The Houstonian, Jan. 25

Vol 117— Issue 2

Huntsville, Texas

Tuesday, January 25, 2010

Salvia, K2 under scrutiny

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Huntsville city council discusses ordinance as more states ban prevalent substances

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OUT OF THIS WORLD. While some researchers say Salvinorin A. could potentially help treat illnesses, other studies address psychic effects that include perceptions of bright lights, vivid colors and shapes, as well as body movements and body or object distortions. According to the DEA, other effects include dysphoria, uncontrolled laughter, a sense of loss of body, overlapping realities, and hallucinations. The DEA said adverse physical effects may include incoordination, dizziness, and slurred speech.

By Mike Silva Senior Editor

While debates and movements for marijuana reform in the United States grow, a separate, yet similar, issue is also on the rise.

In a recent Huntsville City Council meeting, the council considered an ordinance that would make synthetic marijuana substitutes illegal for sale and possession in the city. Such substances include Salvia divinorum and JWH018, commonly known as K2 or Spice.

Although a citywide

ban remains to be seen, councilmember and deputy chief of Sam Houston State University’s police department James Fitch’s biggest concern is the growing popularity in the substances. “[These substances are] becoming more and more prevalent, and that’s why states and cities, like ours, are taking a proactive stance on this,” he said. “We don’t want students being harmed or dying from this.

“We’ve had instances here on campus that have led to people being transported to hospitals. K2 and salvia are all there together.”

“We’ve had instances here on campus that have led to people being transported to hospitals. K2 and salvia are all there together.”

--UPD Deputy Chief James Fitch While use of K2 and salvia among young adults as a legal way to get high is nothing new, precautions are being made in light of recent incidents.

Salvia sales have surged since a recent YouTube video surfaced of Miley Cyrus using the substance, according to TMZ.com.

Salvia use is even being linked to Jared Loughner’s

Arizona shooting, according to a high school friend of his, however the claims have yet to be confirmed, nor has there been any evidence that the herb use may have any direct cause in the shooting.

Cases of sickened K2 users have recently increased, too, according to the USA Today.

— See SALVIA, page 3

“Salvia divinorum is grown domestically and imported from Mexico and Central and South America.

The Internet is used for the promotion and distribution of Salvia divinorum.

It is sold as seeds, plant cuttings, whole plants, fresh and dried leaves, extractenhanced leaves of various strengths (e.g., 5x, 10x, 20x, 30x), and liquid extracts purported to contain salvinorin A. These products are also sold at local shops (e.g., head shops and tobacco shops) and over the internet as a “legal alternative to controlled hallucinogens, however DEA is not aware of any legitimate medical use.”

--DEA

E. Jay Miranda | The Houstonian REACHING OUT. President Dana Gibson was present to address the first Interfraternity Council meeting of the semester. Her words encouraged the Greek community as they prepare for the Spring 2011 Rush.

For more information on IFC, you can contact IFC president Erik Johnson at ebj003@shsu.edu

Squad takes 10th at nationals

By E.Jay Miranda Marketing Manager

On Jan. 16, two members of the SHSU co-ed cheerleading squad finished in 10th place at the 2011 United Cheerleading Association National Championships in Orlando.

Junior kinesiology major Jesse Wallace and junior psychology major Rochell Garza were invited to compete in the competition amongst 39 teams that submitted video entries, and went head to head

with 19 couples during the three day event.

“It was an honor to qualify caused no one else had ever done so.” said Jesse Wallace.

“Though it was tough not having our full team out there (only four made the trip), to be considered the top 10 in the nation was worth the hard work.”

For more information on the cheerleading program at Sam Houston State, you can check out www.shsu.edu/ spirit.

STATE OF THE UNION

President, congress prepares focus for rare ‘Date Night’ Economy, jobs top priority for Obama at upcoming State of the Union address

By Kolby Flowers Senior Reporter

President Barack Obama will deliver the annual State of the Union address, during a joint session of Congress tonight.

In an online video, President Obama told supporters the main focus of the speech will be the economy and creating jobs.

“My principal focus, my number one focus, is going to be making sure that we are competitive, that we are

growing, and we are creating jobs not just now but well into the future,” Obama said.

The address, to be begin at 8 p.m. local time, will be Obama’s second State of the Union address and comes after the democratic party lost its majority in the House of Representatives to the Republican party in the November mid-term elections.

Obama is also expected to continue his call for bipartisanship in Congress as he did following the assassination attempt of U.S.

Late registration payment deadline: Wednesday Spring 2011 graduation application : Thursday, Feb. 3.

Representative Gabrielle Giffords.

“These are big On the agenda challenges Jobs that are in Economy front of Bipartisanship us,” Obama Healthcare said. “But we’re up to Gun Laws it, as long Foreign Policy as we come together as a people -- Republicans, Democrats, Independents -- as long as we’re willing to find common

ground even as we’re having vigorous debates.

That’s what built this country, that’s what we’re all about, and that’s what it’s going to take to win the future.”

The President’s recent call for bipartisanship has inspired what many have come to call “Date Night” in Congress as several Democratic and Republican lawmakers are pairing off to sit together.

— See UNION, page 3

Picture courtesy of Brian McColpin

INDEX

SPORTS

Undefeated women’s basketball impresses and improves to 5-0 SEE page 6

Special.....................page 4

Viewpoints...........page 2 Sports.......................page 5 Campus................page 3 Entertainment.......page 6

Viewpoints

Page 2 Tuesday, January 25, 2011

houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

Quick Thoughts

By Stephen Green Viewpoints Editor

Campus Parking:

As a resident of Sam Houston Villiage I am subject to the parking woes that affect the rest of campus.

However, it has been almost four months since they have taken out close to 60 parking spaces and have yet to do anything about it.

There are 500 residents of Sam Houston Villiage and much less than that in parking spaces. When I leave the newsroom tonight I will probably have to park much farther away in a noncampus area because of a lack of action.

I shouldn’t have to pay to park my car a significant distance away from my residence. Get it together people.

Politicians: Admittedly, I am a Republican. However, I hate politics and politicians.

I cite the recent case where Republicans have tried to take out President Obama’s healthcare law.

I call shenanigans. This is a purely voter friendly move on their part. Because of the number of representatives that they control, they can pass this kind of legislation in the House. But in the Senate their is no hope. In addition, Obama would surely veto it and they definitely don’t have the votes to override that.

The only reason I see this being on the table is to fufil the wishes of their constituents. Take my word, they will return to their respective districts and say “Well, we tried,” and shrug their shoulders.

This is why I really hate calling myself a Republican sometimes, but really why I hate the business of politics.

Letter to the Editor

By Marc Edge, Ph.D.

Regardless of who you are, what your background is, or what your beliefs are, we all generally believe following the law is a good thing.

It keeps society safe and functioning, and it provides us all an equal avenue to know the consequences of our actions.

We know that if we are doing 85 on I-45 and get pulled over, chances are we’re in for a ticket, but if you shoot someone, you’re going to jail for a long time.

It is both the respect for the laws that govern our society as well as the inconvenience of the penalty of breaking them that keeps order.

But sometimes, in some places, people who break the law don’t have to pay the penalty; not because they didn’t break the law, or not because they didn’t mean to, but because peace officers are not allowed to do their jobs.

In cities both across the nation and right here in Texas, city policies and precedent are preventing peace officers from protecting the public by refusing to allow them to enforce federal immigration law. In many of these “sanctuary cities” peace officers are prevented from inquiring into the immigration status of any persons of interest in an investigation.

Editorial: Kids these days Wouldn’t you have loved to see the first time someone tried to huff canned Cool Whip? Or smoking potpourri? Or maybe the first adventure with sniffing Crayola markers?

The fact that people even attempt these things is enough to pity our species.

Teens say all the time that parents “don’t understand” what they are going through, or “they haven’t been there.” The fact is that they have and hating them is no reason to act ridiculous.

Around the time that the current college generation was in middle and high school, there was a big to do about the slap on bracelets being banned because a few kids decided to slit their wrists with the metal strip.

We agree that the slippery slope of stupidity probably began in the ‘60s when our parents started smoking and other illicit activities. Now look what happened (see first four

paragraphs).

Kids are very different than they used to be. Before, the main event of the year was the sock hop. Now, kids hardly go to dances and would rather smoke dope and knock each other up. That has become the standard of today with shows like “Jersey Shore” and “Secret Life of the American Teenager.”

These shows place an emphasis on sex, drugs and obnoxiousness.

There is literally no point in watching a show about people…living.

Imagine this. You are sitting on the couch eating chips watching people sit on their couch drinking and partying.

Honestly, we agree that cultures change and it’s not always able to be stopped. It doesn’t mean that it should be condoned.

The hippie movement of our parents couldn’t be stopped and the trash American youth watch distract them from other important tasks.

Entertainment is important but shouldn’t be the emphasis people place on their life. Snooki shouldn’t be someone’s idol, Paris Hilton shouldn’t be mimicked and stop getting pregnant to be like those girls on “16 and Pregnant.”

Other countries are quickly passing up the United States in literacy rates, and in math and sciences. This can’t bode well for the future if nothing is changed. Residents of other countries shouldn’t think that all Americans are like the people on Jersey Shore, or carry around Chihuahuas.

America should be seen as a place where otehr people want to be. We should be the place to envy and compete with. We should always value the importance of entertainment but keep it reasonable. Letting our wants run wild is making us and will make our children, just plain stupid.

Fighting fire with insanity

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 communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Stephen Green Viewpoints Editor sgreen@houstonianonline.com

Paws Up, Paws Down “Paws UP” to the Lady Bearkats basketball team for 5-0 in conference play, which is the first time in school history.

“Paws DOWN” to the recent strange weather patterns that often catch me without an umbrella.

Stephen 0, Mother Nature 2.

Stephen Green discusses the

“Paws UP” to the Houstonian iPhone app being submitted for approval.

downfalls in the legal system In light of his actions in Tucson, Ariz., Jared Lee Loughner has entered pleas of not guilty for charges of attempted assassination of three public officials, including Rep. Gabrielle Gifford and two of her aides. Obviously, the man did it and obviously, he is going to try some insanity or diminished capacity defense.

This is what is wrong with the legal system in America today. People want to go easy on criminals who “didn’t know what they were doing at the time.” This includes people who drink, drive and killed people. It includes people who text and run into grandma on her way home from the grocery store. And also people like Loughner, who will probably claim that some obscure, probably made up, disease forced him to kill.

When someone texts and drives, or drives under the influence, they assume certain risks, like going to jail or being fined, or being scraped off a tree

because they weren’t paying attention. It’s senseless to give those individuals breaks because it was an accident. If it were up to me, I would charge them with capital murder.

The same goes for criminals like Loughner.

Just because he is a depraved person who plotted to kill people doesn’t give him “diminished capacity” as most legal defenders say. He is just a terrible person. Someone with a diminished capacity is could be children, or adults with dementia or autism. They, for the most part, can’t understand the concepts of society and right and wrong.

The legal system should employ a mandatory life sentence for menaces that have no acceptable reason, like defending your home, to kill. For example, in 1912 New York bartender John Schrank shot thenformer President Theodore Roosevelt directly in the chest as he was campaigning for his second term.

Luckily, the bullet went

through a metal eyeglass case and a 50-page copy of his speech. The bullet lodged only three inches into his chest and injured no vital organs.

Schrank offered no explanation for the attempted assassination… at first. It must have been a temporary memory loss because he later remembered in front of a panel of doctors that President William McKinney came to him in a dream and told him to kill Roosevelt. Sure, and I own oceanfront property in Kansas. Schrank was acquitted of all charges.

Cases like this make me sad for mankind. They not only acquit known killers, but let them go back out on the streets. Loughner will almost definitely be found guilty of something, but I don’t think he should live much longer. An eye for an eye, that’s all I’m asking.

“Paws DOWN” to the slow internet at the beginning of the semester.

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 FACULTY ADVISOR

- Stephen is the Viewpoints Editor for the Houstonian

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Campus

Page 3 Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The best has yet to come

houstonianonline.com/campus-news

Complexes still under construction considered to be ideal for students’ budgets

by George Mattingly Contributing Reporter According to several students, the newest additions to off campus living are the best way to go for student living.

Both complexes, The Forum at Sam Houston and Villas on Sycamore will be available for students to move in this summer. The Forum includes several community amenities such as a cyber café, study center and lounge, new fitness center, media center shuttle service and a car care center. Student apartments feature new furniture and fixtures throughout, free expanded cable and internet connections, wood floors and patios.

“I think it’s the best place to live off campus,” said future resident Olivia Jaramillo.

“I really like the fact they will have a shuttle because of the limited parking on campus.”

The Forum offers individual leases for studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor

From UNION page 1

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma are putting aside their differences and will sit together during the President’s address.

“I think if Coburn and Schumer can sit next to each other, then probably just about everybody can,” Schumer told CBS’ program “Face the Nation.” “It’s true it’s symbolic, but let’s not forget (that) oftentimes in

From SALVIA page 1

“Any time someone is putting something in their body, which on the package says ‘not for human consumption,’ you’re already having some issues,” Fitch said. “[K2] was never meant to be smoked. It’s meant to be used as an incense, not meant to go in a body.”

“It’s toxic. There have been people ending up in hospitals, and even deaths caused by it.

It’s obviously a very harmful substance.”

Salvia divinorum is a perennial herb in the mint family native to certain areas of the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. The active ingredient, identified as salvinorin A, forms psychedelic visions for users.

“The danger in salvia isn’t so much the tolls it takes on the body, but more of what someone is capable, or incapable, of doing while intoxicated from it,” said Sharon Cobb, PharmD. “The substance is misused mostly for the hallucinogenic effects it leaves on those who consume it. Salvinorin A is a potent activator of kappa opioid receptors in the brain, which causes those almost euphoric experiences.”

Salvia, which is controlled in 15 states as of September, 2010, can be ingested by chewing fresh leaves or by drinking their extracted juices, but smoking dried leaves has evolved as the popular means of consumption in the United States.

People who abuse salvia generally experience “psychotomimetic” episodes, including changes in visual perception, mood and body sensations, emotional swings, feelings of detachment, and a highly modified perception of external reality and the

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plans ranging from 6751250 square feet with all bills included for $499-$789 per month.

“I think it is one of the most expensive places to live, but in the end you get what you pay for,” said Olivia.

Additionally, The Villas offer students the option of a town home. Units include a town home floor plan that features hardwood floors, full furnishings, and stainless steel appliances. Community amenities include a recreation center, on-site dog park, on-site management and maintenance. Rates range from $459-469 monthly for a four bedroom floor plan with all utilities included except electricity. However amenities aren’t the only thing that matter says future resident Cathy Do, “The staff is really involved and professional. They were eager to answer my questions and worked efficiently.”

As a current resident of The Grove, Cathy said her reasons for moving have to do with the level of professionalism and the living standards that

each complex boasts.

Apartments at The Grove feature fully furnished units with cable and internet connections, dish washer, and full size refrigerator. Other facilities include a coffee bar, fire pit and grill area, and a 24-hour fitness center.

However, she stands by her decision, “I’m going to get more for my money and at a more reasonable rate at the Villas,” she said.

Despite these new additions some students still favor cheaper options such as

history, symbols influence reality.”

Former Presidential Candidate and Republican Senator from Arizona, John McCain has said he would be sitting with Democratic Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico.

On CBS’ “Face the Nation,” McCain called it “a good idea,” but also said it was “a bit overblown.”

One benefit he hoped for was fewer of the automatic standing ovations by Democrats for a Democratic president.

“I frankly think the cheerleading side of it

has detracted from the ability of any president, Republican or Democrat, to speak continuously to the American people without so many interruptions,” McCain said.

“I think there will be plenty of interruptions, and it doesn’t matter where you sit, but it might be nice to have a few less.”

There is no set seating arrangement for members of Congress during a joint session.

Traditionally, Democrats sit on one side and the Republicans sit on the other. However, as many as 20 members of Congress

have said they will break tradition by sitting next to members of the other party.

The President will also be honoring survivors and relatives of the victims of the Arizona Tragedy.

President’s traditionally honor special guest by inviting them to sit alongside the first lady in her reserved box in the House Chamber.

White House spokesman Nick Shapiro says that Daniel Hernandez, the intern who assisted Rep. Giffords after she was shot on Jan 8 in Tucson, AZ, will join First Lady Michelle Obama for the duration of the speech.

self, leading to a decreased ability to interact with one’s surroundings, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

As studies are being formed to discover the harmful effects, if any, salvia leaves on people, so is research on the health benefits of the substance. “ A l z h e i m e r ’s , schizophrenia, depression, insomnia, stress, indigestion, and chronic pain are some of the health issues that could one day be treated with the use of this herb, or its chemical constituents,” said Black Hat Botanicals.

“Historically, Salvia divinorum was widely used by the Mazatec Indians for centuries, who sought relief from rheumatism, anemia and headache.”

JWH-018 is a synthetic cannabinoid agonist formed by a mixture of herbs and spices.

K2’s key ingredients were invented by Dr. John Huffman at Clemson University in 1995 during medical research on the effects of cannabinoids on the brain. He found no medical benefits, only negative side effects, according to CNN. The psychoactive drug can cause users to experience rapidly increased heart rates, loss of consciousness, paranoia and psychotic episodes, according to an article in the Missourian.

JWH-018’s positive effects on one’s health, outside of claims of its antidepressant benefits, have yet to be uncovered.

Even though JWH-018 is not currently controlled under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), some synthetic cannabinoids and herbal products have been controlled in 16 states as of November, 2010.

Like salvia, JWH-018

does not contain delta nine tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant, but some users claim the two carry similar effects.

“Whenever I tried Spice, it was similar to marijuana, but I felt a lot more paranoid,” said a University of Texas at El Paso student who chose to be unidentified.

“It was definitely a strange experience.”

The UTEP student also used salvia, but described the experience as something completely different.

“It’s almost like you’re outside of yourself,” the student said. “You’re in two different worlds, two different dimensions.

I couldn’t imagine anyone functioning, even somewhat, while using it.”

“It’s not a social, or party, drug, either. It’s something more intimate you should alone or with very few people.

“Having said that, I don’t think either should be banned, just used responsibly.

Especially considering the research isn’t complete.”

Despite the increasing attention on these substances, many are still unaware of what the effects, either harmful or beneficial, are on the human body.

As legal marijuana substitutes are building exposure, legislatures are starting to look deeper into banning them.

Fitch is confident these substances will be outlawed locally soon in an ordinance to be voted on in coming weeks.

“I believe ultimately [the substances] will be banned not just in the city of Huntsville, but also statewide,” he said.

“Even possibly, with the DEA involved, [they could become banned] federally.”

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

UNDER CONSTRUCTION. The latest in off-campus housing will be open for students this summer.

Follow us on Twitter @HoustonianSHSU

Aberdeen Place which offers fully furnished four bedroom units at $404 monthly with all bills included. University House is just four blocks from campus and offers 1, 2, and 4 bedroom units ranging from 309-1221 square feet starting at $399 per month.

Please recycle your copy of The Houstonian

GOT NEWS TIPS?

Would you like to write for the Houstonian? Do you have an story idea?

E-mail Associate News Editor Erin Peterson at erp008@shsu.edu to become a contributor.

Campus Calendar Tuesday, Jan. 25: - Late Registration closes at 4:00 pm, payment due by 5:00pm (10:00 pm online). Schedule deletions for nonpayment at 10:00 pm.

- Diversity Council Mixer: at 6:30 p.m. in Lowman Student Kat Klub. For more information, call Donielle Miller, Multicultural and International Student Services coordinator, at 936.294.3588.

Wednesday, Jan. 26: - Multicultural Greek Week begins - 12pm-1pm - How to Work the Career Fair - 3pm-4pm - Resume Writing / Interviewing - Investing in Your Future: from noon to 1 p.m. in LSC Room 315 - Guest speaker David Stollman - 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Today in History - 1533 - Henry VIII secretly marries Anne Boleyn - 1881 - Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell form the Oriental Telephone Company - 1882 - Virginia Woolf, author, born - 1921 - Samuel T. Cohen, inventor of the neutron bomb, born - 1938 - Etta James, singer, born - 1961 - President John F. Kennedy delivers first live presidential news conference on television - 1994 - Clementine Space Probe launches - 1996 - Billy Bailey became last person to be hanged in the U.S. - 1981 - Alicia Keys, singer, born

Private fourplex for students 1 BR/1BA $500/month - $200 deposit for more info

936.689.0351

Arts & Entertainment

Page 5 Tuesday, January 25, 2011

houstonianonline.com/entertainment

Far from “Fetch” Box Office Hits Numbers and rank from weekend of Jan 21-23

“Mean Girls 2” premier disappoints eager fans

By Thomas Merka

Entertainment Editor

Who hasn’t seen Tina Fey’s masterpiece “Mean Girls?”

The film came out in 2004 and starred one-time beloved actress Lindsey Lohan. The film was an instant hit due to its wit and scary, yet accurate representation of high school life.

“Mean Girls” has long been one of my favorite movies and I cannot even begin to

count how many times I’ve seen it, all I know is that I can quote almost the whole thing from beginning to end.

So, when I heard that ABC Family was releasing “Mean Girls 2” I was ecstatic, that is until I saw a preview for it.

I try my hardest not to judge a movie solely by its preview, but I just could help but have a premonition that this movie was going to be awful, and I was right.

There are so many

Photo courtesy of www.imdb.com

problems with this movie as a whole I don’t know where to begin. First, let’s start with the characters. In the original “Mean Girls,” even though “The Plastics” were egotistical jerks, the audience still falls in love with them and all of their flaws.

Not so in “Mean Girls 2.”

I can honestly say that the new Plastics were awful and annoying. Claire Holt plays the iconic sexually active, dumb-blonde character, “Chastity,” and does a very poor job. I don’t know if the horrid script or a lack of acting skill, or both made this character fall apart but something just did not work.

Building on my mention of “horrid script,” let’s talk about the plot. The main thing that bothered me about this movie was how similar the story line was to the original. Parts of the movie were actually exact copies of scenes from the original!

The concept for this movie is dismal and the script was poorly written, resulting in a film that looks and feels like a cheap knock-off of the original rather than a sequel.

Overall, I have to say I was very disappointed in this film.

I was hoping for a movie that would remind me why I fell in love with the original and, instead, received a film that part of me wishes I had never watched.

1

No Strings Attached

Domestic Gross:

3

$19,652,921

Domestic Gross:

$63,018,808

4

The Dilemma

Domestic Gross:

2

The Green Hornet

The King’s Speech

$32,746,225

Domestic Gross:

$57,313,881

Images taken from boxofficemojo.com. © Images copyright their respective owners; usually the distributor of the above titled movie unless otherwise noted.

“The Game” that needs to end soon

By Brandon Scott Sports Editor

One of the most highly anticipated television premieres of 2011 proved to be a complete letdown. The Game, originally a CW sitcom that was cancelled in 2009, reappeared after a strong push from its predominately African-American fan-base.

The Game was syndicated on BET, which eventually picked the show back up.

It’s a story about three high-profiled football players, starring for the fictional San Diego Sabres.

The show documents their, success and misfortune, mainly off the field, as well as expressing the critical role women counterparts play in sports.

The Game should have stayed with CW. The new script is not only a mockery of the TV show many people grew to admire, but it’s just flat-out tasteless.

For some general background information, Kelly and Jason Pitts, played

by Coby Bell and Brittany Daniel are an interracial couple plagued with the artificiality of the premises of their relationship. As the show ended in 2009, Jason, a 50-million dollar football veteran revealed he only married Kelly because he needed a tax right-off

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(Jason is notorious for being a cheapskate). This is only after Kelly admitted she only married Jason because he was rich.

These characters had color before. They were interesting and very much apart of the success of the show. Now, they’ve been divorced for two years and have taken complete turns in personality.

Kelly is a reality television personality (go figure the show is based on being a spoiled gold-digger). Jason is now retired from football, and has a job as a sports commentator on a show with Chris Webber? It makes no sense. The sports show is almost as over exaggerated as Kelly’s spot. At one point during the premiere, Webber leaned over to Jason and said, “You know I’ll kick yo ass right?”

That’s never happened on a sports show and had no precedent in a fictional setting either. These two characters lost their relevance somewhere in the transition from CW to BET. Hosea Chanchez plays Malik Wright, the quarterback of the Sabres and classic momma’s boy. Malik provides the bravado for the cast, with his brashness and cockiness. In the premiere, his ego is heightened and he’s upped the anti towards obnoxiousness. But he does show some significance in the second episode.

Initially, BET paints a picture of Malik as an unsavory friend to his

sidekick, TT, who he funded a meat truck for.

After Malik has had too much to drink, he tries to embarrass TT into being his designated driver. TT’s girlfriend volunteers, instead.

Predictably, Malik undercuts TT out of spite and somewhat “takes his girl” on the way home.

But what’s happening with Tasha, Malik’s mom played

by Wendy Raquel Robinson?

She’s always going to be a polarizing character, but they’re showing her smoking Black & Milds in some scenes. Tasha, as loud as she can be, was previously known as a successful sports agent and obviously the mother of a millionaire athlete. Now she’s smoking 75 cent cigars on Sunset? Again, it makes no sense.

Still, the heart of the show is Derwin and Melanie, played by Pooch Hall and Tia Mowry. No matter how bizarre the story line gets, loyal fans will still be compelled by the love story of Derwin and Melanie.

They’re two years into their marriage, finally past the fact Derwin had an illegitimate child with another woman in between a rough stage in their relationship, or so it seems.

Melanie’s ill-conceived paternity test could ruin the couple’s relationship, or could it? The Derwin and Melanie story is all the show has going for itself, which one would hope BET could keeps its hands off of.

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Ladies of excellence Kats improve to 5-0 in Southland Conference

By Brandon Scott Sports Editor

HUNTSVILLE -- The team to beat in Southland Conference women’s basketball is Sam Houston State. With an 8367 victory over Texas A&MCorpus Christi, the Bearkat women improved to 5-0 in conference, still standing as one of only two teams remaining undefeated in league play (McNeese State is also 5-0).

The Kats are off to their strongest start since 1998, led by recently named Southland Conference Player of the Week Britni Martin who scored 19 point in the win over Corpus Christi. Martin also recorded eight assists and grabbed seven rebounds.

Sophomore Sequeena Thomas added 17 points and 11 boards, despite being held out much of the first half due to foul trouble. Chanice Smith had 15 points.

In the beginning, Corpus Christi (0-5, 2-16) hung around with Sam Houston, trading buckets for a while. Then, a 3-pointer from Thomas led Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian to a 16-0 run, which buried the Islanders into a hole they SUPPORTING CAST. Nyha Carter (above) gave SHSU a spark off the bench with nine points and seven rebounds, six offensive boards. weren’t fit to climb out of.

“Nothing is ever an easy offensive rebounds. Also, from Corpus forward Adrienne victory,” head coach Brenda freshman Zoe Tucker played Scott. Buckets from Tucker and Nichols said. “We started out big minutes when Thomas and free throws from Smith, who with a little slack. That was Clarke Davis struggled with was a perfect seven of seven unusual, for us to come out foul trouble. from the foul line, held the Kats early with a slow start. Then “That’s big for freshmen to substantial advantage. we picked it up and it was overcome in, put some big numbers “We got our stuff together,” with. Once we picked it up, up,” Nichols said. “Our bench Britni Martin said. “We kind they kind of got the taste of it a was great for us. That’s exciting. of just refocused. We’ve been little bit and they weren’t going And we broke the 0-9 streak.” talking about mental toughness to stop.”

The Islanders dominated for a long time now. I think The Kats finished the first the head-to-head matchup that’s what’s really been on our half with twice as many points previously, including an minds, being focused and being as the Islanders, 42-21. Corpus overtime game at Johnson mentally tough and taking it Christi was held to only 30.4 Coliseum last season, which one game at a time.” percent shooting in the first Corpus saw the better of. The The Kats hit the road this half, while Sam Houston shot Kats say they’ve owed Corpus week, with a game against an impressive 47.4 percent. for a while. rival Stephen F. Austin on Freshman Nyha Carter In the second half, the Kats Wednesday night. SHSU provided energy off the bench saw their once 21-point lead finishes the road trip on with nine points and seven cut down to 13 with a layup Saturday against UTSA. rebounds – six of those being

Page 6 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 twitter.com/HoustonianSport

Why the drop-off?

By Lotis Butchko Sports Reporter

Last year Sports Editor Brandon Scott and myself went to New Orleans for the NCAA tournament. We were there to watch the Bearkats cement their spot into March Madness history. What we got was a game that will be etched into our mind forever. With just a few minutes to go Sam Houston was within reach of major upset against Baylor, a highly favored team and if not for some panic in the last seconds, Sam Houston history could have been made (albeit 25-8 was already a school-best).

When this year came around we knew there would be a small drop off, the loss of two guard Corey Almond and point guard Ashton Mitchell would be a huge loss but surely Lance Pevehouse and Drae Murray would step up.

We certainly weren’t ready for this year, not ready at all. It has been a disappointment to say the least. You could say that we had too high of expectations, and that we overlooked the flaws that were obvious to everyone but us. But this year the players have not shown up, and the games are far from fun like last year.

To give you an idea of the drop off, last year Sam Houston started conference play with an 11 game winning streak.

This year the Bearkats are starting the conference with three loses in the first five games. And the argument could be made that the only reason they have won the other two is because

of the presence of power forward Gilberto Clavell and small forward Josten Crow.

To his credit Clavell, has taken on a bigger leadership role this year, after being named co-captain.

Clavell, who scored 30 points this weekend in a loss to Texas A&M Corpus Christi, has been the biggest offensive push for the team.

Some of the team’s offensive woes could be attributed to a new offensive system put in by first year coach Jason Hooten. Hooten who started his coaching career with a 4-6 record against other Division I schools has struggled in conference play losing to UT-Arlington, Texas State along with the Islanders.

But not all criticism can be placed squarely on the shoulders of Hooten. Some has to be placed with the team, who in some of their biggest games, have been on milk cartons.

The teams three point shooting has been considerably absent.

And their defense, which was the corner stone of Bob Marlin’s teams, has come and gone during this year.

Wednesday, the Bearkats will take on rival Stephen F. Austin in a rematch of last years Southland Conference tournament.

The Lumberjacks were picked to win the Southland Conference this year, and if the Bearkats can pull off, the upset this season has potential for another March Madness trip. If not, it could be an even longer season.

K atistics MEN’S HOOPS RESULTS SATURDAY, Jan. 22

SHSU 68 A&M-CC 70

STANDINGS

EAST DIVISION Lamar McNeese State Nicholls State Northwestern State Southeastern LA Central Arkansas

9-9 11-7 9-6 9-6 11-9 0-0

WEST DIVISION UTSA UT Arlington Stephen F. Austin Texas State

SHSU

Texas A&M-CC

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

(4-1) (4-3) (3-2) (4-3) (3-3) (2-4)

(4-1)

(4-1) (4-1) (5-2) (2-3) (3-5)

WOMEN’S HOOPS RESULTS SATURDAY, Jan. 22

A&M-CC 67 SHSU 83

STANDINGS

EAST DIVISION McNeese State Lamar Central Arkansas Northwestern State Southeastern LA Nicholls

13-5 14-4 11-7 7-11 9-7 6-12

(5-0) (3-1) (3-2) (2-3) (1-3) (1-4)

WEST DIVISION

Sam Houston State 11-8 (5-0) UTSA Stephen F. Austin UT Arlington Texas State Texas A&M-CC

8-10 5-12 5-12 5-12 2-16

(4-1) (2-2) (2-3) (0-4) (0-5)

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