TODAY’S FORECAST HI: 70o LOW: 56o
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Taylor Swift and LL Cool J perform together at the Grammy nominations
Chance of Rain:
20%
Parents, HKC set to help students during finals week activities
Volume 122 / Issue 28
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Likens: Sasquatch DNA unlikely to have been discovered by Texan
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Thursday, December 6, 2012
President, Provost roundtable addresses: GEORGE MATTINGLY News Editor The discussion between faculty and administrators turned into a debate about the importance of online learning at Sam Houston State University in the final President and Provost Roundtable Discussion on Tuesday. President Dana Gibson and Provost for Academic Affairs Jaimie Hebert led the discussion, which was a follow-up to a previous roundtable on innovation in October. Several faculty members expressed concerns over losing face-to-face interactions with students and translating a lecture course into a successful online course. Dana Nicolay, professor in the dance department, said that engagement with the computer can have a negative impact on education. “I’m concerned about the art of teaching and the human contact that goes on. I know with some our graduate students, the engagement with the computer screen helps them get through it [the course]
fast, but there’s a good deal of the educational process that doesn’t happen.” However, Gibson countered, noting that online education is not meant for the typical undergraduate student. “Online education in its basic format is not targeted to 18 to 22 year olds,” Gibson said. “It’s to working professionals and to graduate students who are working. So we have to encourage and advise our students to take the appropriate course to make them successful….It’s not one size fits all.” Other faculty members seemed uneasy about how to translate a lecture course into a successful online course. “It’s difficult to teach online because we have a good course, and we upload a 75 minute lecture and upload all files [for the course], but no student will listen to that,” Edward Blackburne, Chair and Professor of Economics, said. “It’s difficult for us because we haven’t been formally trained in it…What we need to do is collapse [courses] into smaller modules.” Daphne Johnson, Chair of Curriculum and Instruction, agreed and noted the importance of breaking up a
course i n t o
smaller modules and assessing it slowly as professors teach them.
However, Bun lady offered a solution to these different challenges by combining online and face to face education in what she called a “hybrid” course. “This semester I’ve done a mix of course,” Jennifer Didier, assistant professor of health and
Stephen Green | The Houstonian
kinesiology, said. “I give them options. I require them to come to class on Tuesdays. On Thursdays, it’s strict lecture so they can watch the lecture online or come see me.” “It’s gone very well so far so that is another option,” she said.
University Open House celebrates holidays
However, Gibson noted it was important to continue to assess these programs to maintain success. A Page Glave, assistant professor of health and —
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NATION & WORLD Guatemala detains software protection pioneer John McAfee John McAfee, computer software pioneer, was detained in Guatemala and could possibly be deported to Brazil, according to Guatemalan officials. He is wanted for questioning in connection with the death of his neighbor. Frankie Muniz has ‘mini-stroke’
George Mattingly | The Houstonian
MCKINZIE BROCAIL Senior Reporter A festive scene of holiday cheer overtook the Lowman Student Center Ballroom for the annual LSC Holiday Open House on Wednesday.
Poinsettias, boughs of garland, wreaths and a towering Christmas tree adorned the Ballroom as students, faculty and staff filtered throughout getting foods and goodies of the season. Several said the event was a perfect segue into the holiday break, especially after the mid-
eighty degree temperatures that have been keeping feelings of winter away. “This definitely got me back in the Christmas spirit,” Tanya Crowe, education freshman, said. “The cold weather definitely came at the right time.” To warm up from the brisk
weather, there was steaming coffee, wassail and cider, as well as chilled orange punch for those who were already toasty. The Sam Houston State University student jazz band and a trombone quartet played songs
potential of other people to get a hold of their information. “I think that’s a little creepy”, Jacquelyn Vasquez, a junior student, said. Other students felt the new feature was pointless. “I just feel that it’s just an unnecessary thing to have really”, said Michael Kemble, a senior student and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity member said when asked about the usefulness of the new feature. However, the reaction was not limited to just the students. Faculty members on campus also felt the feature served as a warning to Facebook users Rebecca Cobo, the Costume Shop Supervisor of SHSU’s Dance Department, felt that the feature was extremely private for something of little use and that it could hurt confidentiality among
users. “I think everyone should be concerned about their privacy in general with regards to Facebook,” she said. “People tend to post things in the heat of the moment that they will regret later. It’s dangerous because everyone can see it; and it’s very painful and difficult to erase. It’s like getting a tattoo.” For those who are concerned about the security of others, the archive does not contain friends’ photos, their status updates, other people’s personal info, and the comments users made on others’ posts. The “Download you information” feature is not new. In fact, it has been available for eight years. According to Jason Kincaid of Techcrunch.com, it’s considered “ancient by Facebook standards,
launching back in September 2004 when the site was still restricted to college students”. It’s still available for millions of users to download today. To download an archive, click on the blue link displayed as “Download a copy” under Account Settings. After following the instructions, the user will eventually receive an archive of their Facebook history as a “.zip” folder in their hard drive.
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Your_social_life.zip CHRISTIAN VAZQUEZ Contributing Reporter
A new feature on Facebook that allows users to download all their online activity into a single file has stirred mixed reactions among the campus community at Sam Houston State University. When a user downloads the file, it contains everything the Facebook user has ever done and more. It contains the photos and videos they’ve shared on Facebook, their wall posts, messages, chat conversations, their friends’ names, and even some of their friends’ email addresses (only for friends who’ve allowed this in their account settings). Several students were shocked to find out about the new feature felt uneasy because of the
The Houstonian will not be printing any issues for the remainder of the semester. We will resume printing on the first week of the spring semester.
Actor and star of the movies “Blank Check” and “Agent Cody Banks” had a mini-stroke on Friday, he said on ABC’s morning show. He said he was riding his motorcyle when he felt his body go numb and lost sight in his left eye. Follow us today! @TheHoustonian Iowa woman now oldest alive Dina Manfredini, of Johnston, Iowa, has been declared the oldest living person alive. At the age of 115, she takes the title after Besse Cooper, 116, died Tuesday. She was born in Italy on April 4, 1897. 19-year-old college student elected to California city council A 19-year old college student took his place on the Arvin City Council for the first time, Tuesday night. Jose Gurrola is a Bakersfield College sophomore who was elected to a seat on the city council on Nov.6. Jazz great Dave Brubeck, 91, dies
Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, 91, died Wednesday from heart failure, his manager, Russell Gloyd, said in a statement. He said Brubeck’s heart stopped while he was on his way to the hospital with his eldest son for a regular checkup. Like our page! Facebook.com/TheHoustonian
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News
Thursday, December 6, 2012 houstonianonline.com/news
Music therapy program looks to expand with new exchange program BRANDON SCOTT Staff Reporter A group of Sam Houston State University music therapy students are traveling to France in March 2013 to study Neurologic Music Therapy at Montpellier University. The trip is intended to be the first step in establishing an exchange program between the two universities, according to Sam Houston Director of Music Therapy Karen Miller. Ever since Sam Houston alumni and therapists Amy Marroquin and Maegan Morrow treated then-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords following her brain injury due to a shooting incident in 2011, the university’s music therapy program has garnered attention from around the world. Giffords’ recovery of her speech capabilities is still one of the most publicized examples of music therapy, with Sam Houston hanging in the background. Now, as Miller noted, the program’s goal is to change the profession on a global scale. “The widespread publicity has not only advanced the profession
Photo courtesy of SHSU website
THERAPY THROUGH MUSIC: Hayoung Lim, coordinator of SHSU’s graduate program in music therapy, is both a trained cellist and a researcher who has written about the connections between music and developmental disabilities such as autism.
of music therapy due to increased awareness, it has also placed SHSU very much in the public eye,” Miller said. “We have seen an impact on inquiries from prospective students as well as increased opportunities for our current students.” The link between Montpellier
and SHSU starts with a former intern at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston, where Morrow and Marroquin are therapists. The intern came from Montpellier and after working under Morrow, she returned to France excited with what she had learned in the states.
“We’ve always had a good program but we’ve never really been recognized for it,” said Marcus Hughes, senior music therapy major and one of the 27 students going on the trip to France. “This is just kind of the beginning of our program really expanding. It’s also just a cool
opportunity to go to another country where our profession exists there as well and to get to meet people who may practice the same career but have different views and philosophies on how to do it.” Morrow and Marroquin are headed to France with the SHSU students and faculty. The trip is going to include lectures at scientific conferences and a concert featuring students and faculty from both universities. Sam Houston’s program is also working on an exchange agreement with Nanjing Normal University in China, trying to help establish one of the first university music therapy programs in China. “They are approaching their future careers with the sort of confidence that will help ensure their success,” Miller said. “All in all, this is a fantastic time to be involved with music therapy at SHSU. We can’t wait to see what’s next.” The School of Music is still collecting donations to help fund the trip. For information on how to donate, contact (936) 294-1360.
SGA members attribute low activity to lack of student involvement SOPHIE NELSON Staff Reporter Officers of the Student Government Association (SGA) say the group’s inactivity this semester can be attributed to dropping recruitment numbers and lack of member participation. Student Body President Shane Rankin and Student Body Vice President Kolby Flowers agreed that SGA has not been any less active than previous years, but
lack of student involvement makes it appear that way. “I do not believe that SGA has been “inactive” this year, we have merely not had students approach us with their concerns, questions, or initiatives for us to pursue on behalf of them,” Rankin said. “Not many students have the time to partake in university organizations, more especially the governing body of the students.” College of Humanities and Social Sciences Senator and Bearkat All Paws In Director,
Cristan Shamburger, also believes that the inactivity reports has to do with student involvement, but feels that the SGA Officers and Senators are part of the problem as well. “It all has to do with leadership issues,” Shamburger said. “We have great people in office who do very well in many aspects, but I feel motivating people to get involved and work is not everyone’s gift. Our president, Shane Rankin, is a great guy, but he isn’t necessarily the type of
person to get people motivated to be involved.” Flowers and Rankin made no mention of failure on the part of SGA to motivate students. All three SGA leaders felt that the spring semester will hold more in store for SGA and Rankin hoped that events such as meet and greets and Kat Chat would reassure students of SGA’s presence on campus. Shamburger felt that SGA’s most important job was to interact with the student body,
and believed SGA has not done as well in that area as they wanted to. She hoped that the spring activities will enable SGA to “be out there” connecting more with students. Rankin reminded students that to be the voice of the student body, SGA had to hear the voices of students themselves. SGA will resume in the spring on Jan. 22.
Rec Sports helps students ‘Sweat the Stress’ JAY R. JORDAN Staff Reporter The Sam Houston State University Rec Sports program is hosting Sweat the Stress week in which students are encouraged to partake in free exercise events to relieve the stress that comes with finals week. Sweat the Stress week started yesterday and will continue until Dec 12. The Rec Center has been posting correlating evidence of exercise and good GPAs as well as low stress levels on their Facebook Page and around campus in support of Sweat the Stress. According to the NY Times, students who exercised regularly seven days a week had a .4 point higher GPAs than those who don’t. Anna Ward, a freshman criminal justice major, advises students to take part in this free event on campus. “Since I’m so stressed out, I’m just basically focusing on studying for my finals,” said Ward. “If I did have time, I would definitely [participate in Sweat the Stress] to calm me down.” Melissa Fadler, Senior Assistant Director in Marketing and Promotions for Rec Sports, is the program coordinator
for Sweat the Stress. “One of the benefits of exercise and recreation is stress relief,” said Fadler. “We thought it would be a great time to highlight our programs and help relieve stress from finals.” Yesterday’s events were an Aromatherapy Workshop at in the HKC and Intramural Horseshoe Tournament. Thursday’s events include free chair massages inside the Rec Sports Center Lounge at 4:00 PM, and then Vertical Happy Hour from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, when the Rec Center will hold free-of-charge Rockwall sessions inside the RSC Climbing Center. This is Sweat the Stress’ inaugural semester, though its creators hopes to continue the tradition to help students at SHSU be the least stressful during finals week. Fadler said, “We hope to do this every finals week, planning activities for students to do to get their minds off of finals and get out and experience what we have to offer.” For more information, visit facebook.com/ SHSURecSports.
Finals Parents Relief canceled LEIGHA LEWIS Contributing Reporter Though the Student Advising and Mentoring Center’s semester-end program Parents’ Finals Relief was to take place this week, no students signed up. Every semester, near finals, the SAM Center offers a study program for students with children ages 6 months to 12 years old. For a couple hours, these students can study for finals in a quiet, calm environment while faculty and student volunteers supervise and entertain their children. The kids have the option to color and draw, watch a movie, or play with toys or games. Usually, the center has six to twelve people sign up. This semester, however, not one person registered. Despite the lack of participants this year, Bernice Strauss, Ph.D., Director of Academic Support
Programs , who helped coordinate the program last year, hopes for more active participation next semester from students with kids wanting to register but also from the volunteers, and that right now, the program acts as more of a symbol of support. In the future, she said the university might look at having a day care as a service for the students. However, she noted the program was still important for the program to serve as a symbol of support for students. “I was a student with children, so I think it’s very important we support our nontraditional students this way,” said former program director Dr. Bernice Strauss. Those who want to sign up next semester can start checking with the SAM Center two or three weeks before next semester’s finals.
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CLASSIFIEDS Efficacy Apartment for Rent Located at UH Lake Road 309 sq. ft, Washer/Dryer $599/ Month. Electricity not included. Cable and internet Ready. Sub-Lease till August! Call Kayla: 281-622-7210 One side of 1 year old duplex for rent at 3300 old Houston rd. 2Bed/2 Bath. The duplex is limestone construction with galvanized metal roof. Stained concrete floors, very nice place. Washer and dryer inside each unit. It is in a very quiet location. Located on 2.5 acres. There is a barn on the premises for boat/toy storage (included). $450 per room plus bills. Please Call David: 281-703-2593 Apartment for rent for Spring, 2013. January Rent is free! Apartment 138B for rent at the Villas on Sycamore. Nicest apartment complex in Huntsville and right across from Sam Houston State University. Only $441 per month Feb, 2013 through July, 2013. Can sign up for the 2013-14 year at reduced rates too. Own bedroom in four bedroom apartment. Fully furnished. Own personal bathroom. Check out the Villas at Sycamore atwww.villasonsycamore.com and then call the Villas on Sycamore at 936-439-5234 to lock this offer up or email to mccormackmt@aol.com. IN THE AVENUES, 1-1, small apt complex, nice area,1-1/2 bks SHSU, 936-291-1102. PART-TIME LANDSCAPING POSITION for small apt complex, hours flexible, 936-295-5414.
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Viewpoints
Thursday, December 6, 2012 houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
PAWS UP
PAWS UP to six days left until the end of the semester.
PAWS UP to collegehumor. com’s parody video “Look At This Instagram” It’s so true.
PAWS UP to Grammy nominations being announced. Let’s see if Kanye can stay quiet or if Taylor Swift will win EVERYTHING...again.
PAWS DOWN
Claims of Sasquatch DNA fail to convince Taylor Likens says recent Bigfoot ‘findings’ may disappoint those who still believe he exists
Because there are just too many reasons to be excited about getting up in the morning, science might have solved yet another of Earth’s lingering mysteries. Just don’t hold your breath, because it’s a pretty big “might.” Texas scientist TAYLOR LIKENS Melba Ketchum− Staff Reporter presumably driven on by her solemn oath to “catch ‘em all”−claims to have salvaged genetic evidence of Sasquatch. As all great discovers usually do, this somehow involves blueberry bagels. Allegedly the samples were gathered by a Cryptozoologist who used the bagels as bait on her private property. Although she has yet to publish her evidence for cross-examination, Ketchum remains adamant that her evidence is legitimate. If true, this would probably make Ketchum to veterinarians what Indiana Jones is to archeology or Carl Sagan to everything. Well, kind of. Her company, DNA
Diagnostics, currently has an F from the Better Business Bureau, and Ketchum has a history of saying all the wrong things. Those curious why else Ketchum might be worth second guessing, I would direct to Google search “Melba Ketchum + angel DNA.” Though arguably taken out of context, having to explain yourself out of any accusations involving angel DNA suggests that you were probably already walking a thin line. Although I am always hesitant to trust anyone who would abuse pastries in the name of science, it’s really just an eventuality that being a lunatic will get you some results. But even if Ketchum’s evidence checks out, don’t expect that to be the end of anything. Bigfoot has had a long, eventful history of cat and mouse with science, with believers in such numbers and skepticism so wide that it is unlikely this report will sway the argument of Sasquatch’s existence in either direction. Assuming that her evidence is actually solid, it is likely that most of the scientific community will remain in denial on account of her lack of credibility and their own sheer stubbornness. If a scientist who can still take out loans finds the evidence to just be a clod moose, goat or Robin Williams, Sasquatch believers may be
even more disappointed than they already are. Nothing less than the buckshot riddled corpse of a great American ape will silence this argument. Remaining undiscovered, the seductive novelty of Sasquatch sightings has already taken lives. Last August, a man in a Ghillie suit attempted to scare up some Bigfoot sightings only to wind up meeting his end beneath three different cars. Nobody was fooled. Ladies and gentlemen, let that settle in. Lives are being lost, and we are now given an opportunity that as human beings we have seldom been foolish enough to ignore: a chance to solve our problems with violence. We must rise to this challenge immediately with guns in hand and compassion left at home. This newfound scientific method can be applied to virtually anything. The great mysteries of the universe will have a hard time running if we simply shoot them on sight. That is why I, Taylor Likens, offer a $10,000 reward for the body of the Supreme Creator of the Universe. For too long have the great mysteries evaded us. We must now seek them, destroy them, and give them humiliating scientific names. It is only then that we will be safe.
or maybe even a dessert cookbook. These items range from about $0.50-$3.00 each, so you can go as big or as small as you want with this tasty collection. This gift is sure to be a hit at office parties, or for the bakers in your life. Instead of making something hand-made try checking online stores daily in December. You’d be surprised at the deals they have such as free shipping, buy one get one free or 2050 percent off. Amazon has a lot of great deals and shoppers can qualify for free shipping. Situation A: it’s Christmas Eve and you forgot to get your boyfriend a gift. What do you do? Go to Wal-Mart and sift through the $5 movie bin. There’s bound to be a treasure— or 12—in there somewhere. Stock up on a couple of $1 boxes of candy and don’t forget to buy some packets of underwear, socks. or v-neck t-shirts Come on, you can’t go wrong with that because that’s essential. Just play it simple. Get him a body wash gift bag or a $15 gift card to his favorite store. If you’re lucky and your local Best Buy is still stirring, you can find some great deals on CDs, headphones and video games. Now let’s talk festivities. Try something other than the typical college party and host a white elephant gift exchange. Each person
invited brings a $5 to $10 gift that they really wouldn’t want or something that would be nearly impossible to re-gift. Then have a fun way to distribute the gift such as drawing from a hat, a contest of some sort or the traditional “unwrap a new present or take another’s.” White elephant parties are bound to be hilarious and be an all-around fun time for all invited. There are many holiday traditions you can easily do for little to no cost. Sit down with those you love and enjoy the holiday specials on TV such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “Christmas Vacation.” Relax with a cup of hot cocoa that has a candy cane dipped in it or bake some cookies together. Have a Christmas gift wrapping party. Invite guests over to enjoy some inexpensive cocktails, if you’re 21, of course (wink-wink). Buy the cheapest bottle of vodka you can find and mix it with some 50 calorie lemonade. Watch movies, talk and eat cheap homemade hors d’oeuvres. Also, if you don’t have wrapping paper, use newspapers. There’s basically no cost and the packages can still turn out great. These are just a few ideas to help brighten this time of year, but how you spend it is up to you.
Inexpensive Christmas ideas that won’t break your bank MISTI JONES
Viewpoints Editor
CASSIE SOCHA Contributor
PAWS DOWN to finals week creeping up. Brace yourselves, angry people at the library are coming...
PAWS DOWN to the football team traveling to Montana. Bring the party down south!
Are you looking for some inexpensive ideas for the holiday season? Well look no further. As far as gifts go, it’s the little things that count. So for your girl-friends, why not try to make something personal? Nothing says ‘Happy Holidays’ like a hand-made gift from the heart. Make a scrapbook of photos/ memories of you two together, frame a nice photograph or painting, pack a gift basket full of her favorite things such as nail polishes, cosmetics, chocolates, magazines, body washes or a cheap gift card. All of these things can be found at Dollar Tree. Not only is everything literally a dollar but it’s actually decent quality. Gift baskets are a great way to show that you pay attention without spending an arm and leg. Make a cookie baking kit with all the ingredients; pan included. First, get a basket or pail at a store such as Target or Wal-Mart. Then fill the basket with the essentials such as the cookie mix, cookie cutter, icing and sprinkles
‘Happy Holidays’ the new ‘Merry Christmas’ PAWS DOWN to the recent MLB trades/buys. Goodbye, Napoli.
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Editorial Staff Robin Johnson Faculty Adviser
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The general phrase “Happy Holidays” has become more popular than the specific “Merry Christmas” greeting during the Christmas season. Many places of business such as Lowe’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and Best Buy do not allow their employees to wish people a “Merry Christmas” out of respect to another’s religion. America has become more religiously diverse and there are more religions celebrating holidays around the same time as Christmas. Because of this, many business owners are hesitant to say or allow employees to say “Merry Christmas” to their customers. Business owners tend to lean toward a general holiday greeting during the winter holiday season,
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simply because it and not wishing people a includes all faiths and “Merry Christmas”. The religions and does letter argued that “we are not single out one ignoring what the season religion as wishing is all about, the birth someone a “Merry of Jesus, our Lord and Christmas” does. Savior.” Many Christians While yes, this is what may argue that many religious groups people should believe, not all people “keep the Christ in believe that Christ was Christmas” even born on Christmas. when working at a MORGAN MEARS Therefore they do not Staff Reporter place of business and celebrate it and they coming into contact celebrate other religious with thousands of people of many holidays. Christians cannot simply different religions. A letter to the force Christmas down someone’s Naples Daily News, stated that throat and expect them to just people were concerned and angry deal with it. This is why wishing that people were using the term someone to have a happy holiday “Happy Holidays” more and more is not a way for other religions to
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knock Christ out of Christmas; it is simply their way of respecting everyone else’s religion. For those who get so worked up and upset about being wished a happy holiday versus a “Merry Christmas,” here is a challenge to you: why is it so important to you? Do you need a validation of your faith? Instead of arguing with the person or being angry with them for wishing you a “Happy Holiday,” simply accept their wellwishing and celebrate Christmas if you choose. Celebrate whatever holiday, but be tolerant of other’s religious views. Don’t hate those that wish you a “Happy Holiday.” They are doing it out of respect to you.
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Page 4
Arts&Entertainment
Thursday, December 6, 2012 houstonianonline.com/a-e
Senior artist is a master of all trades CARIAN PARKER Staff Reporter
In addition to his many works being shown in the upcoming Graduate Senior Showcase, senior studio art major, Daniel Bertalot also displays the love and power that went into creating each piece. Many people go through life never really finding their passion or purpose. However, for Daniel Bertalot, that was never the case. With inspiration from photographers Edward Burtynsky and Robert Adams, Bertalot has created a platform of pieces that have earned him a great deal of attention from faculty and students. He has a wide variety of work ranging from drawings, sculptures, and paintings. Despite Bertalot’s talent and success in college, he did not discover his love of art until he came to Sam Houston State University. Originally, he enrolled at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi with a major in Marine Biology. However, he was more interested in replicating pictures out of magazines than studying the organisms of the ocean. He decided to transfer to SHSU his sophomore year and changed his major to studio art. When Bertalot first entered the art program at Sam, he struggled with the transition to art. He was forcing ideas that weren’t cohesive, but due to the simplicity of performance art he learn something about himself and it changed the way he viewed art. As a result of performance and
is going to come up with next,” said Debra Harper, an admirer of Bertalot’s work. Bertalot credits the faculty of the art department for most of his success. “The faculty is so good at what they do. Annie Strader has been my mentor and Matthew Weedman has had a such huge impact on me as an artist, student, and person,” Bertalot said. Bertalot’s most recent work depicts a ceramic mold of a femur bone coinciding with tree branch. His piece represents the connection between humans and nature, and to show how we are all natural beings in this world. After the piece is displayed at the Senior Showcase, Bertalot will take pictures of the piece in the forest and leave it there. “It’s art for the forest. I want to give a part of myself to nature,” Bertalot said. At the Senior Showcase Bertalot will present a myriad of pieces. Some of which include a sculpture, a few drawings, and a video called “call and respond.” “I am very excited. I feel like there is going to be a lot of strong work,” Bertalot said. Photo courtesy of: Carian Parker With graduation coming up, Bertalot has INCLUSIVE: Daniel Bertalot is a senior art student at SHSU who plans on getting his masters out dream to go to graduate school somewhere of state. His latest work, shown to the left of him, will be in the senior gallery next week. out of state, particularly in Colorado or California. While gaining wisdom and video art, it helped give Bertalot a better new pieces. He is constantly trying to move meeting people through residencies, he understanding of what he wanted to create. forward with his art. As a result, many hopes to become a professor and pass along “Taking information from the outside people are eager to see what new creations his knowledge and love of art to others. world is key,” Bertalot said. he will display. He thinks back on his past to see if he “Daniel is creative and surprising at could link up some of his old work to his whatever he does. You never know what he
Dance concert to offer variety of styles CHRISTINA BAUMANN Staff Reporter The Sam Houston State University Dance Department will be holding their annual Senior Studio Dance Concert ‘Before Falling Into Action’ at the James and Nancy Gaetner Performing Arts Center on Dec. 11- 12 at 8 p.m. ‘Before Falling Into Action’ composed of a variety of styles such as strength, quirkiness and passion, according to a press release sent by the dance department. The dance is presented by seniors Alexis Anderson, Monet Angel, Leah Brown, Hannah Burns, Melissa Compian, Shannon Doerr, Kristin Edwards, Dominique Franco-Rivera, George Garcia, Jenny Gerena, Everest Guerra, Clarissa Hooper, Tawnya Kannarr, Tempestt Perrin, Jessica Rodriguez and Taryn Wilson.
Audience members will have the opportunity to explore several genres of dance including classical ballet, contemporary, tap and more. From tattered wedding dresses to only one pointe shoe, the audience is almost guaranteed to be entertained. This year’s choreographers were asked to push forward and reach a new level of dance, according to the press release. Students of SHSU are encouraged to come to the show and support the graduating seniors. With such diversity, ‘Before Falling Into Action’ is sure to satisfy everyone who comes to watch. “I feel like I have been trying to attend dance concerts all semester but I never have any time so I am really glad I can actually go to this concert. I can already tell it is going to be good,” senior Clarissa Sirmons said. Admission is $8 general and only $5 for students.
Grammy nominations announced
John Shearer/Invision/AP
RECORD OF THE YEAR: The Black Keys, “Lonely Boy”, Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger”, fun., “We Are Young”, Gotye, “Somebody I Used To Know”, Frank Ocean, “Thinkin Bout You”, Taylor Swift, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” Photo courtesy of: SHSU Dance Department
BFA: Senior dance majors showcase what they have learned throughout their years at Sam Houston State University.
Sergio Ruiz inducted to prestigious Steinway Artists MOLLY WADDELL A&E Editor
Associate Professor of Piano and Director of Keyboard Studies, Sergio Ruiz, Ph.D. was honored as a Steinway Artists. Steinway Artists is an honor that recognizes great pianist who use Steinway pianos. Steinway representative John Rice, recognized Ruiz as a Steinway Artist. “It is to be accepted as a known proactive artist of the piano,” Rice said. “An artist earns this distinction with a lot of exceptional work and accomplishments. Steinway & Sons is pleased to welcome you Dr. Sergio Ruiz today as the newest member of the Steinway Artist family.” Ruiz is joining greats such as Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall and Mitsuko Uchida, in the Steinway Artist family. Ruiz is a California native who learned how to play piano at five years old. He has studied at Rice University, The Cleveland Institute of Music, and Santa Clara University. He has collaborated with members of the Houston Symphony, New World Molly Waddell | The Houstonian Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra. Steinway has been giving out this HONOR: Ruiz was honored in front of a full audience last night. Ruiz was added to the prestigious group, Steinway Artists. award for decades. For a list of Steinway Artist go to http://
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: The Black Keys, El Camino; fun., Some Nights; Mumford & Sons, Babel; Frank Ocean, Channel Orange; Jack White, Blunderbuss
Wade Payne/Invision/AP
BEST NEW ARTIST: Alabama Shakes, fun., Hunter Hayes, The Lumineers, Frank Ocean
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Sports
Thursday, December 6, 2012 houstonianonline.com/sports
Bearkats look to knock out Montana State for second consecutive year
JEREMY KLEIBER Staff Reporter
Same opponent. Same round. Different stage. The Sam Houston State Bearkats (9-3) head north for another bout with No.3 Montana State (11-1) in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision Quarterfinals in Bozeman, Montana this Friday. Sam Houston rolled up 428 rushing yards and allowed just 77 yards on the ground in last year’s playoff encounter with the Bobcats; forcing two turnovers and a blocked field goal to seal a 49-13 win. Although some of the same ingredients arise in this year’s contest, Coach Willie Fritz recognized the challenges of playing at “Big Sky Country”. “We’ve heard it is extremely loud up there”, Coach Willie Fritz spoke of Bozeman. ”It’s a closedin stadium and the crowd does a really nice job of yelling at the right times. I’ve had some people tell me it’s the loudest venue they have ever played.” In order to prepare the Bearkats for Bozeman’s brand of battle, hostile pre-recorded crowd noises blared through the public address speakers of Bowers Stadium during practice. Congruent with the “Sweat more in peace, bleed less in war” mentality, the ‘Kats hope to be ready for Montana State’s unwelcoming decibels. Montana State finished in a three-way tie atop the Big Sky Conference standings with a 7-1
record. The Bobcats are 6-1 at home this season and are 18-3 at home during the past three seasons. MSU coach Rob Ash earned his 50th career win at Montana State last week, while sharing the AFCA regional coaching honor with Coach Fritz. “Coach Ash and his staff at Montana State do a tremendous job, Fritz said. “We have a little familiarity with them with playing them last year. They’re a 4-3 defense that can blitz and play man. They’re a really technically sound and disciplined football team. They play with great leverage, tackle well, and don’t give up easy plays.” Montana State defensive end Caleb Schreibeis, a candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award, leads the nation with eight forced fumbles, while linebacker Jody Owens was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year. Quarterback DeNarius McGhee won offensive player of the year for the second time in three seasons. He has completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 2,726 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions this year. McGhee has thrown a touchdown pass in each of the 36 games he has played, and has a total of 70 in his career. Montana State is converting 49.5 percent of its third downs, which ranks 11th in the nation and third among remaining playoff games. Montana State’s defense is fourth in the nation in third-down
Eric Fite | The Houstonian
ON TO THE NEXT ONE: For the second year in a row, Sam Houston State and Montana State square off in the FCS Division I playoffs.
conversion percentage, allowing opponents to convert just 28.98 percent of the time. Montana State’s 11 wins are its most in a season since winning 12 in its 1984 national championship season. Even though the Bearkats emerged victorious against the same opponent in the 2011 quarterfinals, the men in orange remain level headed. “We go out every week and try
to be 1-0 each game,” Fritz said. “We can’t worry about things that happened last year…this is the 2012 Bearkats versus the 2012 Bobcats.” Bearkat defensive lineman Gary Lorance spoke of his philosophy on playing football 1,328 miles away from Bowers Stadium this Friday. “We just have to take everything how we usually do here at home”,
Lorance said. “It’s the same game; just in a different setting. When we get there it’s going to be all on us. We may not have a lot of our fans traveling, but we have plenty of people watching us back home. We’re going to try to put on a show for all our fans back here.” The game will air nationally on ESPN 2 at 7 p.m. central time Friday night.
did.” Junior forward Tricia Mallory said assessing players’ workouts will help increase performance on the field and prevent injuries before they occur. “Sometimes during the week you can be overworked and be too tired to actually do your best performance during the game,” Mallory said. “We had injuries pretty much throughout the season and most of them were from training rather than in games.” Mallory also said that the individual watches will motivate incoming freshmen as well as the entire team to complete effective workouts. “Obviously you feel like your body is tired [during workouts], but maybe this can help you see that are able to do more or you can do less,” Mallory said. Soccer programs such as Texas
A&M have implemented similar monitoring, but Brown’s system will focus players’ vitals during activity versus what the workout was. “[TAMU] went about it a little different,” Brown said. “I think their focus wasn’t exactly what my focus wants to be as far as the training loads. They put a GPS tracker in their shoe so it’s recording all the time. So it’s giving them more information about distances covered whether it’s at high speed or low speed…we have always tried to personalize their training by approximating what their heart rates were. It helps us personalize the time that everyone is getting so we’re actually trying to maximize their ability.” According to a Discovery News article, semi-professional soccer programs use both GPS and workload indicators to monitor and improve
training for specific positions. Although the system will not be available until spring training, Brown said he is optimistic about the results it will yield during the season and help keep his players healthy. “I think anytime we can be getting data back that we can use to affect our training sessions can be nothing but positive,” Brown said. “A lot of coaching is subjective, I think based on our staff ’s experience and stuff that can be effective [but] this is objective data. When you see their heart rates and see what players are really doing, I can’t do anything but be positive.” The women’s soccer team completed the season 7-10-1 and lost against Oral Roberts University in the first round of the Southland Conference Tournament.
JEREMY KLEIBER Staff Reporter With the undeniable athletic successes of our university, Sam Houston State has recently thrust itself into national consciousness— thus, setting ourselves apart from others in the Southland pack. The triumphs of the football program and the consistent “SH” paw sightings on ESPN have been the engine of opportunity when it comes to the topic of “seeing other people.” Finally, we are no longer referred to as the team that gave Rhett Bomar a second chance. All across the board, Bearkats have proven themselves not only “Southland strong”, but Southland supreme. Since Abilene Christian, Houston Baptist, Incarnate Word, and The University of New Orleans are all four invited to the party in the near future, it makes a sports fans wonder—is the Southland Conference becoming a diluted brand? Losing three respectable programs last year in Texas State, Texas-
Arlington and Texas-San Antonio was not something the conference necessarily celebrated, as Southland Conference Commissioner Tom Burnett spoke of the harsh reality of playing conference musical chairs. “In the world we live in, in Division I, where conference realignment is a reality…there might be one conference out there immune to realignment and that’s probably the Ivy League. Every other conference is subject to change. We’ve just about seen that across the country.” Sunbelt Conference, Conference USA and the WAC are all attractive possibilities. Logically, though, our university would have to meet certain requirements to move and play with the big boys of the FBS. Whether those requirements are related to attendance, fan bases, or media markets, one this is for certain— you can’t turn us away because of competitive talent. And to finally be a part of such a debate, my fellow Bearkats, is most refreshing. Thanks and Eat ‘em up.
New heart monitoring system to improve season training CONNOR HYDE Sports Reporter Sam Houston State University athletics are taking the next step to enhance athlete performance on the field. In an effort to prevent injuries and optimize training results, women’s soccer head Tom Brown will measure his players’ vitals with a new Polar Electro TEAM2 Bluetooth heart monitoring system. Brown said the system will be used live during practices and workouts to be relayed back to a monitor on the field so that either Brown or one of his assistant coaches can assess each player’s workloads during workouts. “We’ll know about how much of a workload factor they’ll have in each game,” Brown said. “We want to make
sure we’re not tiring them out during [season] training. We can actually know when their heart rate is gotten back down to where we want it and send them again so we maximize the type of training that we’re doing,” Brown said. The new system, worth just under $10,000, will include 10 main transmitters as well as six watches for players to wear during personal workouts. According to Brown, the watches will keep guessing out of their workouts and allow his players to monitor their workload outside of the offseason and season practices. “Normally we will give them target heart rates,” Brown said. “They’ll have a watch there so they can be monitoring themselves. Then they’ll come back and turn them into me and I’ll know exactly what kind of workout they did and what loads they
ENOUGH: Kleiber feels that with the addition of four new schools to the Southland Conference, it is now a dilluted brand.
Thanks To:
Judy’s ice cream for the root beer floats, and their continued sponsorship of our popular homecoming booth. The Villas and UH Lake Road for infor�ing the st�dent body about their g�eat apar��ents through The Houstonian Papa John’s Pizza for sharing their Bearkat football tickets- EAT EM UP! The Homestead for providing the Grand Prize giſt cer�ificate for our f�ndraiser. The President’s Office for adver�ising in The Houstonian to notif� our universit� population of their impor�ant and interesting events! Asian Star Restaurant for t��sting The Houstonian to reach their new best customers! Ms. Linda at Fincher Fabric Fantasies for her continuing suppor� of The Houstonian and The Huntsville communit� Finally, to Aramark for providing Starbucks coffee all semester for our Houstonian mor�ing promotion, Good luck with the new location in NGL!
Happy New Year!
Southland Conference not worthy enough to claim Sam Houston State
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Page 6
News
Thursday, December 6, 2012
~~JUMPS~~ ONLINE,
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kinesiology, suggested semesterbased feedback from students. “We found in the graduate program is that hybrid works great for them,” she said. “But they also want the option to come to campus regularly instead of cramming in labs in one day. We’ve been taking it on a semester basis to see what fits best for students’ schedules.” The time associated with teaching online courses was another matter of concern for some other faculty members, especially for tenure track professors who have to balance teaching with research and publishing. Hebert agreed, suggesting a possible reworking the tenure process to provide for a more innovative environment at SHSU. “Our new faculty is energetic but we put a mechanism in place with the tenure process that squashes the creative process,” Hebert said. “I’m not saying we do away with tenure, but we need to think of ways in academics to incentivize innovation in the tenure process.” Hebert then moved the discussion forward and opened the floor for other areas for innovation. “There’s a lot we can innovate as far as retention, processing and systems go,” said Scot Mertz, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, said. “To be innovative is a risk. With budget dollars as tight as they are, sometimes we’re not willing to risk budget for innovation.” Mertz suggested a funding option to provide for innovative
ideas. Hebert noted the importance of this and said the university has a new budget process to incorporate new initiatives in the budget. While the discussion moved away from the original topics outlined, Gibson said the discussions were important to move the university forward. She said the university is working on a new website for faculty and administrators to openly exchange ideas for the university. “It takes these discussions to see where we are and where we are going,” Gibson said. Faculty members in attendance felt the discussions were the first steps to take action in moving the university forward. “It’s important for them to have them take time out of their schedules to talk with us,” she said. “We’re lucky here at SHSU to have that from administrators.” of the season including “Winter Wonderland.”
OPEN,
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“This is a wonderful event,” Jamad Courtney, management information systems junior, said. “I’m ready for Christmas.” Attendees waited in lines that moved quickly to fill their plates with kolaches, Swedish meatballs, roll-ups, cheeses, crackers and fruit trays were surrounded by scores of holiday desserts: brownies, cookies, muffins and muffin tops, bitesized pecan pies and a half dozen other tartlets. Students weren’t the only ones enjoying the merriment.
“This [event] builds community,” Marilyn Butler, Director of the Center for Assessment and Accreditation College of Education, said. “It gives us time to gather together.” Some gathered with friends and coworkers, others waited to meet Santa Claus. Old Saint Nick reverted everyone back to their childhoods. Those present were encouraged to have a photo taken with him, and printed copies were available afterward. Students, faculty and staff alike were excited to see Sammy when he showed up wearing a Santa suit and hat. The first all-inclusive SHSU holiday open house was in 1964. Before the tradition, students were the Rudolphs of campus – they weren’t included in the holiday open houses. “There used to be several different holiday open houses around the university for faculty and staff,” Director of the LSC Dan McDaniel said. “They never invited students. There was an open house and students were invited. From then on, the president decided to make it to where the University just had one big holiday open house where everyone is welcome.” The Lowman Student Center is for the students; they pay for it in fees.” McDaniel said. “We’re here to support [them].” Aramark/SH Dining Services and the Barnes & Noble University Bookstore sponsored the event.
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December 2, 2012 Officer was dispatched to the 2500 block of Sam Houston Avenue at 12:15 AM in reference to an intoxicated female found asleep in a restroom. The female was identified as an 18 year-old and the officer confirmed that she was very intoxicated. The female was arrested and charged with the Class C Misdemeanor offense of Public Intoxication of a Minor (1217606). While conducting a traffic stop in the 900 block of 11th Street at 8:00 PM, officer determined that the driver was in possession of contraband. The male was arrested and charged with the Class B Misdemeanor offense of Possession of Marijuana (1217635). December 1, 2012 While conducting a traffic stop in the 500 block of Palm Street at 10:38 PM, officer determined that the driver was wanted on an outstanding warrant of arrest. The male university student was arrested and transported to the Walker County Jail (1217602). November 30, 2012 At 3:10 AM, officer observed a vehicle parked in a university parking area (2400 block of Montgomery Road) with its headlamps on. Upon inspection, officer located a male sleeping in the vehicle. Upon checking his welfare, the officer determined that the Lufkin, Texas resident was very intoxicated. The male was arrested and charged with the Class C Misdemeanor offense of Public Intoxication of a Minor (1217507). Officer was dispatched to the Lee Drain Building (1900 Avenue I) at 9:51 AM in reference to a suspicious incident. Officer met with complainant who reported seeing a male peering into classrooms. Officer obtained a description and located the individual. The male was known to our officer due to prior dealings. The male is not a student at this time and was issued a criminal trespass warning for all SHSU property (1217512). Officer wa dispatched to the Mu-
seum Grounds (1836 Sam Houston Avenue) at 10:59 AM to assist with a medical call (1217517). Officer was dispathced to the 800 block of Bowers Boulevard (university parking area) in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, officer located a male who was involved and identified him as Huntsville resident and had an active criminal trespass warning for SHSU property. Also, it was determined that the male was in possession of contraband. The male was arrested for the two Class B Misdemeanors of Criminal Mischief and Possession of Marijuana (1217533). Officer was dispatched to Sam Houston Village (1600 Sam Houston Avenue) at 4:30 PM in reference to damaged university property. Upon arrival, officer met with student complainants who reported that residence door was damaged, preventing it from closing properly. Damage appears to have been made by someone attempting to kick in the door (1217535) November 29, 2012 Officer was dispatched to the University Police Department at 3:06 PM in reference to a criminal mischief report. At this time the complainant stated that sometime between 2:15 PM and 2:45 PM today, someone keyed her vehicle while it was parked in the Sam Houston Parking Garage (1730 Avenue I). A police report was filed in reference to this incidence (1217473). Officer was dispatched to the University Police Department at 3:30 PM where the complainant reported that her vehicle had been damaged. The complainant stated that she was contacted by a mechanic today about her vehicle and indicated that her fuel system had been tmapered with. The complainant believes that may have occurred while parked on campus in the 1600 block of Avenue I, in the Sorority Hill area. Information was obtained and an investigation continues into this reported incident (1217476).
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