The Houstonian

Sam Houston State University Football Pro Day Thursday morning at Bowers Stadium.

Vol 115— Issue 20

Huntsville, Texas

SPORTS

Aces wild SEE page 8

Watts accepts

SHSU Professor receives national recognition in Pittsburg

Thomas Boydston | The Houstonian

NOMINATED. When Richard E. Watts, Ph.D, received the letter containing his nomination notice he almost threw it away, mistaking it for junk mail.

By Shenay Lemon Contributing Writer

“It is my distinct pleasure to nominate Dr. Richard E. Watts’s to be recognized as an American Counseling Association Fellow,” wrote Judith A. Nelson, Ph.D. and president of the Texas Counseling Association in her nomination letter, along with many others in the counseling profession contributing to Watts’ recent acceptance of the esteemed American Counseling Association Fellow Award.

Watts’s was awarded on March 21, 2010 at the ACA Conference in Pittsburgh.

According to the ACA, the award “is the highest level of recognition one can receive from the official body of the counseling profession (ACA) and is based on a career body of work.”

In addition to working on two books and helping with students’ dissertations, Watts’s is currently the editor of “Counseling and Values,” the journal of the Association of Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling, an ACA division.

— See WATTS, page 6

Students hunt for Easter eggs See page 6

Thursday, April 1, 2010

FEATURE PRESENTATION

Entertainment contributor James Ashworth believes music to be reborn SEE page 7 with Spoon’s new album.

INDEX

Nation & World...page 4

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

Entertainment........page 5

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

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

Reaching 75 As many as 525 participants, 1500 guests expected to attend ring ceremony

By Malissa Peek

Contributing Writer

Today is the day many bearkats will add some bling to their wings as they inch one step closer to academic freedom.

Today the Sam Houston State Alumni Association will host the annual ring ceremony for 525 participating bearkats and an expected 1500 guests in front of Austin Hall.

“We chose Austin Hall because it is one of the oldest buildings on campus and everyone can recognize it,” Director of Alumni Relations Charlie Vienne said. “ It serves as a nice back drop setting as well.”

For most graduates the ring symbolizes success and the beginning of their graduation festivities.

“Receiving my ring means I can finally replace my high school class ring with something of much more worth,” said senior Jaymee Lamprecht. “It means I made it. I finally accomplished something I have worked so hard for. I am ready to explore what the world has to offer.”

According to Vienne, the ceremony commemorates a milestone in the graduates’ academic careers.

“It gives the students a short-term goal before reaching their long-term goal of graduation,” said

Vienne.

Bearkats not participating in the ceremony can begin picking up thier rings on Friday, April 2 at the Sam Houston Alumni Office located on the second floor of the visitors center.

Students who have not yet purchased their rings can do so upon completion of 75 academic hours. The rings may be ordered year round at the on-campus Barnes and Noble Bookstore located inside of the Lowman Student Center.

So be sure to add some bling to your wings and congratulations Bearkats!

Paraphernalia Paranoia Recent reform movements spark the debate on whether or not to regulate and tax marijuana

By Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-Chief

A reform in California has pushed for the decriminalization and taxation of the most commonly used, illicit drug in the United States, but Texas laws have yet to go up in smoke.

The University Police Department in Huntsville said they commonly get a wide variety of calls from dorm rooms to traffic stops for students involved with marijuana.

While Texas laws allow the police to use discretion in cases, however, the university has a zero tolerance policy.

“Police can use discretion in everything,” UPD Deputy Chief James Fitch said. “Say an officer comes in contact with a student who has a very small amount, could they let them go? It’s a possibility. Even if the officer didn’t make an arrest, it would still be reported to the Dean of Student’s Office.”

Regarding the recent push to tax and regulate one of the most used and illicit drugs in the country, Fitch said there are two main problems he’s seen among users.

One, it sometimes acts as a gateway drug; people use so long they don’t get the high they used to and move on to,

say, cocaine. Two, with it being illegal, buyers can not be sure as to whether, or not dealers are adding to or “lacing,” the drug.

“I think it should stay illegal and [the laws should] stay the same because it does open the door to so many other things. I was a probation officer sometime before [joining the ]police and you see that a lot where people move on to harder drugs,” Fitch said.

However, prisons are getting crowded.

“If the legislatures were to ever choose to lighten the sentences or punishments for people in possession, it wouldn’t be bad,” Fitch said. “[There are a lot of] people in jail for possession and [if] jails are full [we] may need more [space for] violent offenders. It is using tax payers’ money.”

Legislature Analyst for MPP, Eric McDaniel said, “There are 800,000 arrests nationwide for marijuana since last year alone. The vast majority are for simple possession, not dealing with dangerous drugs or international drug trafficking--average people, neighbors, friends that may use occasion.”

Many have debated as to whether or not the taxation of the cannabis would benefit the economy. Assistant Professor John Miller, of Sam Houston State

University’s Economics Department gave his insight.

“Duh, yes, of course,” Miller said.

“Simply by taking billions of dollars out, freeing it up from the policing action and perhaps regulation or even taxing, I think it is a good idea.”

Although Miller has never used, he said it doesn’t bother him as much as alcohol—which he does partake in.

“I’d like to see it decriminalized and taxed,” Miller said. “I think it would help a lot with taxing and with drug cartels at the border. It’s just one of those really simple solutions that seems obvious and may have consequences, but it’s hard to imagine the consequences [being as severe as they are now].

While most college students sheepishly giggle about the idea, some have their concerns.

“I think it would stimulate the economy, but it I think it could mess up society. If people started using, maybe they wouldn’t stop,” SHSU freshman, Holland Nixon said.

One student shared an uncommon perspective.

— See CANNABIS, page 6

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

Texas Marijuana Arrests in Walker county in 2002: 173 University Police Department 2010 Arrest - On-campus* for Drug Abuse Violations : 8 Texas marijuana laws are concurrent with this act, whereas possession in the smallest amount could potentially carry a sentence of 180 days in jail, a $2000 fine, and is considered a misdemeanor charge.

Crime - Statistics (2008) Although people may think that the Drug War targets drug smugglers and 'King Pins,' in 2008, 49.8 percent (half) of the 1,702,537 total arrests for drug abuse violations were for marijuana -- a total of 847,863.

Of those, 754,224 people were arrested for marijuana possession alone. By contrast in 2000 a total of 734,497 Americans were arrested for marijuana offenses, of which 646,042 were for possession alone. www.drugwarfacts.org

The common misconception

Local Huntsville owners discuss the benefits of January’s Herbs.

By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter

From China, to India, to Egypt, to America, herbal medicine is as old as mankind itself and has been practiced in every culture throughout the world.

Herbs have received a lot of flack throughout the years as people associate them with pot heads and hippies, but there are many beneficial herbs that can be incorporated into a person’s everyday life to contribute to their overall well-being.

A hidden gem sits on the corner of 14th Street and Avenue M. January Herbs and Wellness is one of the places to find and learn about herbs

and how they can benefit your lifestyle. The store carries numerous product lines including Nature’s Sunshine, Life’s Fortune, and Nordic Naturals, just to name a few.

This shop also provides services such as table massage, chair massage, ear candling, and wellness counseling.

After having three children naturally, Valarie January believes in the power of informed decisions about your body’s health and by using natural products, she believes she is giving herself an option of what to put into her body and what her body will become.

“Herbs are plants, and they are usually taken in their original form. They have all the properties of that plant

that it was grown with, and the benefit of that is they have a synergistic effect,” Valarie January, herb specialist, natural health professional/ owner and operator of January’s Herbs & Wellness, said.

“The difference between herbs and prescription drugs is a drug has either a stimulant or a suppressant, so people tend to have side effects when all they are doing is stimulating or suppressing a system or something that their body does naturally,” She said.

Valarie stated that herbs bring balance to the body instead of stimulating or suppressing a system, so this means there are no side effects.

— See HERBS, page 6

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

HEALTH AND WELLNESS. January Herbs is located on the corner of 14th street and Avenue M. Owners, Jason and Valerie January encourage students to educate themselves about the different types of herbs.

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

Our

two

cents...

Belvin Blues Café Belvin is a source of food for many students at Sam Houston State. But one can not help but notice the smaller portion sizes of food. When I first arrived on campus two years ago, Buffalo Chicken Wraps were a reasonable size. Now they are nothing bigger than three nuggets inside a tortilla.

For students, including myself, I really do enjoy Café Belvin. The food is reasonably priced in the meal plan and at least once a week there are some pretty good meals. But the portion size is decreasing, and as tuition is rising and book prices continue to soar, the one thing we would like is good food.

The small things really make the issue. No cherry coke at Belvin, but you can find it at the LSC. No more ice cream bins, where a variety of ice cream was available.

It’s a solid belief in here that if South Paw was open more often with more choices than Tortilla Fresca, it would be much more popular after 5 p.m.

With signing up for classes around the corner, the food and the portions will definitely play a role in my decision of number of meal plans to accept.

Maybe with ice cream and a decently sized wrap, I will be happy to go back.

But in a buyers market, let’s wait and see what we get.

One thing I won’t be doing is going out of my way to order meal plans. I want decent food, and I understand that sometimes the money is hard to come by, but Hamburgers and french fries everyday with cereal and a sandwich doesn’t take much creativity.

So this is your wake up call Cafe Belvin, don’t let us down.

Sidra Qureshi, a Muslim student at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, is leading a group of students in a fight for the removal of the phrase “In the Year of Our Lord” from all diplomas. Qureshi, president of Trinity Diversity Connection, argues the words do not respect all religions on campus.

As of Monday, the group has been backed by the university’s own student government, however, the support of university President Dennis Ahlburg has thus far been denied.

It is inexplicable how Trinity’s student government ever put its support behind Qureshi’s group.

The university historically enrolls mostly Anglo Christians, and has only increased its percentage of international students from 1 to 9 percent in the last eleven years.

So, it would seem that a group duty-bound to speak for the student majority would therefore be all but required to withhold its support, and in fact, place its support with Qureshi’s

Religion on diplomas?

Meagan Ducic shares her views on the current dispute over religious mottos on diplomas. opposition.

The fact that this group’s request has even gotten this far is a sign of trouble.

No one forced Qureshi to attend Trinity University, and if the religious affiliations of his college are so important to him, why didn’t he research its background before he enrolled? Nothing gives him the right to come in

change was approved.

Would the Trinity seal soon be changed to appease a minority as well?

It would not make sense for a university so obviously rooted in Christianity to remove the religious reference from its diplomas. More so, it is wrong to expect it to cower to the demands of a campus minority due to fears of

“We must not forget the ideals of democracy and our nation’s heritage of faith.” willfully ignorant, then demand change.

Trinity University was founded by Presbyterians in 1869 and continues to maintain a covenant relationship with the church.

The campus has a chapel, a chaplain, Christmas Vespers and even a Bible etching on the university seal.

Brendan McNamara, president of the College Republicans, brought up a good point when he asked where the line would be drawn if the diploma

appearing disrespectful to other religions.

We must not forget the ideals of democracy and our nation’s heritage of faith. University President Ahlburg hit the nail on the head with his statement, “Democracy is not letting a small number of people have their way,” Ahlburg said. “Democracy is listening to the different voices and making an informed decision.”

University Trustees will hold a board meeting in May to discuss the request made by Qureshi’s group.

For those who have strong feelings on the issue, I urge you to email Trinity University and share your respectful, well thought out beliefs with President Ahlburg. I will soon be doing so, in hopes of helping to uphold democracy and secure the sanctity of our nation.

The Registrar’s Office at Trinity University confirmed via phone on Tuesday, that the university has requested all emails relating to the diploma issue be sent to pr@trinity. edu.

These messages are generally read by the University Secretary, Monica Ramirez. However, if the university determines the message suitable, it may be forwarded up the ranks.

To view the entire article, visit http://www. chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ life/religion/new/6934689. html#

Meagan Ducic is a guest columnist for The Houstonian. She is a Senior Print Journalism major, English minor.

Puzzle for the day

Correction In the Tuesday, March 30 issue of The Houstonian, errors were in place. The story, “Farewell Coach,” had Louisiana spelled wrong several times. Also, on page two in the “Paws UP, Paws DOWN” section, there was missing information and repeated information from a previous week.

Puzzle courtesy of Sudoku-Puzzles.net

Comics for thought

Puzzle courtesy of Sudoku-Puzzles.net

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

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April Fool’s Day

Page 2 The Houstonian

Thursday, April 1, 2010

NATION & WORLD

Page 4 The Houstonian

Thursday, April 1, 2010

A different day, a different time

SHSU Junior Fellows Exhibit/Preserving America Exhibit ByJake Picard

are sometimes over 100 years old, are displayed next to current photos of the site.

“Depicted on these walls is a story that makes you realize your age,” Walker County Judge Danny Pierce said.

“This designation is a lot more significant than most people realize,” Pierce said.

“We are one of 21 counties in the U.S. to receive the award this year.”

Contributing Writing

Walker County, which has always been a community that prides itself on historic tradition, was presented with the “Preserve America” award Tuesday night during a reception for the third annual ‘Huntsville: Then, Now’ photographic gallery.

The event was hosted by the SHSU Junior Fellows at the Katy and E. Don Walker , Sr. Education Center. The cleverly constructed exhibit showcases images of historic buildings and landmarks on Sam Houston Avenue, spanning from 10th Street to 19th Street, as they appeared in the past. These images, which

The “Preserve America” program aims to encourage citizens to become more involved in maintaining American culture and increasing the economic, educational and cultural benefits in their community.

Now, thanks to this award, Walker County will be eligible to apply for “Preserve America” grants. In addition, the county will also have access to the “Preserve America” logo, which some say spark tourism. These and other valuable resources offered the “Preserve America”

program will benefit Walker County in many ways.

The First Lady Michelle Obama, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior all play an instrumental role in what communities qualify to be designated as a “Preserve America” community.

“This was an eightmonth project,” Pierce said.

“We got letters back, we made contact, and they contacted us because they didn’t have all the information or enough information. We were delighted on Feb. 2 when we got notification from our First Lady Michelle Obama that we made the cut, and we’re so grateful for it.”

Walker County was presented with a “Preserve America” community certifi-

cate from Brandon Reese, a representative of Congressman Kevin Brady. Reese also has ties to the community and the university, as he graduated from SHSU in 2008 and was once a member of the Junior Fellows.

“We played only a small role in helping the community get this designation, and Congressman Brady was honored to sign this application,” Reese said. “But the truth is, the county didn’t really need our help in getting this designation. When you list off all the unique and historical things about Walker County, the evidence is very convincing.”

SHSU professor and Junior Fellows Advisor Mike Yawn said the designation was not just the work of a few people.

“It could not have happened without the proactive

efforts from the city,” he said. “[Also], the Walker County’s Commissioner’s Court deserves a lot of thanks for asking the right questions, deciding [Preserve America] was a good thing for the community and putting in the application to the White House.”

Many say Huntsville is truly unique for its intense appreciation of its history and this fact is evident in the Junior Fellows’ exhibit. The exhibit demonstrates that, while Huntsville has evolved over time, the community’s love of tradition and its heritage has kept the original spirit of Huntsville alive.

“We’ve had a great community since Huntsville was founded over 175 years ago,” Pierce said. “Preserving our past, knowing how to appreciate it and how to go forward from it is a lesson of life within itself.”

The “Huntsville: Then, Now” exhibit will be on display until the end of April.

The Katy and E. Don Walker Sr., Education Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays and closed on Mondays and holidays.

The Junior Fellows is a student organization that promotes public service, education and professionalism.

They organize various educational seminars, volunteer in the Huntsville community and at SHSU, and they attend special events of social or political interest. Any Political Science majors or minors interested in joining are asked to visit their Web site at http:// www.shsu.edu/~org_psjf/.

T-shirt exchange to promote school spirit

By Shawn Ramsey

Contributing Writing

Over the years, students may accumulate spirit wear from other universities. To promote pride in Sam Houston State University, the Student Government Association will host a T-Shirt exchange in the LSC mall area.

“What students do is bring an old t-shirt from any other college or university and they will receive a brand new SHSU t-shirt,” said student organizer, Sara Goolsby The program has been going on for two weeks and continues into next week on Tuesday through Thursday from 11 in the morning until two in the afternoon. Students can bring any old t-shirts from any college or university, no matter how old they appear to be to the table.

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“I thought it was a cool thing to take part in. I had a shirt from another university I never wore, so it was neat to get to exchange it for a brand new SHSU shirt,” said graduate student, Andrea Henderson.

The program was created by SHSU Student Government Association in order to promote and create more school spirit among students on campus after organizers seemed to see more shirts from other universities rather than SHSU ones. All of the other school t-shirts that were exchanged will be donated to local charities to be distributed to those in need.

“I feel that it is a good way to spread school spirit, some people do not have the money to spend $20- $30 on a SHSU shirt. This program helps people like me to be able to show some spirit for my school,” said sophomore, Chris Tuck.

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Happy April Fool’s Day!

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CAMPUS Program Council eggs ‘em on

The Houstonian, Page 6

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

THE HUNT IS ON: Freshman Ashley Wiley enjoyed the beautiful spring day while participating in a campus-wide search for Easter eggs.

By Janise Richardson Contributing Writer Several lucky students received a $10 gift card to Target for their efforts in Program’s Council first annual Easter Egg Hunt on Wednesday.

The event marks the first of

its kind for Program Council, and they hope to continue the hunt each year.

Participants of the event received plastic eggs with candy and stamps, paper eggs that could be decorated, and Easter egg bubble bottles. Students were then told to scour different locations on campus including the Newton Gresh-

From HERBS

page 1

Some people may be reluctant to incorporate herbs into their lives for the belief that they probably will not work. “ I think more than anything it is misinformation,” said Jason January, licensed massage therapist and owner and operator of January’s Herbs & Wellness. “Of course, like anything else, there is some good and bad, but we want people to be educated about the things that they put into their bodies.”

A common misconception is that natural herbs are meant to replace a physician and that you have to strip down, go live in the woods and shun all modern medicine to practice natural medicine, but this is not the case.

“This shop is not meant to replace or even come close to replacing a personal care physician,” he said. “These supplements are used to try to keep you from having to go see the physician, to keep you healthy and to give you low cost ways of keeping yourself from seeing a physician by boosting your immune system.”

There are many herbal remedies that people have become accustomed to, but do not realize that they are natural remedies.

Aloe Vera, which relieves the stinging pain caused by sunburns, has become a staple of many households. Ginger also helps with nausea and an upset stomach, which is why many people drink Ginger Ale whenever their stomach is hurting; and chamomile tea is used to combat stomach problems and anxiety.

Even college students can find natural herbs that can help them with their needs and incorporate them into their daily lives.

“For energy and to stay awake, students could use something like bee pollen and chlorophyll,” said Valarie. “These would help balance your body and help you get a clean energy that you wouldn’t have a crash from later. They can also take a B vitamin and that would help support their adrenal glands which suffer a lot from stress, staying up late and doing a lot of studying.”

To improve memory and brain function students can take Ginkgo Biloba. Sam-E also helps aid memory by supporting connections in the brain.

“When you are studying and learning new things your brain is making new connections, so if you have the nourishment that your body needs to help with that it is going to be so much easier and it is going to work a lot better,” she said.

All of these herbs and supplements can be taken in capsule form and as necessary or as the package instructs, but the amount

From WATTS page 1

“Taken as a whole, my experience tells me that Dr. Watts’s contributions to counseling places him in the top one percent of professional counselors who have advanced the profession over the past 15 years,” wrote David Kaplan, Ph.D and ACA Chief Professional Officer in his nomination letter to Watts. With having written more than 115 scholarly publications, 86 journal

articles and book chapters, and five books, Watts’s influence on his colleagues through his writings has not only made him more than qualified to receive the ACA, but a profound member of the counseling profession.

“My primary motivation is helping students and helping colleagues become successful…another is the pursuit of knowledge…,” said Watts in describing the drive behind his counseling career. Despite the mountains of books that overflow the shelves and the plaques that

am Library, Smith-Hutson Business Building, Lee Drain Building, and the fountain.

The hunt, which scattered an astounding 1,000 Easter eggs around campus, began at 12 p.m. and was meant as a way for students to rekindle their childhood memories of searching for candy-filled Easter eggs.

“It’s [purpose] was to bring the campus out and enjoy the weather,” Spirit and Traditions Chair Andrea Richardson said.

For more information about Program Council or future events, please call 936-2941763.

varies according to the user.

“It depends on the person and how big they are, other medications they are on, etc. If a person is dealing with an issue like ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), they might take more than somebody who just wants a little bit of help with their studying,” said Valarie.

Customers have a choice between coming into the shop for a massage session or having Jason bring his massage table or chair and have the session take place in a customer’s own home.

January’s Herbs & Wellness will be hosting its grand opening Friday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and there will be prizes ranging from a free 90-minute massage to free herbs and supplements.

In April they will also begin teaching “Herbal Hours,” which will cover one subject at a time like the digestive system, enzymes, etc. It will be $10 a person and there will be time for questions and attendees can take home valuable information.

The January’s philosophy is “small changes can bring drastic results,” and by researching and beginning to incorporate good herbs into your life, you can personally see the health effects that only nature can give.

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

HERBAL ENERGY: “For energy to stay awake, students could

use something like bee pollen and chlorophyll,” Wellness Specialist Valarie Kremer said.

cover the walls in his office, he remains humble in the midst of his increasing success.

When it comes to corporate accomplishments, such as the Sam Houston counseling department receiving national accreditation after three years of hard work, Watts experiences great excitment. As a past recipient of that David K. Brooks Jr. Distinguished Mentor Award, among other personal success, he takes every accolade humbly.

“There are few writers who have the ability to teach

through their writing, but Dr. Watts proves that this lofty goal is yet possible,” wrote Matthew Lemberger, Ph.D and coordinator of School Counseling Programs, University of Missouri St. Louis in his nomination letter to Watts. Throughout his body of work, Dr. Watts continues to motivate the students at Sam, as well as those nationally and abroad. With humble intent, Watts continues to share his knowledge with many, leaving him forever qualified for more prestige to come.

From CANNABIS page 1

“People would start growing in their backyard, well they already do, but the government would have to infringe on their freedom to [regulate] or would have to buy from people at a higher rate,” SHSU freshman, Tim Tran said. “There would be a black market where the government would not make money.

In 2007, a medical marijuana bill known as HB 164 was introduced that would allow seriously ill patients to raise a medical necessity defense to charges of possessing marijuana for medical use.

According to the marijuana policy project, “This legislation was introduced during the 2007 legislative session; however, despite the fact that a 2004 poll showed 75% of Texans support medical marijuana, the bill died in committee.”

Nearly 700,000 signatures exceeded the 433, 971 required for the proposal that would tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol, qualifying for California’s November 2010 ballot.

Depending on voters, California could become the first state in the nation to end marijuana prohibition. Aaron Smith, California policy director for the Marijuana Policy project, shared how he expects this reform movement to impact other states.

“I think California has been traditionally ahead of the pack,” Smith said. “I would fully expect to see Western states [such as] Nevada, and Oregon [to follow]. I think it will happen faster. We have a lot of momentum now.”

Smith shared his message for Sam Houston State University students interested in the reform.

“Now is the time to organize on campus, I would encourage students to get involved with the Students for Sensible Drug chapters,” Smith said. “I think if you put a lot of work and devotion I think Texas will reform faster then most would think--you guys are the ones who will make it happen.”

However, some students are completely against the idea.

“I am against the legalization of marijuana,” SHSU senior Tim Jeske said. “It is a gateway drug that leads not always but in most cases to more serious drugs. Therefore leading to a rise in violent crime, more violent crimes are committed by those who are high on drugs.”

Jeske continued and said, Alaska legalized marijuana in the 1970’s and the state had a teen using rate double that of the other states.

“It was infact made illegal again in the 1990’s,” he said.

“It is no secret that drugs have ruined many lives and we should not make it easier and more accessible to people.”

With more than 124,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.

For more information, please visit www.mpp.org.

Hitting the green

By Kara Vaughan

Contributing Writer Raven Nest Golf Club will be giving back to Huntsville citizens on Friday, April 2, with an open range and free lessons from the PGA Student Association for anyone wanting to step up their game. The lessons will be provided from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with at least five students at a time receiving 15 to 20 minute lessons.

“We are offering these lessons because one of our goals is to promote and grow the game of golf while showing our appreciation to the Huntsville community,” said Richard Ballinger, director of the PGA golf management program and golf course operations, in a previously published Today@ Sam article.

Students in the PGA golf management program are experienced in teaching pitching, chipping, putting and full swing lessons. They are willing to help anyone who wishes to come out and no appointment is required.

“We do it to basically promote the game of golf,” said Seth Newsome, president of the PGA Student Association. “It gets people out who might not have the time or money normally. It gets our guys a lot of experience and teaching. It’s a win-win situation.”

“People have been coming to us with a particular area they would like to work on,” said Ballinger in an article previously published

by Today@Sam. “We are happy to help people with whatever aspect of their game they feel needs some

help.”

Also, participation in this free event may offer more than one advantage.

Skills on the course can be used for enjoyment as well as employment. The business world is strongly linked to social engagements at golf clubs. A large number of managers, supervisors and top CEOs are avid golfers and working for them without golfing skills can be difficult.

“It really is a kind of essential skill,” said Newsome. “There is probably more business done on a golf course than in a conference room or even face to face.”

The golf course is even used by many companies as the ideal location to take potential clients. The sport has grown to become an expected skill in many insurance, finance and real estate firms.

“I have heard of companies hiring professional golfers to play with clients to seal the deal,” said Newsome.

Newsome is a Business Administrative Management major with a minor in PGA Golf Management.

From 2000 the number of colleges offering golf classes as credit toward a business degree has increased to 59 from 15, according to an article by The Wall Street Journal.

Now is the chance to learn how to “Ace” the green and improve your talent to make the business world transition a little easier.

Fore more information, call the Raven Nest Golf Club at 936.438.8588.

ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, April 1, 2010

The Houstonian, Page 7

Spoon could begin musical Opening This Week renaissance with Transference Theaters James Ashworth Contributing Writer

I can proudly say that 2010 marks a musical renaissance for our century.

With groups across our country treading new ground, we will witness the creative apex of our generation.

More importantly, Texas bands are receiving much deserved national attention. Events like SXSW have exposed the masses to bands like Neon Indian, the Sword, …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, the Black Angels, Explosions in the Sky and various other talented artists. While these bands may tickle your fancy, Spoon’s newest album Transference will surely satisfy your needs.

I might have a slight bias for Spoon, considering that I saw them perform last summer at Stubb’s BBQ in Austin. Undoubtedly, they

put on a fantastic live show.

Replicating the energy of their live shows and recording it on an album might sound difficult, but Spoon pulled this off flawlessly. One could liken Transference to the Clash on 1979’s London Calling. Both are musically ambitious, catchy, and never dull, which makes them groundbreaking. As a result, Transference is their best release to date. It shows listeners that Spoon can tastefully play barebones, American rock and roll.

It has been said that music is a direct reflection of culture. It is probably the most poetic form of storytelling. In this light, Transference tells a story.

Singer Britt Daniel, croons about isolation, love, money, and being lost in translation. The miserable circumstances of the lyrics are contrasted by poppy,

upbeat melodies, which is Spoon’s musical trademark.

This conflicting imagery could easily be glossed over at first. Only after listening to the album multiple times does Daniel’s pessimism become apparent.

On “I Saw the Light”, he recalls the feeling love once gave him. He says, “It peels off them ties that bind me, I don’t need a thing to remind me, That I’m part of the world.” Judging these words, it’s safe to say Spoon takes lyrical influence from rhythm and blues, with an emphasis on the blues.

This isn’t to say that Transference has no optimism. Some numbers are very hopeful, such as “Goodnight Laura”.

This track shows Spoon’s maturity as a band, being that it is composed completely around the grand piano. The song is a love ballad, but isn’t nearly as cheesy as “Every Rose

Has Its Thorn”. It is simply about singing a lullaby to a girl you love.

Another notable song is “Before Destruction”, the opening track on this album.

It follows a minimalist approach, using nominal drums, acoustic guitar, and synthesizer. “Before Destruction” is also about overcoming the jealousy of others. Daniel sings, “Just as you’re leaving you turn around and take a cold shot, Just as you’re turning your back.” I believe it’s about letting go of jealous people in your life.

Spoon has touched on something very interesting with Transference. The flurry of emotions that are channeled into this sophisticated record shouldn’t be missed. It’s definitely one of this year’s best albums. For more information about Spoon, visit www.myspace.com/ spoon.

This Providence kicks off new tour with first headline act in six years Brad Basker Advertising Relations

Fueled by Ramen recording artist, This Providence gets their name from the belief that it’s their destiny to do music, and, with a sense of “divine guidance”, they’ve lived up to their label.

They recently kicked off “The ‘Bout Damn Time Tour” which is the band‘s first run as a headlining act in over six years. For Providence, the tour’s name is justifiable in its statement.

“We were trying to think of names for the tour and were just like, “It’s about

damn time,” bassist David Blaise said. “It’s pretty accurate.”

Although they have played headlining shows, they’ve never played a full headlining tour. Their most recent album “Who Are you Now?” has been given much credit for their success and was instrumental to getting their first headliner.

“This record has helped us grow as a band,” Blaise said. “It’s amazing and a dream come true.”

This Providence took a subtle approach when creating Who Are You Now? by minimizing the “flashiness” and focusing on solid songwriting. Their redirection paid off with a dramatic increase in record sales.

This Providence’s single, “Letdown”, was number one in their home town of Seattle, Washington.

The success also led to their appearances on MTV and MTVu, which includes their music video for “Keeping on Without You” being named as one of MTV’s “Best of 2009”.

They spent nine months of last year on tour to promote the album and are currently reaping the benefits of their labor.

For them, a headlining tour gives them constant liberties that they’ve never

had.

“It’s the coolest thing ever to be able to play all of the songs from the new record, and some from the old as well. It’s like your own show,” Blaise said.

As a tribute to their fans, This Providence has a voting system that allows concert goers to choose what songs they want to hear. A member of the band’s crew scouts the audience before show time and the band comprises their set list from the results.

That personal attention will come in handy on April 3 when This Providence provides their grooves at The Channel in Houston. Blaise says they’ve played in Houston a decent amount of times, and that it has always been good to them.

“There is a pretty solid following.

We can’t complain,” Blaise said.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

Once they finish with “The ‘Bout Damn Time Tour”, it will be about “damn time” to go back into the studio. If everything works out, This Providence hopes to provide a new album later on this year.

For tour information and updates, visit w w w. m y s p a c e . c o m / thisprovidence.

T his Week’s School Events Calendar April 1 Dance Graduate Students Dance Performance When: 8:00 P.M. Where: Academic Building III, Room 101 April 6 PC Women’s History Month Art Gallery Opening When : 7:00 P.M. Where: Lowman Student Center Art Gallery April 6-April 10 “Big Love” Theatre Performance When: 8:00 P.M. Where: University Theatre Center, Showcase Theatre For more information or to comment on stories, visit www.houstonianonline.com

SPORTS

Page 8 The Houstonian

Kats Stats SHSU BASEBALL RESULTS TUESDAY, March 30

SHSU 9 Dallas Baptist 7

UPCOMING GAMES THURSDAY April 1, 6:30 p.m.

SHSU at Northwestern St.

FRIDAY April 2, 6:30 p.m.

SHSU at Northwestern St.

SATURDAY April 3, 2 p.m.

SHSU at Northwestern St.

STANDINGS

Southeastern La. Texas State Stephen F. Austin

7-2 7-2 6-2 Sam Houston State 6-3 McNeese State 5-4 UT Arlington 5-4 Northwestern State 4-4 Nicholls 4-5 Texas A&M-CC 3-6 Central Arkansas 3-6 Lamar 2-7 UTSA 1-8

(23-3) (15-8) (15-7) (12-13) (12-11) (12-12) (16-7) (13-11) (11-14) (8-16) (15-10) (10-13)

SHSU SOFTBALL UPCOMING GAMES FRIDAY, April 2

McNeese State at SHSU

SATURDAY, April 3

McNeese State at SHSU

STANDINGS

10-2 (17-8) 12-3 (17-13) 11-4 (18-9) 9-6 (23-11) 8-6 (17-15) 6-9 (18-19) 6-9 (10-23) Sam Houston State 4-8 (12-19) Central Arkansas 3-8 (13-22) Northwestern State 3-9 (15-16) Southeastern La. 1-9 (5-19) Stephen F. Austin Texas State Nicholls Texas A&M-CC UT Arlington McNeese State UTSA

Kats heating up on the diamond

The Sam Houston State baseball team is on a roll, winning seven in a row on their way to fourth in the conference begin to separate themselves as the elite throughout the nation. With every consecutive win, the Kats conContributing Writer tinue to gain more confidence, something they appeared to lack at the start of the year.

The Bearkats continue to Much of the Kats’ success has look strong now, riding a sevcome against Southland Conferen game winning streak. ence opponents, where Sam Houston State trailed they have posted a 6-3 by as many as five runs in Tuesrecord so far this day night’s game against Dallas year. As long as Baptist until breaking lose in the eighth this team coninning, in which they tagged on five runs tinues to play to go ahead of the Patriots. smart fundaThere were many questions coming mental baseinto the start of the season, as the Kats ball, who had plenty of new faces. Yet, after knows how a rocky start to the beginning of long this the 2010 baseball season, they find streak themselves just one game away from can go. They have breaking .500 with a 12-13 record. found ways “It was a really good win,” to string hits Head Coach Mark Johnson said. together and score “We’ve been stringing hits toian runs, execute hit and run gether. We’re getting more n sto and sacrifice opportuniou balls to fall in and getH e ties, and play solid defense.

Th ting two or three h| p l The question mark will be the o more hits per ud pitching. nR inning, h Jo As long as the Kats’ pitching a n d that’s keeps them within three or four what breaks out runs of the lead up until the 7th or 8th big innings.” team will find a The Kats were also able to be a part of innings, this out victory. history this past weekend. Against UTSA way to pull the “never in San Antonio, the Kats not only swept They live by tude and are the Roadrunners, but they were also able to say die” attigive Coach Johnson his 1,000th career vic- a solid come-from-behind team. This Beartory. Coach Johnson, in his fourth season at kat team has shown perseverance, and when SHSU, is eyeing his fourth straight South- it comes down to tournament time, no one land Conference Tournament Champion- would bet against Coach Johnson.

“We’ve been getting more comfortship along with another trip to the NCAA able and have been better under pressure,” Tournament.

This is the perfect time for the Kats to Coach Johnson said. “I don’t think we have be hitting on all cylinders, as many teams arrived yet, but were better than where we started out.”

Eric Schrader

UPCOMING EVENTS MEN’S GOLF April 12-April 13 Victoria Intercollegiate

April 26-April 28 Southland Conference Championship

WOMEN’S GOLF April 5- April 6 Houston Baptist Intercollegiate April 19-April 21 Southland Conference Championship

Sports Editor

The Sam Houston State football team will be holding the annual pro day today for all players hopeful to venture on an NFL career.

This year’s pro day will feature senior football players, such as wide receiver Jason Madkins, quarterback Blake Joseph, offensive lineman R.C. Fairchild, defensive lineman Kevin Smith and long snapper Justin Humphreys.

With a lot riding on players’ performances at pro days, draft stock is at stake. Since Sam Houston State is a smaller school, NFL scouts will be

TRACK & FIELD WEDNESDAY, March 31 - SATURDAY April 3 Texas Relays at UT Austin, Texas

Last seven games

SHSU 10 Texas State 8 SHSU 9 Houston Baptist 8 SHSU 8 Prairie View A&M 3 SHSU 9 UTSA 5 SHSU 9 UTSA 6 SHSU 8 UTSA 6 SHSU 9 Dallas Baptist 7

Upcoming opponents Apr. 1-Apr. 3 - Northwestern State Apr. 6 - Houston Apr. 7 - Texas Southern

Team statistics

278 Total Hits (2nd in SLC) .308 Team Batting Average (4th) 388 Total Bases (4th) 19 Home Runs (6th) 102 Walks (5th) 193 Struckout Batters (3rd) 671 Putouts (4th)

Bearkat prospects look to show off their skills and impress NFL scouts

be

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHSU Baseball

SHSU to hold pro day Thursday

Mike Silva

SHSU GOLF

Thursday, April 1, 2010

looking for participating players to bring their “A” games.

“I worked a lot on speed.

Anything to help improve my chances,” Madkins said.

“Blake [Joseph] and I threw twice

at UH to get back in game shape.”

Madkins trained with Athletic Republic, an elite sports training industry, and some NFL pros, such as Derrick Blaylock, who most recently played for the Washington Redskins in 2007.

Madkins, who had a solid season in 2009 with 1073 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, knows the importance of impressing scouts with a strong work out.

“Pro days are huge,” Madkins said.

“Especially since it’s on the home turf. The scouts w i l l expect you to a little m o r e

comfortable.”

Universities hold pro NFL scouts to the events at Combine.

Pro days

days for comparable t h e

are expected to generate better performances than Combine work outs because players have the luxury of playing on their own campus as opposed t o p l a y i n g elsewhere.

The more promising NFL prospects there are at a

mind.

“Coach Fritz is excited about this coming season, but he still had time to ask me if I was ready for the big day and he wished him luck,” Madkins said.

Students will be welcome to cheer on their fellow Bearkats at SHSU’s pro day.

The event will start at 10 a.m. and will run until around 1 p.m.

school’s pro day, m o r e interest will be drawn from NFL teams, generating a bigger audience.

Some of the work outs that are performed at pro days include the 40yard dash, the bench press, the vertical jump, and routerunning for skills players.

Head Football Coach Willie Fritz is welcoming in the players that will participate at the pro day.

Despite not coaching any of these players the year before, Coach Fritz has the players’ best interests in

Photos by Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

Sam Houston State solid in UALR golf tournament UALR FIRST TEE CLASSIC - Men’s Golf March 29-30, Little Rock, AR – Par 72 – 7,221 yards Team Standings 1R 2R 3R Total 1 Southeastern La 288 286 291 865 2 Missouri 293 279 301 873 3 Central Arkansas 289 287 298 874 4 Lamar 299 281 298 878 5 North Texas 296 286 297 879 6 Iowa St. 292 292 309 893 7 Illinois St. 294 296 304 894 8 Louisiana Tech 292 297 308 897 9 Rice 299 297 305 901 10 Louisiana-Lafayette 306 293 303 902 11 Arkansas-Little Rock 294 296 315 905 12 Sam Houston State 305 303 299 907 13 Southern Mississippi 304 299 305 908 14 Louisiana Monroe 299 306 305 910 15 Oral Roberts 301 303 307 911 16 Arkansas St. 303 302 307 912 17 Texas St. 303 304 307 914 18 Western Kentucky 312 301 322 935 Individual Leaders 1 Start Ballingall, Missouri SHSU Scores 14 Fergal Rafferty 41 Scott Kelly 41 Kort O’Leary 64 Justin McKay 96 Garrett Driver

1R 2R 3R Total 69 63 69 201 1R 72 79 79 75 79

2R 3R 76 72 75 74 75 74 77 79 77 81

Total 220 228 228 231 237

Sam Houston State Sports Information

Both the Sam Houston men’s and women’s golf teams made strong showings in Tuesday’s final rounds to up their final standings in a pair of intercollegiate golf tournament hosted by the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Monday and Tuesday.

The Bearkat men jumped from 17th to 12th place in the UALR First Tee Classic at Chanal Country Club in Little Rock, Ark. Sam Houston fired an 11-over-par final round to post a team score of 305-303-299--907.

Fergal Rafferty tied for 14th place in the individual medalist final standings with a 54-hole total of 72-76-72--220.

The Bearkat women moved up from 13th to 12th Tuesday at the UALR Women’s Intercollegiate at Diamante Country Club in Hot Springs, Ark. Sam Houston posted a 318-311-306--935 team score.

Kirsten Spittler was the top finisher for the women, placing 29th with a 77-74-78--229 score.

Other scores and finishes for the men were Scott Kelly (228) and Kort O’Leary (228) in 41st place, Justin McKay (231) in 64th and Garrett Driver (237) in 86th. Southeastern Louisiana won the men’s team championship with an 865 total.

Other scores and standings for Sam Houston’s women’s included Meghan Musk (235) 48th, Meghann Stevens (235) 53rd Landa Stewart (241) and Shelby Hardy (241) tied for 62nd.

The complete team standings and Sam Houston State results in both events:

UALR FIRST TEE CLASSIC - Women’s Golf March 29-30, Daimante CC – Par 72 – 5,999 yards Team Standings 1R 2R 3R Total 1 Arkansas-Little Rock 305 288 300 893 2 Oral Roberts 299 292 303 894 3 Middle Tennessee 291 297 307 895 4 Texas-El Paso 308 297 295 900 5 Central Arkansas 305 293 307 905 Western Michigan 303 300 302 905 7 Arkansas St. 306 307 300 913 8 Troy 305 302 307 914 9 Wichita St. 303 307 305 915 10 Eastern Michigan 311 306 306 923 11 Missouri St. 321 300 309 930 12 Sam Houston State 318 311 306 935 13 A&M-Corpus Christi 311 316 309 936 14 Louisiana Monroe 313 308 318 939 15 Missouri-Kansas City 318 315 318 951 16 Louisiana-Monroe 314 315 332 961 17 McNeese St. 322 316 323 961 18 Texas-Pan American 333 318 317 968 Individual Leaders 1 Crystal Reeves, ORU

1R 2R 3R Total 73 69 71 213

SHSU Scores 29 Kirsten Spittler 48 Meghan Musk 53 Meghann Stevens 62 Landa Stewart 62 Shelby Hardy

1R 77 77 81 83 85

2R 3R 74 78 80 78 83 73 78 80 79 77

Total 229 235 237 241 241