3-4-14 by The Houstonian

WHAT’S INSIDE?

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Top spring break spots for college students Ellen Degeneres’ antics enlivens Oscars Bearkat softball on a roll at Texas Tech

P3 P4 P5

TOMORROW’S FORECAST

HI: LOW:

Track and field brings home conference trophy

62o 40o

Courtesy GoBearkats

Chance of Rain:

10%

www.HoustonianOnline.com

Volume 125/ Issue 14

Facebook.com/ TheHoustonian Tuesday, March 4, 2014

CAMPUS

SFA joins SHSU students in service

HANNAH ZEDAKER Senior Reporter

Students from Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State University united in the name of camaraderie for the fifth annual Bearkat All Paws In campus-wide community service event Saturday. This year the stakes were raised after a bet was made between the rival schools prior to the Battle of the Piney Woods football game in November. The losing school’s Student Government Association had to participate in the winning school’s community service event. After losing the annual matchup, SFA’s SGA followed through with their end of the bargain. Adam Peck, Ph.D., SFA’s Dean of Student Affairs and SGA Advisor, accompanied his students to the event and said the event was a great initiative to bond the two schools together. “It’s [was] a lot of fun actually, I was really glad we got to work side by side with some Sam Houston students,” Peck said. “At first we were all a little tentative because we didn’t know each other, but before too long we were all laughing together and having a good time.”

Brynn Castro | The Houstonian

EVERYONE WINS. Stephen F. Austin University student government members Jonathan Tyler (left) and Morgan Garrett (right) participate in the fifth annual Bearkat All Paws In at the Huntsville State Park.

The SFA students were selected as one of the groups to work at the Huntsville State Park working to clean up the lake alongside SHSU students. “Everyone has treated us with such kindness,” Peck said. “We actually worked alongside [SHSU

President] Dr. Gibson for a little while too, and she didn’t just come out and pose like she was working. She came out and helped us and worked and that was a really neat thing to see.” According to Marquice Hobbs, President of SFA’s SGA,

Saturday was just the beginning of what he hopes to be an annual collaboration. “Even though we wore purple today and came in an SFA van, it was really good to learn about community building and get closer to each other by working together

hands on,” Hobbs said. “We’re just trying to start some new traditions, and this is really a great way to beef up the rivalry, make it more impactful and meaningful, while at the same time giving back to the community. It’s a win-win.” Peck said he hopes Bearkat All Paws In evolves into a tradition both schools will uphold in the coming years. Peck added this wasn’t the first time that SHSU and SFA attempted a collaborative community effort but is happy to see the union come together. “The timing was just right this year, and when we work together there’s a lot of good that can come from it,” Peck said. “I like to say there are sister institutions and there are cousin institutions; we’re a cousin institution, which means we’re really similar to each other but we also like to battle each other.” According Gibson, Bearkat All Paws In is the embodiment of the school motto “the measure of a life is its service.” SHSU Student Body Vice President Kolby Flowers said that an estimated 700 to 800 students volunteered at 27 different locations. “Bearkat All Paws In is essential to the community as it serves as a — BAPI, page 2

HOUSTON COLLEGE CLASSIC

Alex Broussard | The Houstonian

UNDERRATED. Sam Houston State University’s baseball squad went 2-1 this weekend at the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park. The Bearkats upset nationally ranked Texas Christian University and Texas Tech University but were unable to stay perfect as they fell 3-2 against the University of Texas. The Bearkats face Rice University Wednesday in Huntsville.

CAMPUS

Regents approve dining contract, new fees

JAY R. JORDAN Associate Editor

Universities within the Texas State University System met Thursday and Friday for the quarterly Board of Regents (BOR) meeting and decided on issues involving students’ fees and rates. ARAMARK CONTRACT EXTENDED The university is now bound by an additional 10 years with its dining services partner Aramark.

After approval from the regents during the meeting Thursday and Friday, Sam Houston State University is allowed to extend the existing contract until 2025 (with the original contract only valid until 2015). In its proposal to the regents, the university claimed its dining expansion outlined in the 2020 Master Plan required a longerterm commitment than that outlined in the original contract. Aramark is pledging a $7 million investment for the dining facility

located on the $70 million South Residential District. Aramark also pledged to increase its annual in-kind giving to the university by $25,000. Over the entire new term from 2015-2025, the proposal stated Aramark will be contributing $11.37 million to the university. COST OF LIVING INCREASES The cost of living on campus will rise come fall 2014. A four-percent across-theboard rate increase was approved for on-campus housing. The

increases range nominally from $72 to $104, making Bearkat Village the most expensive dorm on campus at $2,878 per semester. Both mandatory and voluntary meal plan rates were increased, citing the “increased cost of goods, average annual employee wage increase of 2 percent, the significant increase in health costs… and other operating expenses,” according to the proposal. The three voluntary plans increased $250 each, the cost now

ranging from $510 to $990 per semester. The three mandatory plans all increased by roughly 4 percent, which made the lowestlevel mandatory plan cost $1,690 per semester. These rate increases mean that an incoming freshman in fall 2014 will spend at least $3,480 per semester as opposed to $3,347 in fall 2013 on university-mandated expenses. These numbers don’t include —

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Begin your job search in the field of Criminal Justice at the Criminal Justice Career Fair! Wednesday, March 5, 2014 | 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. | LSC Ballroom Learn more @ shsu.edu/careerservices

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News

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 houstonianonline.com/news

WORLD

Russian blockade JAY R. JORDAN Associate Editor

The Associated Press

STATE

New TxDOT site allows speedy crash reports CONNOR HYDE Editor-in-Chief Citizens across the state of Texas will soon have access to vehicle crash reports from their computers. The Texas Department of Transportation announced Monday the launch of their web-based Crash Report Online Purchase System. According to TxDOT’s website, the intent of the system is to allow quick and efficient reports to the public seeking documentation of certain crashes. “We understand people often have a real need to obtain a crash report quickly after they’ve been involved in a crash,” TxDOT director of traffic operations Carol Rawson said in a statement. “This new system will allow them to access and download the reports in a matter of minutes once we’ve received the report from law enforcement.” The new system allows individuals to search for the report of a crash they were involved in and allows them to pay for it online. According to the statement, a motor vehicle crash is considered confidential unless an individual can provide details about the accident. Prior to the new development, individuals needing a crash report were required to fill out a form and attach a payment to mail to TxDOT. With the new system, the required fee is between $6 and $8, the equivalent of the mail in request. Although the option remains for a mail-in report, the online system will provide immediate results, according to the statement. For more information about the new system, visit www.txdot. gov.

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BOR,

Russian Navy vessels have trapped and demanded the possession of two Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea. Ukraine’s acting president Oleksandr Turchynov called the Russian tactic and act of “piracy” and said he is ready to deal with Russian pressure on the sea. Ukrainian Ambassador Yuriy Sergeyev said the country’s armed

forces have stood still in light of the Russian invasion. “So far, Ukrainian armed forces have exercised restraint and refrained from active resistance to the aggression, but they are in full operational readiness,” he said. The United States military has since halted all military cooperation and diplomatic trade talks with Russia since its military presence in Ukraine.

CAMPUS

UPD pot bust higher than normal

KASSIDY TURNPAUGH Assistant News Editor

A February drug bust has the Walker County district attorney’s office filing drug charges against two women who were allegedly transporting massive amounts of marijuana. University Police Patrol Officer Keith Underwood pulled over a reportedly stolen car at 12:07 a.m. Feb. 16 at the 500 block of IH-45 and found that the car contained two women and approximately a quarter pound of marijuana.

The alleged driver, Tiffiney Holland, was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and a state jail felony of possession of marijuana, while the alleged passenger, Ashley Battie, was charged with felony possession of marijuana. Since the pair were allegedly carrying more than two ounces of marijuana, they could face fines of up to $10,000 and 180 days in a state jail if convicted. At this time it is unknown whether the two women will face any additional charges such as

intent to distribute. A trial date has not been set for Holland or Battie. Although it is not uncommon for Sam Houston State University Police Department to come across drug-related contraband, the amount of marijuana allegedly found in this case made the situation more unique than others, according to Police Chief Kevin Morris. “It is not unusual or surprising, but it’s not all that often.” Morris said. The bust is reminiscent of a

similar occurrence in Bearkat Village during the fall semester of 2012 where UPD seized nearly half a pound of marijuana from a student. Despite being the fourth most common crime that UPD sees, according to their yearly statistics, the number of drug offenses has been drastically decreasing. The number of arrests related to drug crime has dropped from 80 arrests in 2012 to 37 in 2013. The Walker County District Attorney could not be reached for comment.

WORLD

#enditmovement draws attention to slavery SARAH JOYNER Contributing Reporter National research has frequently concluded one in every four women will be sexually assaulted on college campuses. In an attempt to understand the relationship between law enforcement and victims of sexual assault, Sam Houston State University researchers surveyed various campus law enforcers in Texas to gain insight to their perception and response techniques in cases of sexual assault. The results were published in a January newsletter. SHSU criminal justice research associate Nicole Wilkes, associate professor Leana Bouffard, Ph.D., and graduate assistant Molly Smith conducted the research in conjunction with the Texas Association against Sexual Assault and the Crime Victim’s Institute. Wilkes said the research was intended to highlight sexual assault from the responders’ point of view. “There’s been very little research done with this population,” she said. In their findings, titled “Sexual Assault on College Campuses: Perceptions and Approaches of Campus Law Enforcement Officers,” respondents agreed sexual assault was a problem on Texas college and university campuses, but very few thought it was an issue on their campus – only 37.2 percent. However, most respondents believed their campus police agencies took “sexual assaults the most seriously.” “Only one respondent believed that campus police departments failed to take sexual assaults

seriously,” the report said. Less than half of the surveyed officers – 45 percent – believed Texas colleges and universities have effective responses to campus sexual assault, an issue Wilkes ties to involvement with outside advocacy groups. Wilkes said a highlight of the research findings was the lack of involvement respondents had with collaborative groups that are dedicated to preventing sexual assault. “There are high rates of

victimization, but the past couple of years, campuses across the nation haven’t responded well,” she said. “I hope this [research] starts a dialogue of how we can do better as a campus.” The report added 69 percent of respondents said Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are available at the majority of the department represented, 34.5 percent of respondents were not aware their university offered a student organization of counseling center dedicated to preventing

aid to purchase these materials and services. Additionally, bulk purchase should reduce individual costs for some goods and services.” STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD As it is with every quarterly regent’s meeting, the Student Advisory Board (SAB) met concurrently. According to their report, the SAB brought to the regents’ attention multiple issues students are facing, including class scheduling conflicts and emergency notification systems such as KatSafe. The report detailed how the SAB felt each university’s emergency alert system needed reform that automatically enrolled students instead of making it an option. “This semester, several of our institutions experienced extreme weather and various campus

safety issues,” the report stated. “We would like to see a process in which students are automatically enrolled and have the choice to opt-out rather than going through the process of opting in.” SHSU’s Student Body Vice President and Vice Chair of SAB Kolby Flowers attended the meeting and said it was productive and felt reform needed to be discussed. “With the recent trend of severe weather, many students have complained to us that the school now sends too many KATSAFE messages,” Flowers said. “The same was said from the other student leaders at SAB from the respective notification systems. I think SHSU needs to find a nice middle ground.” SAB also brought up the miscommunication between class schedule modules and students

when it comes to class availability. They advocated for a notification system for students and that the lack of one prolongs graduation. The next Board of Regents meeting will be at SHSU on May 22 and 23.

The Associated Press

#ENDITMOVEMENT . Texas Governor Rick Perry (R) draws a red X on his hand as part of the #EndItMovement. Thousands of people across the world participated in the human trafficking awareness event Feb. 27.

sexual assault. Although SHSU’s counseling center and health clinic assists sexual assault victims, there isn’t a SAN examiner on staff. However, the Huntsville Sexual Assault and Abuse Free Environment – SAAFE House – works with victims from SHSU and in the community as well as University Police Department. The report stated campus law enforcement officers remain a key role in responding to sexual assault cases and to effectively combat sexual assault, more than one entity will need to work hand in hand. “Improving responses to college sexual assault will need to include multidisciplinary collaboration amongst campus authorities and community agencies, including law enforcement officers,” the report stated. Since 2007, there have been 15 reported sexual assaults at SHSU. According to UPD Chief Kevin Morris, sexual assault is an underreported crime and doesn’t reflect what is happening at SHSU. UPD currently is working alongside the SAAFE House to strengthen victim protection in the case of a sexual assault case, Morris said. According to the report, police officers who receive specialized sexual assault training are more aware of victimization occurring on campus as well as developing a different approach to responding to sexual assault cases. “Does it happen on our campus? Yes it does,” Morris said. “We don’t want this to happen. If you are victimized, I highly encourage you to report it.”

JUMPS page 1

lab fees for core classes, which were also increased. The regents also approved various lab and course fee increases. Although the fees were relatively small compared to tuition, the most significant of these is the nursing program. Its program fee was increased from $0 to $750 per semester in order to “consolidate the outof-pocket student expenses for supplies, standardized testing and software…” “The fee will consolidate the out-of-pocket student expenses for supplies, standardized testing, and software into a single payment and standardized the payment process,” Gibson said in a press release. “Through this consolidation, qualified students will be able to apply financial

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link between the students at Sam Houston State University and the citizens of Huntsville who host us here,” Flowers said. Flowers agreed that having SFA students involved in the event was a great way to enhance camaraderie among the schools. “I think it’s great that they lived up to their end of the bargain,” Flowers said. “I know they had a blast and look forward to seeing them her next year when we beat them again.”

Violinist Wanted Wedding in Coldspring

March 22 Play during seating, the Wedding March and Here Comes the Bride

$125 Contact: Elaine

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Viewpoints

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

NATION

Top 10 destinations for SB‘14 and you are already paying rent. Why would you want to pay for a hotel? That’s just bad economics. Besides, going somewhere means you’d need a plan. Staying at your apartment and hoping your mom hasn’t stopped paying for Netflix is about all the effort you’re willing to spend this spring break.

8. Galveston, Texas

MONTY SLOAN Columnist So spring break is coming and after the last few weeks of exhaustingly hard labor in your 12 credit hours’ worth of classes you deserve some time off. So where should you spend your week away from the cruel unyielding world of scantrons and blue books?

10. Walmart parking lot Huntsville, Texas

If you’re living in a dorm and can’t catch a ride or afford gas to get back to your parent’s place you’re probably not planning any extravagant trips either. Well, the good news is, due to the corporate giant’s 24-hour business you can set up shop in your car and hangout or sleep in their parking lot just as long as you’d like. Being a car dweller may be just above homeless on the social ladder, but at least you won’t be a nomad and the access to 24-hour Maruchan ramen can’t be understated.

9. Your apartment Huntsville, Texas You’re not a dorm living plebian,

Brown water? Questionable sand? If you’re the type of person who can overlook these things, Galveston has one thing going for it: It’s cheap. Besides, once you’ve had half a case of the cheapest beer you can find, are you really going to even notice Galveston’s depressing color pallet?

7. Cancun, Mexico

Why isn’t this higher on the list? Isn’t Cancun ridiculously popular? Mexico’s great for students, the beaches are clean, everything’s cheap and there are plenty of Mexicans who would love for you to spend your money on cervezas or weird lollipops with scorpions in them. There’s also plenty of other people who’d rather take your money, by force if necessary, and it isn’t just the Mexican cartel you need to be worried about. Crime in Mexico is big business, and that particular business is much more profitable than hotels and beers for college kids.

6. New Louisiana

Orleans,

If you’re reading this in print, well you’ve missed your chance to experience Fat Tuesday in New Orleans, but you can still go and

soak up some of the Mardi Gras aftermath if you hurry. Just be careful. It’s likely everyone will still be hung over and unwilling to put up with your college kid shit.

5. Daytona Beach, Florida

I can personally testify about Daytona’s great beaches, seedy clubs and dive bars. If you’re looking for a place that looks exactly like a Spring Break movie, this place is it. From pier-side restaurants and bars, to rentals of every sea craft imaginable to a freaking rollercoaster park on the beach, this place is stacked. I’ll never forget my trip to Daytona, the tattoo I got while blackout drunk is a constant reminder.

4. San Texas

Antonio,

You hate beaches, but love water. Go to the River Walk, freak.

3. South Island, Texas

Padre

South Padre is easily the most popular spring break destination in Texas. I doubt I have to explain its appeal to anyone. However, due to the nature of this article, let’s take a look: 1. It’s an island, like a Pirates of the Caribbean real deal, surrounded-by-water Island. 2. The entire place is built around college kids spending their parents’ money at the mega resorts that guarantee your every wish, short of getting laid, will come true. 3. It’s in Texas so chances of dealing with people from the lesser 49 states is greatly diminished.

South by Southwest is the single largest music, film and art festival this side of the nation. It’s also pretty big in tech. If you’re at all a music or movie fan, there’s definitely something going on for you. Just don’t let any of the local Austinites know you’re from out of town. They hate people who come to visit and spend money. It might be the only reason the festival exists (being the single highest revenue producing event in the Austin community). Austin is their secret little indie rock hipster paradise, you vacationing swine. Also, Austin may have the worst highway planning on the globe, with all of the extra people in town it’s basically un-drivable. Have fun.

1. Your nearest liquor store

Number 10 on this list was pretty depressing, number 9 was pretty pathetic. Number 1 shares a lot in common with these. You’re spending your time in Huntsville, possibly alone. But, you’ve got a plan. That $30 you’ve still got kicking around on your Bearkat Onecard is about to have a new home: Spec’s bank account. All that money these other fools are spending on gas and drinks with little umbrellas is just is wasted. You, well you know this, so you’re going to do the only sensible thing one can do for spring break. Ride a bullet train to BlackoutsVille, and this train has no brakes. Choo Choo motherfucker.

2. Austin, Texas

PAWS UP

PAWS UP to Ellen DeGeneres: She did a phenomenal job hosting the Oscars. From the most retweeted selfie ever to ordering a pizza, the host consistently kept audiences entertained.

PAWS UP to Texas Court of Criminal Appeals: Last week they ruled warrantless cell phone searches were illegal, which is a great advance for privacy.

PAWS UP to SHSU Baseball: Spectacular weekend at Minute Maid Park and now they’re ranked in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

PAWS DOWN

WORLD

Ukraine conflict offers few solutions

COLIN HARRIS Viewpoints Editor Did the Cold War ever end? Ongoing riots and unrest that started three weeks ago in Kiev, Ukraine, have both Russia and the West jockeying for position in the territory. Although the Soviet Union disbanded more than 20 years ago, Russia has maintained its presence in satellite states like Ukraine and flexed its muscle throughout Eastern Europe. Despite the fact that the Kremlin is no ally of the US, it would be wise for the Obama administration to take a measured approach when dealing with outsized Russian influence in the region.

All of this started with a proposed agreement between the European Union and Ukraine, which according to the EU would eventually lead to the nation’s incorporation into the intergovernmental partnership. Ukranian President Viktor Yanukovych opposed the deal, preferring to strengthen ties with their Russian neighbor to the east. The split between those who prefer an alliance with the West and those who desire a return to Russian influence characterizes the divide within Ukraine’s borders. Protests from those in favor of an EU partnership ensued in Kiev, leading to a forceful police backlash and somewhere short of 100 deaths and countless injuries. The protestors eventually prevailed in some regard and ousted Yanukovych, who remains in exile somewhere in Russia. This set the stage for last week’s developments that saw Russian troops, tanks and ships invade Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, take over transportation hubs and government buildings, and shut

off communication between the peninsula and the rest of Ukraine. Crimea has a large population of ethnic Russians whose land the Russian government would like to annex. The interim government of Ukraine would prefer the region to remain part of the larger country. Obviously both sides cannot be appeased. So where does the US stand in this international crisis? President Barack Obama has issued stern warnings to Moscow over its invasion of Crimea going so far as to say Monday that Russia was “on the wrong side of history.” Military intervention is thankfully off the table, but sanctions on Russia are not. However the problem with sanctions is that much of Western Europe depends on Russian oil to power their economies, so anything that Russia perceives as overly antagonistic could precipitate into an energy crisis abroad. This must be avoided at all costs, because a Eurozone collapse will adversely affect the American

economy. Oil is fungible, so if Europe has a shortage, demand increases and we see prices spike here. As awful as it sounds, the best course of action for US diplomats may be to let the situation develop organically and stay uninvolved. There’s no foreseeable endgame to economic intervention, and symbolic sanctions are the only recourse that don’t risk a sizable backlash from Vladimir Putin. Nothing America does or says is going to thwart Russia from annexing whatever parts of Ukraine it desires. A quarter century after Ronald Reagan told Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” in defiance of Soviet domineering in Europe, we’ve reached a new paradigm in relations with Moscow. The Kremlin’s political and economic tentacles reach far too many places to be struck back when they begin to infringe upon the sovereignty of American allies.

PAWS DOWN to Crocodiles: There’s a video circulating of a giant python in Australia choking a crocodile to death. Shameful.

PAWS DOWN to Environmentalists: Police arrested more than 300 of 1,200 people Sunday afternoon at a Washington D.C. protest. When 25% end up in handcuffs, they’re doing it wrong.

PAWS DOWN to Old Main Market: 26 health code violations!? Good grief.

The Houstonian Editorial

The Houstonian was named in the top 100 college newspapers for journalism students by JournalismDegree.org. Members of Associated Collegiate Press and Texas Intercolligiate Press Association.

EDITOR’S NOTE Articles, letters and cartoons by Houstonian staff members or others in this paper are their own and not the opinion of the Houstonian, unless it is noted as such. Submissions and letters to the editor are welcome. Please send submissions to viewpoints@houstonianonline.com. Articles may be edited for grammar and spelling at discretion of editor. Unsolicited oppinions should be 150 words or under. Please contact us if you wish to submit anything longer. Deadline for submission is by 5 p.m. on Mondays or Wednesdays.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Connor Hyde ........................................................................................................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISER Robin Johnson..................................................................................................................................936-294-1499 STAFF Jay R. Jordan .................................................................................................................................Associate Editor Colin Harris...................................................................................................................................Viewpoints Editor Jeremy Villanueva..................................................................................................................................Sports Editor Kizzie Frank.............................................................................................................................Entertainment Editor Stephen Green...........................................................................................................................................Web Editor Kassidy Turnpaugh.............................................................................................................. Assistant News Editor Dharmesh Patel.........................................................................................................Assistant Entertainment Editor Marissa Hill........................................................................................................................................Sports Reporter Hannah Zedeker.................................................................................................................................Senior Reporter Steven Snook.............................................................................................................................Multimedia Reporter Samantha Zambrano.............................................................................................................................Layout Editor Lillie Muyskens..............................................................................................................................Graphic Designer Staff Reporter(s)..................................................................................................... Kaleigh Treiber, Alex Broussard

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BUSINESS MANAGER Paty Mason......................................................................................................................................936-294-1500 ADVERTISING MANAGER Stacy Hood.........................................................................................................................................936-294-1495 STAFF Cristina Tazado.............................................................................................................................Delivery Manager

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Page 4

Arts&Entertainment

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 houstonianonline.com/a-e

STATE

SXSW hunts for all things new KIZZIE FRANK A&E Editor Texas’ annual South by Southwest Festival kicks off spring break 2014 with a lineup that will unveil new technology, movies and feature big and upcoming names in music. The ten-day event starting March 7 begins with an interactive and film portion of the festival and closes with the festival’s trademark music show case. This year also marks the sixth year of SXSW Comedy, which will feature sessions with Seth Meyers, Jeffrey Tambor, Pete Holmes, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. Even though the first days of SXSW is filled with non-stop action, the most anticipated part of the event is the five-day long music festival. Senior mass communication major Katherine Oliver, said she is attending the event for the first time this year after hearing from

her friends how amazing the experience was. “I’m really looking forward to the film festival as well as seeing new hip hop artists, DJs, and metal bands during the music portion,” Oliver said. Unlike most music festivals throughout the country where the lineup consists of only big name artists, SXSW Music is a platform where unknown bands and singers can broadcast their talents to over 25,000 attendees in numerous venues all across Austin. With highly popular spots such as the Fader Fort, Spotify House, Hype Hotel and House of Vans, as well as numerous showcases and pop-up shows, there is something for all music lovers to enjoy. Veteran SXSW goer, senior mass communication major Shaquira Martin is returning for a fourth time as a concert promoter for The Illmore. “We have special guests and live performance from top artists,” said Martin. “Last year Kendrick

Lamar came and literally rocked the house so bad the second floor caved in. It was dope.” Martin’s said first time attendees should go to SXSW for the music not just the parties. Julius Dunbar, a student at the Mediatech Institute in Houston, will represent Texas at the first ever “Champion Sound International Beat Battle” against Toronto, Canada. Created by Space City Beat Battle located in Houston and The Beat Academy in Toronto, the event features the eight best up and coming producers from both Texas and Toronto. “It’s an honor to be on Team TX at the beat battle,” Dunbar said. “It really shows you that hard work pays for doing the things you love to do.” SXSW has evolved into a platform for unknown bands and singers to broadcast their talents to over 25,000 people, which iswhat separates it from all other festivals in the country. It also

breaks down the wall between fans and artists and allows for them to interact, which is the reason why the festival has so many people returning to it each year, Dunbar said. “It’s such a great experience to network and mingle with your favorite artists without any middle person holding you back to get to them, and seeing the grind from a lot of up and comers is just a beautiful thing to me,” Dunbar said. The SXSW Interactive is a four day-long conference that is referred to by Entrepreneur Magazine as “the go-to event for digital creators and innovators.” It consists of various workshops and sessions covering topics from health, privacy and software design to fashion, space, and gaming. Each day includes a keynote presentation from one of the five esteemed speakers on this year’s lineup that includes best-selling author Austin Kleon, Vice Chair

of the Clinton Foundation Chelsea Clinton, CEO and co-founder of 23andMe Anne Wokcickl, Mythbusters star Adam Savage and esteemed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D. In conjunction with the interactive conference is the SXSW Film Festival. Comprised of numerous panels, workshops, and interviews with top people in the industry, and screenings of the top independent feature films and shorts films of the year. Keynote speakers this year include, (500) Days of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man director Marc Webb; CEO and founder of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum; Creator, producer, and writer of HBO’s Girls Lena Dunham; and New York based filmmaker Casey Neistat. For more information about South by Southwest, visit their website at sxsw.com. The festival kicks off March 7 and lasts through March 16.

OSCARS

Ellen’s antics enlivens sub-par Oscars DHARMESH PATEL Assistant A&E Editor Even though Hollywood royalty shared pizza, took an epic selfie that broke Twitter, and Jennifer Lawrence failed to stay upright, again. The 86th Academy Awards fell somewhat flat. The biggest awards in Tinsel town were given out Sunday night, and while there were some great moments, they were accompanied by some rather unfortunate mishaps. The Washington Post was quick to note Lawrence’s tumble on the red carpet as it has become somewhat of a tradition. She didn’t even make it into the venue this year but her quirky charm and unpredictable reactions to testy situations has made her the girl next door and one to watch at red carpet events. From the waist up, Pharrell Williams was perfectly groomed

and clothed, but for some reason the musician, who was nominated for best original song, decided to forgo the traditional dress code and dare to show up in shorts. Noticeably missing on the red carpet was his trademark hat, which made an appearance later in the night during his performance of his hit song “Happy” from the “Despicable Me 2” soundtrack. Yet it was host Ellen Degeneres who orchestrated some of the most memorable moments of the night. Degeneres kept alluding to ordering pizza for the famous attendees and made good on her promise when she brought out a deliveryman carrying fresh pies. According to the New York Daily News, the host revealed on the “Ellen Show” Monday that the delivery man was actually the owner of Big Mama’s and Papa’s Pizzeria in West Hollywood, and she gave him a $1,000 tip, which he later shared with his staff.

Degeneres successfully took a selfie to end all selfies that included Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lawrence, and Lupita Nyong’o to name a few and ended up crashing the popular social media site Twitter. The Los Angeles Times reported that Degeneres’s tweet received a record 2.7 million retweets and nearly 1.4 million favorites. Newcomer Lupita Nyong’o stole the show on several different occasions. Her much anticipated win for female in a supporting role came as no surprise, but it was her humble acceptance speech that had ABC News crowning her as the new “it” girl. Later in the evening, Nyong’o got the after party started early when she got out of her seat and showed off her dance moves during Pharrell’s performance. Idina Menzel’s performance of the Oscar-winning song “Let It

Go” from the “Frozen” soundtrack started off on the wrong foot courtesy of John Travolta, who couldn’t seem to pronounce her name correctly. Travolta completely missed the mark and introduced the singer as “Adele Dazeem” causing the internet to buzz about the blatant mistake including E! News questioning his sanity. “Did John Travolta just have a stroke when trying to say Idina Menzel?!” tweeted comedian Fortune Feimster. This year brought another loss for veteran nominee Leonardo DiCaprio, who lost the golden statue to Matthew McConaughey for his role in “Dallas Buyer’s Club.” Reuters praised McConaughey as well deserving for his portrayal of Ron Woodroof, a role for which he lost 50 pounds, transforming his entire body. Jared Leto also snagged the award for best male performance

in a supporting role for his character in “Dallas Buyer’s Club.” Leto delivered one of the best speeches of the night in which he paid tribute to and thanked his single mother and acknowledged the struggles of AIDS and its victims. The biggest winner of the night was the movie “Gravity,” which nabbed seven Oscars including best director and best musical score. The historical epic “12 Years a Slave” received the highest honor by winning the Oscar for best picture for which Brad Pitt was an executive producer. Other notable moments of the night included Spike Jonze winning best original screenplay for “Her,” Ellen’s jabs at Liza Mannnelli, Cate Blanchett’s inside joke with Julia Roberts and Bette Midler’s bizarre and cringeworthy performance of “Wind Beneath My Wings” as a tribute to the fallen stars of the past year.

Associated Press

FLATLINE. On Ellen DeGeneres told a few jokes that didn’t quite hit home, but winners managed to keep smiles on their faces. On the right (from left to right) Matthew McConaughey (best actor), Cate Blanchett (best actress), Lupita Nyong’o, and Jared Leto (supporting actor) line up with their new Oscars.

REVIEW

Local play teeters between humor and darkness RAVEEN JOHNSON Contributing Reporter Death may cast a shadow on life, but a local play proves that sorrow is only temporary. Director Dominic Drozco captures the lessons of C.S. Lewis in the play, “Shadowlands,” that was featured at the Huntsville Local Community Theatre Feb. 21 through March 1. Set in Oxford, England during

the 1950s, an older, accomplished novelist meets a fan that will change his life forever. Huntsville resident Ray Cheek portrayed the leading role of C.S. Lewis. With a strong, British accent, he set a somber tone for the play’s first act. “I liked the subtle, intelligent humor,” Huntsville resident Audrey Oberry said. “If you were listening closely, there were parts in the play that were discreet, but funny and nicely worded.”

During the transitions from scene to scene, lighting played a significant factor to keep the feel of the 1950s with a soft touch of smooth jazz and blues. The chemistry and fluidity of the conversation amongst the cast made the play seem like reality. “I enjoyed the style of the play,” Sam Houston State University English Major Cailyn Daugherty said. “I liked that there was an intermission, which made the play

more modern.” The main theme of the play was that suffering is a part of maturity and growth and that life does not end after one has passed on. “Everyone can definitely take something away from this play,” Oberry said. “Who doesn’t question God’s existence in happiness and in sorrow?” The play taught the lesson that you have to be willing to face pain in order to appreciate life, Drozco

said. “It is not just a story about C.S. Lewis, but it is an examination about the value of faith and the belief that love does not have an age limit or expiration date,” he said. For more information about upcoming shows playing at the Huntsville Community Theatre visit www. HuntsvilleCommunityTheatre. org.

Page 5

Sports

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 houstonianonline.com/sports

BASEBALL

Kats impress at Houston Classic CONNOR HYDE Editor-in-Chief As Sam Houston State baseball prepared to square off against some of the nation’s top-ranked programs at the Houston College Classic, sports analysts had the rising Bearkats slated at the bottom of the totem pole. Yet, as the tournament finished Sunday at Minute Maid Park, SHSU had confirmed they are in the discussion as one of Texas’ top programs. “People tend to think since you’re playing a good team they think they’re better than us,” SHSU starting pitcher Tyler Eppler said. “Our guys know not to try and do too much and be the better team.” The Bearkats commenced tournament play Friday against No. 12 Texas Christian University, with Brandon Finnegan eyeing the Bearkats’ lineup from the mound. Although Finnegan, a projected top 10 overall draft pick in the MLB, recorded 11 strikeouts and issued only two walks, SHSU’s lineup jumped on the board early by taking advantage of runners in scoring position. Finnegan and Eppler battled back and forth for a quick two innings when the Bearkats’ lineup exposed Finnegan’s arsenal. Right fielder Hayden Simerly split right-center field for a leadoff triple in the top of the third. Second baseman Corey Toups followed Simerly and smashed an RBI double to add insurance for SHSU. The rattled Finnegan loaded the bases and allowed SHSU to add to their lead, 3-0, with a wild pitch. Pierce said his lineup maintained discipline in the

Alex Broussard | The Houstonian

PITCH SLAP. Right handed pitcher Tyler Eppler started on the mound for Sam Houston State Friday night defeating Texas Christian University 9-4 at Minute Maid Park in the Houston College Classic. Eppler threw six innings with five strikeouts and didn’t allow any runs against him, and moved to 2-1 for the season.

batter’s box for Finnegan to become his worst enemy. “I feel like we have good hitters with good approaches,” he said. “They’re confident and they knew they were going to face tough pitches and they just kept fighting all night and it worked out for us.” SHSU also wasn’t afraid to show off some leather. In the bottom of the fourth inning, left fielder Luke Plucheck earned himself a spot on Sportscenter’s Friday Top 10 plays with a diving catch to prevent an extra-base hit. Plucheck would

find himself on the national spotlight again against Texas Tech with another diving catch that warranted another spot on the top plays Saturday. “He’s the best left fielder in the country,” Pierce said. “He wants the ball hit to him, and he wants to make those plays.” Eppler lasted six innings on the mound, allowing only six hits and zero runs against TCU. Reliever Alan Scott stepped in and gave the Horned Frogs a breath of life late in the game. Nevertheless, SHSU’s bats held off TCU’s momentum. Shortstop J a k e Ma c Wi l l i a m s connected for a seventh inning solo homerun into the Crawford Boxes to reignite offensive production. In the eighth, P lu c h e c k garnered a walk with Ryan Farney moving him over into scoring position. P lu c h e c k touched home plate from another wild pitch from TCU’s bullpen. MacWilliams

drove in two more runs to extend SHSU’s lead 9-0 in the top of the ninth. “To come in and get a hit and score some runs for my team was a big thing for me,” MacWilliams said. SHSU rolled through No. 26 Texas Tech Saturday still high on Friday’s offensive production. Farney blasted two homeruns to propel SHSU 10-6 over the Red Raiders and gave starting pitcher Andrew Godail and reliever Sam Odom cushion to work around Texas Tech’s lineup. Simerly added to SHSU’s lead with his first home run on the season as well as tallying his fourth three-hit game. Although the Bearkats remained perfect at the end of Saturday, the University of Texas wielded their patience and small ball to oust SHSU in late innings Sunday. Starter Dirk Masters took the mound for the Bearkats with Luke Schiraldi representing the Longhorns. Masters cornered himself into early trouble as the Longhorns lineup worked deep pitch counts. SHSU’s defense was able to keep the Longhorns off the board through the sixth inning while picking away at Schiraldi. Centerfielder Colt Atwood led off the top of the first with a blooper that landed short of Longhorn centerfielder Mark Payton. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn followed with a single of his own to move Atwood into scoring position. A

string of walks and errors scored Atwood and O’Hearn for an early 2-0 Bearkat lead. The Longhorns pressured Masters with a collection of runners in scoring position but struggled to capitalize until the seventh inning. With right fielder Collin Shaw on third, second baseman Brooks Marlow’s sacrifice bunt easily brought in the run to narrow SHSU’s lead to one. The Longhorn’s continued their small ball to even the boards and brought out closer Morgan Cooper. Cooper halted the Bearkats’ offensive approach to allow the Longhorns to settle into themselves at the plate and garner the game winning run. “That was a tough game to lose,” Atwood said. “We fought hard and had a good weekend. By no means is this tournament a failure, but when you don’t win the games you’re supposed to win it hurts.” Pierce said preceding the Houston College Classic his expectations were to finish the week 3-2, however his squad finished 4-1. Currently SHSU is 10-2 four weeks into the season. SHSU is slated to revisit Rice University but this time at Don Sanders Stadium Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The Bearkats will remain in Huntsville during Spring Break to take on Cal State Northridge for a three-game series and University of Texas at San Antonio for a onegame match.

SOFTBALL

Softball on roll at Tech tourney MARISSA HILL Sports Reporter Sam Houston State’s softball team added three more wins to their record this weekend with a strong 3-1 finish at the Texas Tech Invitational. SHSU’s only loss came in their second game against tourney host, Texas Tech, 2-4. “We just didn’t come out to play the first two innings,” sophomore outfielder Jennie Kieval said. During the first game against the Red Raiders, the Bearkats had a slow start, but managed to take the victory 2-0. The Bearkat offense woke up in the fourth inning as they had two runs batted in behind the swing of sophomore centerfielder Tiffany Castillo. Yet in the fifth inning, bats were silenced for both ball clubs as neither team crossed home plate in the final three innings. However, the bats came alive for SHSU in Saturday’s morning contest against Abilene Christian. SHSU finished ACU off for the second time in the tournament, 8-6 in extra innings. Senior infielder Alyssa Coggins singled to right center field, allowing the two on base, Castillo and freshman outfielder Ashley Kopps, to cross home plate in the eighth inning. SHSU sealed ACU’s fate in the ninth inning, rattling off three runs. Junior

infielder Hillary Adams singled to left field, scoring junior outfielder Tayler Gray. Senior outfielder Cecilia Castillo put her own signature on the game with a home run to left field, sending two more Bearkats across home plate. SHSU managed to hold off ACU’s offense to a single run in the bottom of the ninth and secure their third win. In the Bearkats’ final match of the invitational, the Red Raiders were looking for revenge and found it, holding SHSU off 4-2. Texas Tech collected three runs in the first two innings while SHSU struggled to get their own momentum moving forward. “No one really had energy,” Kieval said. “That’s when [Tech] really scored all their runs.” The Bearkats found some life in the third with senior outfielder Amy Pelton putting up their first run of the game. SHSU picked up one more run from a Gray home run, but couldn’t recover from the Red Raiders’ early aggressiveness. Despite the Bearkats’ finish, Gray believed they could’ve been better. “The tournament was a success for us,” she said. “But we could have walked away 4-0.” The Bearkats improved to 7-8 overall and will carry their momentum into their first Southland Conference series as SHSU hosts McNeese State on Saturday. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.

Sports TRACK

GoBearkats

FINISHING STRONG. Since the first meet at the Houston Indoor Opener, women’s track runner Ruth Amaku has been a huge part of the star squad. Although Amaku finished 10th in the 60-meter dash, it would help women’s track finish first at the Southland Conference Indoor Championship.

Track wins conference KYLE KELLY Staff Reporter Sam Houston State’s women’s track team took home the Southland Conference Indoor Championship Thursday for the first time since 2008. The Bearkats overcame a 130-point deficit driven by a strong individual performance from senior hurdler Sabrina Starr. Starr broke her previous school record in the 60-meter hurdles and now ranks 10th in the nation in the 60-meter hurdles. The schools faced toe-to-toe in the 4x400 meter relay headed by SHSU freshman Jordan Grady, junior Sunday Foster, sophomore Ruth Amaku and junior anchor Lygia Foreman. The squad broke the meet record with a time of 3.43.30 to pass up SFA on the last leg of the race and give the Kats a 15-point lead heading into final event. The women’s team came up big on the second day of the meet with first place finishes in the 400 meter dash from junior Lygia Foreman with junior Katelyn Winn taking first in pole vault.

According to head coach David Self, his team had high expectations after the first day and even though they were down on the score board they persevered. “We’re sitting really well even with a couple tough things happening late,” head coach David Self said. “To be only down three points, that’s pretty good because we still [had] a lot of heavy hitting events.” SHSU’s men’s team finished in second place with 106.5 points at the end of day, falling just short by just 12.5 points to meet leader Southeastern Louisiana. The Bearkats medaled in the final two events to allow them to move up in the rankings. Mathew Viverrette captured a first-place finish with a time of 8.01 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles for his fourth first-place finish of the indoor season, earning the Bearkats 10 points. Freshman Jay Robertson took home the gold in Men Pole Vault Heptathlon. In the 800-meter run, sophomore De’Quad Binder placed first, and in the 400-meter dash Rodney Jones claimed first. The teams will be idle for two weeks before beginning outdoor season at the Maverick Open on March 22 in Arlington.

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