The Houstonian

Vol 114 — Issue 29

Huntsville, Texas

WEATHER FOR DECEMBER 3, 2009

Partly Cloudy High: 54 degrees Low: 37 degrees

Thursday, December 3, 2009

FEATURE PRESENTATION

INDEX

Nation & World...page 4

Entertainment editor Kevin Jukkola reveals the results of his weekly poll.

Opinions................page 2

Entertainment........page 5

SEE page 5

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

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

Student Regent applications available Applications are now available online at http://www.tsus.edu/regents/index.html for students interested in applying for The Texas State University System’s (TSUS) student regent position.

The student regent is a non-voting participant on the Board of Regents representing the students of each TSUS component institution.

The student regent serves a one-year term beginning on June 1 and ending May 31 of the following year. Completed applications must be turned into the Office of the Vice President for Student Services

by Wednesday, December 9. If you would like more information, please contact 936-294-3820.

For more information on The Texas State University System, visit the following website at http:// www.tsus.edu/.

Today’s issue is the last issue of the fall 2009 semester. However, the first issue for the spring 2010 semester will be Thursday, Jan. 14. Any inquiries for advertising should be sent to advertise@ shsu.edu. Any story ideas should be sent to scm_pkz@shsu.edu.

The following letter was addressed to the SHSU community from Dr. Ken Craycraft.

TREE OF LIGHT CEREMONY

Presidential Search Committee Announced

Ringing in the holiday season

When President Gaertner announced his plans to retire on August 31, 2010, the faculty, staff and students of Sam Houston State University (SHSU) were asked to nominate individuals to serve on the presidential search committee. We are pleased to report that there were 255 nominations for the 13 at-large positions to be named (board reserves three positions for sitting regents).

On Monday, November 23, 2009, The Honorable Ron Blatchley, Chairman of the Board of Regents, Texas State University System, asked that the following individuals be invited to serve as members. We are pleased to report that his invitations to serve were accepted.

Regents: Ron Mitchell, Search Committee Chair Charlie Amato Michael Truncale

Faculty: Gaylene Armstrong Caroline Castillo Crimm Mark Frank Michelle Mullins Debra Price Sergio Ruiz Staff: Somer Franklin Jaimie Hebert Frank Parker Student: Ryan Bridges Alumni/Community: Jane Monday Danny Pierce John Hoyt The first task of the search committee will be to develop a position announcement. Throughout the entire search process, there will be many opportunities for your input. Regent Blatchley encourages each of you to remain engaged and to provide feedback as the opportunities arise.

Dean offers eating tips for busy students

By SHSU Public Relations

Changing weather, approaching holidays and final examinations just around the corner affect more than just a student’s stress level.

People consume about 200 calories more in the fall, not including holiday eating, and because of all the risks associated with weight gain, John de Castro, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Sam Houston State University and an expert on eating habits, offers some simple tips that even the busiest of students can follow: Pay attention to what you’re eating From television to stress, “distracters” can significantly increase the amount of food one consumes in a sitting. Distracters are anything that take your attention away from what you are doing.

“It turns out that not only do you eat more when you’re around people, the more people you’re eating with, the more you eat,” de Castro said. “When you eat with other people, you eat on average 44 percent more than when you eat alone.

When you eat with a large group, that goes up to about 76 percent more.”

When people eat in groups, they eat for a longer period of time because conversation serves as a distracter in the same way that eating while watching TV does.

“Students tell me that when they were with other people they eat less, not more. It turns out that they do eat more,” he said.

“They’re remembering what I call ‘first-date phenomenon’ where they go out to dinner with someone and they reduce their intake to give the impression of not

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

Spreading holiday cheer. SHSU President, Dr. James Gaertner, shares insight into the ceremony at the 89 Annual Tree of Light ceremony. Many students were on hand to welcome in the holiday season, as well as gather for some food and hor chocolate.

89 years of tradition was illuminated last night at the Tree of Light ceremony where students of Sam Houston joined together to spread the Christmas cheer.

Senior Reporter With candles lit, students drank hot chocolate and cider, munched on cookies, and listened to the holiday music provided by the SHSU Music Department. The Good Shepherd Mission collected cans, while organizations and members of the Sam Houston and Huntsville community trimmed the tree with ornaments. Organizations present included Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Colleges Against Cancer, Alpha Lambda Delta and many more.

The night ended with the echo Jingle Bells and car keys in the air as students left with a little bit of holiday joy to lighten the stress of finals.

By Kristin Meyer

being an overeater.

“But, how many first dates are there? The vast majority of meals that people eat are with people they’re totally comfortable with and have long since given up any pretense,” de Castro said.

The same is true for stress, which can affect students differently—some “stress eat,” while others reduce their intake.

“Students in particular, when they’re studying late at night, tend to snack while they’re studying. They keep on eating because they’re staying up later,” he said.

“When people are really under stress, it’s a distracter; they’re not paying attention to what they’re eating but are paying attention to whatever the source of that stress is.”

de Castro said. “I found in my research, the more people eat in the morning, the less they will eat over the entire day.”

Speculation for this points to daily biological rhythms: even when people have a large meal in the evenings, they will often have another snack a short time afterward out of habit; but this doesn’t happen in the mornings, de Castro said.

“When people diet, one of the first things they do is restrict their intake in the morning, which is absolutely the wrong thing to do,” he said. “The place they need to restrict their intake is in the evening; that’s when people overeat. To approach the evening and restrict your intake, you have to have eaten well beforehand.”

Grab an apple instead of

Eat a good breakfast “It sounds like what mom— See FINALS, page 4 ma told you, but it is true,”

A&M professor to reveal cell effect on disorders

By Jennifer Gauntt

SHSU Public Relations

Hongmin Qin, assistant professor of biology at Texas A&M University, will discuss her research on cells and cell health on Thursday (Dec. 3).

The SHSU Biological Science Department Seminar Series lecture will be held from 4-5 p.m. in Lee Drain Building Room 214.

Qin’s research focuses on cilia, “cellular structures that are important for functions such as cell-to-cell communication, control of cell division, and maintenance of cell health,” according to Anne Gaillard, SHSU assistant professor of cell biology.

“More specifically, she will explain how these structures

are assembled, and how defects in the assembly process can cause disorders such as blindness, kidney malfunction and obesity,” Gaillard said.

Qin has been a part of the TAMU faculty since 2006.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Shandong University in China and her doctorate in genetics from the Institute of — See PROFESSOR, page 4

OPINIONS

Page 2 The Houstonian

A special message from The Houstonian

The Rostrum

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: As this is our last issue of the semester, it’s traditional for our graduating seniors to write and print goodbye letters. This December, our Editor-in-Chief, Kristina Salazar, and myself, Addison Reed, are in such a position. Hopefully you won’t mind taking a break from the usual banter on this page to help the two of us look back as we share memories and thanks for our time here at SHSU.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

Traditional Irish Blessing

Addison Reed Opinions Editor

The road goes on forever and the party never ends.

Addison Reed bids a fond farewell to Huntsville and Sam Houston State.

It’s funny how I ended up writing this farewell letter to my friends and my time here at Sam Houston. I honestly never thought coming out of high school that I would end up in an editor’s chair on the second floor of the Dan Rather building writing and looking over columns about everything from the health care debate to what Brad Basker does in his spare time (you can’t imagine the terror).

I’ll spare you my personal story, but suffice it to say, it’s been a hell of a ride and I’m happy that I ended up where I have. My time here has been everything college was supposed to be, and perhaps now more than ever I understand what my parents and everyone else always said about college being the best time of your life. I have truly loved every minute of it.

Naturally, I can’t leave without saying a few words about the staff here at The Houstonian, my friends from debate and elsewhere, and even a professor or two.

First, my friends here at the paper.

To Joe Buvid, the best damn photographer I’ve ever met.

We’ve become fast friends over the last semester. It’s not easy to

find someone with your experience and commitment to your opinions and ideas. I’d tell you to stay true, but I know that won’t be a problem for you.

Thanks for the good times both in the office and at the bar(s), my friend.

To Lotis Butchko, who knows that there is no such things as stories about sports, only stories about people. I’m honestly not sure that I’ve ever met anyone who’s as awful at news writing, but as good at profiles as you are. I’ve meet more than one person with your personality, but you’re the only one I’ve actually become friends with.

Thank you for that.

To Meagan Ellsworth, the best looking reporter on campus.

You know more about newspapers than anyone here, save Ms. Zeigler. I have no doubt that you have a fantastic career ahead of you. Thank you for your commitment to ethics and your knowledge, yes, but more so for always lightening the mood and keeping us on a leash.

To Heath Wierck, our illustrious copy-editor. Your twang and taste of music don’t match, but your rolling around in an office chair and random insults at Kevin provided endless enter-

tainment. Lord knows someone needs to take him down a peg.

To the aforementioned Kevin Jukkola, who uses more big words in his writing than I do.

I’ve never seen anyone contort themselves to the positions sitting in an office chair than you.

Just remember, not everything that people say is subtly racist.

Also, thanks for your random insults at Heath. Lord knows someone needs to take him down a peg.

To Kristina Salazar, our distinguished editor-in-chief and the only other graduate on staff.

Thanks for putting up with my big mouth, my country music on the computer, my fiery opinions, and for granting me the freedom to be creative. Hope you had as good a time as the rest of us did and good luck.

To Ms. Patsy Zeigler, The Houstonian’s faculty adviser and oversight. There’s a reason I took about half of my Mass Communication classes from you. You’re a fantastic instructor, and your humor and experiences have taught not only those of us on staff, but all of those that came before us and will come after, so much about the business and how to become better writers. Thank you.

Even though this is starting to sound like an Oscar acceptance speech, I still couldn’t leave without saying a few words about a few of my very close friends in low places outside the newspaper.

To Jeremy Trepagnier, maker of the best burgers and steaks in Huntsville. Thank you for being the first person in my life to actually lighten me up and get me to open up more as a person. I cannot thank you enough for that, and I wouldn’t trade those beer-drinking nights on your porch for anything in the world. Here’s to many more, my friend.

To Ryan Bridges, most know you as the SGA President but I know you as a friend. You are both genuine and trustworthy.

It’s a shame I have to graduate just after you turned 21, but at least we’ll get a week or two of cigar smoking at the bar.

To Adam, Clayton, Jerusha, Grayson, De and Clyde, the founding members of the SHSU Speech and Debate Team. I’ll always look fondly on the early mornings, late nights, and absolutely miserable long drives that we’ve shared debating all across the country. We built something great here that will be a true leg-

Embarking on a new journey Kristina Salazar gives her many thanks and shares the question she aspires to fulfill Writing this farewell letter,

for teaching me great lessons

different way, and I thank you

to an end, but my college

I am filled with both sadness

and I had a blast listening to

for that.

career as well.

and

your music on our drive up to

eagerness.

Sadness

because it is the end of

Though

I

will

drive

all the editing you did for the

out of Huntsville with my

one chapter, and eagerness

Meagan Ellsworth: I have

paper. I know sometimes it

rock music blasting in the

because I am eager to see

had a blast knowing you. You

was rough. Also, thanks for

background, I know I will not

what the future holds.

are a great writer and have a

the great laughs in our English

be afraid, even though I don’t

great road ahead of you.

class, as well as the words of

know where the road of my

wisdom. Don’t forget to bring

life may lead.

However, I must say that

TIPA.

Heath Wierck: Thanks for

looking back upon my time at

Joe Buvid: Your photos,

Sam Houston, I like to think

especially your action shots

that because of the people I

for sports are incredible. I

Addison Reed: I enjoyed

have met, I have grown along

hope you weren’t mad when I

your special edition about

Jeremy

Piven’s

the way, starting with The

thought they were taken by a

the health care debate. I also

explains

to

Houstonian staff.

professional. That just simply

enjoyed our history class

that the Greeks never wrote

means that is how great and

together, as well as getting

obituaries. They only asked

well taken they were.

your input on the scheme of

one question when a man

things. It was enlightening.

died: Did he have passion?

Christi Laney: I want to first thank you for taking me

the coffee.

Watching

the

movie

Serendipity, I remember when John

character

Lotis Butchko: I have never

into the first meeting of the

seen anyone network the way

Ms. Ziegler: Thank you

I guess in a way, this

semester and said that I could

you can. The way you have

for allowing me to do what

farewell letter is a sort of

cover softball, knowing that

people call you back within a

I believed to be right for the

obituary because it is basically

I had no previous experience

matter of hours is incredible,

paper. I also thank you for

the ending of an important

whatsoever. The knowledge

plus the people you know are

your input on certain matters,

chapter of my life. However,

that you gave me and the

immense. Though we have

as well as places where I

I like to think that I did have

courage you helped me find

had a bumpy ride sometimes,

could improve upon.

passion, whether it was with

are immeasurable and the

I wish you all the best in your

simple words of “thank you”

future and your career.

will never be enough.

staff

the newspaper or my classes

members that I have worked

all

the

other

in general. It was passion that

great town, and a great experience. Also, thank you to all of you, my fellow Bearkats, for reading and supporting us at The Houstonian. We’re far from perfect, but for whatever it’s worth, we really do try and be the best that we can be.

And so we come to the end of a long letter, but hopefully you haven’t minded indulging me. I’ll leave SHSU with fond memories from great times and great friends. Life has a funny way of working itself out, and even though I never planned on coming here, as I’ve said, I couldn’t be happier that I did.

I hate that this part of my life is coming to an end, but I look to the uncertain future with the same attitude that I’ve developed in my time here: as the great Texas singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen puts it, “the road goes on forever and the party never ends.”

Addison Reed is now the former Opinions Editor for The Houstonian. He is a soon-to-be graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Mass Communication. He also needs a job.

From all of us at The Houstonian to all of you, we thank you for being supportive of us throughout this semester. Good luck on finals, happy holidays, and for those of you graduating, happy graduation and good luck to all of you!

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

Cusack

under your wing when I came

To

acy for all of us. I’ve been honored to be a part of it. Good luck to all of you and all the other present and future members of the team. Oh, and you too Alex, almost forgot you.

As for professors, special thanks to Mr. Jim Jones of the Mass Communication Department for his work as the Speech and Debate faculty sponsor.

How you make those drives all by yourself I have no idea, but I thank you for it.

Also, to Dr. Brian Domitrovic of the History Department, just like you asked me to, I read “Econoclasts,” yes, but Carl Menger too. Thanks for always having an open door so I can complain to someone about economics.

Finally, a special thanks to a former Bearkat, Jenny Swenson.

You were my first true friend here and always will be. What would I have done without you?

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart heart heart.

An extra word of thanks to the crew at the Stardust Room, my home away from home, my coworkers and bosses at Comfort Suites, for giving me a job and a great place to work, and everyone else here at Sam and in Huntsville for a great life, a

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

You

Kevin Jukkolla: I have

with at the paper, I want to

drove me, and it will continue

will always have a special

to say that it has been very

thank you to for all the lessons

to be passion that will drive

place in my heart.

intersting

you have taught me and the

me in this articulate and and

BUSINESS MANAGER

many laughs we’ve had.

once-in-a-lifetime experience

Tammie Nokes..................................................................936-294-1500

called life.

STAFF

Kristina Salazar is now the former Editor-in-chief. She is a soon-to-be graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a minor in English.

Brittaney Pires.....................................................Advertising Manager Samantha Berezowsky............................................Account Executive

Rachael Gleason: Thank you

for

Though we have differing viewpoints and disagree a

Graduating in December,

semester

lot of the times, I have to say

when New Year’s is not that

when you found out that I

that I couldn’t see myself not

far away, almost seems like

would be Editor-in-chief. It

having you as a friend. You

a cliche. However, I think it

really meant a lot.

have let me see viewpoints

has more meaning because not

of the world in a completely

only will the year be coming

last

boost

you.

of

confidence

your

knowing

Jenni Swenson: Thank you

Advertising

Advertising Deadlines

Tuesday’s Issue............... Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday’s Issue........... Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.

CAMPUS

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Road to Success shows no dead end Foreign language department professor receives unexpected recognition after many years of reaching personal goals and leading students in the right direction.

By Cheryl Smith Contributing Writer After successfully getting a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctoral Degree and then teaching at Sam Houston State University for 20 years, Kay Raymond, Ph.D, associate professor of Spanish and director of undergraduate studies in the foreign languages department continued her success with an honorable award.

The League of United Latin American Citizens awarded Raymond with the Community Amigo Award 2009 as Educator of the Year.

When she was awarded Educator of the Year by LULAC she did not expect it, “no, not at all,” Raymond said and with a chuckle, said “they did not even mention my name at the previous LULAC meeting.”

Raymond has been teaching at SHSU since 1989 and has been a member of LULAC for six years.

Here at SHSU she teaches Spanish and Latin American Literature.

“I really enjoy the students at Sam, they are the nicest I have ever taught,” Raymond said.

She also has worked with the International Hispanic Association and been their advisor since 1990.

“I found out about the award at the Banquet, I didn’t know I had received it until they called my name,” Raymond said.

John Escobedo, president of the Huntsville LULAC

chapter said, “Every year we recognize people who do things for the community, e s p e c i a l l y the Hispanic community.”

The LULAC chapter has been in Huntsville since the 1980’s. Their annual scholarship banquet was held in February.

The purpose of the LULAC organization is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States.

R a y m o n d , originally from Chicago, brought an impressive e d u c a t i o n a l background with her when she joined the SHSU faculty.

She received her Photo courtesy of SHSU Foreign Language Department Bachelor’s degree Driven: For going above and beyond, Professor Kay Raymond has from Radcliffe been selected as the Community Amigo Award 2009 as Educator of the Institute in Romance Year by the The League of United Latin American Citizens.

Languages and Literature.

Radcliffe Institute where Spanish was students. for advanced study is really relevant, so I “She is very a program offered by wanted to come to i n v o l v e d w i t h o u r Harvard University.

Texas,” Raymond said. youth, always doing She then received her What really motivates v o l u n t e e r w o r k . S h e Master’s degree from Raymond is the i s a m e n t o r t o h i g h Brown University in students, students,” Hispanic Literature, and “I really enjoy seeing s c h o o l then later went on to them become proud E s c o b e d o s a i d .

“She is very earn for Ph.D. at Indiana that they have learned University in Spanish. something,” Raymond d e s e r v i n g o f t h i s “When I got my Ph.D. added. award and it shows jobs were tight, I taught Escobedo spoke very i n h e r a c t i v i t i e s in Alabama, and that highly of Raymond and w i t h t h e s t u d e n t s . ” motivated me to teach her efforts with the

“I really enjoy the students at Sam, they are the nicest I have ever taught.”

THE

HOUSTONIAN

-Professor Kay Raymond

The Houstonian, Page 3

MAIN EVENT USA boxing transforms students to

warriors for Sigma Chi fundraising

fight night

By Michael Silva Staff Reporter The Sigma Chi fraternity will be holding their 56th annual Fight Night event this Friday night at Shenanigans.

Fight Night kicks off Friday, Dec. 4 from 8 p.m. until Shenanigans closes.

Tickets are $10 for pre-sale, $15 at the door, and $50 for VIP access.

Fight Night will feature live music and 12 fights between Sam Houston students. The event will also hold a “Smasher Car” event outside of Shenanigans for anyone who would like to partake in demolishing a car with a baseball bat for $5. All funds raised will be donated to families in need.

“We collect all of the money that we raise and give it to families in need,” Sigma Chi President Trey Bing, who is the main coordinator of the event, said. “Family Faith Church and the Lake Road Baptist Ministry each give us a family to sponsor.

Sigma Chi then donates Christmas gifts to these families as charity.

“In the past we donated to hurricane relief groups and safe houses. We were able to raise around 10 to $15 thousand.”

Sigma Chi teamed up this year with USA Boxing to bring forth the 56th year of Fight Night as Sam Houston State University. The event coordinators will also collect money from local businesses,

including the Exchange, the Arbors, Nutrition Central, and the Farmhouse Café.

The students fighting for Fight Night were chosen at the beginning of the semester from a group of people who signed up. USA Boxing provided the fighters with a free month of training leading up to the event for safety precautions.

Other precautions being held for the event include an on-site ambulance, paramedics, and trained USA Boxing officials.

“We wanted to take as many safety precautions as possible,” Fight Night assistant coordinator Erich Stolz said. “We had some injuries last year and our safety crew took care of everyone. We want to be as careful as possible this time around.”

Sigma Chi also looks to hold other fundraising events in the not-too-distant future.

Each semester, the fraternity holds a golf tournament open to anyone who would like to play. In the future, Sigma Chi looks to hold a running event to raise awareness for cancer.

The fraternity also has plans to hold an event for the passing of their brother Chris Pickren.

“Fight Night is just one of many events to come from Sigma Chi,” Bing said. “We want to stay active in the community and continue to help out as much as possible.”

Announcements

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Parent's Final's Relief: Free childcare for SHSU students while they study, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center. The SAM Center will provide free child care while you study Dec 12th at the LSC. Pre-registration is necessary. For more information or to register, call the Student Advising and Mentoring Center at 936.294.4444.

Information courtesty of Student Services, SHSU, and SHSU public rel at ions .

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Final Examinations Dec. 14-17th MA C Aw ard Ban q u et : o r i g i n a l l y

s c h e d u l e d f o r M o n d a y, D e c . 7 , c a n c e l l e d .

T h u r s d a y,

D e c .

3

5:00 pm -9:45 pm : 6:00 pm -8:00 pm : Vertical Happy Hour Texas Hold’em Rec. Sports Center LSC Kat Klub Climbing Wall Open to all students, faculty Free Climbing each and staff.

Thursday.

Contact Information: Contact Information: Gary Roark Rec Sports Office 936-294-1985 936-294-1722

F r i d a y ,

D e c .

4

12:30 pm -1:30 pm : ELI Cultural Exchange Picnic at Sam Houston Museum Pond The SHSU English Language Institute is beginning a new cultural exchange program to provide an opportunity for our international students to meet local people and learn about our culture. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to the Sam Houston Museum Pond (along Sam Houston Avenue across from campus) and meet with students from a variety of different countries all around the world.

We plan to continue these picnics every Friday throughout the rest of the semester, except for holidays.

In the event of rain, we will be allowed to hold the picnic on the first floor of the Walker Education Center on 19th St. Contact Information: James Moore 936-294-3446, esl@shsu.edu

Page 4 The Houstonian

From FINALS page 1

a doughnut The density of food plays an important role in weight gain.

Calorically-dense foods include things such as meats and pastries.

“It’s not the case of don’t eat high density foods, but when you do, eat just a little bit,” he said.

Stay away from fast food This includes restaurant eating in general, because “fast foods” tend to be dense and presented in large quantities.

“For students most of the time restaurant eating is fast food,” de Castro said.

“Whenever people eat outside of the home, they eat much more.”

De Castro recommends preparing large amounts of the meals you cook on the weekends and then storing servings in the freezer to thaw out during the week or sharing home-cooked meals with other people.

“Share preparing meals with friends, in the sense that one person can cook one day, someone else the next, and rotating around,” he said.

Watch your portions One of the biggest problems with restaurant meals is the gigantic portions served.

“You think you’re getting your money’s worth, but it’s giving you much more food than you need,” he said.

One strategy to deal with this is to eat only half of what is offered and take the rest home to eat another day.

In addition, over the years, portion sizes have increased tremendously, as a colleague of de Castro’s found when he did a comparison between portion sizes between France and Philadelphia.

Watch what you eat, particularly on weekends “People eat considerably more on the weekends than they do during the week— on average about 200 calories a day more on the weekends than they do during the week,” de Castro said, adding that this includes Friday as well.

While alcohol can account for some of the additional calories consumed, beverages with sugar or alcohol don’t displace calories, so they’re added on top of what you normally eat.

“There is no difference between how much you would eat in a meal if you had a glass of water versus if you had a beer; you’d eat the exact same amount,” de Castro said. “So the calories in the beer just get added on

NATION & WORLD

top of it all and end up increasing the energy value of the meal.”

Be mindful of what you eat While this may seem like the tip about avoiding distracters, simply paying attention when you chew your food can make a difference, de Castro said.

Exercise, even minimally “Most modern day Americans expend virtually nothing,” de Castro said. “Their total expenditure for the day is pretty close to their resting metabolic rate, which means they’ve expended nothing other than just sitting.”

De Castro recommends the “pedometer routine,” challenging students to take 10,000 steps in one day, or building up to that.

“You don’t have to run a marathon, just increase your everyday activity,” he said.

Educate yourself “There is a huge lack of knowledge or understanding,” he said. “What people believe to be true frequently is not and their understanding of foods that are healthful and those that are not is incorrect.”

While as many as 10 percent of college women have or are practicing bulimia as a way of controlling caloric intake, which includes overexercising, and the number of students who suffer from anorexia is immeasurable due to the secrecy of the disease, there are “better ways of controlling weight than this,” according to de Castro.

“One of the best programs I’ve seen for diet restraint is one that recommends simply that you change your intake expenditure balance by 200 calories a day,” he said.

“Reduce your intake by 100 calories, and that could be just dropping out one soda, or increase your expenditure by 100 calories, just walking a little bit more.

“The whole notion is to do it over a long period of time and not to do it quickly, because rapid weight loss diets do not work, in the sense of keeping weight off for a sustained period of time. They can work for dropping weight quickly, but that weight’s put right back on very quickly too.”

In addition, the people you hang out with can make a difference.

“There is a factor called modeling: if you eat with someone who’s overeating, you overeat; if you eat with someone who’s a very restrained eater, you’re more restrained,” de Castro said.

“So one way of trying to control your intake is to eat with people you know who eat in moderation.”

Smither Company .com

1 & 2 & 3 BEDROOM LOFTS, HOUSES, APARTMENTS Visit Our Website For All Listings

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From PROFESSOR page 1

Microbiology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Qin also did postdoctoral

work

Nontraditional window display in NYC

at

Yale University.

Held each Thursday, the seminar series is intended for the public and addresses current research being conducted by a guest professor in a way that the general public can understand.

For more information, contact Chad Hargrave, assistant professor of biological sciences, at 936.294.1543.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

(AP) — Tradition is taking a back seat at a window display on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan this holiday season.

Directly across the street from the traditional Lord & Taylor holiday windows that attract families is a more edgy display.

It's not X-rated — just XOXO. That's the name of the clothing line being advertised in a storefront, with one young woman stripping to her underwear while another sends text messages or applies makeup.

Carol Powley created the window for the California-based company

and calls it "a play on voyeurism."

"You are looking into the life of a young woman, her apartment, her beauty," Powley said.

The scantily clad models were hired to appear in the leased window space for 10 days.

For model Helene Traasavik, it's nothing unusual.

"It's what I do every day at home," she says — dressing, texting and "just hanging out."

But there's one difference.

"I've got an audience," Traasavik said.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

The Houstonian, Page 5

SPECIAL EDITION

The Best Films of the Decade Over the past decade, the cinematic landscape has been forever altered by the exquisite craftsmanship of talented filmmakers whose unique visions have continuously inspired various audiences, both intellectually and emotionally. The impact of these artists’ work is immeasurable because these movies must be analyzed through their perpetual impression on the culture and each individual filmgoer, rather than some arbitrary box office figure. Personally, I believe the future of cinema is in great hands, with young filmmakers continuing the pursuit of their initially stellar careers and legends creating masterpieces that enhance their foundation in the history of movies. Although many courageous and revolutionary films affected me immensely in ways that previously seemed impossible, there were ten movies that did this better than all the others. Here are the ten best films of the decade, in order of preference.

1. Monster’s Ball (2001) Easily the best and most emotionally challenging film of the decade, “Monster’s Ball” is a harrowing and hopeful story of two people desperate to make a connection with immense obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton, in two great performances as Leticia and Hank, never deviate from the consistently somber, yet optimistic tone. The story unfolds revelations beautifully, with tragedy being the common denominator that could eventually lead to a discovery of hope. Marc Forster’s film makes stark and unambiguous statements about racism, poverty and class, the death penalty, and the omnipresent nature of abuse without lecturing or struggling for authenticity. Through their experiences, these people become better as exhibited by subtle gestures sometimes known only to them. The ending shows the growth in Leticia and her newly found resolve to choose the possibility of perpetual happiness over the certainty of never-ending loneliness.

Kevin Jukkola

Entertainment Editor

and make the best life decisions. “Sideways” ends in the same manner as it begins because the universal themes it explores are forever ongoing in various lives as long as relationships blossom and evolve.

4. Crash (2005) Paul Haggis co-wrote and directed a frank assessment of the prevalent racism that still plagues our society, while quietly acknowledging the immense progress that has been made. The film tells the interlocking stories of people of different races whose prejudices are uncovered because of either misunderstandings or actions that are escalated into incidents because of the discriminatory attitudes of those involved. “Crash” pulls no punches with its subject matter, containing neither perfect heroes nor wholly evil villains.

These are real people with genuine flaws who, as the film argues, must first identify their cancerous racist attitudes before they can hope to confront them.

5. Brokeback Mountain (2005) “Brokeback Mountain” is one of the greatest and most passionate forbidden love stories ever filmed. It deals with connections that are still largely prohibited in an society between two cowboys, played with remarkable delicacy

by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, whose love seems like a futile enterprise because of their inability to cherish the flourishing relationship. The poetic story illuminates an intolerant world that makes all of these people victims, and the epic filmmaking style is still tender and reflective enough to understand the universal tragedy of unfulfilled desires from perceived differences.

6. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

10. A History of Violence (2005) This is a spellbinding thriller and an exceptional meditation on the primal nature of people that forces them to resort to violence in solving problems without first drawing on the compassion derived from their humanity. Viggo Mortenson gives an extraordinarily complex portrait of Tom Stall, a man whose past transgressions begin to haunt and expose the true nature of his character. Maria Bello, William Hurt, Ed Harris, and Ashton Holmes are all tremendous in their respective roles, but the impressive craftsmanship of David Cronenberg closely highlights important themes that give the story an intricacy rarely permitted among thrillers.

2. The Wrestler (2008) Darren Aronofsky’s film is a flawless masterpiece that follows the tumultuous times of Randy “the Ram” Robinson, played by Mickey Rourke in perhaps the best individual performance of the decade. Randy is attempting to reconnect with his daughter, cherish a flourishing relationship with a local stripper, and find a peaceful balance with the ability to change but not the desire. The handheld camera and gruff look illustrates the harsh and unforgiving realities these characters inhabit, and the terrific performances enhance the vivid pollution of these people’s souls. These people are emotionally naked to the audience, and every moment is significant in recording the inevitable march to judgment day when Randy’s trespasses will be catalogued with nobody standing in his corner.

3. Sideways (2004) Clint Eastwood’s best film is a heartbreaking story of loss, sacrifice, determination, and, ultimately, love. Hillary Swank plays Maggie Fitzgerald, a female boxer who simply wishes to ascend from the life of despair and denigration to a societal place where she is respected as a courageous champion. Clint Eastwood is her trainer, Frankie Dunn, whose immense guilt for an unknown past transgression plagues his every decision and movement in the present.

Morgan Freeman also has an important part in enhancing the relationship between the two, and Eastwood’s direction is exquisite and perfectly measured.

There was asinine controversy over the ending after the film was released because of the ignorant belief that it supported a particular point of view of a contentious issue.

“Million Dollar Baby” is not interested in playing politics with its ending, but is completely immersed in illustrating complex characters who make realistic, painful decisions in the context of the agonizing information they are provided.

7. Monster (2003) Charlize Theron perfectly embodies Aileen Wuornos in Patty Jenkins’ brutally honest portrait of the first documented female serial killer in American history. Although her superb performance is essential in creating the disturbing atmosphere of the story, the film stands on its own as an accurate depiction of events that seemed incomprehensible and becomes understandable, but nonetheless tragic, as the end of her life is painfully, mercilessly chronicled. The great feat of “Monster” is intimately focusing on the humanity of Wuornos, which includes a wonderful scene at the skating rink that briefly examines her dreams, without condoning any of her actions. The film is uncompromising and unblinkingly dark, believing that the best day in Wuornos’ life was most definitely her last.

Hilariousness and poignancy are pervasive in Alexander Payne’s simple tale of two men on a final trip in the California wine country before one of them gets married.

Paul Giamatti, one of the best actors working today, initially exhibits a pillar of pessimism that overwhelms his insecurities as Miles and Thomas Haden Church is Jack, a person whose sunny disposition is a rouse for the childlike behavior and emotional immaturity that constitute his life. The story is about whether Miles, who lives vicariously through Jack, will grow enough as a person to pursue a relationship with Maya, played with unmatched believability by Virginia Madsen, and if Jack will become enough of an adult to take responsibility for his mistakes

8. City of God (2003) This Brazilian film by Fernando Meirelles has the kinetic energy and pacing of “GoodFellas” and the bleak, but realistic, vision of otherworldly destitutions in “Slumdog Millionaire.” It tells the story of a child who views unimaginable horror growing up and believes this to be standard, while continuing to mature as a person with real morals that are unwavering. The film does an outstanding service in outlining the complexities of the manner in which gangsters, drug dealers, and thieves, mostly children, are forced to defend and protect members of the surrounding community because of the corrupt law enforcement, while being the main cause of the seemingly endless escalation of violence. “City of God” is fascinating throughout, while also being exciting and pensive, riveting and thoughtful sometimes simultaneously, and clearly one of the best and most powerful experiences of the decade.

9. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) An inspirational tale that is also a realistic depiction of the pervasive poverty in the slums of India, Danny Boyle’s tour de force is both a touching love story and exciting thriller. Its brisk pace seizes for genuine moments of tearful and poignant subtleties, with the characters understanding the most humane course of action that must be taken. The story holds the belief that beginning from the depths of hell does not prevent someone from achieving a sense of heaven in a more spiritual than financial manner. It is also about how a type of brilliance can be found from unpredictable places and the underdog story is a reminder that paradise is attainable with an ardent desire for a better life, even for a slumdog.

Here are other great films that missed the list: 11. Far From Heaven (2002) 12. Mystic River (2003) 13. Juno (2007) 14. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) 15. No Country for Old Men (2007) 16. Adaptation (2002) 17. The Departed (2006) 18. Gangs of New York (2002) 19. Minority Report (2002) 20. Munich (2005) 21. Gone Baby Gone (2007) 22. Revolutionary Road (2008) 23. Little Children (2006) 24. Once (2007) 25. About Schmidt (2005) 26. Half Nelson (2006) 27. Matchstick Men (2003) 28. Junebug (2005) 29. Cinderella Man (2005) 30. The Woodsman (2004) There are many other films that deserved to be honored and remembered as treasures that will continue to influence the ongoing maturation of the cinematic landscape. The hope is that the next decade will maintain the persistence in fruitfully expanding the ability for filmmakers to express their uninhibited and innovative visions, while providing the same avenue of acceptance for new ideas as the previous ten years.

SPORTS

Page 6 The Houstonian

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Who’s it going to be?

Brandon Scott

Contributing Writer

The Houstonian has selected five candidates we feel would fit the job for the Sam Houston State head coaching position. While there have been many inquiries for the job, a formal list has not been released.

Brad Franchione Head Coach Blinn College

Chris Thomsen Head Coach Abilene Christian University

Don Carthel Head Coach West Texas A&M University

Neal Brown Offensive Coordinator Troy University

Dana Holgorsen Offensive Coordinator University of Houston

The Houstonian will not be running the second part of the Anna Ferguson story.