The Houstonian

Huntsville, Texas

Lights out Dallas Gallant honored with Southland Pitcher of the week SEE page 6

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

INDEX

Nation & World...page 4

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

Entertainment........page 5

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

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

Entertainment Editor Kevin Jukkola has mixed feelings following “Date Night.”

SEE page 5

ENTERTAINMENT

BASEBALL

Vol 115— Issue 23

SHSU wins championship titles

By Julia May

SHSU Public Relations

— See SPIRIT, page 4

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

Sam Houston State University took away top honors in the National Cheerleaders Association/National Dance Association Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship held at Daytona Beach, Fla. April 7-11.

The Orange Pride Dance Team and Sammy the Bearkat won the 2010 national championship in each of their categories. The teams are formally associated with SHSU’s Department of Student Activities’ Spirit Programs.

“We are so proud of the Orange Pride Dance Team, Sammy the Bearkat and the mascot program,” said Brandon Cooper, assistant director of student activities at Sam Houston State.

“They continually work hard to improve the standards of the teams they are involved with, and it has paid off. This is such an amazing accomplishment for them as students and for the university as a whole,” he said.

The Sam Houston State University Orange Pride Dance Team won the 2010 National Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate National Championship in Open Division 1 Friday afternoon (April 9).

Photo courtesy of SHSU Public Relations

Members of SHSU’s award-winning Orange Pride Dance Team are, from left, front row: Hillary Villman, Alicia Francis and Justine Lorentzen; middle row: Melissa Compian, Hannah Shields, Gloria Smith, Monique Jordan, Everest Guerra, Haley Whitaker and Becca Alderman; back row: coach Sarah Knigge, Tieler Ellis, Dana Murray, Ashley Pearson, Lauren Davis, J’nee Adams and Sara Murray.

Eminent life, humble visit

‘Dazed and Confused’ director, Alumnus Richard Linklater, returns to campus to show ‘Me and Orsen Welles and Me.’

By Lotis Butchko Senior Editor

A man with stringy brown hair grazed around the campus on Thursday. He wasn’t walking at a particularly fast pace, but he wasn’t really strolling. His black back pack, and vibrant red shirt went unnoticed by most Sam Houston State students, as he walked around the mall area and headed to the library.

When he got to the library, he went straight to the fourth floor, headed for the Thomason room, where he viewed the featured writer. He used his time to read, as students sat in the Evans building watching his new movie, “Orsen Welles and Me.” Richard Linklater is a name most Sam Houston students might not know. As a former student of the University and Huntsville High School alumni, the now movie director was back on camMatthew Jackson | The Huntsville Item pus Thursday as he aired a new movie and answered questions “DAZED AND CONFUSED. Richard Linklater is a name most Sam Houston students might not from students. know, a former student of the University, and Huntsville high school alumni, now a movie director was back on campus Thursday as he aired a new movie and answered questions from students.”

NUMBER ONE. “SHSU’s Sammy the Bearkat won the Mascot Nationals, also in Daytona, in a competition featuring mascots from 10 schools. Criminal justice major Jarrod Leftwich, of Linden, is the life behind Sammy’s character. “

The fairest in the land Zeta Tau Alpha raises funds for Breast Cancer education at the 10th annual Crown Classic Golf tournament

By Alyssa Dupree Contributing Writer

This weekend’s beautiful spring weather provided Zeta Tau Alpha with the perfect backdrop for their 10th Annual Crown Classic Golf Tournament, held Saturday, April 10 at Raven’s Nest Golf Course.

122 players registered to play the event, which was held to raise money to donate towards breast cancer education and awareness, which is Zeta Tau Alpha’s national philanthropy. “In the past 9 years, we’ve donated over $109,000 to our national philanthropy as a chapter, and we’re adding on to that this year,” said Marisa Eaves, junior Public Relations major.

A final amount for this year’s donation has not yet

been determined.

The event was hosted by Zeta Tau Alpha, with Eaves, Jordan Hayes and Lisa Render planned and organized the event with the help of Robyn Shiplet, Megan Schlafer and Kerri Chaney, one of the ZTA advisors.

Eaves, who are a member of ZTA and currently him Service Chair for the SHSU chapter, said that planning for the tournament began in mid-January and was “a lot of work.”

According to Eaves, every member of the chapter was responsible for raising $400 dollars in sponsorships or donations from businesses and individuals, or by putting together a team of four players.

— See ZTA, page4

— See VISIT, page 4

A night of elegance to come University to officially recognize top students, organizations and faculty as 16th annual Sammys

By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter

“The highest reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.”- John Ruskin The 16th annual Sammys award ceremony will be held this Wednesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. in the LSC Ballroom.

The entire student body is welcome to attend to celebrate their peers and professors, and to take part in a growing tradition at Sam Houston.

“The Sammys is a premiere awards ceremony to honor our top students, organizations and faculty members,” Director of Student Activities, Leah Mulligan Said.

Awards that students can be nominated for include, outstanding freshman- junior student leader, the McDermett award, the Creager award, and the Sammy award will go to one outstanding over-

all student and faculty member. Student organizations can also win awards for outstanding community service, outstanding social fraternity, outstanding social sorority outstanding academic/honorary organization, etc.

“A Sammy award is great because it acknowledges you as one of the best in whatever category you're up for,” junior and emcee for the Sammys, Monica Eaton said.

“Also the actual Sammy award is a Bearkat-shaped statuette, which is pretty cool to have.”

It will be a night of elegance, awards and entertainment for students and families alike.

Attendees are encouraged to dress nicely for this event.

Entertainment will include performances from the theatre and dance programs, the jazz ensemble and opera workshop.

— See SAMMY’S, page 4

John Rudolph | The Houstonian

HOLE-IN-ONE. ZTA ensured all players had other chances to win prizes with a number of games throughout the course. One prize included a blue Chevrolet Impala, which was generously donated by Wiesner in Huntsville for the Hole-in-One car, but no one won it this year.

Sending them home

Photo courtesy of Student Activities

EMCEES. Daniel Pawlowski, Monica Eaton, Meagan Lee and announcer Corey Lazar are to take the stage Wednesday, April 14 at 6 p.m.

‘Bone Lady’ shares aggressive FACES mission with SHSU Enhancement Services Lab

By Meagan Ellsworth had identified the remains--a Editor-in-Chief cold case match.

After all this time, the 91“Those are the kind [of year-old mother was in dis- cases] I love,” the director of belief, someone hadn’t given FACES, physical anthropolup on finding her son. ogist and bioarchaeologist, It had been 32 years since Mary H. Mahein, said. the young boy had gone “The whole idea is to send missing, but using facial re- them home.” construction the Louisiana State University’s Forensic Anthropology and Computer — See HOME, page 4

Page 2 The Houstonian

Letter to the Student Body Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather, room 210 in the communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Heath Wierck Viewpoints Editor haw002@shsu.edu

Paws Up, Paws Down With the Thanksgiving break approaching,

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

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

“Paws UP” SHSU’s club baseball team sweeping Tulane University this past Sat. and Sun. You’re welcome, Kevin.

VIEWPOINTS

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The graduating blues Heath Wierck looks back on his college career and questions its importance and relevance.

At the very moment you, the constant reader, glimpse the words on this page I am only 32 days away from graduating from college.

Exciting, I know.

The realization that I’m only days away, quite literally, from graduating is an overwhelming experience.

I’m filled with so many emotions that it’s hard to get a grip on what I’m truly feeling. From ordering my graduation invitations, to receiving my cap and gown yesterday (which, by the way, was an incredible feeling), I’m just bustling for my moment on stage.

As I look back at the five years I’ve been here at Sam, I can’t help but wonder if it was all worth it.

Sure I’ve gained experience I feel crucial in life, and I’ve added to my foundation of knowledge quite thoroughly. But, graduating with a not so great outlook on career

options and close to $30,000 in debt because of student loans doesn’t seem worth it, does it?

In these moments I can’t help but raise the question is college really worth it?

There are a plethora of jobs one can obtain, without a college education, that pay well above the average

education, and allow promotions throughout their company, offer courses and classes that train you specifically for what you’re about work with/in. This pretty much relinquishes any desire for a college education.

And who could blame those people that take that

“All this information can really make people think twice about a higher education. Hell, it makes me...” amount I currently have career options in with my college education.

A good example of this is Lowe’s, which is where I’m currently employed.

A department manager there makes more money per year than a school teacher…with better hours and nowhere near the stress level. All without a college education.

Most companies that hire people without a college

route?

All this information can really make people think twice about a higher education. Hell, it makes me question it everyday.

Normally in columns this is the part where I will beget my thorough knowledge of my particular subject, and enlighten you to a new and better situation. But not this time.

I really can’t tell you if college is still a legitimate

source for providing a better life for yourself and your loved ones. Give me a few years, I’ll get back to you on that.

What I can say is that just because I am in debt, and I most likely will do nothing career-wise with my English degree, it doesn’t mean that I regret going to college. And neither should you.

Just because it might not be useful in the career path I choose, doesn’t mean it was a complete waste of time.

I’ve accomplished something that a lot of people never will, and that’s obtaining a college degree. No one will be able to take that away from me, or you, or anyone else that has achieved their degree.

And in the end, isn’t that what matters anyway?

Heath Wierck is the Viewpoints Editor for The Houstonian. He is a Senior English major, History minor.

Comics for thought

“Paws DOWN” to the Houston Astros having a horrendous start to baseball season this year being 0-7.

“Paws UP” to this semester being roughly 30 days left, and graduation being 32 days away.

Graduates celebrate.

Comic courtesy of comics.com

“Paws DOWN” to the Viewpoints Editor, Heath, having a very bad sunburn from working outside on Sat. and Sun. Comic courtesy of comics.com

Working through problems Meagan Ducic

talks about the real nature of divorce and how couples can avoid being a statistic.

According to the CDC, as of Dec. 2008 the US divorce rate is just a fraction under 50 percent.

America, we are doing something wrong.

Divorce can be prevented by simply waiting to tie the knot. We cannot manipulate the pace of love; it varies with each individual and within each couple.

When it’s right, you really do “just know.” But that doesn’t mean you should book the chapel the moment it feels right.

From day one, I knew Chris, now my husband, was going to be a huge part of my life.

When I came home from our first date, I shut the front door, walked over to my father as I giddily swung my purse alongside me, and said, “I am defiantly seeing him again!” I knew then, and married him eight and a half years later.

Yes, we waited an unusually long time before we got married, but per-

haps that’s part of why I was so sure and blissful when we finally did. I had no doubts.

We had spent enough time with each other to dispel all uncertainty and see that what we had, we wanted to keep forever.

Chris and I were lucky enough to have a very powerful connection from the beginning, but

institution of marriage was not designed to be easy, even when it’s with the right person.

Many marriages today crumble quickly when faced with challenges.

For example, parents of multiples are more likely to divorce than other married couples.

The same is true for couples who experi-

“Additionally,

good, oldfashion hard work can save marriages.” our story is rare.

Committing your life to another person while the relationship is still young does not make sense, no matter how sure you are.

Love must be given time to cycle through its natural highs and lows before the sacrament of marriage is received.

Additionally, good, old- fashion hard work can save marriages. The

ence the death of a child.

Problems with finances and children top the list of reasons why people divorce.

Stress could bring you together, if you choose to face it as a team.

You must compromise, truly open your mind to other views of the world, and even decide to live with things you don’t agree with but cannot

change.

You must genuinely accept your spouse, just the way they are.

Be their strength when they have none, and carry them when the weight of the world has left them flattened to the earth.

Marriage a life-long journey with lessons that can take years or even decades to reveal themselves.

Over time, we are shown the beauty, meaning, and true value of this union of souls.

Value of this magnitude must be protected and supported by all.

Society needs to reevaluate the degree of importance placed upon the sacrament of holy matrimony, and help put an end to the plague of broken homes in America.

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

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

The Houstonian Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Patsy Ziegler.....................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Lotis Butchko....................................................................Senior Joe Buvid.............................................................................Photo Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate Heath Wierck..............................................................Viewpoints Mike Silva...........................................................................Sports Kevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment Thomas Merka...................................................................Web

Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor

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

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

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

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

CAMPUS I n f l a t a b l e Highlighting helpers P l a y g r o u n d Award to recognize mentoring relationship with $1,000 prize

The Houstonian, Page 3

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

By Kara Vaughan Contributing Writer Now is the time to show appreciation for the individual who has been guiding your academic career at Sam Houston State University.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the Student Advising and Mentoring Center will recognize two individuals, one student and one faculty member, as the winners of a $1,000 prize for a developing mentoring relationship.

In order to nominate a mentor or protégé, a one-page essay must be submitted about the positive changes that occurred during the mentor relationship. Both parties do not have to be nominated in order for one to win. SAM Center faculty advisors are not eligible for nomination.

All nominations are due Thursday, April 15, by 5 p.m. to the SAM Center as a printed copy or via e-mail.

“I think it really speaks to the importance of the mentoring services,” SAM Center staff associate Candi Harris said. “There are a lot more mentoring relationships out there that people don’t realize are mentoring relationships.”

The best part of being a mentor is “having a chance to help students. It’s the focus of the

job and what we enjoy,” assistant director of academic support programs Janet Fair said.

Fair describes the characteristics of a good mentor as being a good listener, having knowledge of information on campus which will help the student and being empathetic toward students.

Winners of the Mentoring Award will be announced the week of April 26.

“I think we are going to look at how each person has been changed by the mentor relationship. Those which show a significant change will be in the top duration of this reward,” Harris said.

A reception will be held for all participants on April 29 at 3 p.m. in the SAM Center and will be open to all SHSU faculty and students.

The reception will include refreshments, a short reading of the winning essays, a ceremony honoring the winners with a special certificate and a short speech by University President James Gaertner.

“I think, as somebody who mentors, the reward comes when you see the student you mentor succeeding,” Harris said. “It can encourage more students, faculty and staff to become more involved.”

For more information on the Mentoring Award, contact Candi Harris at 936-294-4628 or ceh021@shsu.edu.

Film sheds light on “Critical Condition” of health care in America

By Shawn Ramsey Contributing Writer The “Burning Issues Film Series” continued Monday afternoon with a viewing of a “Critical Condition”, a film that seeks to illustrate the struggle Americans face without health insurance.

“By showing these films, it puts a face on the ones who have to face these issues daily,” Political Engagement Project Campus Coordinator Dr. Stacy Ulbig said. “Students are then able to relate better to the people because they may have had something similar happen to them or a loved one.”

The film brought an inside look into the lives of several middle-class, working Americans and what measures they must take in order to receive the health treatment. The film

portrayed the idea that health treatment is hard to get and even more difficult to pay for, especially without health insurance.

Viewers also caught a glimpse of an endless cycle: citizens need a job to pay for insurance, but they are unable to work because of their previous health problems.

According to the coordinators of the event, the film was not shown as a response to the recently passed health care bill.

“This film, along with the others in the ‘Burning Issues Film Series,’ was shown to help create awareness among students on issues in today’s society,” SHSU Civic Engagement Coordinator Tracy Szymaczak said. “People in need of health care without insurance is a big problem today.”

The film stated that over 80 percent of working Americans are uninsured, a number that is ever increasing with the econ-

omy and causing businesses to make cuts on their employees’ benefits. In addition, the film said that over 60 percent of uninsured adults had to forgo medical care because of their inability to pay for the bill.

Half-million people are battling cancer without the help of insurance.

“People are struggling to survive daily without health care, it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed,” Ulbig said.

Most attendees agreed that health care is a growing problem in the United States.

“This presentation makes me feel sad for them, these people can’t afford insurance so they are not able to get the care they need,” sophomore Laken Finney said. “Something needs to be done to help them survive.”

There will be another presentation of the film in the Olsen Auditorium in Academic Building IV on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

John Rudolph | The Houstonian

CLIMBING TO THE TOP: Program Council, one of the most recognizable SHSU student organizations, created an inflatopia for SHSU students Thursday night in the Johnson from 6 to 9 p.m.

Un i D i ver sity we ek Stay tuned ... studies stereotypes

By Jake Pickard Contributing Writer “You will not be able to stay home, brother. You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out. You will not be able to lose yourself on skag and skip, Skip out for beer during commercials, Because the revolution will not be televised.”

So begins “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” the 1970 song by Gil ScottHeron and the major talking point for the Multicultural and International Student Services’ first event of their annual “UniDiversity Week”.

This year, “UniDiversity Week” will focus on what role the media plays in forming stereotypes. The opening event, ‘It’s All on the Tube: Media and Society,’ was held Monday in the LSC Mall at noon.

“We passed out a handout and talked about the Gil Scott-Heron song while it played behind us,” M.I.S.S. coordinator Donielle Miller said.

The goal of the event was to discuss the impact of the song on U.S. diversity in the 1970’s and the relevance of Scott-Heron’s song in contemporary America.

“We played the song for

students so they could listen and comprehend what American diversity was like back then, and what it is like now,” Miller said. “It gave them something to think about.”

The event was short and student turnout was small, but Miller still encourages students to attend future “UniDiversity Week” events.

“Tuesday’s event will be great because it involves a lot of humor. It’s a fun presentation,” Miller said.

This event, entitled ‘MISSconceptions: Stereotypes & Media,’ will take place in LSC Room 315 at 11 a.m. Miller will use clips from a number of comedic programs, such as “Family Guy” and “Mad TV”, to show how modern media helps shape our opinions of certain groups.

“It’s really funny, because they’re all comedies. The ‘Mad TV’ ones are hilarious,” Miller said.

However, the stereotypes presented in these comedies will be addressed in a serious tone at the end of the presentation.

“A lot of times, as humans, we can’t help but stereotype,” Miller said. “It’s what we choose to do with these stereotypes that decides how dangerous they can be. We hope students walk away from this presentation thinking about what these programs are telling us.”

• Tuesday, 11 a.m. in LSC 315: “MISSconceptions: Stereotypes & Media” • Wednesday, 11 a.m. in LSC Mall Area: “Beat the car for ‘isms”

Read online Please visit www. houstonianonline. com to read more about - A Breakthrough in Biology - Beta Gamma Internatioanl Honour Society announces scholarship winner

Speaker series roots for minorities Esteemed author to visit SHSU to discuss novel and career

By Malissa Peek Contributing Writer Sam Houston State University will seek to fuel the minds of its diverse student body this Wednesday, April 14 with a lecture series titled “Grassroots: A Series of Conversations on Leadership in a Diverse Community.”

The series, which will take place in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building Room C090 at 5p.m., will feature author R. Merial Martin.

Martin, a native Texan from Port Arthur, was the

first black salesman of new cars in the Dallas area. He will discuss his novel, “Welford Street Miracles on Port Arthur.” The book follows a man working to create financial security for his family while battling cancer.

Martin retired from ExxonMobil and is working on publishing two more books entitled, “German POW, Odyssey of Life” and “The Writ, Guilty or Innocent, You Decide.”

Following the discussion, guests will have the opportunity to meet the author and enjoy refreshments in the Student Advising and Mentoring Center, located in CHSS

Suite 170.

The lecture is sponsored by the Student Advising and Mentoring Center; the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College; the International Hispanic Association; Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.; the NAACP; the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program; Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and Women United.

The series was created to promote career aspirations and academic achievements of SHSU’s minority students.

The lecture is open to the public and all students, not just minorities are encouraged to come.

Page 4 The Houstonian

NATION & WORLD From ZTA page 1

Photo courtesy of Joe Buvid

From HOME page 1

Manhein came to Sam Houston State University last Thursday, April 10 as the Distinguished Faculty Lecturer to present "Forensic Anthropology in the 21st Century: Myths, Miracles, and a Dose of Reality."

The university community completely filled the Smith-Hutson Business Building’s Mafrige Auditorium, eager to witness the “Bone Lady,” who has handled more than 1,000 forensic cases during her 27 years of experience in field recovery and analysis of human skeletal remains.

Manhein, who is also the director of the Louisiana Repository for Unidentified and Missing Persons Information Program, and Professional in Residence in Anthropology in LSU’s Department of Geography and Anthropology, said there is a new initiative to create a central database for all missing and unidentified individuals.

“The goal of FACES is to develop profiles to identify people,” Manhein said.

“It’s going to take a lot of time, but so far FACES has had great results.

As the Author of “The Bone Lady: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist and Trail of Bones”, Manhein

shared her enthusiasm from her stories of field recovery to her experiences with cases of historic interest.

“It’s the puzzle, the mystery, it’s all of these things,” Manhein said.

In addition to field recovery, FACES also provides services for a variety of cases, such as the remains of a child’s 19th century burial. “ S o m e people have an aversion, but if we hadn’t looked at the remains they would’ve just thrown the body into the vault,” Manhein said.

Instead, the tomb containing the 1853 coffin led to the discovery of a lost sentiment.

“The clothing of the time period had not been documented, so it was donated to a [textile] museum,” Manhein.

Upon request by another museum, FACES used Xrays to reveal the story of a mystery mummy from Egypt, known the “Princess of Thebes.”

The biological profile uncovered a humorous surprise.

“She is a he,” Manhein laughed.

In addition to identifying the actual sex, FACES was also able to reconstruct the mummy’s face, learn more about his health, and create a scenario for cause of death by analyzing the types of trauma shown on the X-rays.

The event, which lasted from 7 am to 2 p.m., included many awards and prizes which could be won throughout the course of the day.

The first place team won a set of four engraved drivers and golf bags; the second place team won four Nike Golf polo shirts as well as four monogrammed Crown Classic golf towels; and the third place team was awarded four monogrammed Crown Classic golf polo shirts and four Titleist hats.

Along with prizes for first, second and third, ZTA ensured all players had other chances to win prizes with a number of games throughout the course.

The winner of the longest drive contest was awarded a $100 dollar gift certificate

lands. Another gift certificate for Huntsville Lanes, as well as a certificate for a

Photo courtesy of John Rudolph

from Huntsville Lanes and a certificate for a free round of golf for four people at a country club in the Wood-

free round of golf for four people at Jersey Meadow Golf Course in Jersey Village, just outside of

•

A new program with “Cold Case Playing Cards” is currently being distributed to prisons to aid FACES with identifying human remains.

From SAMMY’S

•

Recently passed was an act known as HB 1140 “to establish a Louisiana Repository for Unidentified and Missing Persons Information Program to be used in conjunction with a DNA database and forensic anthropology to assist federal, state, and local criminal justice and law enforcement agencies in the identification and detection of individuals in criminal investigations and in the identification of missing persons, to assist in the recovery or identification of human remains from disasters, and to assist with other humanitarian identification purposes.”

Assistant Director of Student Activities, Brandon Cooper, suggested that ladies wear cocktail dresses and heels, and gentlemen wear dress slacks and a dress shirt.

The event should last from an hour and a half to two hours, and no food will be provided.

“People should come to the Sammys because we will be honoring their peers,” Eaton said. “Very often students and organizations do not get the recognition they deserve and the Sammys is a night

Pick up Thursday’s issue of the Houstonian to find out who the winners are for the 16th annual Sammy’s.

Sam Houston State’s dance team was the top seed going into the competition, winning page 1 the division competition over Weber State, Illinois State, University of Texas at Arlington, Georgia Southern, Kennesaw University and others.

The team consists of 16 members and is coached by senior health major and former dance team captain Sarah Knigge, of Killeen.

On the following day (Saturday, April 10) SHSU’s Sammy the Bearkat won the Mascot Nationals, also in Daytona, in a competition featuring mascots from 10 schools.

Criminal justice major Jarrod Leftwich, of Linden, is the life behind Sammy’s character.

He won over four other mascots including second place

From SPIRIT

page 1

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 Houston, were awarded to the winners of the Closest to the Pin contest.

“We also gave our 'Lucky Losers', which was the team with the worst score, a Huntsville Lanes gift certificate, as well as a gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse.”

Names of the winners were not available at press time.

Players also had a chance to win a blue Chevrolet Impala, which was generously donated by Weisner in Huntsville for the Holein-One car.

“To win, a player must have made a hole-in-one on a specific hole on the golf course and it had to be witnessed by the Zetas stationed at that hole,” said Eaves. “Unfortunately, no one won it this year.” to acknowledge that their contributions do not go unnoticed. Also there will be great live performances.”

By attending the Sammys, students are not only showing support for their fellow students and professors, but for their university as a whole. “I think, more of anything, it’s a good way to support Bearkats,” Mulligan said.

For more information regarding the Sammys, and what they have to offer, you can go to their website at http://www.shsu.edu/~slo_ sad/sammys/home.html. Or contact the Department of Student Activities at 936294-3861. winner Sharky from Hawaii Pacific University and third place winner Mr. Wuf from North Carolina State University. Also placing were the mascots from Western Kentucky University and Cal State-Long Beach.

Leftwich was selected to compete with the other mascots from his preliminary video entry. At the competition, he was required to perform a 90-second skit, which was judged on a variety of factors including creativity, props and usage of the props, characterization and crowd response.

Almost 5,000 student athletes and 15,000 spectators convened for the Daytona Beach competition. The NCA/NDA Collegiate Championship is the largest College Cheer and Dance Championship in the world.

The competitions will be aired on Fox Sports Network on April 24-26.

ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, April 13, 2010

The Houstonian, Page 5

At the Movies with Kevin:

Date Night misses despite the talent of its stars Kevin Jukkola Entertainment Editor

The talents of Tina Fey and Steve Carell combine to make “Date Night” a passable comedy, but the busy screenplay prevents it from being anything more than that. The film follows a sweet couple during a night of horror that might either save their marriage or lead to their death. It sounds like a nightmare and it is, but one that finds inventive ways for brief laughs in the face of incomprehensible danger.

Phil and Claire Foster seem to have hit a snag in their relationship and are starting to search for ways to bring a freshness into their daily lives that has been missing for some time.

At dinner, they often look

around and guess what being said in other conversations.

Their lives have become so lame that the implied thought of others is more interesting than their current existence.

One night, they decide to dress up nice and have a dinner at the most exclusive restaurant in Manhattan.

Although they don’t have reservations, the Fosters mistakenly believe that they will get lucky and eventually be seated. They decide to make their own luck by taking someone else’s reservation, leading to a case of mistaken identity that drives the insane plot mechanics of the story.

We are introduced to an assortment of supporting characters, some amusing, others tiresome. Mark Wahlberg plays a man who

refuses to wear a shirt and yet somehow possesses the most advanced technological equipment of any person in a civilian setting. The irony is not lost on me.

Ray Liotta plays a cardboard cutout bad guy who laughs maliciously every few seconds in order to assure the audience of his evil tendencies. There are corrupt cops, drug addicts and cabbies, all of whom attempt to provide some comedic relief but often provide little or no inspiration to the proceedings.

There are moments when “Date Night” rises above the clutter of the plot and achieves something poignant by simply stopping and observing these two characters. They are nice people and we want them to work everything out. At one

What do we do? Claire Foster (Tina Fey) and Phil Foster (Steve Carell) are in a dangerous predicament in “Date Night”.

From VISIT page 1

Linklater, 49, attended Sam Houston State after he graduated from Huntsville High. His old high school is now an intermediate school but the stories of his days in high school will live on in infamy from the movie “Dazed and Confused”, which he described as, “My entire freshman year put in one day.”

Linklater was also a stand-out athlete in Huntsville, until recent years he held a record in Texas football for the longest run from scrimmage, 85-yards, and was also a great baseball player, so much so that he received a scholarship to play baseball at Sam Houston State.

Although he only stayed at Sam Houston for two years, it’s where his love for movies began. Reading English books, and studying stories and plot lines began to start the works in his brain. His first major production, “Slackers”, was shot as a camera followed around his friends who talked about their days. This movie was so moving it actually inspired Kevin Smith to go into film making.

One day while in college, Linklater watched a movie called “Raging Bull”, directed by Martin Scorsese.

“I had a revelation,” said Linklater. “She thought it was boring, I broke up with her, and she was hot too.”

Scorsese became an influence to Linklater, and like Scorsese, he has tackled some serious issues in his movies, like “Fast Food Nation”, which examined the health risk involved in fast food.

The next day Linklater had lunch at Humphrey’s – this time wearing black shirt and blue jeans he sat near the porch and ate a caesar salad, because he is a vegetarian now, and was never noticed. Fifty people walked right past, what could be Huntsville’s most famous resident without so much as a “hello,” or a “Are you Richard Linklater?”

He dropped names of famous director’s and actors like they are every day occurrences in his seemingly normal life. “What was it that Quinton said?”, and “Shia said he would be interested in that part.”

Later that night at the old Huntsville theater Linklater sat in for a dinner with towns people, raising money for Walker County Historical Commission, Huntsville Main Street, and Huntsville Community Theater. All the organizations are nonprofit, which always holds a soft spot for Linklater.

After his two year span at Sam Houston, Linklater got a job working at Camco, an off shore oil service, and was able to save up some money.

“I got myself into a position, well worked myself into a position where I didn’t have to work; I could live cheap,” said Linklater. “It’s what everyone wants, complete freedom.”

He moved to Austin, and began work on his film career.

“I worked hard, I didn’t read, I just watched movies, shot movies, put down a foundation,” he said. “I pretty much gave myself a film boot camp.”

It wasn’t long till Richard got to Hollywood. At 35 years old he released the cult classic, “Dazed and Confused.”

“Dazed was a weird movie, in testing people would be laughing the whole way through,” Linklater said. “But then we would get our score cards back and they were all negative.”

Even so, it’s hard to find a college dorm or apartment that doesn’t contain the movie now.

When Linklater returns to Austin later this week, he will go back to studying film. He estimates that he watches close to 650 films a year, sometimes two a day, sometimes four a day.

A feat made possible by his three Netflix accounts he got for free by doing an ad with them.

He might spend some time working on a movie that is taking 15-years to film about a child growing up and how he changes, but one thing he won’t do is change.

He won’t be the director who barges into a room and demands acknowledgement. Linklater has always had a philosophy of staying grounded.

“It works for me,” he said. “I want to be unnoticed, I like the stealth in my operation.”

Box Office Winners 1. “Date Night”, $27.1 million one week, $27.1 million overall 2. “Clash of the Titans”, $26.9 million one week, $110.5 million overall 3. “How to Train Your Dragon”, $25.3 million one week, $133.9 million overall 4. “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too”, $11.0 million one week, $48.5 million overall 5. “The Last Song”, $10.0 million one week, $42.4 million overall

point, they look into each other’s eyes in a sequence that lasts longer than is realistic but shorter than I would have wanted. They were talking about their hopes and desires, wants and needs, and I was begging to hear more. Ultimately, these are decent people with natural urges who want the best for themselves and each other. It’s too bad that the screenplay doesn’t make more of an effort to stay out of their way.

Is “Date Night” successful? It has the elements to be a good film but lacks the sound structure to make it completely immersing. It is brought together best when allowing Carell and Fey to be completely vulnerable on camera. There are also nice turns by Wahlberg and Mark Ruffalo, who has a wonderful scene that achieves an otherwise unattained authenticity before the chaos ensues, that makes the audience pine for more people like them.

Characters keep coming on the screen without making us care about them. The filmmakers should have simply put Carell and Fey in a room, allowing them to talk out their problems, while permitting Wahlberg and Ruffalo to intermittently come in and provide valuable advice from a new perspective. That’s a movie I would pay a lot of money to see.

Art students present work for juried show Houston artist Sharon Kopriva will help select from a number of pieces created by art students as they compete for cash awards during the 11th annual juried student exhibition beginning Monday (April 12) in the Gaddis Geeslin Gallery.

The exhibit will be held through April 29, on which day an award and scholarship recognition ceremony will be held and the juried exhibit winners will be announced at 6 p.m. in the gallery.

Guests at the reception and award ceremony can also visit the different areas of the art complex during the art department's “Open Studios,” which takes place from 5-7 p.m. that same day, according to art audio/visual librarian Debra Harper.

In addition, Kopriva will give an artist talk on April 20, at 3:30 p.m. in the Art Auditorium, in Art Building E Room 108.

Kopriva, a Houston native, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston.

She has exhibited her works, including sculpture, paintings and installations, extensively throughout Texas, as well as at the Smithsonian and the Museum of Women in the Arts, both in Washington, D.C., and in Utah and Oklahoma.

The Gaddis Geeslin Gallery is located in Art Building F. For more information, contact Harper at 936.294.1317 or ddavenport@shsu.edu.

Date Night

Stars: * * 1/2 Grade: C+ Running Time: 88 min.

MPAA: Rated PG-13 for sexual and crude content throughout, language, some violence and a drug reference.

Cast: Steve Carell (Phil Foster), Tina Fey (Claire Foster), James Franco (Taste), Mark Wahlberg (Holbrook), Mila Kunis (Whippit), William Fichtner (DA Frank Crenshaw), Ray Liotta (Mob Boss), Taraji P. Henson (Detective Arroyo), Common (Collins), Jimmi Simpson (Armstrong).

Directed by Shawn Levy.

Written by Josh Klausner.

Concert to feature clarinets, contemporary music Students in the Clarinet Studio will kick off a series of performances for the week with a recital on Tuesday (April 13).

The concert, featuring the works of classical, romantic and contemporary composers performed in duos, trios and quartets, will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall.

Student performers include B-flat and bass clarinetists Kerianne Roggow, Robert Arriaga, Vivian Gibson, Jennie Malone, Katie Lorton, Hannah Colvin, Amanda Kayser, Brooke Stevens, Lise Jorgensen, Stephanie Krass, Chelsea Cooper, Stefan Murat, Briana Gomez, Ashley Lauderdale, Marcus Hughes, Samantha Allardyce, Kristine Roberts, Steven Lampton, Allyson Naylor, Matthew Kaye, Adrianna Barron and Jackie Hamberg.

Guest performers will include a woodwind quintet, comprised of Andreea Mut, piano; Krissy Sillyman, flute; Amber Gates, oboe; Rachel Denson, bassoon; and John Wes Stuart, horn.

The recital is free and open to the public.

SHSU student composers and a faculty artist will kick off three days of performances for the 48th Annual Contemporary Music Festival on Thursday (April 15).

The opening student composer concert will be held at 4:30 p.m., and faculty cellist Daniel Saenz’s faculty artist spotlight will be held at 7:30 p.m. that day. Both concerts will be held in the Recital Hall.

On Friday (April 16), festival guest composer Kyle Gann will lecture at 11 a.m. in Music Building Room 202, followed by two concerts featuring the chamber music of Gann and two groups of SHSU composers at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall.

Finally, the festival will culminate on Saturday with the student ensembles Intersection and the SHSU Percussion group, directed by Brian Herrington and John Lane, respectively, performing more of Gann’s music at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall. A pre-concert talk will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Born in Dallas, Gann is a professor of music theory, history and composition at Bard College.

The composer and former new-music critic for the Village Voice is also the author of The Music of Conlon Nancarrow, American Music in the 20th Century, Music Downtown: Writings from the Village Voice, No Such Thing as Silence: John Cage's 4'33”, and the forthcoming Robert Ashley.

Admission is free for SHSU music majors and music faculty, $5 for SHSU students and $10 for the general public.

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

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For more information please call The Houstonian at 936-294-4864

SPORTS

Page 7 The Houstonian

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

SHSU wins two over McNeese State Brandon Scott Sports Reporter

The start of the weekend looked bleak for the Sam Houston State baseball squad. McNeese State run-ruled the Bearkats 14-1 on Friday night, which extended the Cowboys’ winning streak to nine and the Bearkats’ conference losing streak to five games.

The Sam Houston players have a short memory that allowed them to respond though, taking the next two out of the three game series. With the wins, Sam Houston improved its overall record to 15-18 and 8-7 in the Southland Conference. The Cowboys dropped to 18-11 overall but remain above the Bearkats in the conference standings with a 9-6 record in league action.

On Friday in the series opener, McNeese dominated Sam Houston. The Bearkats couldn’t pitch, hit or do even the little things to help them win. Not only did they give up 17 hits to the Cowboys, but Sam Houston committed three errors to McNeese’s none.

In the fourth inning, a fielding error from third baseman Jessie Plumlee allowed McNeese right fielder Lee Orr to move into scoring position. After a single to left field by first baseman Bryn Thompson, the No. 9 batter Matt Fotenot stepped to the plate.

Everything spiraled down from there for the Bearkats. Fotenot homered to drive in three of the seven runs the Cowboys accumulated in the fourth.

John Rudolph | The Houstonian

SLIDING TO THE TOP. After getting rolled 14-1 in the first game of a three-game series with McNeese State, the SHSU baseball team bounced back by winning consecutive game.

Sam Houston decided to turn it up on Saturday. Bearkat pitcher Dallas Gallant was nearly unhittable in the second matchup. Gallant threw a two-hitter in a complete game to record his first win of the season. He also pitched his way to SLC “Pitcher of the Week” honors.

Veteran infielder Ryan Mooney blasted a three-run shot to left-centerfield in the bottom of the fourth inning. That homer capped a five-run inning for Sam

Houston in the 7-1 victory.

“Dallas really threw well and I think everybody fed off that energy,” Mooney said. “It’s fun to play defense and hit for a guy who was throwing like he did.”

The Bearkats didn’t rest on Sunday.

In the third inning of the final game, Jared Wondra hit a two-run single to put Sam Houston up 2-0. Wondra stole second during the next at-bat before Daniel Nottebart drove him in for an

Tennis splits SLC matches Amy Turek

Contributing Writer

John Rudolph | The Houstonian

TRADING WINS. The SHSU women’s tennis team came away 1-1 after this weekend’s home matches.

RBI single.

Pitching was really the difference for the Bearkats in their redemption of Friday’s loss. Gallant (1-5) and Brent Powers (1-3) both recorded their first wins and controlled the game speed against a high-powered offensive bunch in McNeese.

“Our guys battled up and the pitchers are the one’s that gave us a chance,” Coach Mark Johnson said after the game. “They were a hot-hitting ballclub.

But we stayed away from the fastballs in some counts and were able to throw backwards with curveballs and changeups. That will beat most teams if you throw strikes with it.”

Reliever Matt Shelton was tested with possibly the entire game on the line in the seventh inning. Having given up a pair of runs in the fifth, Shelton loaded the bases leading Andy Riche’ to the plate.

Riche’ was 0-3 for the day but was coming off a 16-game hitting streak. Shelton struck him out with no conscience.

“It was really frustrating and I didn’t think I could throw any strikes,” Shelton said. “Next guy I just said ‘I’m going to throw it in there and see what happens’.

I didn’t think about anything but that hitter and this next pitch.”

Sam Houston won 6-3, thanks to its revival. The Bearkats host Rice tonight at 6:30 in the second meeting of the season for the two teams. Rice defeated Sam Houston 8-1 in Houston on March 9th. Tonight represents another chance for Bearkat redemption, or simply a sign of better things to come.

The Lady Bearkat tennis team was looking for its first win of the month when it hosted Lamar University on Saturday and McNeese State on Sunday.

The Bearkats fell 1-6 to Lamar but came back the next day and beat McNeese 4-3.

The Bearkats were missing Federica Denti both days due to groin tendonitis, an injury she aggravated late last month. Because of this, the Bearkats were only playing with five players, meaning they had to default one doubles match and one singles match each day. With Denti out, her regular doubles partner Giorgia Pozzan, was paired with Sheridan Currie on Saturday. They lost 2-8. Currie’s regular doubles

partner, Tatyana Postnikova, paired up with Nadia Dubyanskaya. They won 8-7(3).

In singles, Dubyanskaya was the only one to record a victory, winning 6-2, 6-4. Singles No. 1 Pozzan lost 5-7, 1-6. Singles No. 2 Postnikova lost 5-7, 1-6. Singles No. 3 Currie lost 2-6, 7-5, 0-1, losing the third set in a super tiebreaker. Singles No. 5 Woerner lost 2-6, 3-6.

The doubles teams were mixed up once again on Sunday. Postnikova/Dubyanskaya were moved to Doubles No.1. They won 8-5. Pozzan was paired up with Woerner for Doubles No. 2. They lost 3-8.

In singles, No. 1 Pozzan outlasted her opponent in three grueling sets. She took the first set 6-4 after going up a late break. She lost the second set 3-6 after going down an early break. In the third set, Pozzan was down 2-5 with her opponent serving for the match. She was able

to win four straight games, taking the score to 6-5. Her opponent held serve, sending the final set to a tiebreaker. Pozzan dominated her opponent in the tiebreaker, only giving up three points. She won the match 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3).

In other singles matches, No. 2 Postnikova won 6-4, 7-5. No. 3 Currie won 6-4, 6-2. No. 4 Dubyanskaya won 6-3, 6-3. No. 5 Woerner lost 0-6, 3-6.

SHSU Head Coach Jim Giachino said the difference between Saturday’s loss and Sunday’s win was the team’s heart.

“They stayed focused and didn’t let their emotions get in the way,” Giachino said. “We could see some wonderful efforts because of that.”

The Bearkats face off against conference rivals SFA on Wednesday in Nacogdoches in their last matches before the season ending Southland Conference Tournament.

Kats Stats SHSU SOFTBALL RESULTS SATURDAY, April 10

SHSU 4 Texas A&M-CC 2

SATURDAY, April 10

SHSU 9 Texas A&M-CC 8

SUNDAY, April 11

SHSU 5 Texas A&M-CC 0

TRACK & FIELD RESULTS

Sam Houston State Sports Information Sam Houston track and field had a gold medal day at the annual Ty Terrell Relays in Beaumont Saturday as the Bearkat women won eight events and the men produced four first place finishes.

The Bearkats finished 1-2-3 in the 100 meter hurdles as Sabrina Starr (13.78) and Jordan Heggie (14.32) and Pashe Moore (14.50) were second and third, respectively.

Brittany Henson (1.:04.63) won the 400 meter hurdles and teamed with Folashade George, Tonicia Wimberly and Monika May to take first in the 4x440 yard relay (3:52.75).

Kristi Hermes (3.66m) and Shelbie Zotyka (3.40m) were first and second in the pole vault. Ambra McCuin (5.69m) won the long jump, Jasmine Mitchell (11.48m) took first in the triple jump and Christina Webb took the gold in both the shot put (13.04m) and weight throw (49.53m).

Darryl Hayes won the 400 meter dash (47.89) and Jay Newman was the winner in the 400 meter hurdles (53.12) In field event competition, Matt Johnson won the pole vault (4.62m) and A. J. Edwards took first in the long jump (7.56m) Roger Rueweler was runnerup in the 880 yard run (1:57.95).

Rickardo Chambers, Matt Johnson, Logan Miller and A. J. Edwards were runners-up in the 4x440 yard relay (3:23.01).

Cutter Bernard was second in the pole vault (4.47m) and Curtis Patterson was runner-up in the long jump (7.22m). Andy Blauser took second place in the javelin (46.11m).