 10 fold all while leaving other, less costly, maintenance options off of the table. I suppose I can understand why a newspaper would want to endorse this plant, I mean, let’s face it, the newspaper isn’t a working class family that’s struggling everyday to put food on the table and would thus suffer very little by the passing of such a plant. My issue here however is not about the water plant or the side that the newspaper decided to endorse. My issue is a beef that I have had for a while with media in general, not just the endorsements made by The Item. How is it that a media establishment can strive everyday to maintain neutrality and be fair and balanced, and then turn around during election seasons and endorse ideas and candidates?! I have worked for campaigns that have been on both the receiving and losing end of these endorsements, but each time that I see these endorsements roll out I can’t help but be perplexed by the basic act of a newspaper endorsing. I have been very pleased with The Huntsville Item lately. As you may
or may not know, single time you The Item has, in the pay your water past, been known bill or rent. Not to not be a very once did the Item adequate source of bother to entertain nonbiased news. a more taxpayerThis endorsement friendly approach of the water plant, to to the new water me, seems to destroy plant. Heck, everything that The Item even The Item has been mentions in their Kendall Scudder working to repair endorsement that Recurring Columnist “The Item doesn’t about their image. A newspaper’s endorsement on know enough yet to assess…” other such a touchy, costly, controversial options that are on the table. issue makes The Item nothing but I feel like The Item missed the unprofessional, unreliable, and point. THAT is the problem that frankly an exhibition of what a working class citizens have with poorly written endorsement should this $18 million plant; Citizens have look like. been given too much conflicting The endorsement itself has serious data in too short of a period of logical flaws. It appears as if the time for us to fully assess the issue entire endorsement centers around and rolling out an endorsement the argument that: Huntsville has (especially before you even know always made bad decisions when it enough to assess the situation at comes to our water infrastructure, hand) is just going to add fuel to Huntsville is currently making that fire. And let’s make no mistake bad decisions when it comes about it folks, if this water plant to our water infrastructure, so passes as is, your water rates WILL Huntsville, in return, should make go up, your rent WILL go up, and in yet another terrible decision when 40 years, we’ll have to do it all over it comes to the future of our water again. infrastructure. Not once did The I’m proud that The Houstonian Item mention the water fund, remains above the fray on which is comprised of YOUR tax controversial issues facing our dollars that the city collects every city, state, and nation. To me, it’s
almost sad when I look around me and find that my college newspaper has a better grasp on the media’s purpose than most of the outlets I’m subjected to. Try as I might, I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to understand the concept of newspaper endorsements. Water is the most important resource that we need. This topic is far too serious for our community to rush into without proper alternatives, and The Item is merely reacting to the panic that the community is facing over all of the water confusion. We need to make logical strides to not only have enough water tomorrow, but to make sure that we secure our water future. And let me tell ya, allowing city council to tap into the water fund anytime they have a new golf course to build, is not the way to do that. Huntsville is my home, and she deserves better than what we’re giving her. Let’s stop the confusion, sit down together at a table like grown-ups, and figure out a way to preserve our water future and to do it together to make this city a better place. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to do that unless you vote NO on City Proposal 1, the Trinity River Authority’s Water Plant Bonds.
Kardashian Khaos Roberautrice Eddie talks about the short-lived marriage So, I’m sure by now you’ve heard Kim Kardashian is divorcing husband of 72 days, Kris Humphries. Yes, I know celebrity marriages often don’t last long. Yes, I know many of us saw it coming, but I feel so invested in this—and it’s not even my marriage. Why do I feel so invested? Well, I’m glad you asked. I’ve been watching Keeping up with the Kardashians for about two and a half years now. I started watching it the moment I came to college. I’d heard a lot about them and I wanted to know what all the hype was about, so I tuned in. The family is as crazy as reality TV could get. I was floored to see how a family could say such mean things to each other, but still remain calm and loving at the end of the day. I took an instant like to Khloè, seeing a more candid, colorful and abrupt version of myself and I loved how close she and Kourtney were. Their bond is similar to my sister and me. (If you’ve seen us in action, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.) Anywho, I loved how she was very particular about who she shared information with, who she decided to talk to and her brutal honesty. So you can imagine how much I agreed with her when it came to the marriage of Kim and Kris. I felt that Kim only wanted to get married because she felt behind her other sisters and
wanted to be the leader of the pack. If you watch the show, she didn’t need it though. She was already the primary breadwinner, she was the reason they had a reality show in the first place and she was known as “the prettiest” sister. She had so much going for her, minus her movie career. Needless to say, when she decided to one up her sisters with a lavish wedding that cost $10 million dollars and profited from it, I wasn’t thinking it was about love, but about her. There is a scene in “Kim’s Fairytale Wedding” where Kris Jenner (the mother and ringleader of the pack) forgot to order Kris Humphries’ family limousines to pick them up for the wedding. And because Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian are practically spawns of each other, that was a colossal red flag. Long story short, I could gripe about how I feel Kim made a mockery of the institution (this is her second marriage) and how I feel cheated as a fan, etc, but I’m not going to. She falls for love and falls hard and I’ll try to respect this part of her life and give her privacy until it airs on E! later this month. I mean what can I say? Even Kim can’t keep up with the Kardashians.
-Roberautrice is a guest columnist.
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. Karmen C. King Viewpoints Editor kking@houstonianonline.com
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 936-294-1495. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
News
Page 3 Thursday, November 3, 2011
houstonianonline.com/news
Secular group educates students on apostate life, views on religion By McKinzie Brocail Senior Reporter Sam Houston State University’s Secular Student Alliance (SSA) hosted a question and answer session “Ask an Apostate” with students who described what their views are and where they got them Wednesday evening in the LSC Theater. The meeting’s attendees anonymously submitted questions to a moderator via text messages and slips of paper. The moderator would ask a panel of six SSA members the questions. Topics covered included their beliefs on: where morals come from, afterlife, religions, life purposes, who Jesus was/is, coping, etc. “We want to educate the student body of apostates’ views,” Zach Kahn, President of SSA, said. The student
organization’s members are not all atheist, many are agnostic, Christian, humanist, deist and other religions. The SSA was originally the Sam Houston Atheist Alliance (SHAA), and was cofounded in 2008 by Brian Louden, a senior biology major, and Anthony Lane, a returning alumnus. Later the SHAA became the Sam Houston Atheist, Agnostic, Humanists and Free Thinkers Association (SHAAHFTA). As of last year it is the SSA. “We are the largest progressive organization on campus as far as regular attendees are concerned,” Kahn said. According to their Facebook page “[SSA] advocates a skeptical approach to metaphysical claims and a general understanding of the world from a naturalistic approach. We oppose
Courtesy Secular Student Alliance
ON THE BLOCK. Topics covered included their beliefs on: where morals come from, afterlife, religions, life purposes, who Jesus was/ is, coping, etc. [SSA] advocates a skeptical approach to metaphysical claims and a general understanding of the world from a naturalistic approach. We oppose systems of dogma, particularly those employed by religious organizations to keep followers ignorant of scientific knowledge of the universe and to spread said ignorance. Panel members included: President Zach Kahn, Vice-President Brian Jacobs, former-President Brian Petersen, Walter Puckett, and Chris Felder.
systems of dogma, particularly those employed by religious organizations to keep followers ignorant of scientific knowledge of
Search continues for Murray
the universe and to spread said ignorance.” They are planning a debate in the future with a religious student
organization, but the details have yet to be set. SSA meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the LSC room 304.
For more information regarding SSA email ssa. shsu@gmail.com.
City Council Voting Dates
By Hugo Lopez Contributing Reporter Authorities are still searching for 24-year-old Thomas Murray Jr., a junior consumer sciences major from Sam Houston State University. Murray was last seen late Tuesday, October 18 night at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill located at the Woodlands, Texas. University Police Deputy Cheif James Fitch said UPD is assisting in the investigation along with MCSO. Murray is Caucasian, 5 feet 6 inches tall, has blue eyes and weighs 140 pounds, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office. Anyone with information about Murray should contact Detective Keith Funderburk at 936-760-5876 (M-F 8a-5p) or Dispatch 936-7605800 (24 hours).
Early Voting:
Photo couresty City of Huntsville
THOMAS MURRAY, JR.
STI report: goal of new initiative By Stephen Green Associate News Editor
A controversial statement that one-half of all SHSU students have a sexually transmitted diseases and infections spurred an initiative by Student Government Association vice-president Jason Tilton. Tilton said at the “Strictly Sex with Dr. Drew” event he was told one-half of the student population was afflicted with an STD or STI. The initiative would require the Student Health Center to release the number of STIs treated every year, or semester, to educate students and parents. Several senators rejected the statistics saying that “there is no way it could be that high,” while one said “I heard it was one-third.” Pres. Tyler Eberhart stopped the debate over statistics to focus the conversation towards its objective. “This isn’t about who has the right statistic,” Eberhart said. “The goal of this is education.” Tilton said the issue will be looked at more in the future and that currently all they want is a report that is open to the public that can educate students and parents. Half of reported cases of
General Election: page 1
told them to keep working hard. Next week, University President Dana Gibson will attend the meeting to address senate concerns. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in room LSC 320.
page 1
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
STD and STI are from 15 to 24 year-olds, according to the Center for Disease Control. In a study of 172 colleges and universities done by the American College Health Association, 63 percent of university tests were positive for HPV1, which normally causes oral herpes; and 36 percent of university tests were positive for HPV2, which normally causes genital herpes. The survey does say “all respondents were
volunteers and self‐ selected. The respondent institutions should not be considered representative of college health centers in the U.S. and extrapolation of this data to college populations in general may not be accurate.” The Student Health Center and Huntsville Memorial conduct STD and STI screenings. Program Council is hosting a “Check Yourself (STI Screening)” on Nov. 7 and 8 in the Lowman Student Center.
NOV. 8
From SGA
From COUPONS
GOAL SETTING Jason Tilton, SGA Vice-President, is leading the initiative after hearing a statistic at a Program Council event.
OCT. 24 NOV. 4
skills from a friend that couponed. “Once I started couponing, I was able to reduce my grocery total to $400 a month within a few months,” Ivanovsky said. Her couponing “must have” is the Houston Chronicle’s Sunday newspaper with the coupon inserts, which includes the weekly Red Plum and Smart Source coupon inserts, various store coupons and the monthly P&G (Proctor & Gamble) insert. She also prints out coupons online from coupon websites. “You can email or contact a manufacturer if there is a coupon that you want that isn’t out for a product. The manufacturers will often mail them to you if you ask for one,” Ivanovsky said. Other places to find coupons include the “blinkies” (the coupon machines in some grocery store aisles), “peelies” (the sticker coupons that are put directly on products) and “tear-pads” (the paper pads of coupons that can be torn off in stores). Store coupons are coupons that are created by a specific store for use in said store, whereas manufacturer coupons are distributed by a product’s
From SGA website
manufacturer and can be used at any store where that item is sold. “Manufacturer coupons do not hurt the stores because they are reimbursed by the company,” Ivanosky said, “unless a store allows doubling or tripling a coupon for marketing reasons.” Typically, the free or nearly free items are products that are on sale and have both applicable store and manufacturer coupons out. “I’m looking at [couponing] to try to teach it to other people at like a youth directory,” Matt Johnson, a senior entrepreneurship major, said. Ivanovsky spoke of different ways to organize coupons, coupon etiquette, fraudulent coupons, finding out sale cycles, storage and coupon terminology throughout her discussion and answered questions the audience had.
She emphasized different ways to save money without coupons as well. Using “price matches” at stores like Wal-Mart can help save a significant amount of money. Transferring prescriptions from store to store often results in a gift card from the last transferred to store. Discount cards, like the CVS Card or Kroger Plus Card, result in in-store discounts on participating purchased items. Not being so brand specific and simply buying things that are on sale can also help. Ivanovsky advocated discount websites like Groupon.com, Livingsocial. com and Restaurants.com for items that cannot be bought in stores. “I found the discussion very informative, especially with times we’re in right now,” Dominique Tristan, a criminal justice major, said. “I look forward to implementing her strategies.”
Courtesy TLC
Arts & Entertainment
Page 4 Thursday, November 3, 2011
houstonianonline.com/a-e
Festival of Strings to educate
Concerts, workshops to expose students to guest artists By George Mattingly
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Students and the Huntsville community will have a chance to immerse themselves in the world of music as the annual Festival of Strings returns to the university for three consecutive days beginning on Saturday. The festival will feature string performances from faculty and guest artists and workshops for students. The event began about five years ago by the initiative of cello professor Daniel Sanez as only a cello festival. Once Javier Pinell, Associate Professor of violin, arrived, they decided to make it an encompassing event for string instruments. The Symphony Orchestra will kick off this year’s festival with a concert in the Performing Arts Center concert hall on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Guest violinist and member of the Houston Symphony, Ferenc Illenyi, will give a free workshop titled “Crossing Over Musical Styles” at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The workshop will
Photo courtesty of Javier Pinell
TALNETED YOUTH: Young guest cellist Serafim Smigelskiy will be perfoming Russian and classical pieces on Sunday at 4 p.m.
feature discussion over classical music, blues and jazz styles for violin, followed by a guest recital at 2 p.m. featuring expert
pieces from Illenyi with pianist Scott Holhauser. At 4 p.m. on Sunday, young guest artist Serafim Smigelskiy will give a cello
Photo courtesty of Javier Pinell
VIRTUOSO: A native of Hungary, guest violinist Ferenc Illenyi has performed all over the world and has been a member of the Houston Symphony since 1991.
recital with Anna Smigelskaya on piano that will feature modern Russian pieces in addition to music
from classical composers such as Bach and Beethoven. The Festival of Strings
will conclude on Monday with a faculty chamber recital at 7:30 p.m. “They (the workshops) will give students a chance to hear great playing and ask questions,” Pinell said. “They will be exposed to different styles and that makes their education better rounded.” According to Pinell, this year’s festival was geared toward meeting students’ desire to learn about different styles and repertoire for string instruments. Also, Pinell hopes to bring awareness of the arts and the wide array of music at SHSU to not only students, but to the Huntsville community as well. “We want people to enjoy the music and let the community at large know about the arts,” said Pinell. Tickets for the Symphony Orchestra Concert are $17 for general admission and $14 for SHSU students. All other performances are free and will be held in the PAC Recital Hall. For more information, contact the School of Music at 936294-1360.
Florence + The Machine What’s on your playlist? evolves with “Ceremonials” Houstonian staff answers By George Mattingly
Arts & Entertainment Editor
With their unique blend of harp, piano, eerie sound effects and intoxicating drum beats, the new album “Ceremonials” by Florence + The Machine is anything but a sophomore slump. The sound of the album stays true to the group: a mix of soul, pop and rock while still conveying growth and evolution since their first album, “Lungs”, released in 2009. Singer Florence Welch uses her voice to take her songs to the next level, and the results are unlike anything else from any other artist. At times her voice is very vulnerable and echoing like in “Breaking Down” while at other times her vocal chords scream with power and emotion like in the single “Shake it Out”. She mixes that emotion with her blend of sounds to produce an amazing album that is unique to anything heard on the radio. What makes this album different from the last is the evolution of the music and a consistent theme that is dark and reflected in the lyrics of several songs. There are moments where you think you can predict what sounds are going to come next in a song, and then they change into something new and keep you guessing. “Ceremonials” explores the use of strong drum beats throughout the album that become prominent each song. They make the listener want to dance in some songs while adding drama to the music in others that make for a very ethereal feel. The effect is very alluring to the ears. The harp and piano have
George Mattingly | The Houstonian
A STRONG MESSAGE: Florence + The Machine blends their unique style of music with a strong theme in “Ceremonials”. The Deluxe Edition of the album is currenly the second top-selling album on iTunes.
always been a large part of the music for Florence + The Machine and this album features an evolution of those sounds to bring new sensations to the songs. In “Seven Devils,” the harp and piano are haunting and mysterious while being big and powerful in others. I have always been a fan of Florence’s lyrics because they are like poetry and have a message behind them. This album is no different. Throughout the album there is a recurring theme of death with several references to drowning and water. In “What the Water Gave Me,” Florence sings, “lay me down, let the only sound be the overflow, pockets full of stones.” In “Never Let Me Go,”,she sings of death by drowning as an escape “All the pressure is hard to
take. It is the only way I can escape. It seems a heavy choice to make.” Although they seem gloomy, other songs tie the theme together like “Shake it Out” where she addresses shedding parts of the past in order to become stronger directly in the chorus with the lyrics: “It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back, so shake him off.” By the end of the album, her message is clear: we must all give in to our own vulnerability in order to become stronger. The message screams of rebirth and that is what makes every song worth listening to because there is something everyone can relate to. Go buy this album. It has a powerful message behind it and conveys a blend of sounds that will leave you thinking. You will not be disappointed.
Christian Pratt | The Houstonian
THE HOUSTONIAN SHUFFLE: The Houstonian staff has picked our last played songs from our iTunes. Go take a listen and let us know what you think! COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK breckenridge
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Sports
Page 5 Thursday, November 3, 2011
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Kats look to remain unbeaten
By Zach Birdsong Sports Editor
Coming off a seemingly easy win against Lamar, 66-0, the football team prepares to take their perfect record on the road against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions this weekend. Sam Houston (8-0, 5-0 in SLC) is looking to start the year with nine straight wins, the first time since 1956. In this week’s Sports Network FCS rankings, the Kats were ranked number four and received one first place vote. Southeastern Louisiana (2-6, 0-4 in SLC) is coming off a loss to Central Arkansas, 55-29. The Lions are ranked number 13 in the country offensively, averaging just over 319 yards passing a game. They are led by quarterback Brian Young, and this season he has thrown for 2,245 yards, 11 touchdowns and has completed 58 percent of his passes. The Lions also feature three wide receivers: with over 500 yards this season. Receiver Brandon Collins leads the way for the team with 684 yards and five touchdowns this season. Collins is also averaging over 85 yards a game. “They are very explosive,” SHSU head coach Willie Fritz said. “They have some guys that can turn a five yard catch into a 50 yard touchdown. You just look at the numbers and you can understand just how dangerous they are.” So far this season, the SHSU defense ranks second in the country and is allowing 55 yards rushing and 204 yards passing a game. “On defense, those corners and defensive backs are doing a great job of locking you down,” Lions head coach Mike Lucas said. “We’re living on
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
HARRASMENT. SHSU Linebacker Kash David (47) forces Lamar quarterback Andre Bevil into fumbling the ball. Kats linebacker J.T. Cleveland (59) recovered the ball.
throwing the football right now, so we’ve got to find ways to get our guys open and get our quarterback time to throw. It’s going to be very, very difficult for us.” While the Lions have a powerful offense, their defense has struggled and ranks 112th in the FCS, and been one reason they are winless in the Southland Conference. The Kats are looking to exploit the Lions rushing defense as they allow 238 yards a game on the ground. The ground game for the Kats ranks seventh in the country, averaging over 255 yards a game. Running back Tim Flanders leads the way for the Kats, and this season has gained 811 yards, and scored 16 touchdowns. Out of the “Wild Bearkat”
formation, wide receiver Richard Sincere has also contributed 465 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Brian Bell has also done his job, throwing for 1106 yards, 10 touchdowns and completing 67 percent of his passes. More importantly, Bell has not thrown an interception this season. “This week is very scary with Sam Houston coming to town,” Lucas said. “They’re fun to watch. The way they play offense, they get after it. Sincere and Flanders are as dominating as guys in this league as I’ve seen in a long time, and Bell does a great job of running the show.” With the Lions being winless, the Kats might be tempted to overlook them, however according to Fritz, they won’t overlook them.
“Our goal each and every week is to be 1-0,” Fritz said. “We’re not concerned about what happened in the past, we’re concerned about the upcoming opponent.” “I’ve been around the
game quite a bit, and if you’re dwelling too much on past success or failures, you’re going to run into another failure the next week. Our kids have embraced that and
our coaches have done a good job of preparing them each and every week of the challenge ahead.” Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Hammond, La.
Volleyball preps for last home stand, senior day
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
CELEBRATION. Seniors Carli Kolbe (6), Kim Black (5), Junior Jamie Haas (2) and sophmore Kelli Stewart (8) celebrate a point against UTA. The Kats won in three sets.
By Cheval John Sports Reporter
It will be a bittersweet moment for four Bearkat seniors as the volleyball team will play their final home matches against the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners on Thursday and Texas A&MCorpus Christi Islanders on Saturday. Senior outside hitter Carli Kolbe has had 1,461 kills, 1,188 digs and 194 blocks during her four-year
career as a Bearkat, and was a two-time, first-team, All-Southland Conference selection. “Carli is one of the most complete players we’ve had here at Sam Houston,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “She is a fierce competitor who keeps her game at a high level and raises the level of her teammates.” Senior middle blocker Kim Black has 97 total blocks. She is ranked 6th all-time in Bearkat history with 335 and was an All-
Southland Conference honorable mention selection last season. “Kim has developed over the years into one of the top blockers in the Southland Conference,” Gray said. She is a true competitor and a team player who wants the best for this program.” Fifth-year senior setter Kym Loving has 3,600 career assists and is ranked fifth among Bearkats in assists. “Kym knows what it takes to be successful in the
Southland Conference,” Gray said. “She has evolved into a true leader on and off the floor.” Senior defensive specialist Courtney Laskowski has 323 digs and 56 assists for her career. She has earned academic honors of the Southland Conference Commissioners Academic Honor Roll. “Courtney is one of those players who always put the team first,” Gray said. “She provides lots of energy on the floor.” The Kats are in third place in the West Division in the Conference with a 7-5 record and 13-12 overall. They will be facing a Roadrunner team that is first in the West Division of the Conference with a 12-0 record and 18-8 overall. They are on a 12 gamewinning streak and have swept their opponents during that span. The team totals 1,259 kills for the season, with junior outside hitter Whitney Walls leading them with 262 kills. The Kats will also host the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on Saturday. The Islanders are 5-7 in conference play and 13-16 overall. They have a total of 1,307 kills for the season, averaging 11.67 kills per set. “We are trying to focus one game at a time,” Carli Kolbe said. “We want to make the best of it and do good for our team.” The Bearkats will face UTSA on Thursday night at 7 p.m and Texas A&MCorpus Christi Islanders on Saturday at 2 p.m.