March 1, 2012

Vol 120 | Issue 13

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Publishing since 1913

Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

Spring break tips for broke college students, pg. 3

5-Day Forecast Thursday, Mar. 1 HI: 79 LOW: 67

Friday, Mar. 2 HI: 77 LOW: 51

Saturday, Mar. 3 HI: 65 LOW: 42

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HI: 68 LOW: 43

MISTI JONES Senior Reporter The Office of International Program at Sam Houston State University is holding a Study Abroad Fair today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Lowman Student Center to promote studying in various countries across the world.

The goal, according to officials, is to spread information about study abroad opportunities for students and raise that statistic to the national level, one percent.

A booth will be set up to provide handouts, brochures, catalogs of programs, fliers and sign-up sheets to receive occasional emails about the program.

“Studying abroad is more than just a chance to be a tourist in another country,” Jesse Starkey, Study Abroad Coordinator, said. “It is really an opportunity to broaden your horizons and have an incredible potential to affect your marketability in the workplace.”

SHSU students have the opportunity to study their major in foreign countries such as Chile, Finland, Germany, Mexico and Turkey. Other countries are accessible depending on what type of program students get involved with. There are three different ways students can study abroad: faculty-led, exchange and independent programs.

Faculty-led programs allow

MISTI JONES Senior Reporter

Monday, Mar. 5 HI: 73 LOW: 55

Gabriel Iglesias to perform at SHSU

Sam Houston State University announced funnyman Gabriel Iglesias will perform on Mar. 28, according to officials.

The university opened up voting for students on which comedian they would like to see. A similar method was used when the bands for Sammypalooza were selected.

The event will take place at Johnson Coliseum at 8 p.m. on March 28.

It is free to students with their student I.D. and can bring up to 10 alumni and friends.

Viewpoints ....... pg. 2 A&E ................... pg. 4 News .................. pg. 3 Sports................. pg. 5

Fair helps students study abroad

SGA pass bills to get more student input, senate efficiency

Sunday, Mar. 4

Men’s basketball axed by the ‘Jacks, pg. 5

INDEX

Student Government Association passed six bills and resolutions and a Sense of the Senate at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The Senate passed bill S1203, SHSU Women’s Basketball Promotion Act, which support and create promotional items for the team’s final basketball game against Texas State on March 3.

Senate Act S12-04, The Oath of Office Act, passed to accept a new

students to be taught in another country by an SHSU professor and travel with other SHSU students anywhere from two weeks to a month to a full summer semester. Students who apply are required to have a minimum of 2.5 GPA, must be in good academic standing with the university and must be willing to experience a different culture.

There is an unlimited amount of students who may participate.

“It usually takes a minimum of six months to get everything in order,” Starkey said. “It is recommended that students start planning a year ahead, especially students who are financial aid recipients.”

The cost for the trip is typically over $13,000 per semester, but students may receive scholarships

and Federal Financial Aid to offset the price. The International Program awards scholarships to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Award money includes $2,000 per semester during fall and spring or between $650$1,000 for summer participants.

According to the Office of International Programs, departments for students overseas often include: art, biology, business, chemistry, education, foreign language, geography, history, political science and sociology. Typically it is harder to accommodate science programs but Starkey says she is actively trying to build relations with international universities.

Joeshua Ladouceur recently returned from studying in South Korea for two ten-week sessions

FINLAND

“Chopped” is coming to Sam Houston State University. Well, not the Food Network show, but an event sponsored by Program Council.

The organization will be hosting “Chopped Challenge 2K12” on Friday at 5 p.m. in Old Main Market.

The event is based off the popular TV show “Chooped”, where four chefs are chosen to compete before a panel of judges.

They must create an appetizer, entrée and desseert in a timed setting using secret ingredients provided each round.

After each round, the chef

THE NETHERLANDS

GERMANY

MEXICO PERU

CHILE

JAPAN

TURKEY KOREA AND MORE...

Study abroad opportunities in: Stephen Green | The Houstonian

Oath of Office for the Senators.

The organization approved S12-05, Open Forum Act, to allow members of the student body to sign in and address the Senate on agendas during open forum.

SGA passed S12-06, Bearkat Pride T-Shirt Tradeoff, to collect old SHSU T-shirts this summer and donated them to charities in the fall. The Senate passed Sense of the Senate S12-01, April Big Town Hall Incentive. This states that whichever senator brings the most students to the next Town Hall will be given a reward for their contribution. And finally, Senate Resolution S12-05, In Support of Laboratory Safety, passed to encourage the chemistry department to purchase first-aid kits for each separate laboratory in the Chemistry and Forensic Sciences building.

Pres. Tyler Eberhart also encouraged senators to collect student opinion on the newly passed Tobacco Policy. He asked

for them to gather feedback from numerous students.

Technology Coordinator Joseph Le announced a focus group for students to discuss SHSUOnline and Blackboard. He said there are plans for a possible new Blackboard system and stressed the importance of the group.

The week following spring break, members from the Lowman Student Center will speak about what they would like to see the center become in the future.

“Those are available and have been noted. We’d like for any non-SGA members to attend,” Eberhart said.

SGA voted by ballot against the impeachment of Sen. Jeff Pyle.

The senate voted and appointed Brian Peterson as Supreme Court Justice. Maddye Clark was appointed SGA’s new Public Relations Chair.

SGA meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the LSC 320.

with the most poorly made dish is eliminated until only one cheff remains.

Program Council’s event will feature nine participants and three judges.

The first place winner will recieve a trophy and a cash prize of $150. Second place recieves $75 and third place recieves $50.

Program Council members Lorie Brooks and Chirstopher Kha are the brains behind the SHSU version of the show.

“Our ‘Chopped’ was based off of our Top Chef program from last year, which Lorie came up with,” Kha said.

Top Chef is another cooking competition TV show on the Bravo network. Kha was the

winnor of the three competitors in last year’s competition.

“Last year, Top Chef was in teh ballroom and they used the little dorm burners,” Brooks said.

“This year they will be using the top notch ovens and getting to work at each of the stations, so it’s a little more legit.”

Brooks said there are huge differences between this year and last year, including better equipment for the participants.

“The students will get to see everyone at work, whether they are struggling or excelling,” Brooks said. “Being in Old Main Market will give the feel of watching the actual show on television. It’s going to be a fun event to watch.”

On the ‘Chop’ping block JASMINE BROWN Contributing Reporter

through SHSU’s Study Abroad program.

He says students remember they are a guest in another country and need to respect their customs.

“Be ready to laugh at yourself,” Ladoceur said. “You will do something that will make you look stupid or get you some weird looks from people, so if you are self-conscious you’ll have to learn to get over yourself. Finally, don’t be afraid to try new things. Treat the experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Students interested in study abroad programs are encouraged to talk with Starkey anytime in her “open-door” office and especially stop by the Study Abroad Fair tomorrow in the LSC mall area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nation & World DAVY JONES DIES AT 66

Former Monkees frontman, Davy Jones, 66, died on Wednesday in Florida, accoring to the martin County, Florida, sherrif ’s office.

According to an article on CNN, officials say Jones ccomplained that he was not feeling well and had trouble breathing. Jones was later transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Jones was the singer for the Monkees, and acted in the namesake television series in the ‘60s. The show was canceled after two seasons and the band split up one year after.

After the show, he appeared on several TV shows as a guest, including “The Brady Bunch,” “Spongebob Squarepants,” and “Boy Meets World.”

Photo courtesy papajuan74 | Flickr

Jones died in Florida, where he lives, at the age of 66.

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Viewpoints

Page 2 Thursday, March 1, 2012

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Don’t stand so close to me Brenda Ouk discusses public displays of affection on campus U nderstandably, high schools are much more strict on PDA as there were plenty of vulturelike faculty eyes upon high school students. Heaven forbid couples hold hands walking down the hallway. Then we graduate and find out campus life is much more different and PDA seems to be super-charged in college.

We’ve all seen it: a couple blocks your way to class because they’re walking painstakingly slow hand in hand, a couple caressing each other in the middle of the lobby, a couple making out in class then proceed to flirt throughout the lecture, or a lady sitting on her gentleman’s lap in the dining hall.

This isn’t about being a miserable, old, cynic. Love is a

wonderful gift and it’s exciting to be dating someone you’re absolutely crazy in love with. Part of being in a mature relationship is acting mature and knowing when to publicly show your affection.

Some folks think it’s never okay to show it in public. “PDA makes me sick. No one wants to see you suck each other’s faces off. I have a girlfriend and we know the difference between public and private moments,” said junior Joshua Fine.

Others think PDA is perfectly fine in moderation. “Holding hands and giving little pecks on the cheek or lips is cute. Guys always want to act like they’re big and tough. PDA is a nice reminder that even the toughest men have soft spots,” said senior Chloe

Smith of Texas A&M University.

“Being around other couples have definitely made us more aware of our actions,” Smith said.

“My fiancé and I are affectionate people and we’ve slipped up in the past, I’m sure. We’ve cut back on the kisses and are perfectly fine holding hands or being side by side. No one would be proud to be known as the “Gross PDA couple.”

The saying “less is more” seems to fit the topic of PDA perfectly.

If you don’t show any display of affection to your other half, feelings will get hurt.

If you display too much affection, you’re being rude and obnoxious. PDA in moderation can keep a relationship young and fun.

◊ Acceptable PDA

• Holding Hands Holding hands is a sweet, innocent gesture that shows the world that you two are crazy for each other. As long as you’re not being inconvenient (ahem, aforementioned couple that walks slow hand in hand) holding hands is completely acceptable.

• Quick pecks If done in moderation, a quick little peck on the cheek or lips is adorable. We’re talking so quick that some people may miss it completely.

• Arm Around the Shoulder Guys- what better way to subtlety show off your girl than by putting your big strong arms around her shoulders? It’s a classic

To Coach Fritz for bringing the football team to the final men’s basketball home game.

To senior players Antuan Bootle, Marcus James, Khamra Echols and Devin Wombles. Thanks for your years of dedication.

To the seniors of the Bearkat Spirit programs and the Angry Orange Brass Band. Thanks for the enthusiasm!

UPDATE: Women’s Basketball After my column last week, Victoria Towery, a senator and caucus chair for the College of Business, took action. She led the SGA in approving measures to promote the women’s final home game Saturday March 3. Unfortunately, due to the short time frame the university was unable to approve the initiative. I’d like to thank Victoria and the SGA for bringing attention to the issue of poor attendance at women’s basketball games and hope they continue to find ways to support all Bearkat athletic teams in the future.

-Karmen C. King, Viewpoints Editor

Come support the women’s team and seniors Khamra Echols and Devin Wombles in their final home game 2:00 p.m. Saturday March 3.

This is not goodbye to our seniors; we are just celebrating a night for them. We still have plenty of games to play. Both of our seniors have contributed in different ways and I appreciate all the hard work they have given us. I’ve enjoyed having them and they have great personalities.

- Head Coach Brenda Welch-Nichols Khamra Echols

and manly gesture that will bring a smile to your girl’s face as well as showing everyone she is all yours.

◊ Non-Acceptable PDA

• Groping A sure fire way to get everyone talking and making everyone uncomfortable is by groping each other. If your hand lingers around the chest, stomach, or butt area, go find a more secluded place.

• Make-out Sessions Drunk or sober, no one needs to witness a raging make-out session between you and your significant other. If the hormones are a-raging, take it back to your private residency.

- Brenda is a mass comm major.

Today in history:

March 1

1642 – Georgeana, Massachusetts (now known as York, Maine), becomes the first incorporated city in the United States.

1692 – Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba are brought before local magistrates in Salem Village, Massachusetts, beginning what would become known as the Salem witch trials.

1781 – The Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation.

1790 – The first United States census is authorized.

1805 – Justice Samuel Chase is acquitted at the end of his impeachment trial by the U.S. Senate.

1836 – A convention of delegates from 57 Texas communities convenes in Washington-on-theBrazos, Texas, to deliberate independence from Mexico.

1845 – President John Tyler signs a bill authorizing the United States to annex the Republic of Texas.

1872 – Yellowstone National Park is established as the world’s first national park.

1873 – E. Remington and Sons in Ilion, New York begins production of the first practical typewriter.

1893 – Nikola Tesla gives the first public demonstration of radio in St. Louis, Missouri.

Devin Wombles

Devin is a hard worker and a great team player. She always motivates everyone and is really positive. Kham is our point guard and she has a crazy left-hand layup that no one can stop.

She’s a great passer and ball handler and everyone is really comfortable when she has the ball in her hand. We’re going to miss both of them tremendously and our goal is to make sure we extend their last season as much as possible!

-Forward Sequeena Thomas

1932 – The son of Charles Lindbergh, Charles Augustus Lindbergh III, is kidnapped.

1936 – The Hoover Dam is completed.

1941 – W47NV (now known as WSM-FM) begins operations in Nashville, Tennessee becoming the first FM radio station in the U.S. 1961 – President of the United States John F. Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps.

1966 – The Ba’ath Party takes power in Syria.

2003 – Management of the United States Customs Service and the United States Secret Service move to the United States Department of Homeland Security.

March 2

1793 – Sam Houston, American politician, 8th Governor of Tennessee and 7th Governor of Texas (d. 1863) 1807 – The U.S. Congress passes the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves, disallowing the importation of new slaves into the country.

1836 – Texas Revolution: Declaration of independence of the Republic of Texas from Mexico.

1962 – Wilt Chamberlain sets the single-game scoring record in the National Basketball Association by scoring 100 points.

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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 936-2941495. The Houstonian is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

News

Page 3 Thursday, March 1, 2012

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Not your average spring break Road trip ideas for the broke college student JANISE RICHARDSON Contributing Reporter

Ahhh, Spring Break is just around the corner.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of heading out far out of town for 7 days. For those who can’t make the trip to the typical Spring Break hang out, South Padre Island or other fun places, there are alternatives to live it up that week. College students can journey to somewhere in Texas on a road trip.

San Antonio, at least 4 hours from Huntsville, offers great opportunities for entertainment for Spring Break.

Twitter user Karyn Bush, who tweets from @Killer_Kaye said, “San Antonio with my best friend

for spring break! I can’t wait.”

San Antonio will showcase many events for the tourists to enjoy spring break.

Events such as The Third Annual Paella Challenge at Pearl and the St. Patrick’s day River Parade and Festival are going on the week of Spring Break.

The Paella Challenge, according The Riverwalk website, is a chance for guests to “enjoy paella prepared by top chefs from across the country and Latin America.”

Bravo channel’s Texas Top Chef contestants, Lindsay Autrey, TyLor Boring and Keith Rhodes, will participate in the challenge as well as other well-known culinary experts.

The St. Patrick’s day River Parade and Festival is described as a “family-friendly festival of music, food and fun” from March 16 through 17. Live music, food, activities, and releasing 110 pounds of green dye into the San Antonio River highlight this day.

Many more tourist sites color a trip to San Antonio. For the kid at heart, San Antonio has Six Flags Fiesta Texas or Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Regular priced tickets are $56.99 for a day of riding every ride the amusement park has to offer. Group rates start at $26.99 for Six Flags Fiesta Texas, for those taking a large group on a road trip.

Ripley’s showcases Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, a museum emulating actors, actresses, historical figures and more. The museum has recently added a 4D moving theater that showcases some of the newer movies. Each attraction separately is priced at $19.99. The three-way combo, with Waxworks, the 4D moving theater and Ripley’s can be ordered online for $25.99.

Texas has many other alternatives to soothe the college spring-breaker. About 5 hours from Huntsville is Corpus Christi, Texas.

People are excited about Spring Break in Corpus Christi.

A twitter user, Brice Johnson who tweets from the account @ BJohhn, said, “I’m Ready for Spring Break! Corpus Christi, watch out!”

Corpus offers the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, a collection of gardens with walking trails and openness with nature. The entrance fee is 5 dollars for floral exhibits, butterflies and a little knowledge about the environment.

To kick up the adrenaline a notch, Corpus offers Kiteboarding.

Kiteboarding, according to howtokiteboard.com, is “the act of riding any type of board while using a kite for pulling power and

Photo courtesy of ripleys.com

THE WAX MAN. One place that college students could go to if their money is tight is the Ripley’s believe it or not museum in San Anrtonio.

motion.”

Beginners can take lessons at Third Coast KiteSurfing. The company can be reached via phone at 1-361-563-4640 for reservations. Corpus holds the title of 2010 World Kiteboarding

Championship, so this would be the ideal place to train and take a ride on the wild side.

College students, have fun this spring break. Padre and Miami Beach aren’t the only places to spend the week away from school priorities.

New alumni life members honored

Photo courtesy of Donna Gilbert

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES. 2011 distinguished alumnus, Jim Ferris, talked to the attendees about the importance of life memberships.

MOLLY WADDELL Associate News Editor Members of the Sam Houston State University Alumni Association celebrated their life memberships at the celebration dinner in the Woodlands, Thursday.

The events main purpose was to award the new life members with their plaques, and honor them for joining.

According to Donna Gilbert, Assistant Director for Membership & Marketing of the Alumni Association, there were 250 attendees, with 59 new members receiving their plaques.

“I thought it was very well organized,” John Gilbert, 1978

graduate, said. “The focus was on new life members and the celebration of their new membership.”

Life members were treated to a night of music from the SHSU School of Music, pianist Tiberiu Chiranus, and Masters in Collaborative Piano.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from university president, Dr. Dana Gibson.

Distinguished alumnus of 2011, Jim Ferris, spoke to the attendees about the importance of life membership.

Along with these guest performances and speakers, life members also heard an update about what is going on at the

university and with the Alumni Association.

Gilbert explained why he became a life member about two years ago.

“I just wanted to be involved with the university and my alma mater, and to see the university grow and change over the years,” Gilbert said. “I also wanted to get back to the university and be a part of its present and its future.”

In a letter to the life members Charlie Vienne, Executive Director of the Alumni Association, explained the importance of life memberships.

“Through the generosity of you and other Life Members, our Alumni Association is able to strengthen its permanent

endowment to provide for the future growth and development of programs and projects to benefit our members and university,” Vienne said.

Gilbert would like to let current students know that if the sign up to be a life member right after they graduate they can reduce their membership price by 60% for $400. The membership can be paid out over a four year period. After the second year from graduation the life membership price goes up to $1,000.

If you have any more questions about becoming a member of the SHSU Alumni Association, contact Donna Gilbert at (936) 294-3924.

Transfer students recieve help from SHSU program MISTI JONES Senior Reporter

A program has been created by the Department of Student Activities’ Center for Leadership and Service specifically targeting the interests of transfer students.

The group is known as Emerging Leaders, and this is its inaugural semester.

The selected transfer students meet five times over 10 weeks, every other Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center 307, to develop leadership skills through hands-on experience and team building workshops in order to achieve positive change by the end of the semester.

According to the Emerging Leaders website, the group will follow the Social Change Model of Leadership which is based on seven dimensions called the

“Seven C’s”: consciousness of self, congruence, commitment, common purpose, controversy with civility, collaboration and citizenship.

“The goal is to help students grow in their leadership development capacity and to connect and network with other transfer students on campus,” Meredith Conrey, Program Coordinator of Center for Leadership and Service, said. “The nature of the program is going to be very conversational, very interactive. I want the students to know each other so they can have that level of comfort to disclose whatever it is that they want to disclose about themselves and not feel like they’re being judged by anyone else.”

Emerging Leaders will look at leadership from a community and society perspective, as

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well as an individual and group assessment. The members will also perform community service projects to connect with others in the Huntsville area.

Conrey coordinates the program but co-operates the group with help from Sam Houston State University outdoors intern, Jessica Abt, and graduate assistant for leadership programs, Kalyn Cavazos.

“I really want them to be able to take away these particular skills and I hope that they will utilize them throughout their time here at SHSU and in life,” Cavazos said. “I also want to able to instill the art of networking and hope that they will create new friendships with other transfer students in the cohort.”

A total of 15 students are chosen but the group currently holds 11. Four students were “deferred” to next semester’s program due to scheduling conflicts, Conrey said. Therefore, only 11 positions will be available for the upcoming fall semester.

To apply, transfer students must fill out an application and submit it to the Department of Student Activities. Students are chosen based on the quality of their essay responses and personal statement about

Photo courtesy of shsu.edu

THE SEVEN C’S. Emerging Leaders bases their group on the Social Change Model of Leadership which helps students grow in their leadership development capacity.

themselves. As publicity grows for the program, future applications may require a GPA standard and letter of recommendation.

Samantha Miller, unior member of Emerging Leaders, hopes to gain new and original knowledge about leadership, strong friendships and great memories. The cohort met for the first time on Feb. 21 but has already made an enthusiastic impact on the leaders.

“In the short time I have spent with my cohort, I have enjoyed the original ideas that helped me to get to

know my fellow members in this adventure,” Miller said.

“Everyone is very different, yet we are all here for one purpose. If it wasn’t for this cohort, I most likely would not have met some of these other students, which I find very intriguing. I hope to learn a lot from all of them.”

Because Emerging Leaders is in its first semester, there is not a mentorship portion of the program. However, the group hopes to incorporate a mentor component for future semesters consisting of veteran members for new cohort members. The group

will help transfer students as most typically struggle make new friendships, find their place and get involved on campus.

Cavasos said, “The purpose of this group is to equip our cohort of transfer students with the necessary skills to prevail in their role as leaders, whether it’s in the classroom, their career or life. This program will help them discover their strengths, teach them how to work within a team, provide them civic engagement and so much more.”

Arts & Entertainment

Page 4 Thursday, March 1, 2012

houstonianonline.com/a-e

Moving ancient music forward

Texas group heads to town to educate, perform GEORGE MATTINGLY Arts & Entertainment Editor From the moment Joel Laviolette heard the sounds of Zimbabwean music 18 years ago, he was hooked.

Since then, he has traveled the world with his group Rattletree Marimba, fusing the ancient music with modern sounds, to give audiences a unique listening experience.

Rattletree Marimba will return to Sam Houston Sate University today to work with music students in intimate workshops and give the campus a sample of their performance later tonight in Huntsville.

Laviolette is one of the few people who play the music known as mbira, an art that originates from the Shona people in Zimbabwe.

Rattletree plays on several giant, hand-built marimbas and mixes traditional sounds of Zimbabwe with electronic sounds of today to create dance music that can’t be heard anywhere else, according to Laviolette.

“I compare it [the music] a lot to jazz,” Laviolette said.

“You get to put your own twist on it. The improv structure of it lets me be free within the music.”

With its unique rhythms and

colorful sounds, the music has had a powerful impact on audiences, which is an experience in itself, according to Laviolette.

“I love feeding off the energy of the crowd,” he said. “Seeing the power of the music and how it affects people is great.”

Rattletree’s performance in Huntsville will be the premier of their latest work. Seven performers will combine electronic music with dancers and video projections to give a unique experience for the audience.

“The concept is the ongoing evolution of music by incorporating new elements as you see them,” Laviolette said.

Laviolette attended the University of North Texas where studied jazz guitar. After hearing Zimbabwean music for the first time, he moved to Zimbabwe, where he lived for two years.

While there, he studied the ancient music of the country under Newton Gwara, whom Loviolette calls one of his greatest influences in music.

In 2006, Laviolette founded Rattletree Marimba in Austin, Texas. Since then, the group has performed at wide variety of venues including weddings, festivals and elementary schools in several states.

They also taught workshops that delve into Zimbabwean music to

Photo courtesy of Laviolette

SPREADING EDUCATION: In addition to performing Joel Laviolette has traveled and performed to several several schools and Texas universities to give students workshops on mbira, Zimbabwean marimba and Shona style guitar.

several students at several Texas universities such as Texas A & M and Texas Christian University.

The group came to SHSU for the first time in 2009 to teach students. This time, they will be adding a performance to their teaching.

“The students were great,” Laviolette said. “They were fast learners. By the end of the session, we were all performing a piece together. We’re looking forward to coming back.”

Despite the success of the group, he said the journey has not come without its challenges along the way.

“As musicians we have an inferiority complex,” he said. “We strive to put our art on the line every day and look for approval from others.”

Despite the challenges, Laviolette said the rewarding moments he has experienced have outweighed the difficulty of being a musician.

“Every day is a reward because I get to wake up and do what I love to do,” he said.

Rattletree will perform a sample of their show in the Farrington pit today from noon to 1:30 p.m.

They will perform their full show tonight at 8 p.m. at Crazyhorse on Sam Avenue.

Tickets for the performance are $6 at the door.

For more information visit www.rattletree.com or follow the event on Facebook

Students embrace latest fashion trends Fashion week brings color blocking from runway to campus AMANDA MORGAN Contributing Reporter

The Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week ended on Feb. 16 and already some of this season’s latest trends are making their way off the runways and onto the bodies of some Sam Houston State University students.

Color blocking is the latest craze in the fashion world thanks to top fashion designers such as Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs. Color blocking is the combination of loud and bright colors on a single piece of an outfit that enhance the dynamics of that piece.

Another wildly popular version of color blocking is to pair a brightly saturated top

with another brightly saturated bottom to create a “sharp dissonance” in the outfit.

To pull this new trend off with style and poise, try to stick to a maximum of three colors to color block for a top and only one or two for a bottom piece.

One student opts for the second type of color blocking to stay on top of the year’s latest trends by pairing a single-colored top and single-colored bottom.

“I think that two saturated colors work better for my body shaping and it gives off that special pop of color,” Samantha Kilsby, junior human resource management major, said. “I discovered color blocking on E! News,” she said. “I chose to start color blocking to switch things up in my wardrobe.”

Others see color blocking as a style fit for several occasions.

“I like to wear color blocking when I’m going to a party or out shopping,” Heather Delso, accounting major, said.

“I like to wear it because I love the bold colors and what better way to make a statement than with lots of color.”

Delso prefers the single color top and bottom style of color blocking because it’s less busy, which provides more options when pairing different garments together.

The trend also gives some students a chance to show off their personality through fashion.

“Color blocking allows for my outfit to have a ‘pop’ with a sense of personality,” Mya Johnson, junior economics major, said.

She uses color blocking to express not only her fashion sense, but her passion for staying on top of current trends.

“I would wear it [color blocking outfit] to class or even to a 80s party,” she said.

“Any person could wear it by wearing two or more different ‘popping’ or ‘loud’ colors at once. It’s a lovable trend!”

It seems that the fashion trend of this season has been set is here to stay until the next season’s trends hit the runway.

Photo courtesy of John Lane

GRAPHIC NOTAION: John Lane, director of percussion studies, founded the Sam Houston Percussion group in 2006, bringing his background in graphic notation to the his students.

Concert to combine art, music GEORGE MATTINGLY Arts & Entertainment Editor Music students will showcase their original compositions in a combination of music and art as the Sam Houston State University Percussion Group presents “Notations” on March 5.

The performance will include music interpretation inspired by student artwork including ink drawings, oil paintings and a charcoal drawing. The compositions will aim to convey the artwork as sound, according to John Lane, Ph.D, director of percussion studies.

“I thought it was interesting to have two students do different interpretations of the music because it opens up more possibilities with the sounds,” he said.

“Notations” will feature

a variety of percussion instruments including xylophones, marimbas and piano. In addition, the performance will have projected images behind the musicians on a screen and a lighting display by Carrie Barton, technical director of the Performing Arts Center.

The added elements will help to make the concert more visual for the audience, Lane said.

The performance will also feature unusual elements such as sirens, gongs dipped in water, and the sound of wind in order to create a “whole world of sound,” according to Lane.

He said the collaborative concert was important to create a relationship between art and music.

“It gives us a chance to have discussion about art and to create much more interesting work,” Lane

said. “It makes them [the students] think about music in a different way.”

Lane founded the Sam Houston Percussion Group in 2006 and since then, they have performed at a wide range of events including venues around campus, Huntsville and abroad in Panama.

He hopes the audience will connect with the message of the performance; something he said is enhanced in a live performance.

“People in general don’t see enough live music,” Lane said. “It [live music] adds an element of humanness from person to person. It’s very real and it’s a great way to communicate.”

“Notations” will be held in the PAC Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free for everyone. For more information, call the School of Music at 936-294-1360.

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COLOR AND STYLE. Junior Samantha Kilsby uses color blocking by paring single-colored pants with a solid top

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Chopped Down!

Men’s team falls at home to rival SFA, 58-47 CODY LEWIS Sports Reporter The Sam Houston State men’s basketball team lost its final home game of the season to archrival Stephen F. Austin, 5847, Wednesday night.

The last time these two teams met, the Lumberjacks narrowly defeated the Bearkats 67-66 during overtime in Nacogdoches.

SFA came into the game riding a three-game winning streak, and Sam Houston was coming off a loss against Lamar on Saturday afternoon.

“You definitely have to give Stephen F. Austin credit,” Kats head coach Jason Hooten said.

“They definitely outplayed us tonight in every aspect of the game.”

Because it was Senior Night at Johnson Coliseum, seniors Marcus James and Antuan Bootle were honored before the game with Sam Houston jerseys.

This was their last home game as Bearkats. James transferred to Sam Houston and has been a Bearkat for two years. Bootle, who spent all four of his college years as a Bearkat, is the first Sam Houston player to have 20 rebounds in a single game since 1989.

The Bearkats struggled to make shots in the first half, and it

seemed like SFA could not miss.

The Lumberjacks were shooting a whopping 63 percent from the floor and 57 percent from beyond the arch at the half.

Sam Houston shot about 40 percent from the floor and 31 percent form the three-point line.

Demarcus Gatlin was the only Sam Houston player in the double digits with 13 points.

“We don’t have a lot of offensive fire power…that’s evident,” Hooten said. “That’s just not quite good enough…it’s at the bottom tier of our league. We just have to get better in that aspect.”

SFA’s Darius Gardner was the lead scorer for the Lumberjacks with 14 points. He scored nine of his points in the first half off of three consecutive three-point shots.

Desmond Haymon and Taylor Smith also contributed to the Lumberjacks’ win by chipping in 12 points each.

“I thought Gardner’s threes were really crucial,” Hooten said.

“That was the difference in the game…it got them off to a good lead.”

This is very unlike Sam Houston due to the fact that they rank second in the Southland Conference in both scoring defense and field goal percentage defense. On average, they give up only 60.1 points per game and holding the opponent to .399

percent shooting.

The Bearkats did, however, step up on defense in the second half. The Lumberjacks’ shooting percentage was lowered to 36 percent, giving them an overall average of 48 percent from the floor. Next year, the Bearkats will have more than just nine players which will allow them to play better defense throughout the game, Hooten said.

The Kats are still fighting for a berth in the Southland Conference post-season tournament in Katy, and a win against Texas State would be the ticket.

It is also possible for the Bearkats to get into the tournament if Southeastern Louisiana beats McNeese on Saturday but Hooten and his team have made it clear that they want to earn their way into the tournament personally.

“I don’t like to have someone else do my job for me,” Hooten said. “We’re not going to depend on someone else so we have to go down [to San Marcos] and win a game. I expect them to play well.”

This is not the situation Hooten wants his team to be in, but he believes his team has to control its own destiny in this situation.

Sam Houston will end their regular season on Saturday in San Marcos playing Texas State for the second time this season.

Tip-off for the game is set for 4 p.m.

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

TOUGH GAME. Junior guard Demarcus Gatlin (11) fights his way to the basket against SFA. Gatlin finished with 13 points, in a 58-47 loss on Wednesday.

Women’s team dishes out revenge at SFA, 70-55 KARMEN KING Viewpoints Editor

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

IN ENEMY TERRITORY. Junior Britni Martin (10) shoots the ball against SFA. Against the Jacks on Wednesday, Martin put up 19 points and forward Sequeena Thomas pulled down 21 rebounds in a 70-55 victory on the road.

Revenge is a dish best served at the house of your rival and the Bearkats dished out plenty annihilating the Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin 70-55 Wednesday night.

This was the first time head coach Brenda Welch-Nichols led the team to a victory over SFA in Nacogdoches.

“It feels great,” sophomore Jasmine Johnson said. “Especially to give Coach Nick a win.”

The Kats avenged their Jan. 25 loss to SFA in resounding fashion, outscoring the Jacks 46-32 after only taking a one-point lead into the locker room at half.

The first half saw constant back and forth scoring.

Freshman Angela Beadle hit a jumper with six seconds to go in the first to pull ahead by one.

“We talked about not trading baskets,” Johnson said. “Which had happened the majority of the first half.”

Beadle hit another jumper to open the second half and the closest SFA came after that was a tie-up at the 16:40 mark of the second half. After a three-pointer from junior Britni Martin at 16:24 the Jacks were never able to come that close again.

“We were able to get stops on defense and convert on offense,” Johnson said.

The team was led by Martin and junior Sequeena Thomas, combining for 30 points, with Johnson adding 12 and junior Chanice Smith knocking in 10.

Thomas also hit her 16th double double of the season pulling in 21 boards.

“I’m very proud of our performance tonight,” Johnson said. “We kept the intensity from beginning to end and stuck to the game plan.”

The Bearkats make their final home stand of the season Saturday at 2 p.m. against Texas State.

For more information about the team, visit gobearkats.com.

Softball loses third Baseball struggles against Baylor, straight to Texas A&M, lost last three of four games falls to 1-10 on season

JOHN PERES Contributing Reporter

The Bearkat softball team lost to the Texas A&M Aggies at home on Wednesday, 4-1.

With the loss, the Bearkats drop to 1-10 on the season and 1-2 at the Bearkat Softball Complex.

Freshman pitcher Meme Quinn started for SHSU, the first of her career.

Meme gave up back-to back home runs by Aggies right fielder Sydney Shanon and pitcher Mel Dumezich and an RBI single catcher Meagan May early in the game.

Quinn eventually settled down and stayed focused, forgetting about what had previously happened, allowing just one more run the rest of the game.

“It was time for her to grow,” head coach Bob Brock said. “I thought that there were a lot of times that she stepped it up. There were All-Americans in that line and I felt she handled it pretty well.”

The lone Bearkat score came when third baseman Shelbi Tucker got on base with a double in the

bottom of the second inning. She was then sacrificed to third on the following at bat. Tucker then scored on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Erin Burford.

SHSU gave up another run late in the game after a second RBI single by catcher Meagan May, bringing the game to its final score of 4-1.

“Overall, I thought it was a positive game,” Brock said.

“After pitching for four innings this year, Meme went four rounds with Texas A&M and that is not easy to do. But, not for one second do I enjoy losing, I want to win.

We need to get busy. We have Texas this weekend.”

The team will travel and take on the Texas Longhorns in a three game series this weekend. The series begins on Friday and start time is set for 5 p.m.

After that the Bearkats will play Houston Baptist University on the road on Wednesday.

They will return home for a four game homestand. During that, the Bearkats will open up Southland Conference play against Northwestern State on March 9.

also saw action against the Bears.

Trent Blank, who is now 4-0 on the season, started for Baylor and got the win. He lasted five innings, and gave up three hits for a run while striking out three Bearkat hitters.

Luke Plucheck led the Kats with hits as he went three for four from the plate and had one RBI. Colt Atwood and Jake Arrington also had two hits each.

The Bearkats are looking to get back into the winning margin as they kick off a seven-game home stand with a three-game series against UC-Riverside on Friday.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m.

For more information of the Sam Houston baseball team, visit gobearkats.com.

photo courtesy of gobearkats.com

ROUGH ROAD GAME. Sophomore Luke Plucheck (26) hits the ball in a game earlier this season. Against Baylor, Plucheck had three hits in a loss.

CODY LEWIS Sports Reporter With a 6-2 loss to number25-ranked Baylor on Tuesday, the Sam Houston State baseball team’s record is back to .500 at 4-4.

The game was scoreless until back-to-back errors by the

Bearkats in the third and forth innings, which allowed Baylor to score all six of it’s runs.

Brandon Bergen got the start for the Bearkats, but ended up taking the loss after allowing four runs. He lasted only three innings.

Sam Houston pitchers Michael Burchett, Andrew Godail, Marshall Davis and Allen Scott

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