The Houstonian

Vol 115— Issue 17

Huntsville, Texas

SPORTS

Softball struggles on the road

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

FEATURE PRESENTATION

INDEX

Nation & World...page 4

Entertainment editor Kevin Jukkola analyzes possible nominees for the Academy Awards.

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

Entertainment........page 5

SEE page 5

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

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

SEE page 6

March Sadness Kats bear loss in New Orleans

Historical Moment

SHSU political organizations share insight about the recent controversial passage of HR-472

By Jessica Priest

Associate News Editor

Joe Buvid

The Houstonian

Arthur Zulu (left), Corey Allmond (center), Drae Murray(right) display signs of disappointment and disbelief as the Sam Houston State University Bearkats dream season awakens to the Baylor Bear’s defeat (68-59) in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

By Brandon Scott Sports Reporter

After Sam Houston State’s gutwrenching 68-59 loss to Baylor last Thursday in the first round of the NCAA tournament, local media members walked to the Bearkat locker room to speak with the players and coaching staff. We had just come from the postgame press conference held by CBS and the NCAA, where Coach Bob Marlin commended his guys for the work they put in and congratulated them on

a great season.

The emotions were written clearly on everyone’s faces. The feeling of disappointment was immense. Sam Houston had Baylor right where they wanted them, vulnerable to a never-before-seen defensive scheme and at the mercy of Gilberto Clavell in the high post. But even with a one-point lead at halftime and a tied ball game in the final three minutes of the second half, the Bearkats went cold when it mattered most.

Baylor guard Lace Darius Dunn delivered with eight straight points to put the dagger in Sam Houston’s season.

As the sports reporter for The Houstonian, I have spent the entire season writing about the brilliance of Ashton Mitchell and Corey Allmond as the senior guard combination. I reported on the emergence of Clavell as possibly the most dominant post presence in the Southland. The Sam Houston (25-8) players deserve a huge pat on the back for the best season in school history.

But the upmost praise go to Marlin for outcoaching the more acclaimed Baylor coach Scott Drew.

— See MARCH, page 6

SHSU students’ facebook feeds fired up Sunday night in response to the House of Representatives historical passage of the HR-472, a $940 billion plan that will drastically reform the American Health Care system and seek to provide insurance to an additional 32 million Americans.

The bill, which was passed in a 219-212 vote, has encouraged passionate debate from various political organizations on campus.

Bearkat Democrats President Kendall Scudder calls himself a “Blue Dog Democrat”. He says that he is fiscally conservative and socially liberal.

“To me, the most important thing with the heath care bill was that it was going to be economically sustainable and that we are going to socially serve our citizens,” Scudder said.

However, certain provisions of the bill initially made him pause. So, what was the cause for alarm?

First, the abortion issue, which has raised heated debate up in Washington.

“I personally was a little worried about the abortion issue until it was clarified,” Scudder said. “This is a prolife bill. It’s pro-

life on so many different levels because not only is it prolife in that it doesn’t federally fund abortions, it also makes it more difficult for hospitals to be able to perform abortions and it protects life after it’s born.”

In addition, Scudder initially frowned upon the idea of fining citizens for not having health insurance.

The bill currently states that, in 2014, individuals would be required to buy insurance coverage or face a fine of $95. This fine would increase to $325 in 2015 and $695 in 2016.

However, Scudder is now confident that this measure is logical. He believes this in part due to the plan including a hardship exemption for those Americans who are unable to pay the fine.

“When you look at it with logic, it would treat health insurance a lot like we treat car insurance, as in every citizen has to have it and if you get caught without it you can get in trouble. But what this does is that by making sure everyone has health insurance, you are able to move forward in making sure that people’s homes don’t go into foreclosure because they can’t afford their medical bills,” — See BILL, page 3

Consumer Health Care Timeline Learn more about the changes to take place as soon as this year SEE page 6

Hats off to women

Student activities to celebrate women’s history month with symposium

By Jake Pickard

Contributing Writer

‘The Vagina Monologues’

Joe Buvid

The Houstonian

SAAFE House to raise funds in global movement to end violence against women and girls

By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter

Did you know that between 600,000 and 6 million women are victims of domestic violence each year, according to dvrc-or.org? It’s always easier to brush these things off and not worry about them, until you become a victim. Being aware of what people go through and the kinds of things that happen can be an eye-opener.

The upcoming performances of The Vagina Monologues is meant to pry open these lids to see and stop violence against women and girls.

The performances of The

Vagina Monlogues will take the stage March 24-25 in the Farrington Pit at 5 p.m. There is a $5 donation to watch the performance and this money will be donated to the local Huntsville SAAFE House. In

case of rain, the performance will be moved to CHSS 210.

The Vagina Monologues is a part of the global V-Day campaign here at Sam Houston. VDay is a global movement to end violence against women

and girls. The events of VDay raise funds and awareness through benefit productions of playwright/founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues and other artistic works. The V-Day movement has raised over $70 million in over 12 years and has educated millions about the issue of violence against women and girls and the ongoing efforts to stop it. Dramatist Play Service, Amanda Keidan Jewelry, Luna, Random House, Shawn & Shane, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat sponsor this global movement.

— See SAAFE, page 3

Sam Houston State will host a number of speakers this Wednesday when the Student Activities Department salutes women with its “Hats Off to Women” Symposium.

The event is split among many different sessions during the day, beginning at 8 a.m. in the LSC theater and concluding at 3 p.m. in LSC 320.

Female students, faculty and staff are all invited to the symposium, which will

include breakfast, lunch, educational sessions and breakout presentations.

“It’s an opportunity for the women of SHSU to enhance their leadership skills and gain knowledge of the great accomplishments women have achieved throughout history and throughout the world,” said Assistant Director of Student Activities Brandon Cooper.

— See HATS, page 4

Symposium Schedule * 8-8:45 a.m.: Breakfast & Registration * 9-9:40 a.m.: Educational Session 1 o Gibson & Thielemann: Women’s Leadership & Lesson’s Learned * 10-10:50 a.m.: Educational Session 2 o Nelson: Breaking the Glass Ceiling * 11-11:45 a.m.: Break

Out Presentations 2 * 12-1 p.m.: Luncheon with Texas State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst o Hosted by First Lady Gaertner * 1:10-2 p.m: Break Out Presentations 2 * 2-3 p.m: Educational Session 3 & Closing o Hayes: Women in Government & Politics

VIEWPOINTS

Page 2 The Houstonian

The ironies of life paradox Brittany Pires explores the differences between infancy and old age and how they relate.

Isn’t it ironic how we come into this world just like we leave it? Babies are born as helpless little bundles with no teeth, bad eyesight, and wrinkles.

They wear diapers, have fragile bones, and risk the chance of many kinds of physiological failures.

Now, taking a look at the opposite end of the spectrum, the elderly are exactly the same.

No teeth, bad eyesight, wrinkles, fragile bones, and diapers (or depends for those easily offended).

There must always be someone to assist with the “accidents,” and that someone must definitely be patient.

For just as the old are senile, infants are ignorant of their new life.

Ironically, these two points in life parallel each other with good purpose.

With life, comes death.

With the new, comes the old. With happy, comes the sad.

I read a quote the other day that said, “Old people are yesterday’s children. Without them where would we be.”

When I read this, it struck a nerve deep down. It is completely true when you think about it.

When we look at the aged, we sometimes view

yet another similarity to the old. Ironically, when the young are born, and the old die, they resemble each other. But they are ultimately not the same.

The elderly may be memory-disabled, but the experience is there. They are wise, even if they cannot remember how.

“They are wise, even if they cannot remember how.” them as impatient, senile, or not understanding of the new ways of life compared to 30 years ago. However, I have never realized that they are way more intelligent then we give them credit for. They have something college students don’t: years and years of life.

Babies, on the other hand, have nothing. They are but mere squawking darlings to smile at and keep comfortable to prevent them from crying;

My wish is for everyone to appreciate the old.

When you see a baby, its cuteness is what brings you in. They possess no skill other than their ability to be helplessly adorable. Take a look at the little old man that passes you with a cane, the next chance you get.

Imagine the things he has done and accomplished.

Think of the changes he has witnessed over the years.

But despite all their

worldly experience, before death, the old return to a state of infancy. In the words of Shakespeare, we leave this life as a “second childishness, and mere oblivion, /Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.” I guess even in the 17 century they understood the parodies of life.

Although, in those days, children were destined to take care of their parents in their old, dying age; something we now rely on retirement homes for. So if you ever unfortunately lose a tooth, or a head of hair, fear not. One day you may have no teeth or shiny bald head, but you will be wiser for it.

Brittany Pires is the Production Manager for The Houstonian. She is a Sophomore Mass Communications major.

Comics for thought

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

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.

Heath Wierck Viewpoints Editor haw002@shsu.edu

Paws Up, Paws Down With the Thanksgiving break approaching,

we at The Houstonian decided to lighten the mood take a of look at the not-so-serious In thisand section the opinions page, side of Turkey Day. After all, we all need we take a look at some various news something funny to get us through the days stories around campus and give the with crazy families.

parties involved either a “paws up” for a good job, or a “paws down” for a not so good job.

“Paws UP” to the warm weather coming back after a bitterly cold weekend.

Here’s to spring and summer!

“Paws DOWN” to Spring Break being over, and having flown by so quickly, dropping us back into the real world of school and work.

A “Paws INBETWEEN” will be given to the Healthcare Bill finally passing by a slight marigin. Could be good, could be bad.

Comic courtesy of comics.com

“Paws DOWN” to the Bearkat men’s basketball team losing in the first round of the 2010 NCAA tournament. It was a great season though.

Comic courtesy of comics.com

The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.

The Houstonian Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Patsy Ziegler.....................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Lotis Butchko....................................................................Senior Joe Buvid.............................................................................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.

The perfume ban atrocity

Meagan Ducic explores how the odd demands of people effect the general population of America.

The city of Detroit has started posting warning signs in city offices, instructing workers to avoid wearing any type of scented product, including colognes, aftershave, perfumes, deodorants, facial/ body lotions, as well as the use of scented candles, perfume samples from magazines and air fresheners.

Some details are yet unknown, but this seems to be in response a 2008 federal lawsuit, which awarded $100,000 to Susan McBride, a woman who claimed a coworker’s perfume made it difficult for her to breathe and do her job. The woman sued the city under the Americans with Disabilities Act, though the city argued that she is not disabled.

Though the article does not explicitly say McBride has asthma, it does say that people with medical conditions such as asthma, suffer greatly from chemical smells at work.

While this may be true, the responsibility has been

placed on the wrong party.

The general public should not have their freedoms taken away to satisfy a minority.

It is up to the individual to take measures to protect themselves against danger.

If perfume is dangerous to some, then they need to tailor their lives accordingly.

If not, there will come a

first-hand or second-hand, directly causes death. Although I have an inborn urge to fight back against any and all restrictions on the personal freedoms of Americans, I acknowledge the need for some smoking laws. However, I have come across no perfume that could kill me. Never have I sniffed a scented candle so powerful, I felt

“The

general public should not have their freedoms taken away to satisfy a minority.” time when people can’t eat junk food at work anymore because a fat person may see them, fail to restrain themselves from indulging as well, and then suffer from greater obesity issues.

McBride’s attorney actually likened the situation to that of the fight against smoking in the workplace.

Are you kidding me?

Smoking, whether it be

my ability to function was even the slightest bit impaired. This is just plain ludicrous.

Allowing personal freedoms to be taken away is a slippery slope. First it’s smoking, then it’s cupcakes, then R-rated movies…there is no end in sight. The attacks can be made out in the open, as in this case, or they may be hidden via higher sales tax

as with cigarettes.

It sounds right at first, to ban people from doing things that can possibly harm others. But whenever you are faced with a situation like this, remember to take a look at the problem’s true cause and who is being asked to pay the price for it.

The truth is, asthma and conditions like it can be very hard to live with.

Luckily, not everyone is burdened with it. So, why then should everyone be required to give up their personal freedoms because of it?

To read the article in full, visit http://shine. yahoo.com/channel/life/ detroit-to-city-workersleave-smelly-perfumesdeodorants-and-candlesat-home-1147983/ Meagan Ducic is a reccuring columnist for The Houstonian. She is a Senior Print Journalism major, English minor.

CAMPUS

Thursday, March 23, 2010

Students spring for job opportunities

Te a c h e r J o b f a i r e x p e c t e d t o attract 129 school districts

By Alyssa Dupree

Contributing Writer The Office of Career Services is putting on the Spring Teacher Job Fair this Wed., March 24 in the Bernard Johnson Coliseum from 9 am to noon. Student teachers, as well as degreed or degreeseeking students interested in a career in education are invited to attend.

Representatives from 129 Independent School Districts will be present to speak with attendees, including CypressFairbanks ISD, Texas’ largest ‘Recognized’ school district, located in Northwest Houston.

Although the Teacher Job Fairs is held each semester, the Spring Fair is attended more by school district representatives, according to Paige Loft, Career Fair and Special Events Coordinator.

“We do two teacher job fairs each year to offer each graduating class a chance to attend,” said Loft.

At least 400 education majors as well as 100 non-education majors are expected to attend. Students from all majors are invited to the job fair.

Professional dress is a

must. Also, students should bring multiple copies of their resume and research the school districts before attending.

“It does not make a good impression on a recruiter when a student does not know where their district is, or what they are hiring for ahead of time.” said Loft.

In addition, representatives from Sam Houston State University Graduate Studies, Department of Library Science, Department of Language and Department of Health and Kinesiology will be present.

Other visiting districts include San Antonio ISD, Houston ISD and Round Rock ISD; all three are located within or close to major cities in Texas.

Those seeking an alternative school district may also find what they are seeking, as representatives from organizations such as Texans Can!, who work with at-risk youth, will also be present at the Job Fair.

A list of all attending school districts is available on the Jobs 4 Kats website, or through the career services website www.shsu.edu/careerservices.

Alpha Nu Omega to uplift students

By Malissa Peek

Contributing Writer Alpha Nu Omega is hosting a spiritual uplift program to take place March 29, in the LSC Ballroom from 7 to 10 p.m.

The Christian fraternity and sorority offers a Christian alternative on college campuses. “Spiritual Uplift” is a program that not only showcases the Christian talent on Sam Houston’s campus, but also encourages the audience and the program’s participants.

“The purpose of this program is to be able to lift up the spirits of the students and staff of this campus and

community, but most importantly to uplift the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ,” said Alpha Nu Omega Historian, Shatalya Shield.

Anyone can be part of “Spiritual Uplift,” Shield said, but their talent has to minister to others and uplift the name of God. The event is open to the public.

“Come out and enjoy yourselves, and bring friends and family to help uplift the name of Jesus,” says Shield.

For more information or to sign up for “Spiritual Uplift” contact Shatalya Shield at svs002@shsu.edu.

Photo Courtesy of Justin Beiser

REPUBLICANS: The SHSU College Republicans are gaining strength on campus. The organization recently hosted Tyler Russel, a contender in the recent primary election to Congressman Kevin Brady. They will also host a townhall meeting on April 19 in the Olson Auditorium.

From BILL page 1

Scudder said.

So, while he admits the bill is not perfect, he thinks this new legislation will steer America in the right direction and cut the astounding deficit that currently plagues the nation. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the plan is expected to cut budget deficits by over $1 trillion in its second decade.

"Unless the numbers are off, this is a phenomenal bill.

The only reason for someone to vote against it would be sheerly political, because they don't want to see Democrats succeed. The Democrats are not fighting for their party, they are fighting for their country,” Scudder said.

Scudder also hopes that the Bearkat Democrats will be instrumental in dispelling the misinformation floating around about health care reform on campus.

"It's really important that we educate people, especially with this health care bill. There is a lot of misinformation going around and a lot of stuff that, if it were true, would be appalling and disgusting and we wouldn't support it,” Scudder said.

SHSU College Republicans, an organization that works to spread conservative beliefs and raise political

awareness, take a different stance on the recent health care reform measures.

“Well, as an organization and a party, we are very disappointed that this bill failed to deliver the kind of reform that the American people wanted,” said SHSU College Republicans Vice President Justin Beiser. “The majority of Americans want the health care system reformed, but the latest polls show that the majority did not want the plans that were being proposed.

Unfortunately, Congress, as a whole, failed to listen to the American people, and I feel that this disregard for what the people want will be evident in the midterm elections this November.”

Beiser also states that there are many provisions of the health care bill that fail to meet the standards of the American people.

“We disagree with the fact that it will now be mandatory for all Americans to buy health care. Personally, I believe people should have the choice to purchase health care as they please and, with this bill, they will have to pay a fine if they fail to do so,” Beiser said.

“Fortunately, there will be no public option, but government subsidies will be given for those who can’t afford health insurance of their own.

This will be paid for by taxing the middle and upper classes

The Houstonian, Page 3 and those who have chosen to have the best plans known as the ‘Cadillac Plans’,” Beiser said.

He is also skeptical that America can sustain the funds needed to implement this proposed health care reform.

“The bill will cost much more than originally expected, and we don’t have the money for this right now,” Beiser said. “Also, with the regulations put on insurance companies, premiums will not decrease, but the coverage provided will. Just like in any business, when a burden is put on a company, it is simply passed on to the consumer.”

There is one thing that both organizations can agree on the need for students to get educated about political issues and involved with their government.

“The group sort of fell apart after the 2008 presidential election and started back up last fall and has been growing ever since,” Beiser said. “The best way [to get involved with SHSU Republicans] is to come to one of our meetings or come talk to us in the mall area every Thursday.”

According to Scudder, the Bearkat Democrats focus their efforts on educating students about the Democratic Party and current political issues facing the nation.

“It’s all about making sure people know that just because we are in East Texas doesn’t mean that there aren’t Demo-

crats here,” Scudder said.

The two organizations also are in the process of organizing a debate against one another to discuss the important issues facing Americans. This debate is tentatively scheduled for early April.

The SHSU College Republicans meet every Monday at 5 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center, Room 308. The Bearkat Democrats meet every Monday at 5 p.m. in College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building, Room 206.

Get involved in your government The Student Government Association’s next regular body meeting is set for Tuesday, March 23.

It will take place in the Lowman Student Center, Room 320.

For more information, please call 936-2941938.

The Huntsville City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m.

All meetings are open to the public. For more information or previous minutes, please visit www.huntsvilletx.gov.

Photo Courtesy of Kendall Scudder

DEMOCRATS: According to Kendall Scudder, the Bearkat Democrats have a great relationship with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. They recently visited Houston to help celebrate the open house for her new campaign headquarters.

NATION & WORLD

Page 4 The Houstonian

From HATS page 1

Among the speakers are Dana Gibson, the SHSU Vice President for Finance & Operations, Heather Thielmann, the SHSU Vice President for Enrollment Management, Sally Nelson, the CEO of Huntsville Memorial Hospital, SHSU First Lady Nancy Gaertner, Texas State Representative Lois Kolkhorst and Patricia Hayes, the Texas State University System Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations and Educational Policy. Other speakers include Keith Lott, director of the Student Health Center; Laura

Dougherty, assistant director of Recreation-Fitness; Cinda Brooks, a game warden for the Texas Wildlife Commission; and Roseanne Keathly, a professor of Health.

“We bring in these women to give the students’ stories of how they got to where they are and motivate them to replicate these stories,” said Cooper. “It’s a day for them to reflect on the great things they have done and will do.”

This is the second consecutive year the Student Activities Department has hosted this event, and last year’s success led the department to increase the symposium from four to seven hours.

“Last year we had a lot of women tell us they loved it,

and they wanted to extend it by adding more sessions to the symposium,” said Cooper.

Any interested participants are encouraged to fill out and turn in a registration form at the Student Activities Department website (http:// www.shsu.edu/~slo_sad/v2/) beforehand, as seating for the event will be limited. However, if any open seats are available, participants may register the morning of the symposium.

Participants are also encouraged to dress in businesscasual attire and are welcome to wear hats to support the theme of “Hats Off to Women.”

From SAAFE page 1

SHSU’s performance will be a stage reading of Ensler’s award winning play, which does include adult language and content “Eve Ensler interviewed over 200 women about their vagina's, all types of women from around the world,” said Kandice Harris, SHSU Theatre Manager. “These monologues are all based on those interviews. A lot of the material is comical in nature but the play does talk about the issues that many people are uncomfortable talking about, such as rape and war

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

crime. These are real stories: real words spoken by real women. This will be an eye opening experience for both males and females. I believe audiences will leave with an uplifted spirit and deeper appreciation for the vagina.”

Many things are uncomfortable to talk about, but those difficult things can prove to be the most rewarding. Just like working out; the exercises you dread doing are usually the most beneficial. Lunges anyone?

Photo courtesy of Scott Gries

For more information on V-Day logon to www. vday.org.

EVE ENSLER, playwright, performer, and activist, is the author of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

Health overhaul: Immediate change, long term steps Timeline of some changes WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare law in 1965, seniors got their health insurance cards less than a year later.

When President Barack Obama finally gets to hold a signing ceremony for his health care overhaul, the major expansion of coverage for uninsured workers and their families won’t come until 2014 — after the next presidential election.

Parts of the plan won’t be fully phased in for a decade, but ultimately 94 percent of eligible Americans would have coverage.

THIS YEAR

health problems.

— Sets up a high-risk health insurance pool to provide affordable coverage for uninsured people with medical problems.

— Bars insurance companies from putting lifetime dollar limits on coverage, and canceling policies except for fraud.

— Starting six months after enactment, requires all health insurance plans to maintain dependent coverage for children until they turn 26; prohibits insurers from denying coverage to children because of pre-existing

— Provides tax credits to help small businesses with up to 25 employees get and keep coverage for their employees.

2011 — Creates a voluntary longterm care insurance program to provide a modest cash benefit helping disabled people stay in their homes, or cover nursing home costs. Benefits can begin five years after people start paying a fee for the coverage.

— Provides Medicare recipients in the prescription coverage gap with a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs; begins phasing in additional drug discounts to close the gap by 2020.

2013

— Begins narrowing the Medicare prescription coverage gap

— Provides 10 percent Medicare bonus to primary care doctors and general surgeons practicing in underserved areas, such as inner cities and rural communities; improves preventive coverage.

— Freezes payments to Medicare Advantage plans, the first step in reducing payments to the private insurers who serve about one-fourth of seniors. The reductions would be phased in over three to seven years.

— Standardizes insurance company paperwork, first in a series of steps to reduce administrative costs.

claiming itemized tax deduction for medical expenses from 7.5 percent of income to 10 percent.

People over 65 can still deduct medical expenses above 7.5 percent of income through 2016.

— Limits medical expense contributions to tax-sheltered flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to $2,500 a year, indexed for inflation. Raises threshold for

— Increases Medicare payroll tax on couples making more than $250,000 and individuals making more than $200,000.

The tax rate on wages above

by providing a $250 rebate to seniors in the gap, which starts this year once they have spent $2,830. It would be fully closed by 2020.

— Reduces projected Medicare payments to hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, hospices and other providers.

— Imposes 10 percent sales tax on indoor tanning.

— Boosts funding for community health centers, which provide basic care for many low-income and uninsured people.

— Requires employers to report the value of health care benefits on employees’ W-2 tax statements.

— Imposes $2.3 billion annual fee on drugmakers, increasing over time.

2014 — Prohibits insurers from denying coverage to people with medical problems, or refusing to renew their policy. Health plans cannot limit coverage based on pre-existing conditions, or charge higher rates to those in poor health. Premiums can only vary by age (no more than 3-to-1), place of residence, family size and tobacco use.

— Coverage expansion goes into high gear as states create new health insurance exchanges — supermarkets for individuals and small businesses to buy coverage. People who already have employer coverage won’t see any changes.

— Provides income-based tax credits for most consumers in the exchanges, substantially reducing costs for many. Sliding scale credits phase out completely for households above four times the federal poverty

level, about $88,000 for a family of four.

— Medicaid expanded to cover low-income people up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, about $29,300 for a family of four. Low-income childless adults covered for the first time.

— Requires citizens and legal residents to have health insurance, except in cases of financial hardship, or pay a fine to the IRS. Penalty starts at $95 per person in 2014, rising to $695 in 2016. Family penalty capped at $2,250. Penalties indexed for inflation after 2016.

— Penalizes employers with more than 50 workers if any of their workers get coverage through the exchange and receive a tax credit. The penalty is $2,000 times the total number of workers employed at the company. However, employers get to deduct the first 30 workers.

2018 those thresholds would rise to 2.35 percent from the current 1.45 percent. Also adds a new tax of 3.8 percent on income from investments.

— Imposes a tax on employer-sponsored health insurance worth more than $10,200 for individual coverage, $27,500 for a family plan. The tax is 40 percent of the value of the plan above the thresholds, indexed for inflation.

— Imposes a 2.3 percent sales tax on medical devices. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and many everyday items bought at the drug store are exempt.

2020 — Doughnut hole coverage gap in Medicare prescription benefit is phased out. Seniors continue to pay the standard 25 percent of their drug costs until they reach the threshold for Medicare catastrophic coverage, when their copayments drop to 5 percent.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Houstonian, Page 5

At the Movies with Kevin: The Ghost Writer a tantalizing jigsaw puzzle Kevin Jukkola Entertainment Editor “The Ghost Writer” is a brilliant thriller, but it is also so much more than that. It is a masterful meditation on the art of manipulation that creates tension because of the uncertain motivations of the characters.

The film is essentially a highly competitive chess game in which the pieces are not required to move in any specific way and the consequence of losing is death.

After the previous writer died under unusual circumstances, the agents of Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan), the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, feverishly begin searching for someone to replace him in an attempt to organize his memories into a compelling narrative.

Eventually, they decide to hire a man with no political knowledge or ambitions to pin the story (Ewan McGregor). He is referred to only as The Ghost,

and he becomes universally suspicious of his surroundings quickly after arriving on the Massachusetts island where Lang is residing.

The audience understands why he feels this way. Lang is a mysterious figure, someone who seems insincere for reasons we cannot quite figure out. He seems to know what is going on, but that might not be what is happening. That could just be what someone wants him to think is happening. Or, maybe what is happening is actually occurring, but something else is also going on that might or might not have something to do with what he believes is taking place. Do you see what we are dealing with?

Lang is either the patsy or the puppeteer and, until the conclusion, we are not completely convinced either way. Is he too deep in the forest to notice the trees or did he create the forest, trees, and path he is walking on? The reason this mystery is kept intact is because of the tremendous

performance by Pierce Brosnan, which is continuously emphasized by the confidence he exudes at the beginning and the indecisiveness that overwhelms his face at the end.

Ever since he was unleashed from the burden of playing James Bond whenever the franchise beckoned, Brosnan has revealed his talent by tackling challenging roles of

individuals whose parts are far more complicated than their sums. In this role and as the conflicted hit man in “The Matador”, an oddly touching film that should have earned him an Oscar nomination, he shows us characters that seem easy to define but have intricate souls that contain surprising depths.

All of the performances

are well-crafted exhibitions of characters whose actions are solely based upon the assumption that human nature is harsh and somewhat unforgiving. The characters’ ends seem foregone, but they are far from inevitable. These people seem to be able to change their fortunes, but not willing to do so because of their insatiable need to unveil the truth, which ignores their own self interests. They are trying to do what is right, but that is impossible in a world that only rewards the wicked.

When everything is uncovered, it all comes together like a jigsaw puzzle that looked like an impossible fit. Basically, the director, Roman Polanski, believes that ignorance is not only bliss, but it might keep you alive. He argues that the world is corrupt and resides mostly in the shadows, where people are not what they seem and parasites rule with an iron fist.

In that insidious universe, the prevailing belief that the less you know, the happier you will be seems like the only possible rational line of thinking.

The Ghost Writer

FRIENDS OR FOES. Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) and The Ghost (Ewan McGregor) are trying to figure out the trust within their relationship in “The Ghost Writer”.

Stars: * * * * Grade: A Running Time: 128 min.

MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some language and implied behavior.

Cast: Ewan McGregor (The Ghost), Pierce Brosnan (Adam Lang), Kim Cattrall (Amelia Bly), Olivia Williams (Ruth Lang).

MUSE brilliant in performance at Toyota Center Jessica Priest Associate News Editor When I heard the band MUSE was playing at the Toyota Center in Houston on March 18, I did two things. First, I squealed with excitement. Then, I begged my roommate to come with me. Since she refuses to listen to anything other than country music, I have recently taken it upon myself to broaden her musical horizons by introducing her to wondrous world of rock-n-roll. It took a bit of coaxing to convince her to go to the concert of my favorite band, MUSE, but I referenced their appearance on the Twilight soundtrack in order to sell the idea.

MUSE cannot be easily classified or defined into one specific category of music. The band attempts to fuse together many different musical genres, including progressive rock, classical music and electronica. Their music frequently conjures up images of bands like Queen, Dream Theater and Nine Inch Nails.

So, while their lyrical melodies have been said to inspire the popular Stephenie Meyer’s series, MUSE’s association with the tortured vampire romance shouldn’t give music lovers an excuse to overlook their immense talent.

As I watched them play for hundred of fans Thursday night, my belief in their ability was affirmed. In other words, our $35 nosebleed section tickets were worth every penny. The night began with an ominous and almost eerie feeling to the air as the audience stared up

at three very tall and foreboding pillars that dominated the stage. All those who were present were acutely aware that there were no musical instruments on stage and that these three monstrosities would play an integral part in the show. These suspicions were confirmed when minutes later they revealed the three band members Matthew Bellamy (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Lyrics), Christopher Wolstenholme (Bass, Backing Vocals) and Dominic Howard (Drums, Percussions) in all their glory.

At first, I thought the pillars might take a way from the performance because of the band members’ inability to interact with each other and the crowd. This problem was resolved when I found that the pillars were designed to move both up and down to allow Bellamy to cast his mesmerizing voice across the arena and interact with enthusiastic fans. The 100-minute long show was like embarking on a journey into an alternate universe, and the intricate special effects only added to the successful performance. In addition, images were cast upon the mesh wiring of the three pillars and specifically corresponded with the music that was being played. Bellamy’s unique vocals, which were delivered with alluring falsetto, inspired the audience to ignite what seemed like a musical revolution, and his fistpump gestures were frequently mimicked by the audience throughout the concert.

Most MUSE enthusiasts delighted to sing along to such MUSE classics’ like “Time is Running Out” and “Supermassive Black

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Hole”, but despite the anthem setting antics prevalent throughout the concert, my favorite performance of Bellamy’s was “I’m Feelin’ Good”, a Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly cover. Bellamy, who is known for his vibrant ensemble and energetic guitar solos, set an entirely different tone when a single spotlight

MOVING THE CROWD. MUSE rocked the Toyota Center live in concert on Thursday.

Horn Performances Welcomes School Back from Break Horn Performances Welcome School Back From Break (you might want to assign a photo for this event. Run a preview in Tuesday’s issue, a follow up photo for Thursday’s issue) The SHSU Horn Studio will perform pieces from the Baroque era through the 20th century during a recital on Tuesday (March 23) at 7:30 pm in the Recital Hall.

“One of the featured performances will be the ‘Concerto for Four Horns’ by Robert Schumann (a 19th century composer),” said Peggy DeMers, associate professor of horn. “The students performing are senior John Wes Stuart, sophmore Avery Harrison, freshman LeAnn Heckmann and

Justin Craig.”

The student recital will be followed by a performance by the Sam Houston Horn Choir at 8:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall.

The performance will include works that have been transcribed for four to eight horns, including 20th century composer Eric Ewason’s “The Grand Canyon Suite” and traditional Italian songs such as “O’ sole mio,” as well as works by Bruckner and Mozart.

The group consists of horn players in the School of Music and students from other majors that love playing the horn, according to DeMers.

For more information, call the School of Music at 936.294.1360.

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illuminated him on one pillar. This set an intimate atmosphere between both Bellamy and the crowd as he pounded his piano keys with an extreme passion. “I’m Feelin’ Good” was another song in which most of the audience decided to belt out the lyrics and Bellamy again delighted in this interaction. Bellamy didn’t hog all of the audience’s attention when he mysteriously disappeared from the stage for a five-minute period.

This time was allotted for both the bass guitarist and drummer to shine in a solo entitled “Helenski Jam”. The duo delivered a powerhouse performance as the song’s beat steadily intensified and crescendoed until its electrifying end. It is clear that the band’s talent does not rest entirely upon Ballamy’s shoulders. There were other little cinematic delights that added to the pleasure of viewing MUSE live, but I won’t tirelessly list them here.

All I can say is that my mission to make my roommate more open-minded proved successful when towards the end of the concert she turned to me and said, “Jessica, this is the best concert I’ve ever been to.” I’m glad she felt that way. In a world where Miley Cyrus dominates the airwaves and auto tune technology prevails, it’s refreshing to find a band that speaks of change to the Generation Y, an audience that must deal with such pressing issues as climate change, the war on terrorism and economic crisis. If it must be Stephenie Meyer who spreads the word about MUSE, then so be it.

Senior Performs Faculty D a n c e s at C on s or t i u m

Dance professor Cindy Gratz was invited to choreograph two works for presentation on The Greenbriar Consortium’s Channing Concert Series in Houston.

Gratz’s two pieces were set to the music of "Pan," from “Six Metamorphoses After Ovid,” by Benjamin Britten, and "Syrinx," by Claude Debussy, and were performed by SHSU senior Wes Miles and Houston High School of the Performing Arts student Miriam Leek.

She was invited to create the dances by worldrenowned oboist Anne Leek for the concert, which was themed “Through the Woods … Darkly: A Musical Examination of Our Relationship with the Forest.”

“It included such music as Mozart’s ‘Hunt Quartet;’ Englebert Humperdinck’s

‘Evening Prayer’ (Hansel and Gretel); and a premier

by Mary Carol McWarwick (What Gretel Knew),” Gratz said. “Since the theme for the evening related to forest imagery, the ‘Pan’ and ‘Syrinx’ legend was certainly tied to the theme.”

The consortium consists of musicians from the Houston Symphony and performers from Houston Grand Opera, and guest artists from a variety of fields, who gather together to present evenings of themed musical events.

The performances took place on March 2 at the First Universalist Church in Houston.

“The choreography and performances received much acclaim and the SHSU dance artists have been invited back for future collaborations,” Gratz said.

SPORTS

Page 6 The Houstonian

From MARCH page 1

Sam Houston is known to run a man pressure defense, but with the unbelievable size of Baylor, no way would 6’1 Allmond be able to check 6’10 Anthony Jones. While preparing at the Tulane rec center, Marlin implemented a triangle-and-two defense, which allows the perimeter defenders to matchup in a zone. Dunn, who finished with 13 points in the win, admitted his team was confused by the setup.

"We were just shocked.

We never faced nothing like that," Dunn said. "When we got out there and faced them we were like, 'Wow, what are we going to do?'

So it just took us time to calm down.”

It took the Bearkats forever to rev up. Actually, they never did. Senior

forward Preston Brown scored the first eight points for Sam Houston as they jumped out to an early 10-3 lead. Brown finished with 13 as he and Clavell, who scored a game-high 23 points, accounted for nearly 60 percent of Sam Houston’s offense in the game. I bet the Kentucky fans were dumbfounded to witness Allmond and the Bearkats start the game at a horrid 1 of 15 from threepoint range. Mitchell, who was riding off the emotions from playing in his hometown for the first time since evacuating for Hurricane Katrina, missed a variety of open looks and shot only 2 of 14 from the field.

In the locker room, Josten Crow and Mitchell cracked smiles when I shook their hands to congratulate them.

But the rest of the body language showed the undoubted let down and frustration.

Coach Marlin was gracious

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Kats lose two out of three in Natchitoches Sam Houston State Sports Information

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

UNSTOPPABLE INSIDE. Gilberto Clavell dominated the Bears with 23 points and seven rebounds in the first round loss. SHSU’s leading scorer has been a key component to this season’s late March run.

and classy as usual after the game. But when the interviews were done, Marlin sulked in a corner realizing how close his team was to its third and final goal.

“Had the game right where we wanted it with four minutes to go and had the basketball, had an opportunity to get a lead and it didn’t happen,” Marlin said.

The Bearkats had the opportunity to play in a second-round matchup against 11th seed Old Dominion, who had just upset sixth-seed Notre Dame in the previous game. Had the shots fallen for Sam Houston, so may have the bandwagon favorite Baylor. It just didn’t happen that way and that is honestly tough to swallow. Tough for the players and particularly the coach who prepared them so well.

“It’s just that we didn’t knock down shots. It didn’t go in,” Clavell said. “We had good looks every time but we didn’t get the right shot in the end.”

As for next season, Sam Houston will rely on Crow and Clavell to provide senior leadership. Guard Lance Pevehouse hopes to put in enough work in the off-season to earn him a spot in the starting line-up.

Bahamian big men Antuan Bootle and Marco Cooper will continue to rebound and contribute to the interior play. Drae Murray will still be one of the more exciting point guards in the conference. Most importantly, Bob Marlin and his staff for a while have been one of the best kept secrets in the country. With Thursday’s loss, hopefully for Sam Houston that secret has yet to be revealed.

NATCHITOCHES, La. - Northwestern State swept a Southland Conference softball doubleheader from Sam Houston State Sunday afternoon, winning 10-7 and 1-0.

The two victories gave NSU a series victory. Sam Houston won the first game of the weekend Saturday11-2. The Bearkats now stand 11-17 for the season and 4-8 in Southland Conference play.

In the first game, Northwestern State exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the second inning to power their way to a 10-7 softball.

NSU only totaled three hits during the eight-run second, taking advantage of three Bearkat errors.

Sam Houston opened the game with an early run as shortstop Hailey Wiginton led off with a double and scored on a single by right fielder Erin Burford.

Down 8-1, the Kats fought back to two runs in the third inning, another in the fifth and three in the top of the seventh inning.

First baseman Amy Brown

sparked the scoring in the third inning with a two-run double.

Burford produced a solo home run in the fifth. Morgan Mikulin had an RBI single to start the three-run rally in the seventh.

A lone run in the double of the second inning of the nightcap proved to be decisive for NSU in the nightcap.

Third baseman Ashleigh Kuhn singled, reached second on a passed ball and moved to third on a single. She scored on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Ashlee England.

Twice Sam Houston had runners on third base but couldn’t bring them in. Wiginton walked, was sacrificed to second and reached third on a passed ball in the third inning.

But the next two batters fouled out and popped up.

With two outs in the top of the seventh, left fielder Amanda Lindsey blasted a triple. But the final Bearkat batter popped up to end the game.

Mikulin (7-12) was the losing pitcher for Sam Houston in both games. In the nightcap, she allowed only four hits and struck out five batters.

Sam Houston will host a non-conference doubleheader against Baylor at 4 p.m.at the Bearkat Softball Complex Tuesday.

Sam Houston State’s last four games SHSU 62 SHSU 88

Nicholls St. 57 Southeastern La. 85

SHSU 64

Stephen F. Austin 48

SHSU 59

Baylor 68

Southland Conference Title Game

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

MISSING IN ACTION. After averaging 17 points per game on 44 percent shooting in the Southland Conference tournament, guard Ashton Mitchell shot just 2-14 for five points against Baylor in the NCAA tournament.

NCAA Tournament - Round 1

Photo courtesy Michaela Keck

HOT AND COLD. After five straight wins on the mound for Sam Houston, pitcher Morgan Mikulin has lost three straight decisions.