The Houstonian

Vol 115— Issue 16

Huntsville, Texas

FEATURE PRESENTATION Entertainment contributor James Ashworth analyzes the new album by Bear and Heaven.

SEE page 5

INDEX

Nation & World...page 4

Viewpoints................page 2

Entertainment........page 5

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

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

Thursday, March 11, 2010

SPORTS

Men’s basketball wins first round in SLC tournament SEE page 6

Facing Bars Information shared for students who find themselves in trouble over the break

By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter

Ahh…. Spring break is almost here. A time for closing the books, kicking back and getting some much needed R&R. But the majority of college students don’t spend this one week during the semester sitting around the house or studying, most students hit the roads, beaches and bars to forget about their stress.

When people think of spring break, usually the first image that comes to mind is college students drinking and going wild at the beach. A lot of alcohol consumption does take place during spring break as students try to forget about all their school stresses, but it is always important to drink responsibly and get help to those who need it.

Many college students are underage, and thus a lot of underage drinking occurs during spring break. According to the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, there are an estimated 10.8 million underage drinkers in the US. Serious consequences of underage drinking, besides a fine and the loss of your driver’s license, are injury and even death.

A survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reveals that in the U.S., an estimated 5,000 individuals under the age of 21 die each year from injuries caused by underage drinking, including — See BARS, page 4

Inbox Alert

Sam Houston Dean of Students issues advisory about Mexico travel

By John Yarabeck

Dean of Students To all Sam Houston Students: Spring Break is fast approaching and many students are planning trips to Mexico. If you are among them, please be aware the Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. State Department have issued Travel Alerts for Mexico.

The US State Department alert cites both “Violence Along the US / Mexico Border” and “Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico” as causes for serious concern. Because of these dangers the Dean of Students Office is advising that students avoid traveling to Mexico. If you choose to make the trip, the U.S. Department of State’s Web site: http://travel.state.gov/ travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4491. html lists the travel alert and other information regarding travel in Mexico.

While the greatest threat concerns continuing high rates of crime and violence near the U.S. border, students travelling to the interior of the country should also be aware of escalating violent crime in resort areas and should exercise extreme caution. During your trip, please phone home often to assure your family or friends that you are safe.

More than 100,000 college students spend their Spring Break in Mexico every year.

Common sense precautions can help you have a fun trip and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Also remember, whether you are crossing the border for the day or spending a few nights, you are in a foreign country and you are subject to the laws of Mexico.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Dean of Students Office at (936) 294-1785.

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

BATTLING THE PAIN. Ashton Mitchell fights through defenders to get to the basket. He led SHSU with 20 points in the first round of the Southland Conference postseason tournament.

Destination: Spring Break

Hot spots and trip tips to know before flying

By Shanay Lemon Contributing Writer

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

“Get High in a different way”. It is currently R.I.D.D. Week, also known as Reducing Irresponsible

Drinking and Drugs Week, at Sam Houston State University. The SHSU Alcohol and Drug Abuse Initiative, along with the National Health Education Honorary, Eta Sigma Gamma, fraternity Omega Delta Phi, and sorority Kappa Delta Chi is hosting the annual event all week until Friday in order to prepare students for a safe spring break. On Wednesday, March 10 the theme was “Get high” in a different way.

Every kite needs a “tale,” students are asked to come share them and fly high.

Planning the vacation budget

Money management center shares advice about spending over the break

— See BREAK, page 3

Pet Peeves Animal control and Apartment complexes warn students about neglectings pets over the break

By Jessica Priest

Associate News Editor

By Alyssa Dupree Contributing Writer

As midterms, deadlines and heavy winter clothes become a thing of the past, students and faculty at Sam Houston State University are looking forward to a Spring Break that is full of sunshine and relaxation.

While some students are simply traveling home to spend their break with hometown friends and family, others are traveling across the country.

“I’m going to New York City for six days,” said Matthew Cicchetti, junior broadcast major.

“It’s exciting to be traveling to New York without my parents. My sisters and I have been planning this trip since Thanksgiving.”

Yet Cicchetti isn’t the only student traveling out of state for Spring Break, which occurs from March 15 to March 19 this year.

For Nellie Tovar, junior political science major, New Orleans is just as good a place as any.

“I’m going to the St. Patty’s Day Parade with my fiancé and a couple of friends,” said Tovar.

She also plans to shop in the French Quarter and is looking forward to indulging in local food during her three-day trip.

However, not every student has to travel out of state to have a good Spring Break.

Jacki Brossman-Ashorn, assistant director of the Student Money Management Center, says that “there are great, in-

The anticipation continues to increase as the week draws to a close, leaving many students ready to escape to their Spring Break destinations.

While some students at Sam are going back to their hometowns for a week of family and friends, with the chance of endless rest, many students are hitting the ultimate Spring Break spots.

Laura Floyd, travel agent and

owner of Advantage Travel located on 2128 Sam Houston Ave. Ste. E, says the most popular domestic destinations amongst Spring Breakers are South Padre, Panama City, FL, and New Orleans, LA. As for foreign destinations Cozumel and Cancún, Mexico are key spots, due to a increase in safety for tourists.

In choosing a suitable airline, she recommends Continental due to its convenience and non-stop flights.

Graphics by Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

expensive places in Texas to spend Spring Break.”

“Many students want to travel to Mexico or Florida for Spring Break, but Texas has some wonderful places students can go, and it will ultimately save on travel expenses,” said Brossman-Ashorn.

She advises that students share a room with three or four friends to save money on hotels, or go camping where you can spend as little as $5 dollars when you bring your own tent.

“Students often forget all about their budget while on vacation and wind up spending more than they planned.”

“I’ve saved a little bit of money each week since Thanksgiving,” said Cicchetti.

“My parents would give me money each week and anything that was left over went towards my trip.”

For students, the best way to stay within your budget is

to avoid credit cards, as they “tempt you to spend more,” according to Brossman-Ashorn.

Another tip for students seeking fun on a budget is to look for things which cost little-to-nothing to do, such as museums and zoos. Although they may charge a small entrance fee, many offer student discounts with a valid I.D. Brossman-Ashorn‘s final tip is to “stay away from ‘package deals’,” as they tend to cost more than they lead on.

“If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Students can visit the Student Money Management Center, free of charge, for any questions regarding their personal finances.

“There’s a reason so many young people are in debt, so avoid making purchases without thinking of the consequences,” said BrossmanAshorn.

Students who leave their furry friends behind this Spring Break can expect some expensive consequences, as both apartment complexes and Huntsville’s Animal Control will be on the lookout for instances of animal cruelty and neglect.

The Exchange, an apartment complex that was constructed in Huntsville two years ago, is just one of the many student residences in town that will be vigilantly looking out for residents who either evade their pet deposit requirement or neglect their pets over the Spring Break holiday.

“We are actually in the process of cracking down on it a lot more … Unfortunately, a lot of students don’t pay their pet deposit,” Exchange assistant manager Karen Sturgis said.

According to Sturgis, residents who own pets must pay a non-refundable pet fee of $300 and there is only one pet allowed per apartment. Those residents who do not pay their pet deposit will undergo several disciplinary actions.

First, the resident will receive a warning to remove the pet from the apartment.

“As long as they do it, it’s not an issue. After that if they don’t do it, however, there will be a fine of $100 and a $10 fine for each day the pet remains at the apartment,” Sturgis said.

If the problem persists, the resident will be considered in violation of his or her leasing contract. When this happens, the resident will be evicted.

Jessica Priest | The Houstonian

Unfortunately, there are some extreme circumstances where the Huntsville Animal Control officer must intervene in the situation.

"I usually get two or three complaints every spring break of pets in apartments or houses that are left unattended," Huntsville Animal Control Officer Mike Clarke said.

According to Clarke, many students elect a friend to take care of their pet while they are out of town, but this often doesn't end well.

"What normally happens is the owner asks a friend to take care of it, and sometimes that friend decides to go out of town or just forgets,” Clarke said.

The Huntsville Animal Control cannot intervene under just any circumstance, however as they too have their own rules they must abide by.

— See NEGLECT, page 3

VIEWPOINTS

Page 2 The Houstonian

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Spring Break Edition

Letter to the Student Body

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, room 210 in the communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

What are your plans for Spring Break this year?

Kemberli Sargent Senior

“Maybe going skydiving.”

Heath Wierck Viewpoints Editor haw002@shsu.edu

Interesting facts about Spring Break • About 1.5 million college students participate in Spring Break every year.

• It is estimated that Spring Break is a $1 billion per year industry between Texas and Florida alone.

• In 2004, there were 5,220 alcohol-related Spring Break arrests in Florida alone.

• South Padre Island averages 150,000 students every year for Spring Break.

• Around 60% of students on Spring Break have a run-in with a police officer.

• Students spend an estimated $1,100 throughout the week of Spring Break.

Landon Quintana

Matt Kitchens

Marie Krouse

Raymond Williams

“Going to Panama City, Florida.”

“For the first time ever I’m not doing anything.”

“Just staying in town and relaxing.”

“Going to Dallas to visit my family and who knows.”

Senior

Junior

Thomas Merka talks about his inexperience with building fires, and gives tips for Spring Break.

So easy a caveman can do it? I think not.

The cavemen must have had help from the aliens; just like the Egyptians did when building the pyramids, because despite its seeming simplicity, making fire is extremely difficult. Well, it is for me at least.

With Spring Break coming up, and many people wishing to have a camp fire at some point, I feel it necessary to tell the woes of my inadequate fire starting skills in an effort to help you avoid the situation I found myself in.

It all started when one of my friends decided to have a party at her house.

At said party, she wanted to have a fire so we could roast marshmallows and keep warm in the frigid outdoors. What started as an innocent attempt at keeping warm and satisfying our craving for melted marshmallow goodness, transformed

into a near death adventure.

Our first problem arose when we realized we didn’t have any wood, but after filling the barbecue pit with sticks and leaves we were in business.

Lesson number one, the only thing leaves are good for is making tons

is VERY flammable.” of smoke.

After the leaves burned and the smoke subsided, we were disappointed to see that the sticks we collected didn’t catch fire, so we decided to bring out the big guns. Lesson number two, gasoline is VERY flammable.

After nearly engulfing myself in flames and extinguishing my friend’s front yard, I was dumbfounded when I noticed that the gas didn’t cause the wood to

Break this year, and decides to stay at home.

However, as a 23 yearold graduating senior I have no desire for my Spring Break to partake in adolescent alcoholism, and the only thing on my mind is walking the stage on May 15. I almost wish there was no Spring Break, because I don’t want to stop the academic sweat

“I’m not that much older, but there is much more to life than being tagged in someone’s beach party photo...” sion and charisma that led to my success, because I earnestly believed in the mottos and creeds of Spring Break.

No school automatically implied that my hands be stripped of textbooks and filled with double fisted beer cans. And as Professor Jack Daniels lectured on Crystal Beach, I wished there was a school that offered credit for substance abuse.

If that has been the case, I would have been an ace.

I’ve built up.

I’m already musty, and I only plan on taking one shower during finals week.

On top of an increasing distain for binge drinking, I don’t feel that a nine day break could accommodate my travel needs. I would need to use a passport for most of the places I want to visit, and I would need at least a month to stay.

I guess when you’re younger everything goes so much faster. High speed internet vs. 56k, a quickie

catch fire. To this day, I still do not understand how pouring gasoline on sticks and setting it on fire failed light our sticks on fire.

With no other accelerant available for us to try and set our sticks ablaze, we sufficed to just burn leaves for awhile, generating

“Lesson number two, gasoline

Brad Basker explores all the options of Spring sual vagabondism, and I’m not sure how I got away with any of it.

I had no license, very little cash and my parents certainly didn’t have a beach house. But even without all of these essentials I was able to indulge in Spring Break. I like to think that it was pure pas-

Junior

Skinny boy is on fire

Mad Brad: I’ll break when I graduate Anxiousness is always in the air as college students across America wait to be released for Spring Break.

It’s a chance for a brief liberation from the dreadful life of higher knowledge and social accommodation, and is foreplay for the tanning days of summer.

When I was a freshman Spring Break was an extended exploit in debauchery. The festivities began with a principal idea, but the imaginations and wilds of a 20 year old Mad Brad & Company could hardly be contained by any preconceived plan.

Three days at Mike Case’s beach house chaotically evolved without little complaint from anyone. The desire to “rage” on the beaches of Bolivar Peninsula exceeded any and every logical notion.

Three days swiftly became nine, and by the time we left the island we had switched houses and left in a different car with different people.

It was the epitome of ca-

Senior

vs. matrimony and the best nine days you won’t remember vs. a month of cultural emersion in a foreign land.

I’m not that much older, but there is much more to life than being tagged in someone’s beach party photo album on facebook.

If I had plans they would be to go to Brazil. I would sharpen my Portuguese, play futebol with the locals, have a caipirinha with my feijoada and make a lifelong friend or two.

However I doubt I would want to leave after nine days , and would most likely miss my graduation.

So, this Spring Break I’m going to play it safe and l sit at my home and write, work, drink coffee and go to church. I’ll break when I graduate.

Brad Basker is a recurring columnist for The Houstonian. He is a Senior Public Relations major, Spanish minor.

heat but with a smoke signal to rival those of the Native Americans. In all, our attempt at starting a fire was futile.

Last weekend I had a party at my house and once again, I wanted a fire, but this time I would succeed because I had a secret weapon… my dad.

While preparing for the party with my father I learned a few things about building a fire.

The first thing is to get wood that has been

cut for a while and is dry. I suspect the wood we used at my friend’s house was green, or had recently been cut and was still moist inside. The second thing I learned is that newspaper is good kindling and that kindling is necessary.

I can tell you from experience that those two simple concepts, dry wood and kindling, make all the difference when trying to start a fire.

Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes and build yourself a nice, blazing fire this Spring Break.

If you are still having problems making fire you could always try to contact the aliens. I’m sure they would be happy to help.

Thomas Merka is the Web Editor for The Houstonian. He is a Sophomore Broadcast Journalism major, Theatre minor.

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.............................................................................Photo Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate Heath Wierck..............................................................Viewpoints Mike Silva...........................................................................Sports Kevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment Thomas Merka...................................................................Web

Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor

STAFF Kristin Meyer.................................................................Senior Reporter Brandon Scott.................................................................Sports Reporter John Rudolph.......................................................................Photographer

Advertising BUSINESS MANAGER Tammie Nokes.................................................................936-294-1500 STAFF Brad Basker.........................................................Advertising Relations Brittany Hampton...............................................Advertising Manager Brittany Pires.......................................................Production Manager Kyle Thomas.............................................................Account Executive Gupreet Singh...........................................................Account Executive

Advertising Deadlines

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

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

CAMPUS

Thursday, March 11, 2010

From NEGLECT page 1

Jessica Priest | The Houstonian

LEFT BEHIND. “As far as students taking care of the dog, once they leave here, it’s kind of out of our hands,” Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter manager Brenda Guidry said.

“There is a procedure you have to follow,” Clarke said.

“What I do when I find (neglect) is I look at the animal cruelty ordinance...If we determine that it’s animal cruelty, I go to the judge and get a seizure warrant. I have to get a seizure warrant to take them out of the house or the apartment.”

According to Clarke, pets who are left in apartments or homes for three days unattended are often considered neglected, abandoned and deprived of food and water - all of which fall under the animal cruelty ordinance in Huntsville.

“It’s up to a $4,000 fine and up to one year in jail...It’s very serious,” Clarke said.

However, pet owners do have a chance to appeal these serious charges.

“When they go to court, the judge will determine that it is animal cruelty, and they have 10 days to appeal that,” Clarke said.

The custody of the pets will be determined on a case by case basis.

“It just all depends on the circumstances,” Clarke said.

“There is a lot of different things that a judge will make a decision on and a judge usually takes everything into account.”

All pets that are seized by the Huntsville Animal Control officer end up at the Rita B. Huff Humane Society, an animal shelter that has been around for nearly 25 years and serves five counties.

Here, students must pay an impoundment fee and a boarding fee to get their hands back on the pet they have reportedly been neglecting.

“The bottom line is that the pet owner is responsible for their pet, and it’s a lot cheaper to just put them in a kennel if they going to be gone for a week or two,” Clarke said.

Shelter manager Brenda Guidry also urges students to take this course of action.

“Students need to make reservations at a kennel way in advance of the holiday season,” Guidry said.

Since Huntsville is such a small town, there is often limited space available during the Spring Break. Because of

A worldwide celebration

SHSU celebrates the achievements of women around t h e w o r l d i n h o n o r o f Wo m e n’s H i s t o r y M o n t h

By Shawn Ramsey Contributing Writer To celebrate Women’s History Month, the SHSU Women’s Caucus and the foreign languages department will honor female artists from all over the world during the Multilingual Literacy Works reading today.

“This year’s theme is ‘Women around the world’.

We want to highlight women worldwide with their achievements and contributions to society,” said assistant professor of Sociology, and SHSU Women’s Caucus member, Sujey Vega.

All this month students

can honor those women who have contributed to the world of art and literature by participating in a variety of educational programs.

The Multilingual Literary Works reading will be held in the Newton Gresham Library from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Associate professor of English, Linda Byrd Cook will kick off the event by reading selections from author Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and Flannery O’Connor’s short story “Revelation.”

In addition, assistant professor of German, James Frankki will be reading a love poem in Middle High German from the 12th Century.

Later, at 3:30 p.m. a

film entitled “Lumo” will be shown at the American Democracy Project of Burning Issues Film presentation in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building Room 140. “Lumo” is a 2007 documentary film about 20-year-old Lumo Sinai, a woman who fell victim to “Africa’s First World War.” After several tragic events, Sinai is rejected by her fiancé and most of her home village. Ultimately, this film examines a woman’s tragedy and the process of healing.

“The goal is to bring awareness to women and gender issues that follow them daily with the events all this month on campus,” said Vega.

Several events will also be held after the Spring Break holiday. Beginning on Monday, March 22 with the “Women of Strength: The Fight Against Rape” organization will present the “World Against Rape” production at 4 p.m. in the CHSS Room 110. This and many other events will raise awareness about women’s history and the struggles women have historically faced.

“The College of Humanities and Social Sciences Women’s Caucus started celebrating Women’s History Month last year, and we are repeating it this year hoping to create a lasting tradition at SHSU,” said Vega.

The Houstonian, Page 3 this, Guidry suggests that students act fast and contact kennels as soon as possible.

So, while animal shelter employees certainly advocate adoption, they also stress that students be responsible and determine for themselves whether they have the time and money to spend on taking care of a pet.

“Owning a pet is a lot like having a child,” Guidry said.

The Huntsville Animal Control takes the same stance.

“A pet is a good friend, but it takes a lot of time and a lot of students don’t have a lot of extra time,” Clarke said.

“They are just like a family member.”

The Huntsville Animal Control officer works Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provides a variety of services to the Huntsville community, including the finding stray animals shelter, the removal of dead animals from public property and animal bite investigations.

Residents who see instances of abuse, neglect or animal cruelty are asked to call the Huntsville Police Department

at 936-291-5480. For afterhours emergencies, please call 936-435-8001.

For more information on Rita b. Huff Humane Society and to learn how to volunteer and donate, please visit http:// www.ritabhuffanimalshelter. org or call 936-295-4666.

From BREAK

way split between families and college students when booking vacations for Spring Break.

“Do not put off getting a passport,” is a sentiment Floyd continues to stress to those out of the country.

Passports can be accessed at your local post office, and is best to get them months prior to your vacation date.

Whether you’re traveling far or staying home for the break, remember to take the basic safety precautions to ensure that your Spring Break will be fun-filled and safe.

page 1

Airports such as Bush Intercontinental and Hobby, have maintained their boarding regulations, such as the rule of “3-1-1 for carry-ons” that requires a 3oz bottle or less; 1qt-sized clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger during screening.

Other boarding information and guidelines can be found on www.fly2houston.com.

Amongst the rush of travelers in the Huntsville area, Floyd considers it a half-

Hotel for Pets Magnolia Kennels

Location: 877 IH 45 South Huntsville, TX 77340. Dogs under 20 lbs are $10 per 24 hours and dogs over 20 lbs are $12 per 24 hours. For more information, please visit http://www.magnoliakennel.com/ or call 936-294-9454.

Gazebo Boarding Kennels

Location: 74 Oak Bend Dr., Huntsville TX 77320. For more information, please call 936291-7478.

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

FIGHTING CRIME. Fingerprint specialist Jim McNutt visited with SHSU CJ majors Wednesday to discuss forensics.

Page 4 The Houstonian

Thursday,March 11, 2010

From BARS page 1

motor vehicle crashes totaling at about 1,900 deaths, homicides at about 1,600 deaths and suicides at about 300 deaths.

Alcohol poisoning is a serious concern for college spring break goers, because it is a result of binge drinking, which is the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. According to drug-rehabs.org, when an individual drinks too much, the effect is that they will pass out. This is their body's way of protecting itself from absorbing any more alcohol. But when an individual drinks too much too quickly, they may not pass out in time, and instead they can actually go into a coma and die. According to the website, symptoms of alcohol poisoning include: unconscious "sleeping,” the person cannot be woken; cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin; slow breathing, less than 8 times per minute; irregular breathing, with 10 seconds or more between breaths; vomiting while "sleeping" or passed out, and not waking up after vomiting; and seizures.

Collegedrinkingprevention.gov suggests that if you suspect someone might be suffering from alcohol poisoning, you should not wait for all the symptoms and call 911 immediately. You should call EMS, the local hospital or the police department.

Drug-rehabs.org also suggests that you should use the Bacchus Maneuver and roll the person into the recovery position to prevent them from choking. Do not leave the person alone, they advise. Stay with them and monitor breathing until medical help arrives. http://www.drug-rehabs.org/alcoholpoisoning.htm- use these pictures “If someone is very intoxicated, they need someone sober with them to watch over them,” said Deputy Chief James Fitch of the University Police Department. “You don’t want them lying on their back, so that if they do vomit you do not want them to asphyxiate on their own vomit.”

Don’t be afraid to call for help if someone is in trouble for fear of getting in trouble yourself. A life is more important than a fine.

“Many times students are afraid that they will get in trouble,” said Fitch. “The fact is that they would be in a lot more trouble if their friend dies from alcohol poisoning than if they go ahead and get them help. Most hospitals EMS and police, if you’re trying to get someone help they won’t come after you.”

If you’re drunk you shouldn’t drive your friend to the hospital, but make sure to get someone who is sober to transport them to the nearest medical facility or contact EMS so that an ambulance can be sent to take them. “No one is going to arrest you for trying to get someone help. To get them help you need to do it safely as well.”

If you get in trouble with the authorities over spring break, you may have to face some consequences when returning to school. “Usually if a student gets a DUI or DWI off campus, generally, we let the local authorities handle it,” said Dean John Yarabeck. “Since the alleged infraction happened off campus they are in the best position to investigate the matter and take the action necessary civilly. However, we do call students in for an administrative review through my office if there are other circumstances involved, such as if allegedly, they got aggressive and resisted arrest, someone was injured or killed or drugs were also involved etc. We would then take the disciplinary action that would be appropriate if they were found to be responsible for the alleged offence(s).”

Spring break is a time to relax and forget about all your troubles, but don’t create more stress by adding a fine or death.

UPD urges everyone to be safe, and if you are going to drink, drink responsibly. “We want to see everyone back here and safe,” said Fitch.

Send The Houstonian news tips, opinions and information about your organization to be published in future issues.

Editorial email: mellsworth@houstonianonline.com Advertisements: bhampton@houstonianonline.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Truly new wave

Bear in Heaven shows no hesitation in shifting styles James Ashworth Contributing Writer

When I heard Bear In Heaven’s Beast Rest Forth Mouth for the first time, I was skeptical. The album has gotten hype, especially because of the positive review on Pitchfork. com. Yet, I was confused.

BRFM presents no clear definition of what genre the band is. They clearly make no hesitation in shifting styles from song to song. In fact, I took out the CD without letting the whole album play. What I didn’t know was that after a few casual listens, Bear In Heaven would be one of my favorite new bands.

Bear In Heaven is a band from Brooklyn, New York, a borough known for its bustling art and music community. The area is home to the Pratt Institute, a world renowned design school. Many eclectic bands have come out of Brooklyn, including Black Dice and the Antlers.

During my first listens of BRFM, I wasn’t taking this into consideration.

BEST REST FORTH MOUTH. Bear in Heaven’s new album cover contains interactive animation on their MySpace page.

Looking back, I should have realized that art culture is influencing this album’s theme. The title “Beast Rest Forth Mouth” is a play on cardinal directions west, east, north, and south. I believe this is a concept album about the directions love can take us.

Once I sat down and listened to BRFM in its entirety, things started to make sense. Bear In Heaven

Primetime Nielson Ratings 1. "Academy Awards," ABC, 41.7 million.

2. "Oscar's Red Carpet," ABC, 25.33 million.

3. "American Idol" (Wednesday), Fox, 23.56 million.

4. "American Idol" (Tuesday), Fox, 23.53 million.

5. "NCIS," CBS, 19.62 million.

6. "American Idol" (Thursday), Fox, 19.42 million.

7. "Two and a Half Men," CBS, 16.86 million.

8. "The Big Bang Theory," CBS, 15.73 million.

9. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 15.59 million.

10. "The Bachelor," ABC, 15.15 million.

11. "Barbara Walters Special," ABC, 14.99 million.

12. "The Mentalist," CBS, 14.87 million.

13. "NCIS: Los Angeles," CBS, 14.84 million.

14. "The Bachelor: After the Final Rose," ABC, 13.91 million.

15. "The Good Wife," CBS, 13.32 million.

16. "Criminal Minds," CBS, 13 million.

17. "Survivor: Heroes and Villains," CBS, 12.72 million.

18. "CSI: NY," CBS, 12.35 million.

19. "CSI: Miami," CBS, 12.07 million.

20. "Grey's Anatomy," ABC, 11.83 million.

tracks, merging new wave with indie rock. More impressive is the aesthetic nature of the production, making BRFM pleasing to the ears. For those reading who own a record player, buy this album on vinyl.

The production is suited for vinyl on stereo speakers, not I-Pod headphones.

Bear In Heaven will be performing Cymbals Eat Guitars at Mango’s in Houston on March 16th. I suggest that everyone see this band live. For more information about Bear In Heaven visit www.myspace. com/bearinheaven.

The Houstonian, Page 5

Opening Over the Break Theaters

March 12

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SPORTS

Page 6 The Houstonian

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Rising above the

Leadership skills and determination comprise Ashton Mitchell’s ability to overcome adversity and succeed Brandon Scott Sports Reporter

| ian vid on Bu oust Joe he H T

The All-Southland Conference selections and league-leading, national rankings in assists are just casualties for senior point guard Ashton Mitchell. He was exceeding expectations long before he put on a Sam Houston State uniform or scored over 1,000 career points.

Ashton grew up in the Westbank area of New Orleans as the youngest of four brothers and a twin sister.

He was always an active athlete, but Ashton was driven more so by his love for his mother and the need he felt to do positive things with his life. So he developed his leadership skills early on, becoming what his siblings consider to be their mother’s favorite child.

As the leader of many unselfish players on the Bearkat team, Ashton’s focus from day one has been to lead by example, learning from real-life situations and his personal experiences.

New Orleans is typically a hard place to grow up, particularly in the black community where violence, drugs and wrongful deaths because of these things are overwhelmingly prevalent. But that wasn’t really Ashton’s style, nor was it something he surrounded himself with. He was too occupied with sports and his aspiration to be an elite quarterback. Football for Ashton, like many young people, was an outlet for expression and a chance to do something productive, something other than what everyone else seemed to be doing.

Family means everything to Ashton and those relationships have always had an influence on him, even in the slightest ways, being one of the few in his crew with no body ink, since he promised his mother he’d never get a tattoo.

His older brothers were troubled and definitely had tattoos. Their mishaps could be attributed to either one, or a combination of themselves and their evident circumstances. He observed carefully what his mother went through, the heartache and pain of having sons with such serious

personal issues, and promised her that he would never be that way.

One of Ashton’s brothers communicates with him by letter through incarceration. His brother is compelled and deeply invested in what Ashton does with his life.

He’s often apologetic for not being around to see how much this hard work and focus has paid off. But to Ashton, seeing his brother go down was like a sacrifice and presented a light for him. Life teaches us lessons in this way.

“I just tell him that he doesn’t have to apologize to me,” Ashton said. “I know he’s incarcerated, but there’s some good that came with that. Him getting in trouble probably saved my life because I know what it was like. I can look at him as a big brother and realize he made that sacrifice so I don’t have to go through it.

Everything happens for a reason.”

Even with the loving relationship he had with his mother, a heavyh a n d e d disciplinarian was missing for Ashton as a child.

Having his father show up at all the games and support him from afar was tough. So Ashton expressed himself through a handwritten letter to his father and, as quick as the stamp dried, his dad showed up at the school to check him out and move him

across town. The change was just what he needed. At age 12, boys sometimes need reminding that they aren’t quite men yet. In the same breath, they need to be guided and critiqued. I considered it safe to assume Ashton inherited some “leadership genes” from his dad.

Just like for any image basketball player, football became a hassle for Ashton, especially at the quarterback position. Once middle school rolled around, injuries on the field began to sideline him from starting his seasons on the hardwood. Being hurt all of the time wasn’t cutting it, so basketball became the emphasis.

And just like in his quarterbacking days, he was leading the troops once again, this time beginning a new chapter on what seemed to have the unlikeliest of endings.

By the time Ashton became the starting point guard for St. Augustine High School, he was faced with the most horrific natural disaster in American history. Hurricane watches had been routine for New Orleans residents, but they couldn’t have anticipated Katrina. Ashton couldn’t, especially entering his senior year with no scouts, no shine and no city to call home.

“Every year we’d pack like three t-shirts and some shorts,” Ashton said. “We always head to Austin every year. This time we did the same thing and we didn’t know we would have to stay. We just watched it on the news.”

All of us watched it on the news. The category-five hurricane destroyed a city, homes and people, as well. But life has propelled since then for Ashton Mitchell in an ‘everything happens for a reason’ reversal sort of way.

He became the star of Round Rock’s Westwood High School basketball team and finally got the exposure he had yet to see in New Orleans at St. Augustine. Ashton averaged 21 points, five assists and five rebounds in his senior season on a mediocre high school squad.

After romanticizing with Stephen F. Austin and Texas State, Ashton made the obvious decision to hold himself to a higher standard, turning into one of the idol members of the Bearkat nation.

The state of Texas has been good to Ashton, he’ll tell you that.

He received his B.A. in criminal justice in just over three years of school. Ashton became the first of his siblings to graduate from college and continues to make good on the word to his mother. As tough as it’s been for him to be separated from his family these past four years, the memories have been treasured, his leadership tested and passed with

odds Ashton Mitchell Career Statistics Points: 1045 Assists: 544 Rebounds: 289 Steals: 181

Season Highs 374 points (‘08-’09) 207 assists (‘08-’09) 113 rebounds (‘08-’09) 53 steals (‘07-’08)

Other Stats

99 3-point field goals 293 3-point attempts 34% career 3-point shooting percentage 1.69 career assist/ turnover ratio 44% career shooting percentage 74% career free throw shooting John Rudolph | The Houstonian

flying colors. Take the conference championship for example. The Bearkats secured the regular season title with Ashton at point guard, the co-captain and only four year letter winner on the team.

Since it has been expressed that he’s absolutely done with school, he pretty much wakes up every day to win the conference tournament.

With one win down and two to go, the Bearkats have to feel they are being led in the right direction.

As for what happens when his playing days are over, Ashton sees coaching in his future, which is funny because he was always one of those players who never dreamt of such a thing. But basketball is

his passion and being a leader is his calling. I could totally see Ashton mentoring a young point guard some day, the same way the important figures in his life mentored him.

When plays break down or when his team breaks down, he won’t be kicking and screaming and he may not have to. Born leaders have their own unique ways of getting other people’s attention regardless of the circumstances. Ashton Mitchell has proved that over and over again.

One win down, two to go Lotis Butchko Senior Editor

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

TAKING CONTROL. Ashton Mitchell had a team-high for SHSU with 20 points and carried the Kats to a win over Nicholls State, 62-57.

KATY – What was supposed to be an easy first round game for the Sam Houston State University Bearkats turned out to be one of the most physically and mentally exhausting games of the year, as Sam Houston struggled to close out the Nicholls Colonels before finally beating them 62-57.

Nicholls’ Anatoly Bose was a constant thorn in the Bearkats side, as he slashed and cut the Bearkats defense for 40 points.

Bose, a junior guard spent most of the game on the court, being guarded by ever y player Head Coach Bob Marlin could throw at him.

“He is a great player,” said Point Guard Ashton Mitchell. “He is going to make some shots you have to live with that”

Both teams struggled in the first half, foul trouble amounted to most of the disturbance, as the teams had a combined 21 fouls in the first half. Senior Shooting Guard Corey Allmond continued his struggles and was 0 – 7 from the field in the first half.

Gilberto Clavell got two early fouls and was out for most of the first half, leaving the Bearkats fighting to keep afloat.

“They have a nice team,” Marlin said. “They played hard, we had some foul trouble trying to guard their cutters. Clavell and Preston set for a long period in the first half” When the Bearkats went into the half leading 32 – 27, they emerged with a new energy.

Clavell, having rested the majority of the first half help set the team on an offensive path, but again Bose was there to counter,scoring 20 of his 40 points in the second half.

Poise leads Kats over early scare

The Kats lost the lead for the first time when the Colonels scored to make it 41-40.

But that is when Ashton Mitchell took the Bearkats on his back scoring seven consecutive points, including a step-back three, and a beautiful reverse layup. He finished the game with a team-high 20 points.

“I wanted to win it really bad, I mean this is my last shot,” Mitchell said. “I’ve been here for four years. I told coach in the second half, I wanted the ball in my hands.”

Josten Crow came up big playing defense and helping to prevent Bose score any more.

In the final moments of the game, Mitchell hit key shots to put the game out of range.

Sam Houston (22-7, 14-2) is in action again Thursday when they play Southeastern Louisiana at 8:33 at the Merrill Center in Katy, Texas.

Sam Houston State fights through a tough first round opponent in Nicholls State to advance in the postseason tournament Brandon Scott Sports Reporter

Make no mistake about it. The road to the undisputed SLC championship won’t be a cake-walk for the Bearkats no matter who they have to go through to get there.

No. 8 seed Nicholls State gave regular season champion Sam Houston State all they could handle Wednesday night in the Southland postseason tournament opener. The Bearkats will advance, but not before they were faced with the scare of the season when Nicholls took its only lead of the game midway through the second half. But under the leadership of co-captains Ashton Mitchell and Josten Crow, Sam Houston State was poised to take the nail-biter 62-57.

The Bearkats may have inched their way out of this one, but there were obvious issues in Wednesday night’s performance that can’t be repeated or ignored. Let’s start with the best imitation of Adam Morrison that I’ve seen since, well, Adam Morrison in his Gonzaga days.

Against one of the best defenders in the conference in Josten Crow, Anatole Bose put up 40 points of magic. He made shots from all over the floor; more specifically, his five of seven shooting clinic from three-point range.

The Bearkats did all they could with Bose, but they can’t anticipate a single player accounting for 70 percent of his teams offensive production. Bose dropped 40 of Nicholls’ 57 points. He wasn’t sporting that Morrison mustache, but he was definitely just as scary. Ask any of the teams that just barely beat

Nicholls this year (i.e., the Sam Houston State Bearkats).

As for the physicality, it was immense.

The referees slowed the game down with 21 collective foul calls in the first half alone. Most of the physical play worked to the advantage of Nicholls in the first half. Gilberto Clavell spent a good portion of the period on the bench due to early foul trouble. Nicholls didn’t look like any eighth seed to me.

On the other end, Corey Allmond did not look like the player that Bearkat fans have grown accustomed to seeing at Johnson Coliseum. Imagine Allmond only taking five shots in the game, and not making any of them. He scored his only two buckets off free-throws, deep into the second half. No way can that Joe Buvid | The Houstonian happen again, no way it will.

BORN A LEADER. Along with co-captain Ashton Mitchell,

Josten Crow helped lead SHSU to a tight victory Wed. night.