Vol 115— Issue 6
Huntsville, Texas
NATION AND WORLD
China relunctant to permit President Obama meet with Dali Lama.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
FEATURE PRESENTATION
INDEX
Nation & World...page 4
Entertainment editor Kevin Jukkola believes “Edge of Darkness” is a thriller without brains.
Viewpoints................page 2
Entertainment........page 5
SEE page 5
Campus................page 3
Sports....................page 6
SEE page 4
Showdown in the Southland Tuesday, Feb. 2
Two undefeated teams duke it out in Corpus Christi By Lotis Butchko Senior Editor
60° 44°
10% Wednesday, Feb. 3
49° 45° 70% Thursday, Feb. 4
50° 40° 70% Friday, Feb. 5
As the lights dimmed in the American Bank Center on Saturday night, and the crowd roared to the entry of the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders, the feeling of an impending showdown could not be ignored. The stadium filled with ACDC’s “Thunder Struck” for the tip off. Both Corpus Christi and Sam Houston State were undefeated in the Southland Conference, and both had played teams who were ranked number one in the nation, while losing by 11 points or less. While the energy and noise of the crowd could not be ignored as factors of who could win, decisions earlier in the year might have dictated the game’s outcome. On the first week of May, head coach Bob Marlin received a phone call at 11 p.m. Gilberto Clavell, the then star forward of the Florida Air Academy Junior College, was calling to let Marlin know he would be attending SHSU. “I think today’s game was decided when they beat us in the recruiting wars for [Clavell],” said Head Coach Danny Kasper, following the Lumberjacks loss to SHSU.
Clavell has certainly added a physical presence inside for the Bearkats (14-5, 6-0). This year, he has led the team in scoring seven times and rebounding eight. But, leading into his biggest match with Corpus Christi, Clavell was coming off a game with Lamar where he fouled out with no points, and only one rebound. Against Corpus Christi, the Bearkats simply had to have an inside game. For the matchup of undefeated Southland teams, A&M Corpus Christi put huge emphasis on this game. “Everyone is getting pretty excited about this game,” said Rob White, a student of Corpus Chriti. “We want to fill up the Bank Center, this is a big deal, and this is a big game.” When the crowd finally settled and the game tipped off, the Bearkats quite literally couldn’t hit water if they fell out of the stadium. The Islanders burst down the door, beginning the game on a 22-7 run, due to turnovers and bad shots from Bearkats, who at one point were 1-11 on the floor for 9.1% shooting.
FINAL: Bearkats win 70-58 NEXT GAME:
Wednesday, 7 p.m. Johnson Colesium
SHSU (14-5, 6-0)
UTSA (12-7, 2-4)
— See SHOWDOWN, page 3 John Rudolf | The Houstonian
Students rally to remember Saints vs. Colts,
62° 45°
Program Council event to celebrate black history month
20%
By Kara Vaughan Contributing Writer
Saturday, Feb. 6
64° 43° 10%
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, students are invited to “Rally Up” in the LSC mall area and make some noise to celebrate an entire month dedicated to the history and contributions of black culture in America. The rally is being held by Program Council to launch the many events throughout the week to inform and emphasize the achievements of black in-
dividuals historically and today. They have altered history, swayed music audiences and astounded sports fans. Black history is filled with courageous individuals who defied suppression and changed the future. Many influential historical figures such as Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Malcolm X, are known nationally. What about Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois? Do people remember Harriet Tubman or George
Washington Carver? For some, these might be familiar names from a high school history book, but time has erased all knowledge of their triumphs. Black culture brought the emergence of soul and the conversion of funk into music, breaking boundaries and reaching all audiences. With so many black artists influencing the style and performance of music, it continued to evolve. — See RALLY, page 3
Graphics by Jared Wolf | The Houstonian
KATlinks
Information
courtesy of www. weather.com
TRIVIA QUESTION
Q: When was Black History Week first celebrated? “Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/ editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim February as National AfricanAmerican History Month.” A: Feb. 12, 1926
Photo courtesy of http://www3.timeoutny.com
HISTORICAL FIGURES: (left to right) Oprah Winfrey, Malcolm X, Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Colin Powell, Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, and Louis Armstrong.
students vs. alcohol
Bearkats get a heads up before going bottoms up during college Super Bowl celebrations. By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Initiative (ADAI) will be hosting the Super Bowl Safety Zone today, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Mall Area. The forum will be held to teach students how to be safe while partying this weekend. “The Super Bowl safety zone is an event that students can come out to and learn about the do’s and don’ts that are associated with having fun during sporting events, especially with alcohol,” Student Assistant for ADAI Lisa Joyner said. “They will have the opportunity to learn safety tips, and how alcohol and drugs can affect them during a night of fun.” There will be Super Bowl tailgate games setup for students, as well as free food and educational materials for them to take. “ADAI was started by President Gaertner so that our University could be proactive
instead of reactive when dealing with situations such as alcohol and drugs,” Joyner said. “We want to make sure that we are educating all of our students as much as possible and giving them the tools that they need.” This is done because it is well known that many people drink at sporting events, and a lot of drunk driving, binge drinking, and underage drinking can occur during Super Bowl weekend. By hosting this event, ADAI wants to inform students of other ways to have fun without putting themselves at risk. This event is part of the Six Weeks of Alcohol Awareness Training program (S.W.A.T.T.) put on by ADAI. For six weeks, ADAI picks a day where they will host an educational program for students faculty and staff. “Students will have the chance to not only learn about alcohol and drugs but to also have their questions answered by experts, such as UPD, and TABC,” said Joyner.
Did you know? Super Bowl Sunday and New Year’s Eve are the two biggest days for alcohol consumption.
FINANCIAL AID UPDATE
“FAFSA February” helps demistify the financial aid application
Get that FAFSA Done with Help from New How-to Videos and Expert Online Chat; Sign Up to Win $10,000 in College Savings Giveaways Courtesy of Hilary Richards Sallie Mae
RESTON, Va.—With federal financial aid application deadlines looming for more than 18 million college-bound students, Sallie Mae announces “FAFSA February,” a public service initiative to help
demystify the often confusing and universally dreaded ritual of completing the FAFSA. Families can access new, free online tools to help them hit the submit button on the all-important aid application. They can also chat with a FAFSA expert and enter a drawing to win a total of
$10,000 in college savings. In three brief how-to videos, available through Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center at www.SallieMae. com/FAFSA, college-bound students and parents can learn what documents they need to complete the aid form, get answers to the most commonly
asked questions, and explore next steps in the financial aid process. Families may also download free FAFSA tips to guide them through the process. “A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify,” said Barbara O’Brien, Sallie
Mae’s director of high school outreach, who conducts financial aid workshops for families. “In reality, virtually every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is eligible for some kind of financial aid—a grant or a low-cost student loan—you just have to apply for it.”
Experts will also answer frequently asked questions about the FAFSA on Thursday night, Feb. 11, from 9 to 10 p.m. EST. To pose a question in advance or join the live chat, visit www.SallieMae. com/FAFSA.
— See FAFSA, page 4
Page 2 The Houstonian
Letter to the Student Body
VIEWPOINTS
Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building, room 210. We look forward Can you keep a secret? Ok, well I love to sing. to hearing from you and thank you as always for your Very loudly, forcibly and continued support of the Houstonian. badly. I feel sorry for the Heath Wierck people who pull up next Viewponts Editor to me at stoplights. Those haw002@shsu.edu lucky few get to witness “Thomas Merka in Concert,” which consists of me blasting my radio, dancing and singing at the top of my lungs to my steering wheel. It’s not a With the Thanksgiving break approaching, pretty sight. Just be glad we at The Houstonian decided to lighten the you can’t hear me. mood take a of look at the not-so-serious But that’s not the worst In thisand section the opinions page, of it. The music I listen side of Turkey Day. After all, we all need we take a look at some various news to, and sing along with, something funny to get us through the days would drive some people stories around campus and give the with crazy families. up the wall. In my CD parties involved either a “paws up” case you will find an array for a good job, or a “paws down” for of music ranging from All Time Low to ‘N Sync, and a not so good job. everything from Dolly Parton to Britney Spears. Don’t judge. I know you still remember all the words to “Baby One More “Paws UP” to the Bearkat Time.” men’s basketball for beating Although I still love Britney, a new artist has A&M-Chorpus Christi this driven my “Radio Ga Ga” past Saturday, and securing throughout the past year.
Paws Up, Paws Down
another solid victory in their conference.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Skinny boy is left “Speechless” Thomas Merka shares his love for
Lady Gaga and her Grammy performance. What I’m trying to say is that I am a Little Monster. In other words, I am a Lady Gaga fan and I am not ashamed of it. I have fallen head over heels for the eccentric new pop star. Everything from Gaga’s music to her flamboyant fashion sense is avant garde, and she deserves to be recognized
opening act.” As promised, at 7 o’clock the awards show began with Gaga’s stellar performance of “Pokerface” and an absolutely amazing duet with Elton John. On the other hand, the end of the show couldn’t have been more different. I felt like the world was
“...I am a Lady Gaga fan
and I am not ashamed of it.” for her talent. Which is why the Grammys left me speechless for two different reasons; both surrounding Gaga. At precisely 6:57 PM Sunday night, I ran into the TV room at my dorm and immediately demanded that the remote control be relinquished to me, loudly proclaiming that “the second coming of Christ won’t keep me from watching Gaga’s
ending and a piece of my soul had died when Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” was named Album of the Year. After the initial shock wore off, I commenced to yell and scream at the television, causing my Residence Advisor to rush into the room and threaten me with a fine for noise violation. Don’t get me wrong, I think very highly of Ms. Swift and I admire her
for everything she has accomplished at such a young age. She is an amazing song writer; I just wish she would stick to writing and let her friend Kellie Pickler do the singing. With that said, Gaga should have won Album of the Year, hands down. Amidst the grief and devastation felt by loyal Gaga fans, there is a glimmer of hope, the Grammys 2011. I leave my fellow monsters with this bit of advice: Gaga fans unite! Let us make certain Gaga takes home Album of the Year for “Fame Monster” in 2011. And to you Ms. Gaga, don’t worry, you’ll get it next year. Thomas Merka is the Web Editor for The Houstonian. He is a Sophomore Broadcast Journalism major, Theatre minor.
Comics for thought
“Paws DOWN” to the dreary, cold weather we’ve experienced the past few days. Is it too much to ask for a little sun and a little warmth?
“Paws UP” to both Roger Federer and Serena Williams winning first place at the Australia Open this year.
Comic courtesy of comics.com
“Paws DOWN” to the Bearkat women’s tennis team serving up a loss to Rice and Abilene Christian Universities over the weekend.
Campus Assassins? Our By Corbin Smith
Some students may have noticed some strange things happening over the past week or so. Random water gun fights in the streets, girls dressed in boys’ clothing, general distrust of anyone and everyone: these are just a few of the symptoms that someone you know might be an assassin. What, one might ask, prompted this sudden change in my fellow student’s behavior? Well the answer is a little game called Assassins. This game, created by master-mind Brandon Rains of Chi Alpha Student Ministries, is based on a fairly simple concept. Each participant is assigned a target and it is their job to eliminate that target, by use of a water gun, before your 72 hour time limit is exceeded. If they are successful they will be given 1-2 points (based on whether or not the target was an active SHSU student) and will be assigned a new target. If unsuccessful during the 72 hours, they are eliminated from the competition. At
the end of a two week period (concluding on Feb. 8 at midnight) the winner(s) of the competition will be decided. I myself was unfortunately eliminated from the competition Thursday night by one Sarah Miller. You may be saying to yourself, “This sounds great, where do I sign up?” Unfortunately you’re a little too late this year, but perhaps you can participate if/when this competition is held next year. So next time you see someone hiding in a trash can, wearing an awkward disguise, or creeping about suspiciously, don’t immediately condemn them as mentally unstable; perhaps they’re just a hard working assassin trying to make it in an assassin eat assassin world. For more information on what is going on visit www. bearkatassassins.com
Corbin Smith is a guest columnist for The Houstonian.
two cents...
A writer’s journey
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a writer on a day by day basis? Or maybe a journalist? Well now you have the chance. I, Heath Wierck, decided as an inspiring writer, and the Viewpoints Editor of The Houstonian, that I will start a blog (which happens to have already been created, but lacking content), to let my readers in on what my day to day life is like, and glimpse what it’s like to have your professional career deal with writing. A writer’s journey can be very strenuous, and you’ll have a chance to follow along as I document my work life with/on The Houstonian and show exactly how my career as a writer is going. You’ll have the prime opportunity to see the interworking of The Houstonian, read even more of my opinionated columns and writings, and see exactly where my writing is getting/taking me. Also, I will be coupling my blog with a twitter account; yes, I fall into trends easily. This way you, the ever persistent reader, will have unlimited access to my daily life as I tread into the unknown waters of the real world, try to expand my writing portfolio, and see where my crazy little talent of writing takes me. To follow my blog, or just check it out, it is located at www.heath002.wordpress.com. Also you can find and follow me on twitter at twitter.com/drummer_heath or @drummer_heath. While there is currently no content on my blog, it will be updated very soon, and will stay up to date with all the news you could hope for. So please feel free to look me up and participate in “A writer’s journey,” as it should be an exhilarating ride indeed.
Comic courtesy of comics.com
The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.
The Houstonian Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Patsy Ziegler.......................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Lotis Butchko....................................................................Senior Joe Buvid.............................................................................Senior Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate Heath Wierck..............................................................Viewpoints Mike Silva...........................................................................Sports Kevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment Thomas Merka...................................................................Web Kristin Meyer.......................................................................Copy
Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor
STAFF Brandon Scott.................................................................Sports Reporter John Rudolph.......................................................................Photographer Jared Wolf....................................................................................Graphics
Advertising BUSINESS MANAGER Tammie Nokes.................................................................936-294-1500 STAFF Brittaney Pires.....................................................Advertising Manager
Advertising Deadlines
Tuesday’s Issue............... Friday at 2:00 p.m. Thursday’s Issue........... Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
CAMPUS
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
UU Bearkats battle it out
Two religious student organizations will meet Feb. 4 to discuss faith issues
By JK Moore President of UU Bearkats On Feb. 4 at 6p.m., two SHSU student groups, the Sam Houston Athiest Agnostic Humanist Free Thinker Association (SHAAHFTA) and the Unitarian Universalist Bearkats (UU Bearkats), will come together in the LSC Ballroom to debate whether or not it is beneficial to believe in God. Many people I talk to about my faith are unfamiliar with Unitarian Universalism (UU), sometimes thinking it is a “new age” religion. In fact, UU has a long history as two separate Christian traditions dating back many centuries. The Unitarian movement formally organized in Transylvania during the 16th century and later in England during the 17th century, but Unitarian Christians fled Europe to escape the religious persecution that many faith groups faced at the time, ending up in the bastion of religious freedom, known as the United States of America. Unitarian thinkers were critical in the independence movement. John Adams, Paul Revere and Thomas Paine were all part of the Unitarian Church of America, which did not formally organize until 1825, when it officially condemned the practice of slavery for moral reasons. For its entire history, the Unitarian movement has represented a belief that we can learn a great deal about our own faith and beliefs by studying not only our Christian scriptures and traditions, but also the scriptures and traditions of other cultures and faiths. We do not believe in one path to God, but rather we look for God in all peoples. Another Christian tradition with similar views of the world is Universalism. The first recorded Universalist Christian theologian was Origen around 200 A.D. He hypothesized that all of humanity would be reconciled to our Creator through the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. Although Universalism had a long history in the Christian faith, the Universalist Church of America was not formally organized
until 1793. During the Civil War in 1863, the UCA fully ordained the first female minister in U.S. history, Olympia Brown. Later becoming a Unitarian minister, the Rev. Brown fought for women’s voting rights for decades until she received her suffrage and became one of the first women in America to vote. In 1961, the Unitarian and Universalist organizations merged to become the Unitarian Universalist Association of America (www.uua. org). We promote and affirm seven principles: 1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person 2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations 3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth 4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning 5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process 6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all 7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence The UUA makes numerous position statements that are supported by a majority of UU congregations. Issues we support include: 1. Promoting equal rights for gay and lesbian people 2. Working towards immigration reform that respects the humanity of people from around the world 3. Defending the environment against the excesses of society 4. Protesting the unnecessary wars in the Middle East 5. Calling for an end to the “War on Drugs” 6. Advocating the abolition of capital punishment Our student group, the UU Bearkats, meets every first and third Wednesday at 6pm in Evans Building Room 251. Our purpose, according to our constitution, is two-fold: religious education and social activism. We will be working over the years to affirm and promote the seven UU principles here at SHSU through sponsoring events that will help people learn about various faith traditions as well as events that allow students the opportunity to work toward greater social justice in our community. We hope you will attend the God Debate Part 1 to learn about differing views of the role religion and God have in society.
The Houstonian, Page 3
SHSU celebrates Black History Month Jimi Hendrix
Martin Luther King Jr.
1942 - 1970
1929 - 1968
Photo courtesy of http://undergroundspiritualgame.wordpress.com/
Jimi Hendrix revolutionized American Rock music as a blues guitarist, singer and song writer. Hendrix is still considered one of the best electric guitarists in history.
Jackie Robinson 1919 - 1972
Photo courtesy of http://memorial-walls.com
Jackie Robinson played baseball for the Brooklyn Dogers and was the first black player to ever be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
Photo courtesy of http://writespirit.net
Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement and avocated nonviolent resistence to racial oppression. His “I have a dream” speech still inspires people today.
Serena and Venus
W i l l i a m s
Photo courtesy of Sean Garnsworthy | Allsport/Getty Images
These two sisters triumphed on the tennis courts and in 2001 became the first sisters in over 100 years and the first two black tennis players to face each other in the finals of the U.S. Open.
Let’s talk Taboo
Student Activities and Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. to host open forum for taboo topics By Janise Richardson Contributing Writer Need to get anything off your chest? Now is the time. Student Activities is co-sponsoring with Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. to bring SHSU students “Taboo Talk 2: Things Blacks Don’t Like to Discuss”. Organized by Romeal-Dorasay Johnson, “Taboo Talk” is an open forum about taboo topics. Topics of discussion include, but are not limited to social pressures, labeling, stereotypes, drugs and alcohol, and sex and relationships. Johnson is a keynote speaker at various conferences and a student here at Sam Houston. His job titles include motivational speaker, seminar instructor, and praise
dancer. He organized the first “Taboo Talk” at the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference in February 2009. Johnson is the lead speaker for “Taboo Talk 2”. According to Program Council, this event is a great opportunity to interact with students and talk about issues that are a part of a college student’s everyday life. “It is a great way to get educated and assess where we are in the Black Community,” said Donielle Miller, multicultural and international student services coordinator. In spite of the title, the “Taboo Talk” event is not only aimed at black students. In fact, all students are encouraged to attend and participate. In addition, Miller said
From RALLY page 1
As Jimi Hendrix played his way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Michael Jackson sang to an amazingly diverse audience of millions, their music became the standards, which others sought to follow. James Brown, Bob Marley, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Run-D.M.C. and 2Pac are only a handful of black artists who changed the beat of American music forever. Black athletes have made
Alpha Nu Omega has done a great job sponsoring this event. Students are also encouraged to attend events sponsored by Program Council for Black History Week, running Feb. 1 through Feb. 5. “Taboo Talk” is on Tuesday, Feb. 2. It begins at 7 p.m . in the Lowman Student Center, Room 320. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
Fore more information about this event or any Student Services event, contact Donielle Miller in the LSC, Suite 328 or by phone at 936-294-3588.
extraordinary strides in sports. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball and Muhammad Ali dominated the boxing ring. Jesse Owens became a U.S. Olympic champion and Michael Jordan revolutionized basketball through endorsements and the Jordan brand name. Walter Payton, Willie Mays, Bo Jackson, Serena Williams and Tiger Woods are all exceptional black athletes who have proven themselves. If many of these names are unfamiliar or their successes a little blurry, then the
Smither Company .com
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Study Skills Wo r k s h o p Series Six One-Hour Study Skill Sessions offered by the SAM Center Series One - Feb. 1 Series Two - March 22 Session topics include studying smart, procrastination, time management, reading textbooks and note taking, test taking strategies and stress management. To register, please call 936-294-4444 or drop by the SAM Center at the CHSS Building, Suite 170.
“Rally Up” event is here to refresh memories while having some fun. Music by many black artists will be playing and t-shirts are going to be given out. A spin-the-wheel game with different subjects, such as sports, music and government, will be there for entertainment. Both winners and losers of the game will receive t-shirts because the purpose of the event is to educate. Stop by the “Rally Up” event on Wednesday and remember the remarkable deeds of many proud and determined people. For more information on Rally Up or other Program Council events, please call 936-294-1763 or visit http:// shsuprogramcouncil. ning.com/.
NATION & WORLD
Page 4 The Houstonian
Haiti PM: US Baptists knew removing kids was wrong
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s prime minister said Monday that 10 Americans who tried to take a busload of undocumented Haitian children out of the country knew that “what they were doing was wrong,” and could be prosecuted in the United States. Prime Minister Max Bellerive also told The Associated Press that his country is open to having the Americans face U.S. justice, since most government buildings — including Haiti’s courts — were crippled by the monster earthquake. “It is clear now that they were trying to cross the border without papers. It is clear now that some of the children have live parents,” Bellerive said. “And it is clear now that Photo courtesy of The Associated Press they knew what they were doing was wrong.” many as 10 American’s from a religious organization in Idaho could be prosecuted for “Child TraffickIf they were acting in good As ing” after they tried to leave Haiti with 33 children mistaken for orphans. The majority of the children faith — as the Americans had family who had survived the devastating earthquake on Jan. 12. claim — “perhaps the courts will try to be more lenient group insisted they were only involved. a spokesman for SOS Chilwith them,” he said. Puello said they came from dren’s Village, which runs U.S. Embassy officials trying to save abandoned and would not say whether Wash- traumatized children — but a collapsed orphanage. Their the orphanage where they spokeswoman, were taken. ington would accept hosting appeared to lack any signifi- detained cant experience with Haiti, Laura Silsby, said they were The prime minister said judicial proceedings for the Americans, who are mostly international charity work or “just trying to do the right some of those parents may from Idaho. For now, the international adoption regula- thing,” but she conceded she have knowingly given their had not obtained the required kids to the Americans in case remains firmly in Hai- tions. After their arrest Friday passports, birth certificates hopes they would reach the tian hands, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said near the border, the church and adoption certificates for United States — a not ungroup members were placed them — a near impossible common wish for poor famiin Washington. “Once we know all the in two small concrete rooms challenge in the post-quake lies in a country that already had an estimated 380,000 facts, we will determine what in the same judicial police mayhem. Bellerive said that without orphans before the quake. the appropriate course is, but headquarters building where Haiti’s overwhelmed govthe judgment is really up to ministers have makeshift the documents, the children the Haitian government,” he offices and give disaster re- were unlikely to reach the ernment has halted all adopsponse briefings. United States, as some of tions unless they were in mosaid. One of the Americans, their families might have tion before the earthquake Haitian officials insist some amid fears that parentless or prosecution is needed to help Charisa Coulter of Boise, hoped. The 33 kids, ranging in lost children are more vuldeter child trafficking, which Idaho, was treated Monday many fear will flourish in the at a field hospital for either age from 2 months to 12 nerable than ever to being chaos caused by the devastat- dehydration or the flu. Look- years, arrived with their seized and sold. Sex trafing Jan. 12 quake. The gov- ing pale as she lay on a green names written in tape on ficking has been rampant in ernment and aid groups are Army cot, the 24-year-old their shirts at a children’s Haiti. Bellerive’s personal still struggling to get food, Coulter, was being guarded home where some told aid authorization is now rewater, shelter and basic health by two Haitian police offi- workers they have surviv- quired for the departure of ing parents. Haitian officials any child. care to hundreds of thousands cers. “They’re treating me pretty said they were trying to reThe arrested Americans’ of survivors, and many pargood,” she said. “I’m not conunite them. churches are part of the ents are desperate to get help cerned. I’m pretty confident “One (9-year-old) girl Southern Baptist Convenfor their children. was crying, and saying, ‘I tion, America’s largest ProtU.S. diplomats have had that it will all work out.” Investigators have been am not an orphan. I still estant denomination, which “unlimited” access to the 10 detainees, and will monitor trying to determine how the have my parents.’ And she has extensive humanitarian any court proceedings, said Americans got the children, thought she was going on programs worldwide, but Crowley. They have not yet and whether any of the traf- a summer camp or a board- they decided to mount their fickers that have plagued the ing school or something like own “rescue mission” folbeen charged. Members of the church impoverished country were that,” said George Willeit, lowing the earthquake.
— See SHOWDOWN, page 3
To help spread the word about the importance of completing this financial aid application and the availability of financial aid, Sallie Mae is conducting the FAFSA College Savings $10,000 Giveaway. Eligible college-bound students, or parents on the student’s behalf, visiting the FAFSA February Resource Center may enter to win the drawing.* The Gold medalist will win $6,000, Silver will win $3,000, and Bronze will win $1,000 in money for college. Prizes will be deposited into the winner’s Upromise rewards account, where winners can continue to earn cash rewards for college. Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center is available free to anyone at SallieMae.com/FAFSA. According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How America Pays
Tuesday,February 2, 2010 for College, 24 percent of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not complete the form because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid. Sallie Mae recommends students follow the “1-2-3 approach” to paying for college: first, use free money by filling out the FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for scholarships, supplemented with current income and savings. Second, explore federal loans. Third, fill any gap by using a pay-interestas-you-go private education loan. For example, Sallie Mae’s Smart Option Student Loan helps ensure that what a student originally borrowed is all he owes at graduation. *No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. For official rules, visit www. SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
US Treasury expects to borrow $392B in 1st quarter WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department says it expects to borrow $392 billion in the current quarter to finance the largest annual budget deficit in history. The projection is $86 billion lower than the estimate the department issued in November, when it expected to borrow $478 billion. The improvement is largely due to higher-than-expected repayments of about $90 billion in bailout funds by large banks.
The department also says it borrowed $260 billion in last year’s fourth quarter, below an earlier estimate of $276 billion. Treasury expects to borrow $268 billion in the second quarter of this year. The projections come the same day that President Barack Obama issued a $3.83 trillion budget that forecast a record $1.56 trillion deficit, an increase from the $1.42 trillion deficit in the 2009 budget year.
TX store sells $144millionwinning lottery ticket AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Lottery Commission says someone who bought a ticket at a Houston-area convenience store is the winner of the $144 million Mega Millions jackpot. Commission Deputy Executive Director Gary Grief says the winner of Friday’s multistate lottery prize has yet to come forward and claim the haul. The commission said in a
statement Monday that the ticket was sold at a Short Stop market in Katy, 26 miles from Houston, and that store is eligible for a $1 million retailer bonus. Texas has also started selling tickets for the multistate, big-jackpot Powerball lottery. The first Powerball drawing for which Texas tickets will be eligible will take place Wednesday night with an estimated jackpot of $107 million.
NewsAlert
China says it opposes Obama meeting with Dalai Lama BEIJING (AP) — China warned President Barack Obama on Tuesday not to meet the Dalai Lama, saying any such meeting would harm bilateral relations. An Obama meeting with the Dalai Lama would “seriously undermine the political foundation of SinoU.S. relations,” said Zhu Weiqun, executive deputy head of the Communist Party’s United Front Work Department in charge of recent talks with the exiled Tibetan leader’s envoys. Zhu was speaking at a news conference where he said no progress had been made at the talks with envoys of the Dalai Lama on changes to the Himalayan region’s status. The warning to Obama comes after signals from U.S. officials in recent weeks that Obama might soon meet the exiled Tibetan leader — something Chinese officials are keen to avoid before President Hu Jintao travels to Washington, possibly in April. Zhu said any arguments that the Dalai Lama was
just a religious figure were wrong, calling the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize laureate the “head of a separatist group.” No date for Obama’s meeting with the Dalai Lama has been announced, but White House spokesman Mike Hammer said last month that “the President has made clear to the Chinese government that we intend to meet with the Dalai Lama, it has been his every intention.” Bilateral relations have already been strained by the U.S. announcement Friday
that it planned to sell $6.4 billion worth of arms to Taiwan. Beijing quickly suspended military exchanges with Washington and announced an unprecedented threat of sanctions against the U.S. companies involved in the sale. Zhu did not give any details on what China would do if Obama meets the Dalai Lama. “We will take corresponding measures to make the relevant countries realize their mistakes.” Representatives of the United Front meet over the
weekend with two Tibetan envoys for their first talks in 15 months, but Zhu said China would discuss only the future of the exiled spiritual leader — not any greater autonomy for Tibet. “There is no room for negotiation or concession on the part of the central government on these issues,” Zhu said. China maintains that Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries, but many Tibetans say the region was functionally independent for much of its history. At the last talks in 2008, the Dalai Lama’s envoys proposed a way for Tibetans to achieve more autonomy under the Chinese constitution — a key demand of the minority community. But China apparently rejected the plan, saying it would not allow Tibet the kind of latitude granted to the territories of Hong Kong and Macau. Chinese officials said they were only willing to discuss the return of the Dalai Lama, who fled to exile in 1959. The Tibetan government-
in-exile in Dharmsala, India, said last week it hoped the two sides would be able to revisit the proposal for greater autonomy. Beijing demonizes the Dalai Lama and says he seeks to destroy China’s sovereignty by pushing independence for Tibet. The Dalai Lama has maintained for decades he wants some form of autonomy that would allow Tibetans to freely practice their culture, language and religion under China’s rule, not independence. Tibetan areas have been
tense in recent years, with the minority community complaining about restrictions on Buddhism, government propaganda campaigns against their revered Dalai Lama, and an influx of Chinese migrants that leave Tibetans feeling marginalized. Those feelings boiled over in deadly antiChinese riots in 2008 that shocked Beijing’s leaders.
Officials to study lifting ban on gays WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday will take the first real steps toward lifting the ban on gays serving openly in the military, announcing a yearlong review aimed at answering practical and emotional questions about the effect of lifting the ban, and imposing looser standards for enforcing the ban in the meantime. According to U.S. officials, the senior-level study will be co-chaired by a top-ranked civilian and a senior uniformed officer. It would recommend the best way to go about lifting the ban, starting from the premise that it will take time to accomplish that goal but
that it can be done without harming the capabilities or cohesion of the military force, officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the emerging Pentagon plan ahead of Gates’ announcement. While the review is likely to take a year to complete, and even more time to implement, its initiation will advance President Barack Obama’s goal of repealing the ban and bring a divisive issue for the military and Congress back to the fore. Gates will testify before the Senate on the issue, alongside Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Both were expected to make their
most far-reaching statements on the ban widely known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” “I think you’ll see efforts on a number of fronts over the course of the next many months ... to address what the president promised,” White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said. One U.S. official said Gates and Mullen will outline a more lenient standard for enforcing the current ban, as Gates had said last year he would consider. The interim policy would make it harder for a third party to turn in a gay service member and would raise the standard for evidence that the service member is gay before the person could be dismissed. Under the 1993 law,
engaging in homosexual conduct — even if you don’t tell anyone — can been enough to qualify a person for dismissal. The law was intended as a compromise between President Bill Clinton, who wanted to lift the military’s ban on gays entirely, and a reluctant Congress and military that said doing so would threaten order. David Hall, a former Air Force sergeant, said he was discharged in 2002 after someone else reported that he was gay. “That ended it,” said Hall, who now works for a gay rights advocacy group. “Just like that, based off what one person said, ended my dream of getting to fly planes.”
Repeal of the ban has been opposed by some senior members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and by some reluctant congressional Democrats, including Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo. The ban was among topics planned to be discussed Monday during a meeting of the top uniformed members of each service. “The chiefs owe the president their best advice on the impact of appeal and how it would be implemented,” said Capt. John Kirby, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs. Last year, the Defense Department dismissed the fewest number of service members for violating its “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy
than it had in more than a decade. According to figures released by the Pentagon on Monday, 428 service members in 2009 were dismissed for being openly gay compared with 619 in 2008. In 1997, 997 service members were dismissed. The number fluctuated over the next decade, with fewer troops discharged after the war in Afghanistan began. The 2009 figure reflects Obama’s first year in office after declaring opposition to the policy, even though he did little to reverse it. Overall, more than 10,900 troops have been dismissed under the policy.
ENTERTAINMENT
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Grammy Award Winners Album of the Year Taylor Swift, “Fearless” Best Female Pop Vocal “Halo”, Beyonce Best Rap/Sung Collaboration “Run This Town”, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna Best Rock Album “21st Century Breakdown”, Green Day Best Pop Vocal Album “The E.N.D.”, The Black Eyed Peas Record of the Year “Use Somebody”, Kings of Leon Best New Artist Zac Brown Band Best Country Album “Fearless”, Taylor Swift Song of the Year “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”, Thaddis Harrell, Beyonce Best Alternative Music Album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, “Phoenix” Best R&B Album “Blacksummer’s Night”, Maxwell Best Rap Album “Relapse”, Eminem Best Comedy Album “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!”, Stephen Colbert
MUSIC SPOT
Qualls proves hard work pays off Brad Basker
Contributing Writer
Where many emerging music artist succumb to failure, SHSU alumnus Timothy Qualls triumphs with his passionate elixir for success. In the past year, Qualls juggled his time between finishing college, working two jobs and producing music in the studio, and now his dedication is paying off. Qualls is seeing a peace of his dream materialize with the release of his first EP This is Our Land with a performance this Friday at Fatboys. “It’s unreal to know that I will have my own record. I will have legit songs that are copyrighted and read for radio, television etc,” Qualls said. “It’s been baby Looking for a break. Tim Qualls searched for ways to promote steps, but it’s an awesome his talent and is finally releasing his first album, This Is Our Land. thing to realize.” Qualls intended to graduating from SHSU with last spring. However, he pursue music full time after a vocal performance degree soon found that he would
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have to learn to move to the beat of business in order to succeed. “The business side happens. It’s networking on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace at 3 a.m. It happens everywhere,” Qualls said. “My day job pays the bills and for all the extras that come with making a record. You can‘t have one without the other.” Although his business savvy nature is a new edition, it’s Qualls’ education in vocal performance that brings his depth of confidence. He has found a sense of stability as well as balance musical perspective from his education. “I think my experience has made my live shows much better. I understand the small elements that go into making a great live performance,” Qualls said. Qualls is gracious to have been blessed with a supporting cast in the studio and on the stage.
Jeffery Armstreet of Red Tree Recording Studio is the album’s producer, while Kent Coley has been in charge of Artist development. With Qualls, they have not only developed a promising project but have built a relationship as well. Occasionally, Qualls comes fully equipped with a live band. Richie Caldwell (Drums), Ronnie Mason (bass) and Tim Mercer (lead guitar). Each musician is instrumental in all level’s of Qualls’ performance. “You have to have a great product, but making a community with other musicians, keeping true to the music and having a great time is very important,” Qualls said. The This Is Our Land EP release will begin at 9 p.m. , and will feature supporting performances from James Caronna and Trey Willis. This is our Land is available for purchase on itunes and at www.myspace.com/ timothyqualls.
At the Movies with Kevin:
Edge of Darkness fails the brain test Kevin Jukkola
Entertainment Editor
The first and final shots in “Edge of Darkness” belong in a different movie. They are beautiful, poetic, and dark explorations of ambitious filmmaking. Unfortunately, the sense of wonder these images imply is corroded by the rest of the film. “Edge of Darkness” wastes little time to establish its characters, mostly because that would detract from the mindless action of the story, before Emma Craven (Bojana Novakovic) is gunned down in front of her father’s house. This sends Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) on a mission to find her killers and bring them to justice: solo style. Craven basically gathers his information through beating the crap out of various individuals, instead of using the limited cognitive skills at his disposal. During his investigation, which is actually more like an elongated physical interrogation, Craven is assisted in putting the pieces of the 5th grade puzzle together by Jedbugh (Ray Winstone). Eventually, he comes to the skyscraper of Northmoor, located on a beautiful piece of real estate that would be much more useful to a shepherd than an evil corporation, and confronts Jack Bennett (Danny Huston) about his
business dealings. Craven is quickly suspicious of Bennett, mostly because the corporation’s incompetence makes it impossible to believe their claims of innocence. The film wants the audience to believe that Bennett is an evil genius, but his actions indicate that he only fulfills half of those attributes. When everything is revealed, the mystery and corruption of Northmoor is not that complicated or interesting. You get the feeling that the screenwriters thought of the company’s motives as an inconvenience, rather than as the central foundation for the conflict within the story. The film contains many loopholes in its search for authenticity, including the inescapable fact that someone would become wise to the nefarious dealings of the corporation after countless dead bodies keep leading to their doorstep. I know these people are supposed to be relatively skilled at covering these things up, but wouldn’t the media begin to do some investigating after the first three dead bodies end up on Northmoor’s property. No, because then there would be no movie. When you think about it, some of the revelations of the corporations dealings would have made the brutal murder at the beginning a pointless and rather paininducing enterprise. You don’t commit a felony when
it is not necessary. Any criminal knows that. Craven must have other emotional causes for going to these extraordinary lengths to avenge his daughter’s death. The audience is never given insight into what happened to his wife, but that could provide a possible explanation. The reason this is never unveiled is because this would have forced the screenwriters to provide an emotional core to a story whose only ambition is to get from one gruesome death to another. Some critics have compared “Edge of Darkness” to “Payback”, the 1999 vengeance tale also starring Gibson as a lowlife named Porter, but that film had a personality and was filled with humor. The dead bodies piled up in a similar way to “Edge of Darkness”, but there was something relatively harmless about the proceedings. All of those that died were either corrupt cops or members of the mafia. They were all bad guys, Porter especially, and all probably had what was coming. Many of those that die in “Edge of Darkness” are innocents, which fills the entire remainder of the film with a sadness that is not given proper respect. I am not saying that everyone who dies in a movie must be evil because in fiction, as in real life, many innocent people are killed for the
advancement of the wicked. However, all of them must be real people with clear and unambiguous motives, instead of caricatures meant simply to advance the plot. If “Edge of Darkness” wanted to be as serious as it pretends, those left living must be given proper time for the grieving process to take hold. “Edge of Darkness” doesn’t bother with common sense, easy
solutions, or intelligent heroes, which would be more easily overcome if it didn’t take itself so seriously. The film might work if it were more preposterous, but it never fully sells out. Ultimately, “Edge of Darkness” is an action film where none of the consequences seem to matter. It’s like playing a game that isn’t fun and not even bothering to keep score.
Edge of Darkness
Houstonian Classifieds Real Estate
The Houstonian, Page 5
The sweet smell of the dead. Thomas Craven (Mell Gibson) is only certain that someone is going to die.
Stars: * * Grade: CRunning Time: 117 min. MPAA: Rated R for strong bloody violence and language. Cast: Mel Gibson (Thomas Craven), Ray Winstone (Jedburgh), Danny Huston (Jack Bennett), Bojana Novakovic (Emma), Jay O. Sanders (Whitehouse), Denis O’Hare (Moore). Directed by Martin Campbell. Written by William Monahan and Andrew Bovell. Based on the television series created by Troy Kennedy Martin.
SPORTS
Page 6 The Houstonian
From SHOWDOWN page 1
“We needed to play better on each possession,” said Marlin. “They hit several shots that they don’t normally hit and we knew that wouldn’t continue, but we needed to get some better shots. We stepped up on defense and we got nine consecutive stops.” Sam Houston ran into an assortment of travels and missed three’s at one point, raking up six travels. But that was all erased when Sam Houston went on a 23-4 run to end the first half leading by one. At half time Marlin went in with a simple message: “We needed to continue to defend like we did the last
fouls, as Sam Houston racked up five fouls in the first six minutes, and at one point had eight fouls to the Islanders’ one. “Fouls were a concern, we had lost Antuan, and Gilberto had four, but fortunately we were able to finish the game,” said Marlin As expected the big men from Corpus Christi continually tried to press the action, Clavell, who was smaller than their Center took numerous charging fouls in order to keep their inside game to a minimal effect. But defense was an all around theme in the second half. Ashton Mitchell showed poise as a leader, and Josten Crow shut down the Islanders star Kevin Palmer in the second half.
“We needed to play better on each possession... We stepped up on defense and we got nine consectutive stops.” - Head Coach Bob Marlin.
John Rudolph | The Houstonian
Gilberto Clavell scored 11 points and racked five rebounds in the 70-58 win this weekend as SHSU remains perfect in conference play.
SHSU Men’s Basketball upcoming schedule SHSU vs. UTSA SHSU vs. Central Arkansas
Wed. Feb. 3 Sat. Feb. 6
half, we had the lead and Ashton kept us in the game,” Marlin said. Corey Allmond scored a minute into the second half to take the lead by three, and the team never looked back. Almond added an extra six points in the second half as the Bearkats game became more flawless. The Islanders, however, were kept in the game by the
As the Bearkats clung to their lead, they began to hit the shots they earlier missed, and the ones the Islanders were making began to lip out. Sam Houston slowly built up a 12-point lead, easily sealing the game with 15 minutes left, winning the game 70-58. “You guys won this time,” White said. “But we still have to play again in February, don’t forget it.”
SHSU tennis serves up a win, two losses Brandon Scott Staff Reporter
The Sam Houston State tennis team battled 30 degree weather against TexasPan American in the opening dual match of the season on Saturday. The Bearkats won the doubles point before winning three of their singles matches to give Sam Houston State the 4-2 victory. Giorgia Pozzan teamed with freshman Sheridan Currie for an 8-4 win over Megan Bedeau and Luisa Cantu at number one doubles. Pozzan, the team-captain, played well with Currie despite little time working together. “I think we did pretty well,” Pozzan said. “We are new partners so it’s weird to play with someone you don’t know. But it was good. We played aggressively from the first point and we were able to control the game.” Pozzan handily defeated Bedeau in the number one singles match 6-2, 6-3.
Freshman Nadia Dubyanskaya won the closest singles match of the afternoon with a 6-4, 7-6 victory over Sarah Burton. Cally Woener paired with freshman Tatyana Postnikova to win a close game, 9-8 in the number two doubles match. Woener also beat Andrea Salvetova in the number five singles match 6-0, 6-2. “It wasn’t pretty but we got a win out of it,” Sam Houston State head coach Jim Giachino. “For our first match and under these conditions, it was a good effort.” On Sunday, the Bearkats visited Rice where they had little success. Pozzan and Currie dropped the number one doubles set, 8-5. Postnikova and Dubyanskaya struggled with an 8-1 loss in the number two doubles set. Pozzan rallied from deficits in both sets of the number one singles match. She defeated Julie Chao 7-5, 6-4 after falling 5-1 in the first set and 4-1 in the second. Pozzan won the only point in the 6-1 loss. “This is a big win for Giorgia,” Giachino said. “She’s our captain this year and she
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bearkats climb national rankings Paul Ridings
Sports Information
Sam Houston State has climbed to No. 77 in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball RPI rankings announced Monday. The Bearkats stand 14-5 for the year and are unbeaten 6-0 in Southland Conference play. Sam Houston also produced non-conference victories over Auburn, Oral Roberts and Rider and played No. 4 Kentucky to wihin 10 points at Rupp Arena. Sam Houston ranks immediately behind UTEP and North Carolina and ahead high profile teams such as Georgia, Memphis, New Mexico State and Oklahoma. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is the next highest ranked Southland Conference team, standing at No. 158. RPI stands for “Rating Percentage Index” and is an important figure used for selection to the NCAA tournament since it reflects a team’s overall record and strength of schedule. Sam Houston’s highest final season RPI in its 23 years
at the NCAA Division I level was No. 91 in 2003, the year the Bearkats last won the Southland Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA event. Also announced Monday were the latest NCAA team and individual statistics rankings. Sam Houston State leads Division I men’s basketball in assists per game (20.2), is third in assist/turnover ratio (1.56), 13th in three-point field goals per game (8.7) and 17th in turnover margin (3.9). Corey Allmond, Sam Houston’s top scorer, stands No. 7 nationally in three point field goals per game (3.3) and 19th in three-point field goal percentage (.422). Josten Crow stands No. 11 in individual assist/turnover ratio (2.91). Sam Houston stands as the only unbeaten team remaining in Southland Conference play. The Bearkats stand in first place in the Southland West Division. The Kats played three of their next four games at home including 7 p.m. contests Wednesday with UTSA and Saturday with Central Arkansas.
played with great determination to show she’s our leader. Rice has an outstanding team that has improved over last season. This was a great experience for our younger players.” On Monday, the Bearkats hosted Abilene Christian, where their struggles continued. Pozzan and Currie defeated Dina Pavlin and Jaclyn Walker in number one doubles and Currie took the number two singles to give Sam Houston it’s only victories in the 6-1 loss to ACU. The Bearkats lost the doubles point via an 8-1 loss at the number two position and a default due to injury at number three. Sam Houston was only able to come away with one victory out of the six singles. Following the first three matches of the season, the Sam Houston State women’s tennis team stands at 1-2 for season. The action continues for Sam Houston next weekend in the UTEP Invitational. Sports information The Bearkats will play three dual matches The SHSU women’s tennis team started the 2010 season Saturday Friday through Sunday. with a win, but failed to stay hot and followed with consecutive losses.