April 4, 2013 by The Houstonian

TODAY’S FORECAST HI: 61o LOW: 44o

George Mattingly | The Houstonian

Theatre masters pupetry in their production of “Dying for It,” a comedy based on Soviet life, which runs Thursday to Saturday.

Chance of Rain:

Volume 123 / Issue 20

Barbie’s make-under should be what people accept as normal.

www.HoustonianOnline.com

Sports staff weigh in on the Rangers and Astros’ division rivalry.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Mertz: SHSU diversity means ‘no need’ for affirmative action JAY R. JORDAN Senior Reporter The US Supreme Court is hearing another affirmative action case, though Sam Houston State University admissions won’t be affected by its outcome. The court is considering whether or not an appellate court’s decision to overturn Michigan’s 2006 college admissions-barring referendum is constitutional. Sam Houston State University is among the many Texas public universities that use an automatic admission policy for high school students who rank in the top 10 percent of their class. According to Inside Higher Ed, because of the amount of schools in Texas that have a large minority population, the automatic admission policy covers the need for affirmative action and results in no such affirmative action policy existing in most schools. Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Scot Mertz said that SHSU does not use any affirmative action policy because the school is already diverse. Of the 17,316 students enrolled at SHSU, about 59 percent are white, while blacks and Hispanics each represent 17 percent. Asians comprise 1.2 percent of the student body and 6.5 percent is either unknown or classify themselves as another race. SHSU political science professor Michael Smith said that the reason the Supreme Court took this case even after the precedent has been set could be because of a growing minority population.

“At this point in our history, Caucasians… are still the majority of the population, but are not over 50 percent,” Smith said. “If you have more minorities applying to college and the colleges accepting them, there’s no longer a need to force [the colleges] to do it.” The Schuette case started when the people of Michigan decided to bar universities from using race and ethnicity in the admissions process in 2006. The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit overturned the referendum and has placed the issue before the Supreme Court to decide the final ruling. Another case from 2008, Fisher v. University of Texas, is still being deliberated by the Supreme Court justices. Plaintiff Abigail Fisher claims that UT discriminated against her because she’s white. At the time, UT used Texas’ top 10 percent rule from which 81 percent of Longhorns gained admittance in 2008, according to the official Supreme Court blog. Precedent was already set by previous affirmative action cases in which the Supreme Court ruled that universities are allowed to use race or gender to determine whether or not to admit a prospective student. University of California v. Bakke was the first landmark case that allowed affirmative action for colleges in 1978. Another landmark case was Gutter v. Bollinger in 2003 that dictated that the affirmative action taken by University of Michigan Law School was constitutional because it did not use a quota system for admissions. The Fisher and Schuette cases are both being deliberated by the Supreme Court.

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File

AFFRIMATIVE ACTION. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette challenged the consitutionality of affirmative action policies. The Supreme Court on Monday said it would add the Michigan case, which focuses on the 6-year-old voter-approved prohibition on affirmative action and the appeals court ruling that overturned the ban. The new case will be argued in the fall. A decision in the Texas case is expected by late June.

Report: Traditional dating no safer than dating online SOPHIE NELSON Senior Reporter

SOPHIE NELSON Senior Reporter

AP Photo/David Goldman

ev. Timothy McDonald, center, leads a protest against the high bonds set for 35 defendants in Atlanta’s school cheating scandal outside the Fulton County Jail on Tuesday in Atlanta. The 35 defendants are named in a 65-count indictment that alleges a broad conspiracy involving cheating on standardized tests in Atlanta public schools. All 35 defendants must turn themselves in Tuesday. Several teachers and administrators were arrested for allegedly altering grades on standardized tests in order to raise their average scores. The teachers recieve several benefits including salary increases depending how well their students do on the tests.

Rumors fly about Spotify video CHRISTIAN VAZQUEZ Staff Reporter Steel yourselves: Spotify has been rumored to soon join the fray of video streaming content along with Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video and Hulu Plus. Two sources of BusinessInsider. com said that Spotify “intends to become an on-demand music and video service.” This move would immediately put the company in competition along with Netflix and HBO. One student at Sam Houston State University doesn’t think the move is

necessary. “I don’t think they really need to do it,” sophomore student Catherine Pope said. “Their music service is good enough. There are just a lot of other providers that already have good shows to watch. So I don’t know how well that would turn out.” Senior Brian Howard said he thinks the move is a great idea because it helps Spotify diversify. “It’s a good move for the competitive market,” Howard said. “If they just stick to music, they’ll stay stale. And when you stay stale, you fall behind.” For some, this news comes as

no surprise. Spotify is worth $3 billion thanks to several rounds of investment from Coca-Cola and Goldman Sachs. When multi-billion dollar media services like iTunes are successful in music, the companies that own them branch to video content to increase their profit. Spotify has also been rumored to bring original content to their video service as well. The sources from BusinessInsider.com said that Spotify is “looking for partners that can help it fund and create original content.” Spotify has not commented on the rumors.

Even though online dating has become more common, the Crime Victims Institute at Sam Houston State University warns that becoming a victim through dating is still highly possible. The CVI published a study comparing the dating safety and victimization rates between traditional relationships and online relationships. According to Molly Smith, one of the doctoral student researchers for the study, one of the main focuses in the study was that regardless of how people meet, the rate of victimization was very close. She urged people, especially SHSU students, to remain aware when entering dating scenarios and to always be cautious. “Use your better judgment when going on dates with anyone, regardless of how you met them,” Smith said. “Even if you have met someone in person, you are still at risk of victimization.” Maria Koeppel, another doctoral student researcher, said that while online dating has become socially acceptable, people have to remember how important it is to think of safety measures when going on a date with someone they met online. She said it is important for everyone in the dating world, but should especially be emphasized to the younger dating population like people in high school. “As society is becoming more technology based, education about online dating, as well as continued information about traditional dating, needs to be stressed to high school kids and even preteens,” Koeppel said. “Even a segment incorporated into a health class specific to the dangers of online dating would be helpful.” For college students, Koeppel said that they should make smart decisions when choosing who to meet or date. “Just be smart when going into dating situations or trying to find someone to date,” Koeppel said. “Don’t put yourself out of your comfort zone. Many dating situations in college tend to be fueled by alcohol or drugs, so be smart.” According to the study, online daters tended to have a slightly lower victimization rate than traditional daters. Smith attributed the results to factors such as people paying higher amounts of attention when dating on the internet. “People who seek out potential partners on the internet seem to exhibit higher levels of caution and utilize more protective measures,” Smith said. “In addition, many people who use online dating sites tend to [talk to] their potential partner for a longer period of time prior to meeting them in person, thus making them more aware of potential “red flags” that might arise in a face-to-face situation.” Smith advised that students should make sure to take a fully charged cell phone when going on a date, and should always tell a friend about their plans.

Sam Houston State University Alumni Association, Division of Student Services, and Balfour presents:

THE OFFICIAL RING CEREMONY (The names listed below are those students who registered for the ceremony and are participating in tonight’s event)

Nikki Abshier Scott Adley Keith Ahee Kimberly Ahee Mercedes Alafa Andrew Alexander Erin Alexander Shane Allbright Jose Alvarado Chelsey Arnett Carolina Arvizu Christopher Ashmore Lauren Badger Ashley Baker Patrick Baker Thomas Baker Iris Balmaceda Soniel Barbosa Ashley Barelas Kristie Barker Elizabeth Barron Lance Bartling Melissa Barton Courtney Battles Raylynn Bearden Caitlin Behne Morgan Benham Melissa Bennett Mackayla Bernard Kaycee Berry Brittany Berton Shane Black Allisa Blanton Olga Blissard Kevin Boeck Brianna Bonnette Audreanna Boseman Katrina Boxley Kelseigh Braaton Daniel Brian Chelsea Britten Amanda Brown Kelley Brown Starett Burk Leah Burmaster Jacob Burney Rachel Burns-Sevilla Elaine Burzynski Ashley Bush Gracie Cadengo Jacob Cadle Amanda Calderon Christopher Caldwell Candace Calvillo Hannah Campbell Tyesha Campbell Rachael Campos Brenda Cantu Laura Cardiel Lashelle Carnifax Courtney Cates Anthony Causby Cristi Cavazos Gary Chattman Jacqueline Chavez Aubrie Cheatham Samuel Chisamore Jazmine Clemons Andrew Colarusso Chelsea Coleman Danavyea Collins Tracie Compton Victoria Cordova Sandra Cortez Toribio Cortez Faith Cory Shelby Covington Zachary Cox Margarita Cruz Lisa Cummins Cody Cupit Thomas Curtis Katherine Curtsinger Shelby Daniel Sean Davila Jessica Davis Kimberly Davis Rebekah Davis Jacqueline Delgado Leslie Demny Lauren Despain Tracie Diehl Tommy Domingue Lindsey Dominguez Dana Doonan Jordan Doss-lomas Dannielle Downey Ashley Drake Ariel Dunster Brenda Eastwood-lim

Jonathan Edwards David Ellis Baltazar Espinoza Alyssa Estes Karyn Eurich Kyle Exner Kelsey Faaborg Kaitlin Farmakakis Jordan Farmer Kelly Feagan Lauren Fenn Dawn Fisher Stephen Fitch Kristen Fletcher Core’’ Flores Kaitlin Farmakakis Jordan Farmer Kelly Feagan Lauren Fenn Dawn Fisher Stephen Fitch Kristen Fletcher Core’’ Flores John Flowers Jenna Floyd Michelle Forestier Katie Fowler Andrew Fuchs Joshua Gabbard Angel Galvan Gabriela Galvan Clarissa Garcia Marcos Garcia Brittney Gardner Kasadi Garza Leslie Gaskin Beverly Gentry Erica Gerlock Tara Gibson Samuel Gilley Stephanie Gomez Anthony Gonzales Julie Gonzalez Kristin Goodman Maegan Goodney Audra Gorse Ross Gragert Morgan Greer Brittany Gregory Jessica Griffin Ivan Guerrero Catherine Gwosdz Jacob Hagood Christopher Hale Adam Hammonds Alexandra Hansen Lauren Hansen Tyler Hansen Alexa Harper Alexa Harper Rebekah Harper Margaret Harrell Victoria Havard Patrick Hawkins Justin Haynes Casey Hays Emillie Heidemann Hannah Henderson Haley Henneke Holli Hess Emily Hibner Kimberley Higginbotham Sydney Hill Katherine Hoffman Laurin Hoffpauir Aaron Holifield Cody Holloway Benjamin Holovacs Kasey Holt Clayton Holub Sierra Hood Altaz Hoodani Shanna House Jennifer Howell Leigha Huble Christina Huffman Meagan Hughes Rachael Ingram Robin Jakubik Kirby Jenkins Andrea Johnson Christina Johnson Elizabeth Johnson Emily Johnson Hannah Johnson Heather Johnson Stephen Johnson Summer Johnson Taylor Johnson

Justin Pulley Alan Jones Alicia Raub Brittney Jones Sara Reagan Dylan Jones Danielle Keathley Kathryn Reeder Morgan Remeny Kayla Kelley Peter Renegar Kelsey Kelley Perlita Reyes-Cervantes Kendall Kelley Jacob Richardson Blake Kenyon Tremecia Ricks Taylor Khoury Trevor Ries Keli King Brittany Kleinpeter Alicia Rivera Madeline Kopetsky Noemi Rivera-colon Troy Roberson Ashleigh Kraatz Amanda Laborde Crystal Robinson Anabel Rodriguez Alex Lacey Troy Rogers Lisa Lacy Melissa August Lafoy Romero Gracie Landzuri Nelson Lara Veliz Rolando Romero Melissa Lawson Abigail Jacques Leblanc Rosales Justin Lesly Miranda Breshiana Lewis Ross Chase Liccketto Amanda James Lindeman RounAndrew Logue tree Sydney Lon Mallory Roy Tiffany Long Esmeralda Lopez Lauren Mitchell Lundquist Rudolph Tarin Russell Kevin Madden Charles Tiffany Mangum Ryden Sean Mann Ariel Marksberry Amber Rymal Tremecia Ricks Tyler Marsh Trevor Ries Paige Martin Alicia Rivera Alyssa Martinez Frankie Martinez Noemi Rivera-colon Jazmin Martinez Troy Roberson Crystal Robinson Jose Martinez Kathryn Martinez Anabel Rodriguez Troy Rogers Jose Martinez Kathryn Martinez Melissa Romero Rolando Romero Joseph Materi Andrew Maulsby Abigail Rosales Amanda Mcclinton Miranda Ross Anne-wilson Mc- Amanda Rountree Mallory Roy daniel Lauren Rudolph Elizabeth Mcgill Tarin Russell Sarah Mcginn Charles Ryden Meagan Mcginty Amber Rymal Andrenia Mc Melody Saenz Gowen Iveth Salinas Blaise Mckinzie Marco Samperio Kay Mcmurtre Brittany Mcnulty Andrew Sanchez Jacquelyn Meazell Keith Sanders Adrianna Medina Andrea Sandoval Samuel Savarino Evan Meikle Christopher Schaefer Ryan Miller Jacob Schexnayder Samantha Miller Synamynn Miller Tabatha Scholwinski Lauren Schultz Lake Minwell Tanner Schulze Matthew Miori Laci Scott Cristal Miranda Chelsea Seamans Jacob Mitchell Hayley Sebesta Ashley Mokerski Melissa Sebesta Jessica Montoya Jennifer Sheffield Joanna Moore Yolanda Shelton Ro’’shae Moore Brittany Sherretts Misty Morawski Meagen Morrison Morgan Sherrod Charles Shewell Haley Morton Casie Shubnell Mitchell Nester Louretta Nickerson Kimberly Shutts Michelle Shutts Krystal Nunez Erasmo Silva Shelby O’brien Chiamaka Okorie Nohemi Silva Luke Silvera Melissa O’Neil Scott Simpson Carlos Orozco Jeffrey Orozco Crystal Ortiz Katie Owens Kristine Carol Pacheco Mary Pardo Meagan Paris Anna Pastrana Erica Peaslee Danielle Pegoda Rachel Pena Sarah Perez Anna Persyn Joy Peterangelo Sharon Phelps Christopher Phillips Timothy Pierce Jared Pruitt Christina Pryor Alejandra Puente

Aaron Sims Christine Sitka Michael Skiba Carley Smith Jeffrey Smith Kristen Smith Lauren Smith Loren Smith Jonathan

Laura Waters Megan Watson Latamara Watts Winston Watts Coleman Weiss Weldon Whitt Rachel Wiederhold Brittany Wiegand Heidi Wieser Mollie Willard John Willey Allison Williams Caroline Williams

Snapp Taria Sneed Steven Snook Scott Sodek Karla Solis Justin Soliz Tabitha Spencer Bradley Spivey Ashley Stark Emily Stavinoha Coby Steele Matthew Stepan Katherine Stephens Mallory Stephens Klaudie Stone Lauren Strahm Tiffany Stults Emanuel Suarez Spencer Swan Travis Tate Michael Anne Teeters Anna Thomas Harley Thomas Cristina Tizado Molina Jamie Torres Krystal Torres Tracey Totman Hillary Trant Manuel Trejo Dominique Tristan Robert Turk Brittany Turner Kacie Turner Emmanuela Umunnakwe Michael Van Gorp Chelsea Vancleave Melissa Varney Sarah Varwig Cesar Vazquez Eliana Vela Donna Villarreal Shelby Voelkel Trisha Von Arb Keisha Wade Metrisa Wagner George Walker Katherine Ward

Chelsea Williams Jeremy Williams Katherine Williams Nancy Wills Crystal Wilson Molly Wilson Natalie Wilson Ashton Winfree Katherine Winn Tiffany Winters Christopher Woodard Mallory Worthman Samantha Young Kianamarie Yrjana Alexandra Zingg

Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum

Thursday, April 4, 2013 4:30 PM Check-in Begins 6:30 PM Event Begins

Page 3

Viewpoints

Thursday, April 4, 2013 houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

Realistic Barbie girl in unrealistic Barbie world

Morgan Mears discusses the doll’s natural “make-under” that created viral buzz MORGAN MEARS

Staff Reporter

n a society where many girls focus on their looks and how they compare to today’s standards of beauty, Barbie has constantly been the center of controversy in the discussion of beauty and perfection, especially with young girls. Barbie is a doll that many hold as the epitome of beauty, with a small waist, large breasts, perfectly combed blonde hair, a flawless complexion and make up; a perfect blonde bombshell. A newly released photo that was posted online to Imgur by user Eddi Aguirre shows the doll in a natural, more realistic physical state with frizzy hair, freckles, dark undereye circles, acne and braces. Barbie has long been criticized for her unattainable proportions, but now the realistic Barbie has gone under the scope. Most of the responses to her natural look

have been negative, claiming Barbie is no longer beautiful or perfect. As posted by the International Business Times, in her story “Natural Barbie Criticized For Her Make-Under; Does She Look Like Everyone Else?” author Maria Vultaggio explains that the responses to the photo claim the doll looked like she was incredibly sick. Another user commented on the story said, “It’s not so much natural Barbie as crack whore Barbie.” Barbie just can’t win in this debate; she is either too pretty or too ugly. This new natural Barbie has been long overdue. So many girls in today’s society have low self-esteem and no confidence in themselves at all; seeing Barbie constantly all dolled up, in all of her perfection, can add to their self-consciousness. The realistic portrayal of Barbie may not be the prettiest portrayal of her but this natural version of her is certainly a favorite of mine. Without her make-up, the new Barbie

expresses the notion that although she may not be what our distorted society views as “beautiful,” because she isn’t made up and has flaws, she showcases the idea that we all have flaws. In the real world, no one is perfect and neither is Barbie. Instead of bashing this new Barbie and trying to say that it promotes the idea that no one is pretty without make-up, our society should accept a different interpretation of beauty. Although we’ve always seen Barbie all made up with this job and that job (acting like a superwoman) she is not. Just like all women, Barbie is not perfect and neither are we. We all have those days that we don’t look “perfect” or what some might consider “beautiful.” We need to keep in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder—not just one person—there are many definitions of beautiful. Everyone in their own way is beautiful even with imperfections.

Photo courtesy of Eddi Aguirre | Imgur

My inbox is always open R. McKinney encourages readers to talk to someone if they need help RICHARD MCKINNEY

Staff Reporter

he Internet is a fascinating tool. At any moment we are just a keystroke away from starting a revolution in Egypt, finding our true love on Match.com or sharing sensitive documents via Wikileaks. The Internet has also changed our personal relationships, how we connect and interact. It has given us the ability to find friends all over the world and create a personal connection as real as friends you met in high school. I am on several social networking sites; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Blogger and Tumblr, just to name a few. I leave my inbox open on all of those sites for anyone who wants, or needs, to talk. This has led me to finding friends from Chicago, Kansas, Nova Scotia, Toronto, England and even Ireland. The connections I form

are no different than the friends I have made at Sam Houston State University, except that we’ve never met in person. Recently, a tragedy struck. A friend I made on Tumblr from Canada committed suicide – more on this later. What is interesting to me is that I feel the same about that friend dying as I would about anyone else. It pains me, I feel sad and grieved; but, in a way, it amazes me. Not the suicide, but the thought that I have the same connection with this person I’ve never even met aside from the Tumblr ask box or Facebook messenger. The shortening of the communication gap the Internet provides is a blessing and a curse. Bullying has reached a new format with the emergence of online messaging systems. My friend, just as too many others, took his own life due to the words and actions of other people. He was bullied, his parents didn’t

support him and he found the best decision was to not be a part of the world any longer. This is terribly upsetting. I talked with him through some tough moments in his life. We spoke about anything and everything. I have the same questions anyone would have if he was a friend in ‘real life.’ This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced these questions. I implore you, if you feel like you can’t go on, if you’re bullied, antagonized or just depressed – find someone to talk to. I know it’s hard. I know it’s difficult. I know it’s scary. I know it’s cliché but life is meant to be lived. If you’re unsure of things if your life, you have resources. You can go to the counseling center here at SHSU. Every student gets free sessions and you should use them if you need to or if you just want to talk to someone. They are trained

professionals who are willing to help you in any way they can. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). They also have an online crisis chat – another amazing feature of the Internet. For localized crisis prevention, you can call the crisis hotline in Conroe at 1-800-659-6994. You can also call Crisis Intervention of Houston at 713-HOTLINE (or 713-526-8088 for Spanish). The Trevor Project also offers a hotline if you’re having a LGBT related crisis at 866-488-7386. No one should have to feel the pain and anguish of crisis in this life – but if you do, there are people who can help – both in person and online. Even if you just talk to friends that you only know on the Internet – talk to someone. You can feel free to talk to me if you need to – my inbox is always open.

PAWS UP

SIDE PAW to Jay Leno announcing his resignation from the “Tonight Show” but congrats to Jimmy Fallon who will take Leno’s place.

PAWS DOWN

Old West portrayals illustrate harsh American past Colin Harris talks about America’s past by analyzing its Wild, Wild Western culture

or the past several days, I’ve been deep in the middle of a “Deadwood” marathon. For anyone who doesn’t know, “Deadwood” was an HBO-produced western series that aired for three seasons from 2004-06 about the real-life Deadwood camp in South Dakota in the 1870s. It’s nowhere near as good as “The Wire” or “The Sopranos,” but you’d be hard-pressed to find a TV series that measures up to those masterpieces. About midway through season one of “Deadwood,” I had a revelation: I really, really love westerns. From novels like Cormac McCarthy’s “All the Pretty Horses” and “Blood Meridian” (which is easily the best and most challenging novel I’ve ever experienced) to movies like “Tombstone” and “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” I can’t get enough of the wild west.

There’s something about the do-itcompared to our cowboy ancestors. yourself aesthetic which permeates Watching or reading westerns the genre that’s strangely romantic reminds me not to take for granted for me. Characters are wholly selfhow easy we have it today. I don’t reliant. If they need food, they hunt. have to worry about perishing from If they need shelter, they build. If they diseases like cholera or smallpox nor need justice, they punish. There’s no do I have to butcher an animal to government or private charities to make sure I don’t go hungry. Perhaps provide these necessities to people most importantly, I’m not overly of the old west. Their survival was concerned about being murdered in completely dependent on their own my sleep by someone who wants to resourcefulness. rob me of my possessions or assume COLIN HARRIS In his landmark book “Leviathan,” title to my land. Staff Reporter the 17th century British philosopher Yet these are real concerns Thomas Hobbes describes man’s existence for characters in westerns, and they carry in the state of nature as “solitary, poor, nasty, on without complaint, because they know brutish, and short.” Each and every one of no other reality. They deal with a harsh, these qualities is flawlessly illustrated in the unforgiving existence I’ll thankfully never have American old West, yet against these odds, man to experience. survives. Whether battling natural elements, Due to technological achievement, modern Native Americans or murderous outlaws, man Americans are constantly connected through survives. the internet, highways and telephones. Were This visceral will to live is no longer easily it not for these things, I wouldn’t even be able observed in America today. It’s a testament to read or watch westerns and observe how to how far we’ve come as a society when even rugged and tough our ancestors were, even our poorest have air conditioning, high speed when fictionalized. I can’t help but appreciate internet and cell phones. I wouldn’t say that the way these characters persevere despite any of these developments are bad things, but all the adversity and wonder if that survival as a whole, Americans today are soft when instinct still exists among Americans today.

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PAWS DOWN to haters criticizing the realistic image of Barbie. None of us is perfect and neither is she.

PAWS DOWN to North Korea. You’re scaring the world.

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Page 4

Arts&Entertainment

Thursday, April 4, 2013 houstonianonline.com/a-e

Actors master puppetry in “Dying for It” Charismatic characters deliver hilarious portrayal of Soviet life

RUTH OVIEDO Contributing Reporter

The Sam Houston State University Theater Department demonstrated that there are no boundaries in storytelling by putting on a show using mainly puppets in their production of Moira Buffini’s “Dying for It”, a loose adaptation of Nikolai Erdman’s satirical play “The Suicide.” The play takes place in Soviet Russia and tells the story of Semyon, who is unhappy with his life. After news spread about his contemplating suicide, many try to take advantage and try to convince him that he should die on their behalf. The production took acting to a whole new level with the use of puppets. Although this was definitely a new idea to get used to, the portrayal of the plot was excellent. The actors shadowed the puppets and as they engulfed in their personas it became easy to forget about the mastery behind the characters and focus on the storyline.

George Mattingly | The Houstonian

NOVELTY ACT. In this scene from “Dying for It” Seymon, played by Daniel Rosales, is being literally pulled to different ends by the other puppet characters as they look to gain something fom his plan to commit suicide.

The actors implemented what seemed to be a Russian accent to the dialogue, although well implemented; on occasion it would get in the way of the clarity of the plot. Nevertheless, the actors becoming one with their

puppet were impressive. Lead actor Daniel Rosales, who played Seymon, delivered a very convincing performance. The chemistry and passion that Rosales brought to his character was emphasized at the play’s

climax when he delivered a moving speech about life and its meaning. Serafima, Semyon’s mother in law, played by Adriana Dominguez, gave a brilliant performance. Her charisma and

ability to lighten up situations made her stand out from the other supporting roles. Her humor was raunchy and even sassy, so out of place according to the times, but so well-delivered. The supporting cast members were outstanding with their colorful performances and personalities. The instantaneous drama that unfolded in the play made the characters one as they each tried to get a little piece of Semyon’s suicide. The simplicity of the set balanced the attention to structure and plot. It was interesting how the lighting was brought on stage to correlate with the emotion of the play and its interpretation, especially to outline the costumes of the puppets, which were fantastically appointed given their carrying personalities. Needless to say, the cast and crew did Buffini’s play justice with all the right elements of acting, scenery and improvisation. “Dying for It” will opened Wednesday at 8 p.m. and will show each night through Saturday in the Showcase Theatre. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the UTC at 936-2943968.

Guests artists to perform, educate students in annual Jazz Festival ANGELA BEEL Contributing Reporter Students will be able to enjoy the sounds of jazz during the 53rd Bill Watrous Jazz Festival at Sam Houston State University this Friday and Saturday. The festival is the longest running jazz festival in Texas and will feature performances from visiting jazz bands during the day, a clinic from famous saxophonist Bob Mintzer and an evening concert. For two days, students can watch middle school, high school and college jazz bands perform every 30 minutes from 9 to 6 p.m. in the concert hall at the Performing Arts Center for free. Director of Jazz Studies Aric Schneller is piloting the jazz festival and is excited for what the festival has to offer this year. “Music is about performing, so you’ll get to see lots of performances, and for young

jazz musicians it’s good to have an audience to support them and vice versa,” Schneller said. “If we’re gonna keep jazz alive in this country we have to bring it to the young people. If you don’t, it’s not going to survive and it’s America’s great music.” Both nights will feature a concert by the SHSU Jazz Ensemble with special guests Bill Watrous, famous jazz trombonist and namesake of the festival, and Mintzer. Mintzer will also be holding a free clinic at 1:15 p.m. on both days. Lead trombone player in the jazz ensemble, Ramsey Hampton, is looking forward to learning from the special guests. “The clinics that Mintzer will give should be very enlightening and insightful. It’s a great opportunity to learn from one of the greats,” Hampton said. “Also, being able to share the stage with these world class artists

should be a treat. I am looking forward to hearing great jazz music from these people and from the participating schools in the festival.” Schneller is looking forward to not only watching the visiting jazz bands but for the evening concerts as well. “I think what I’m looking forward to the most is being on stage with my students, performing with Bill Watrous and Bob Mintzer,” Schneller said. “I’m always looking forward to having my students perform with professionals. I like being there to witness it and to help facilitate it.” Lead trumpet player in the SHSU Jazz Ensemble, Brian Fincher, is excited to perform at the evening concerts. “It will be a great few days of playing and concerts. Bill Watrous and Bob Mintzer are both fantastic musicians and educators,” Fincher said. “I can’t wait to share the stage with them and hear what

George Mattingly | The Houstonian

‘ALL THAT JAZZ’ The Sam Houston State University Jazz Ensemble hit the stage with guest jazz artists for an auditorium full of high school students during last year’s Jazz Festival

they have to say.” Schneller’s big hope is that the jazz festival will encourage students who are visiting the campus to think about joining the jazz program at SHSU. “It’s really about jazz education,” Schneller said. “Performance is key, but

Music series to highlight local talent GEORGE MATTINGLY Arts & Entertainment Editor Local musicians will showcase their talent to the Huntsville community in the semi-annual Main Street Music Series, which will kick off on Friday. Hosted by the City of Huntsville Main Street Program, the series will run from April 5- May 10 with two performances every Friday and will feature a wide variety of local artists and music including folk, indie, rock, country and blues. Local groups The Antemeers and The Gypsy Davies will open the series with performances at 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. respectively. According to Kim McAuliffe, Main Street coordinator, the music series grew from the community’s

interest in hearing local talent. “We started [the music series] last semester because a lot of people wanted to hear live music in Huntsville and we wanted to showcase that here,” McAuliffe said. This year the series will include 12 performances with returning groups as well as new groups including The Last Great Assault, The Broken Hinges and The Shades, among others. McAuliffe said the series is a chance to recognize local talent, a part of Huntsville that often goes unnoticed in the community. “It’s important to support local artists because they are unique to Huntsville and a lot of people don’t know of the talent we have here,” McAuliffe said. “We have a variety of talent and each is so different

so that’s what I want people to see when they come to the concerts.” In addition to music, attendees will also have a chance experience all of Huntsville with the chance to win gift certificates to local businesses, t-shirts and other prizes in a raffle, and visit Downtown shops that will be open late for the concerts. McAuliffe said the goal of this year’s music series is to raise awareness of local artists with more attendees and encourages everyone to attend. “It’s gives students something fun to do with friends on the weekend and it’s free,” she said. All the performances in the series are free and will be held at the Walker County Courthouse lawn. For more information, call McAuliffe at 936-291-5920.

performance and jazz education go hand in hand. We have a great program here and I want to see it grow.” Tickets for the evening concerts can be bought at the ticket center in the PAC and are $5 for students, $15 for the public and $12 for senior citizens.

Listen to “Freshly Popped Culture” with George Mattingly and Misti Jones every Friday at www.houstonianonline.com

Art and Poetry Contest for 2nd Annual Ignite the Night: An Anti-Sexual Violence Program

Dr. Maryam Ilahi, of the Student Counseling Center, is accepting poetry and art submissions regarding sexual violence or abuse. send to:

Visit us online @ Houstonianonline.com

Dr. Maryam Ilahi Email: MAI005@SHSU.EDU Mailing Address: Box 2059 Huntsville, TX 77341

Deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 28, 2013 by 5:00 p.m. Please include your name, address, phone number, E-mail address, and whether you are a student, faculty, staﬀ at SHSU or a community member. Poems may be read at the Ignite the Night Program on April 10th (your anonymity will be respected if you request it) All submissions will be returned after the event. Selected submissions will be displayed in the LSC Atrium April 3‒10

Winners will receive a FREE Ignite the Night t-shirt.

Matinee

(any movie before 6pm)

Facebook.com/ TheHoustonianSHSU

Adults $5

2nd Annual

Ignite The Night SHSU Counseling Center along with several university and community organizations are

Children $3

collaborating with Huntsville, Texas community to create the 2nd Annual Ignite the Night event. The Ignite the Night is to promote awareness about and honor survivors of sexual assault and

Wednesday, April 10th from 6:00pm.

See new website for movie times

domestic violence on campus and in the broader Huntsville community.

huntsvillemovies.com

Includes speakers and performances

For more information, please contact Dr. Maryam Ilahi at (936) 294-1720

(936) 291-0248

Page 5

Sports

Thursday, April 4, 2013 houstonianonline.com/sports

Texas now has a true rivalry

Connor Hyde and Cody Lewis debate over which MLB team will achieve more success CODY LEWIS Sports Editor

CONNOR HYDE Sports Reporter Despite my Cowboys alliance I’m a Houston fan boy. Opening Day 2013-still lost within inception, a dream within a dream- has become not merely a tally in the win column, but a statement for the Houston Astros and their fan base. For some, the new season is a new breath after last season’s 50th anniversary celebrating decades of Houston baseball with 100 losses. For others, the new look, mascot, and management is an excuse to sweep the past five years out of the dugout. Monday’s 8-2 victory over the Rangers to open the season, proved the efficiency the Astros are capable of competing at. The new face of the program, Justin Maxwell, connected for a towering triple into the left center power alley (short about a foot for a homer), Maxwell differentiates himself from former Astros Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn with power at the plate but and is expected to elevate the program beyond the reach of the Rangers within the next five to eight years. Although the Rangers have seasoned veterans exposed to playoffs in October, Maxwell’s role as Houston’s new face of the program is to lead the young ball club into the conversation as a competitive group and edge the Rangers from the AL west. Unless management continues to follow their trend of trading off Houston’s all-star contender to rival programs, Maxwell can look to be the next Craig Biggio. Game two, the Astros played well, like the Astros. Historically within the past five years, strong starts from opposing pitchers the Astros have whiffed at a decent cutter and chase sliders out of the zone. Tuesday night was no different. Although the Rangers are composed of a veteran lineup, their pitching can be considered in the top echelon of the MLB. Yu Darvish’s performance of 14 strikeotus and a perfect 8 2/3 innings, the Astros will remain to be shutout by the Rangers lineup. Darvish’s weakeness is his tendency to leave fastballs up in the strike zone to be jumped on (seen in game two), where

newly acquired designated hitter Carlos Pena and power hitter Brett Wallace. As with championship series, the new Astros, Rangers rivalry will ultimately come down to pitching. With the transition from the National League to the American League, fans’ offseason worries dug their spikes at the plate. The AL contains the league’s strongest pitchers including C.C. Sabathia, Yu Darvish, Derek Hollan, Justin Verlander and Jared Weaver; all consistent contenders for the annual Cy-Young award. Currently Houston is starting the 2013 season with a bad rap after consecutive 100 plus losses in previous seasons and is projected to repeat. With game one in the books, and game two evening the record at 1-1, the Astros can look to have a season looking to end 20 games below .500. To set the tone for the remaining games in the Texas showdown, Houston must narrow their focus to stronger approaches at the plate and developing their bullpen to have strong secondary pitches in their arsenal. Unlike the NL, the AL historically has stronger hitters within the league and is recruiting a new, younger breed of athletes like Washington National’s outfielder Bryce Harper and Angels’ outfielder Mike Trout. Houston has recruited well during the offseason placing young blood in their Triple A program and spring training season. Notably Houston native Robbie Grossman (who was acquired in the Wandy Rodriguez trade) who swung a .273 batting average during spring training and connected for three doubles. Although Grossman is overshadowed by Maxwell, and last year Jordan Schafer, but was included on the pre-season 40 man roster during the limbo phase of transition and securing a starting lineup. With youth scattered throughout their lineup, and veteran pitchers on their last arm, Houston this season should take some relationship advice and work day by day against the Rangers and throughout the season to avoid a three-peat 100 loss season and return confidence back into Houston baseball.

Southland Conference Standings

Baseball

Southeastern La. McNeese Sam Houston State Oral Roberts Texas A&M-CC Stephen F. Austin Central Arkansas Lamar Nicholls Northwestern State

6-0 5-1 4-2 4-2 3-3 3-3 2-4 2-4 1-5 0-6

Softball McNeese Northwestern State Southeastern La. Central Arkansas Lamar Sam Houston State Houston Baptist Nicholls Stephen F. Austin Texas A&M-CC

8-2 6-4 7-5 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-6 6-6 4-8 2-10

For the last three years, I have experienced some serious heart break as a fan of the Texas Rangers. Most recently, I saw Yu Darvish’s bid for a perfect game end with two outs in the ninth inning. Before that, losing two consecutive World Series titles—one that we were one strike away from. Even with these letdowns, however, the Rangers are still one of the most dominant ball clubs in all of Major League Baseball. Over the offseason, the Rangers lost key players such as Josh Hamilton and Michael Young. They also lost the heart of their bullpen in Mike Adams and Koji Uehara. But with the addition of veterans Lance Berkman and A.J. Pierzynski, I believe the Rangers still have the weapons to shoot for another World Series title. Those who oppose this feeling seem to forget that we still have good starting pitching as a consistently powerful offense. On Monday night, in the midst of Darvish almost throwing a perfect game, the Rangers had five players with a multihit game. And this wasn’t against just any bad pitcher. It was against Lucas Harrell, who lead the Astros in ERA last season at 3.46, which was lower that Darvish’s 3.90. Defeating the Astros in 2013 will not be as easy as it used to be. I have to give them credit where credit is due. Harrell is not the only good Astros pitcher. Bud Norris and Phillip Humber can also do some damage to a team’s lineup. Norris earned a win on Opening Night against the Rangers and Humber threw a perfect game last year against the Seattle Mariners. Houston also has valuable hitters in

Justin Maxwell, Jose Altuve and Rick Ankiel. The three seemed to have no trouble hitting against Ranger ace Matt Harrison. I could also argue that the three went 0-9 against Darvish in his perfect game bid. Darvish showed on Tuesday night the pitcher he truly is—a guy who loves to get most of his outs at the plate. He faced 27 batters and struck out more than half of them (14). If he can be half as dominant as he was Tuesday night all year, he will be in the conversation with Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander for American League Cy Young contenders. I am just scratching the surface of the Rangers’ staring pitching. Along with Harrison and Darvish, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando also have very impressive resumes. And with the return of Colby Lewis after his elbow surgery, Texas could very possibly have one of the strongest starting rotations in the AL. As of yet, the Texas bullpen has been nothing special. But when former closer Neftali Feliz returns and Robbie Ross gets hot, the Rangers bullpen should be just as stable as it was before. Offense will not be a problem for the Rangers, as usual. Every starting hitter for the Rangers either has a powerful bat or is fast enough to steal bases. Some players, like Ian Kinsler and David Murphy, can do both. Because of these reasons, I expect the Rangers to take at least 15 of the 19 games they play against the Astros. I will also predict that the Astros will have their third consecutive 100 loss season. With this strong Ranger team, the Dallas/Fort Worth area can be proud of their baseball team and silence former player Josh Hamilton by becoming a the “real baseball town” of Texas.

Page 6

Minor in

HUMAN SERVICES Great for majors in Psychology Sociology

Philosophy

Learn to give a helping hand

For more information, visit

shsu.edu/see/humanservices SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

the way you want

to live.

off CAmpus

freedom

Thursday, April 4, 2013

BioShock Infinite grips players with fast-paced gameplay and exciting twist MATT FRAZIER Web & Multimedia Editor

BioShock Infinite breaks new ground by being set in a completely new location and trying new things, yet still being true to what the audience of the original game loved as well. Instead of another foray in the undersea city of Rapture, Infinite takes place Columbia, a floating city in the sky. The city appears to be broken off of the United States, sporting extreme American patriotism around every corner to a point where it becomes creepy. On the surface, there lies images of racism, extreme religious zealotry and corruption. When the player arrives in Columbia, it is apparent that everything is definitely not as it seems. Players play through the eyes of Booker DeWitt, a man on a mission to retrieve a girl for a mysterious man to repay a debt. When meeting the girl, Elizabeth, Booker soon learns that what he is dealing with is no ordinary job. Most players would fret at the idea of an entire game being a giant escort mission, but fear not, Elizabeth does not get in the player’s way. Elizabeth will throw you supplies like health, ammunition, or Salts, which are used for the Vigor powers. Elizabeth throws the player money during quiet moments, which can be helpful. Voiced by Courtnee Draper, Elizabeth has constant conversations with

Matt Frazier| The Houstonian

Booker, who is voiced by Troy Baker. The scripted scenes involving her are very well executed and do not come out hamfisted like many typical video game cut scenes. Even her unscripted reactions to what happens are believable. If the player points a gun at her, she will say “Don’t point that near me!” or just duck if the player is trying to shoot an enemy on the other side of her. One of the largest differences from BioShock and BioShock 2 is the changes in gameplay. In some ways, the gameplay is too simplified for its own good. The biggest offender is that the player can only carry two guns at a time. On the flip side, the plasmid-like Vigor powers are awesome as ever. There are fewer Vigors than the BioShock game had plasmids however you can have all of them at once, and each has more than one function. Easily one of the most welcome additions, which was added in BioShock 2, is the ability to have both your Vigor and gun out at the same time. This way the player can use their

Vigor, then immediately fire without having to take the time to switch to their weapon. Taking place in the sky, there are more wide open combat areas than in previous entries of the series. To emphasize this, there are sky-lines running through the larger combat areas. Booker is equipped with a device called a skyhook, which he uses as a melee weapon, but more importantly it allows him to attach to sky-lines and move extremely quickly. While riding on a skyline, the player can still aim and fire their weapon and land wherever they wish to on the ground. The number one thing fans would expect from the game is a plot twist. Without spoiling it, BioShock Infinite does have one and it is extremely unexpected. This is definitely an ending people will be talking about years when referring to plots in video games. BioShock Infinite is truly a work of art that lived up to its years of hype. The storyline is mind blowing, and the gameplay is interesting throughout.

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