The Houstonian, March 8, 2011

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

Vol 117— Issue 14

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

WHAT’S ON THE WEB Visit our website to participate in our latest multimedia projects or post your comments on the stories in this issue at HoustonianOnline.

com

Bearkat All Paws In

Basketball, Page 5

Jessica Gomez| The Houstonian

INDEX

Entertainment.......page4 Viewpoints.............page 2 Sports..................page 5 News......................page 3 Special.................page 6

New twists, old tradition Investiture to formally welcome first female president Photo courtesy of SGA

By Kolby Flower

Contributing Writer

Tonight, SHSU will officially install Dana Gibson, Ph.D., as its 13th President.

The investiture, a formal recognition of Gibson’s presidency, will begin at 3 p.m. in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum and is free and open to the public.

“This is a formal DANA L. welcome GIBSON, PH.D. for President Gibson,” said Julia May, assistant director for SHSU Communication.

“We had the announcement last fall and she had the opportunity to speak to the faculty and staff.

The investiture is the official recognition of her leadership as president.

It will be a chance for community leaders and people across the area to officially voice their welcome to her.”

SHSU promises to “add some new twists to

SHSU RESEARCH

Student

Engagement National survey targets student opinions

By Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-Chief

This month, SHSU students are being asked to assist the university with an important assessment activity currently taking place.

Selected students will receive an invitation, via their SHSU e-mails, to participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement, which compares SHSU and its students to other universities and their students.

“The results of the NSSE Survey are of great importance, as they help to guide program and service improvements at Sam,” said John Corkill, institutional assessment coordinator for the Institutional Research and Analysis department.

“If you recently received an e-mail invitation to participate in the NSSE Survey and have not yet responded, please do so today,” he said.

“Participation from those who receive an invitation is critical to the success of this campus-wide initiative.

Without your responses, complete, valid and useful findings cannot be obtained.”

Additional invitations and reminders will be sent by e-mail throughout the month.

For more information on the NSSE Survey or how the results will be utilized, contact the Institutional Research and Analysis office at 936.294.4321.

old traditions” during the investiture, according to a press release from the university.

Using the Twitter hashtag, #SHinvest, students will be able to see their tweets on a plasma screen, which will carry the live Twitter feed at the Investiture.

Students had been tweeting about the investiture activities over the weekend, which included a 5k Run and an “Investiture Edition” of Student Government’s Bearkat All Paws In. Both events occurred last Saturday, in which Gibson was actively involved.

A media wall during the March 8 reception will allow students to have their pictures taken with the newly initiated president.

In addition, SHSU will celebrate the launch of its new mobile app with a smartboard where participants can explore the program, according to the press release.

For those who are unable to attend the event, they will have the opportunity to log on to the Investiture website — See NEW, page 3

Jessica Gomez| The Houstonian

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION. In addition to the parking garage being closed for the investiture, classes will also be canceled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. today to officially welcome new university president Dana L. Gibson, Ph. D. The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. followed by a reception in the Lowman Student Center ballroom from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The parking garage will only be closed to public and hourly parking to provide reserved guest parking for the investiture. Garage contract parkers may continue to park in their assigned garage space as they normally do. Hourly parkers may park in the Bowers Stadium lot at no charge for the day. For more information, contact the Parking and Transportation office at 936-294-1790.

Title X legislation threatens Planned Parenthood funding

By Lauren Adkins Contributing Writer

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation as part of their budget plan to cut all funding for family planning programs, known as Title X. They have also introduced legislation that would amend Title X to permanently restrict funding to family planning clinics that offer abortion services.

If passed, the moves would strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood, which operates in Huntsville and more than 800 locations in the United States.

Federal funds would not be available for contraceptives, HIV tests, breast and cervical cancer screenings, annual exams and many other reproductive health and family planning services.

Rochelle Tafolla, vice president of communications

and marketing at a Planned Parenthood in Houston, Texas, said Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast (PPGC), an alliance of clinics in South East Texas and Louisiana, provided more than 110,400 health care visits last year.

The Huntsville health center provided more than 5,200 health care visits.

“Services included birth control, annual well woman exams, life saving cancer screenings tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections,” Tafolla said.

“We helped prevent an estimated 18,000 unintended pregnancies through contraceptive services,” Tafolla said.

“Just over 60 percent of visits provided by PPGC were paid for through subsidized federal and state programs like Medicaid and the Title X program.

Additionally, nearly 15,000 women received care from PPGC through the state’s Medicaid waiver-Women’s

“If passed, the moves would strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood, which operates in Huntsville and more than 800 locations in the United States.

Federal funds would not be available for contraceptives, HIV tests, breast and cervical cancer screenings, annual exams and many other reproductive health and family planning services.”

Health Care program alone.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), who is sponsoring the Title X Abortion Provider Act, leads the support for cutting federal funding to Planned Parenthood.

— See TITLE, page 3

Photo courtesy of S.Mirk| Flickr

LOCAL NUMBERS. Last month, rallied together by the GOP’s vote to cut all Title X funding for birth control, 400 Portlanders gathered to support their local Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast (PPGC), an alliance of clinics in South East Texas and Louisiana, provided more than 110,400 health care visits last year. The Huntsville health center provided more than 5,200 health care visits.

RELAY FOR LIFE

Kickoff: student shares testimony

By Chrystal Golden Contributing Writer

This year’s Relay for Life started off with the special Kick Off program that encouraged students to register for the official event, learn more about Relay and also be informed about the many different types of cancer.

The program also featured a more personal platform, giving SHSU student Kessler McLaughlin the opportunity to speak about what Relay for Life means to him and the impact cancer has had on his life.

McLaughlin, a freshman broadcast journalism major, has participated in at least four Relay for Life events since the sixth grade, and is always excited to share his experiences. “[Kick off] is a chance for me to tell people my story and to inspire them to go out there and raise money for cancer research,” McLaughlin said.

The Cable 7 sports anchor was diagnosed with Chronic Meyloid Leukemia, a very rare form of cancer, when he was only 14 years old. Chronic Meyloid Leukemia, a cancer that grows unhealthy and abnormal white blood cells, requires intensive treatment that targets the cancer, but also attacks the healthy cells.

— See KICKOFF, page 3

Viewpoints

Page 2 Tuesday, March 8, 2011

houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

Glass isn’t half empty

Branden Price asks that everyone try to find something to be grateful for

People whom have gone through different things have a bad habit of placing the blame of their hardships on others. When you do that, two things happen. You don’t take responsibility for your own actions and you refuse to look at the positive things which come out of your struggle. This is the art of gratitude.

Many people feel that it is hard to see the “silver lining” in situations that try their patience. Even personally, although I am a typically positive person, when a trial comes to set me focus on the negative which cause more negative to be manifested from there.

On the other hand, if you can only go into a situation where regardless what presents itself you cause yourself to see the benefit or something positive. There was a woman who was held as a prisoner in a foriegn country for about two

years. Everyday She admits was literally that finding hell for her, and something to be she should have grateful for like died while there. the love she had But something for her family or h a p p e n e d even being able where the place to breathe again where she was was enough to held captive keep her faith was ambushed that she would by American be released. soldiers and she Branden Price Then one day, the was brought Advertising Manager thoughts of her home to finally mind manifested see her family again. When and she had more to be she was interviewed she grateful for. was asked what kept her It is all a way of thinking going, or how she was able or a mindset. You have to to stay alive. train yourself to see the She said while in a small positive regardless of what concrete room about the comes your way. And based size of a closet, there was on the principle law of a small window about the mental attraction, you will size of a shoe box. Every have multiplied thoughts morning after she was of the same thing whether beaten, starved or even positive or negative. raped she would see the Once you gain this sun coming into the room principle, you can have and the warmth gave her whatever you want out of something to smile about. life and on purpose. Be

High on Charlie Sheen

Stephen Green says his behavior was both justified, demise of CBS network

grateful and appreciative in whatever comes because even though it may be painful, when its over and you come out you can help someone sle with the wisdom of experience.

A man was asked if he saw the glass half full or half empty. He said, “Neither, I see a glass that has the ability to hold liquid. If I have a glass, I can always get more to fill it up as much as I want!”

My point is that whatever happens, you have been given strength to overcome all of it. So allow yourself to be positive at all times so that you can have positivity around you.

If you take the next 21 days and replace any negative thought with a positive, and finding something to be grateful for your life will never be the same.

- Branden is the advertising manager.

Comedy Corner All cartoons courtesy of creators.com.

In the last below him. few weeks we Yes, that is a have all been terrible pun for following his hitting rock the story of a bottom. man bent on Let’s say destroying for a moment others, taking that I believe their money for Sheen is clear personal use of all alcohol and throughout or drugs, why this believes in the world Stephen Green his people still Viewpoints Editor would you love him. bite the hand No, I’m not talking that feeds you; feed to about Moammar Gadhafi, the tune of $1.25 million the Libyan president who per episode I might add, has recently started killing making him the highest off the opposition. I’m paid television actor in the talking about that crazy world.

Charlie Sheen.

However, as insane as Finally, after a wise his behavior was, it may decision by Warner Bros, have actually helped the Sheen was officially fired show in the long run. from “Two and a Half People would have said, Men” on Monday.

“You remember when he The feud between Sheen did that?” or, “I wonder and the show’s executive what Charlie Sheen’s producer Chuck Lorre, has show is like?” This would apparently been going on have directly correlated behind the walls for a long to improved ratings on a time now. Recently, Sheen show, which is already took out that wall dominating. with his explosive “...as insane as his This may be a personality and nail in the coffin attacks on CBS. behavior was, it for a network “I am on a drug. that had just It’s called Charlie may have actually cleared its Sheen. It’s not helped the show in name of being available. If you a station only try it once, you the long run...” for old people. will die. Your face You take away will melt off and your the best thing away from a children will weep over network, the ratings for all your exploded body,” shows on that network.

Sheen said in an interview CBS will eventually with 20/20. catch on to this and He also said, “I tried reinstate the show and marriage. I’m 0 for 3 give in to Sheen’s demand, with the marriage thing. without doing so, they will So, being a ballplayer, I lose millions. believe in numbers. I’m So, Charlie congrats. not going 0 for 4. I’m You may be the smartest not wearing a golden man in America. sombrero.”

Sorry Charlie, but I think you have jumped straight into the deep end - Stephen is the Houstonian of the pool, with no water viewpoints editor.

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With the huge budget cut for TDCJ why not do a story on parole? There are thousands of inmates who have been eligible for parole for years/decades and are still locked up.

Sending non violent foreign inmates back to Mexico doesn’t solve anything; they’ll be back in no time. Older inmates will be let out and put into county hospital, just adding to another state budget.

My husband has been parole eligible since 2002, has an excellent prison record, he’s the only inmate on his unit (Hodge) to complete and pass the advanced custodial class in 10 years, with a 93 average. His prison record (work, school, disciplinary) is exemplary!

He is up for his 5th parole hearing again this year.

He has everything he needs to succeed upon his release.

I’m sure he’s not the only inmate who eligible for parole and has all his ducks in a row. Is the answer letting foreign inmate go over the border; I’m sure they won’t come back. What about the old and sick, don’t we still pay for them on the outside?

That’s just robbing Peter to pay Paul. If my husband was paroled he’d go back into the work force and put money back into society instead of having society support him. He has a job, home, transportation and support from hundreds of people.

Twenty years ago my husband and his father confronted a drug dealer for beating up my brotherin-law for the third time (please note my husband and father-in-law were no angels but not cool blooded killer by any means).

The victim Tracey pulled out a gun which my father-in-law, JJ, took away from him and pistol whipped him with it, one thing lead to another and Tracey shot JJ in the back, my hubby Jonas returned fire and shot Tracey killing him.

My husband was given 35 years and told with good behavior he’d be out in 9 years that was almost 20 years ago. His file (not him) has been in front of the parole board 4 times and each time he’s denied without any logical reason.

He’s given a piece of paper that’s say you have been denied for one or more

of the following reason with a list of reasons but nothing specific checked.

I’ve spoken to several parole lawyers and each of them has given me the same answer, if you hire me I have an 85% success rate, well I hired two of them and he was denied 4 times so far with the help of a parole lawyer. I’ve spent over $10,000 for parole lawyers for him to be retried every year.

The past two hearing the board never asked about his case, his rehabilitation, or his plans they only ask one question “How did you meet”? Not what have you done the last 20 years, what are you future plans, just how did you meet. I’ve tried to find out what information is in his file about me but his institutional and parole file are sealed, not even his lawyer can view them.

Anything could be in a parole file its all top secret, isn’t that against our Constitutional rights?

I was told by his lawyer they are sealed to protect the victim, well now we are the victim of possible slanderous information. Working for Homeland Security, I get a background check pretty much yearly, my life is on open book, I work with the FBI, terrorist task force, and other government agencies, I don’t think I’m much of a threat to society.

The board refuses to grant an in person interview with his lawyer, me, or my husband. No one has protested his last two hearings, I spoke to the sherriff, the family and the judge has passed.

He had over 30 support letters; two jobs waiting for him, a home, car, family and community support, his institutional record is exceptional and was denied for nature of the crime.

In a million years the nature of the crime will still be the same. I work for the Department of Homeland Security, make a good living, and would be the first person to call the cops on him if he got out of line. Yet once again he was denied just because the parole board in Texas has no recourse, they can deny anyone for any reason and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

- Beth Powell works for the FEMA IA E-Correspondence Department.

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni:

Editorial

Mike Silva.............................................................................Senior Editor Jessica Priest.......................................................Multimedia/Web Editor Erin Peterson..................................................................Associate Editor Stephen Green..............................................................Viewpoints Editor Brandon Scott.........................................................................Sports Editor Thomas Merka........................................................Entertainment Editor Jared Wolf......................................................................Graphic Coordinator

Letter: Why no parole for him

Letter to the Student Body

The Houstonian Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505

Off the Wall

On gun laws: “What are some thoughts from the faculty? Could you interview some of them like the student interviews?” - Joshua Ruschenberg via Facebook.

On closing shelter:“It would be a shame if this shelter closes...they need donations to stay open and eventually rebuild.” - Carole Clifford via Facebook On marijuana laws: “The people believe in selfgovernment and self-medication. It is morally bankrupt to punish nonviolent adults for making a safer health choice, cannabis or marijuana, compared to other medicinal/ social drugs.” - Colleen McCool via Facebook

Chelsea Boyd................................................................................

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Chanel Montgomery...................................................................

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

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

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

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.

News

Page 3 Tuesday, March 8, 2011

houstonianonline.com/news

Lending a helping paw At the Second Annual Bearkat All Paws In, 252 students, faculty and staff joined University President Dana Gibson in “Painting the Town Orange,” as part of the university’s largest volunteer effort. Gibson also helped to kick off the event following her participation in the President’s Investiture 5K and Fun Run. (Clockwise from top left): Beca Staton, senator for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, helps lead the volunteer effort at Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori School.

Members of Zeta Tau Alpha pose in front of Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori School.

Several volunteers work to put a tree into the ground.

Audrey Williams, senator for the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication.

A group of student volunteers look on as the tree-planting process is explained.

Student volunteers pose after completing their work at New Life Resale Shoppe.

Volunteers, including University Affairs Chief Rachel Voss, roll on the first of two coats of paint in the main lobby of the Huntsville Senior Center.

Tracy Nnamadim, senator for the College of Sciences, hauls off an empty pallet.

All photos courtesy of SHSU SGA Flickr unless otherwise noted.

Erin Peterson | The Houstonian

From NEW page 1

Erin Peterson | The Houstonian

LAYING A FOUNDATION. University President Dana Gibson pitches in during Saturday’s Bearkat All Paws In by helping paint the Huntsville Senior Center.

From TITLE page 1

Pence said he supports the measures because he believes that abortion wrongly ends an innocent life, and he believes it is morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars from prolife Americans and use them to fund organizations that provide and promote abortions, such as Planned Parenthood.

According to Pence’s campaign website, Planned Parenthood is the largest

abortion provider in America.

In 2008 Planned Parenthood performed 324,008 abortions, and Pence wrote in an Indian newspaper that its abortion procedures increased to 332,278 in 2009.

According to a Planned Parenthood fact sheet, 3 percent of its services are abortion related.

Tafolla said that Pence is using the crisis of the federal deficit to attack women’s health.

“The efforts by Rep.

Students who attend the investiture are encouraged to wear their organizational attire, while international students are encouraged to dress in outfits that represent their cultural heritage.

A Texas native, Gibson was named the university’s president in July, following unanimous approval by The Texas State University System Board of Regents.

She is the first female president for the university and the 13th in its history.

“I think it would be really interesting for students to see this historical event unfold on campus,” said May. A reception will follow the event in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom from 4 to 6 p.m.

Pence are one of the most misguided and dangerous legislative assaults on women’s health in Planned Parenthood’s 95-year history,” Tafolla said.

“These efforts are being disguised as deficit reduction but they are completely driven by an anti-choice and anti-family planning point of view.”

The federal dollars Planned Parenthood health centers receive are service contracts administered by the states, Tafolla said. The contracts specify that the

From KICKOFF page 1

He underwent this intensive treatment which equated to three and a half months of chemo followed by two weeks of radiation and then he received a stem cell transplant from his younger sister.

“Without her, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “ She and I have become very close since the transplant and are best friends to this day.”

McLaughlin’s treatment ended in November 2006 and he was pronounced cancer-free and 100% donor in January 2007.

McLaughlin is very thankful for his sister, but also for the Relay for Life event and the American Cancer Society as a whole.

“Thanks to the American Cancer Society, I can say that cancer is not the end of your life, it’s a new beginning,” McLaughlin said. “I love Relay and all the people that come together to make it happen.”

The kick off was hosted by Colleges Against Cancer and the next Relay for Life event will be the Teal Out baseball game on March 22nd.

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 epeterson@houstonianonline.com to become a contributor. funds are for the delivery of preventive reproductive health care to women who don’t have health insurance and who meet income requirements.

None of the federal funds can be used for abortion services, Tafolla said.

The budget bill passed in the House, but it must pass in a Democratic-controlled Senate and signed by the president before it can be made into law.

The Pence-sponsored Title X Abortion Provider Act was referred to the

House subcommittee on health in February.

According to Tafolla, if Pence’s bill is passed it will come to a high cost of basic preventive health care for women who have relied on Planned Parenthood for nearly 75 years.

However, Pence has said that there are thousands of clinics across the country other than Planned Parenthood that receive federal funding and offer access to health care for low-income women and families.

Campus Calendar Tuesday, March 8: - 8:30 a.m. - Investiture Breakfast - Peabody Memorial Library - 12:30 p.m. - Dream & Succeed Luncheon LSC Ballroom - 2 p.m. - PAC Showcase - 3 p.m. - Investiture of Dana Gibson, Ph.D. B.G. Johnson Coliseum - 4 p.m. - Reception LSC Ballroom - 7 p.m. - Chinese Film Showcase: “Shower” AB IV, Room 220 Wednesday, March 9: - 12 p.m. - Taste of Italy LSC Mall Area - 8 p.m. - Dances@8 PAC Dance Theater

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Arts & Entertainment

Page 4 Tuesday, March 8, 2011

houstonianonline.com/entertainment

Back to The Roots

Bun B sits down with Questlove at Red Bull Music Academy Couch Session

Box Office Results

1.

Domestic Gross: $38,079,323

2.

Meagan Ellsworth | The Houstonian

ON AIR. DJ Questlove sat down with hip hop icon Bun B for a Red Bull Music Academy couch session saturday night at Beyoncé’s house of Deréon in Houston to discuss his roots in the music industry. The audience was full of questions for the two ledendary musicians.

By Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-Chief

The Red Bull Music Academy Couch Session featuring Grammy award winning DJ Questlove and hip hop artist Bun B was held Saturday at Beyoncé’s House of Deréon in Houston.

From his days in Philadelphia, through his transition in New York to his time in London, the Roots drummer gave the audience a glimpse into the history of not only the music industry, but to his own rise to the top.

Along the way, Questlove shared stories of the people he’s met and worked with, the ones who have influenced him, and the ones whose creative work he still anticipates.

While many artists find themselves captivated in the light of fame in a very much material world, the legendary musician spoke the words of a humble man, saying he still

wakes up expecting to hear about a miscount regarding his prestigious award.

Bun B, who currently teaches a Hip Hop and Religion course at Rice University, provided the questions while Questlove provided the answers at the couch session.

At the end of the event, the mic was passed on to the audience, full of aspiring young musicians and producers, who also

had a chance to satisfy their curiosity as they asked for advice going into the entertainment world.

Later that night, Questlove showcased his skills on the turntables at “On the Floor!” which kept the select crowd on their toes with a wild mix of unexpected old school and new school combinations, along with the perks of an open bar.

A familiar face to Questlove, late night show

Seen here: Bun B (right) and Meagan Ellsworth (left)

host, Jimmy Fallon, was among those down for the boogey at the Midtown Media Center after party.

The Houston Press Blog post even reported seeing Fallon being taught to thrown up the “H” for H-town.

This event was hosted to encourage individuals to apply to The Red Bull Music Academy that will be held in Tokyo this year.

According to the RBMA website, the event “is a series of music workshops, a platform for those who shape our musical future.

Every year, two groups of 30 selected participants producers, vocalists, DJs, instrumentalists, and allround musical mavericks from all around the globe - come together for two fortnight-long 'terms'.”

For those interested in attending, applications must be postmarked by April 4.

For more information visit www.redbullmusicacademy. com.

Domestic Gross: $21,157,730

3.

SHSU dancers to hold fundraiser

By Thomas Merka

Entertainment Editor

Sam Houston State University dancers will perform a variety of studentchoreographed pieces as part of the semiannual Dances@8 fundraiser concert on Wednesday and Thursday.

Performances will begin at 8 p.m. each evening in the Performing Arts Center

Dance Theatre.

The Dances@8 fundraising concert is supported by the Chi Tau Epsilon Dance Honor Society.

“It is an opportunity for students to get their work out on the stage as well as perform,” said dance major Jessica Cantu. “As president of XTE, I really enjoy this show because it is run by all students, and the love

and support that is given is amazing.”

The shows, which will feature different pieces each evening, will include undergraduate and graduate-choreographed dances ranging from solos, duets, trios, and group performances, all in the different styles of modern, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and tap, Cantu said.

Shows are choreographed by both dance and non-dance majors.

Tickets are $8, and all proceeds benefit Chi Tau Epsilon.

For more information, call the dance program at 936-294-1875.

Domestic Gross: $9,851,102

4.

SHSU recognizes “reel” women

By Thomas Merka

Entertainment Editor

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences Women’s Caucus and the Office of Multicultural and International Student Services will recognize “real/ reel women” with three movies as a part of Women’s History Month.

The three documentary films made by women that will be presented include “Mohawk Girls,” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, “A Woman’s Word,” at 4 p.m. on March 24 and “Say My Name,” at 6 p.m. on March 28. All three films will be presented in College of Humanities and Social Sciences Room C070.

Interspersed with home videos from filmmaker Tracy Deer’s own adolescence, “Mohawk Girls,” is a look into what it means to grow up Native at the beginning of the 21st century.

The film intimately captures the lives of three exuberant and insightful Mohawk teenagers growing up on the Kahnawake Native Reserve as they face their future.

“A Woman’s Word” depicts the life and writings of three exceptional authors of the Arab word—Nawal Al Saadawi from Egypt, Hanan Al Shaykh from Lebanon, and Janata Bennuna from Morocco.

Conveying the intense

drive of these women to write as a way to make sense of the world, to battle their sense of alienation or to express their political dissent, this documentary shatters the clichéd image of the oppressed and helpless Arab woman too often portrayed in the media, according to a description on the Women Make Movies website.

Silvia G. Ponzoda’s film weaves together interviews, family photos, voiceovers of each author reading from her work, and lingering, sensual footage of the cities each woman lives in.

“Say My Name,” a film by Nirit Peled, speaks candidly about class, race and gender in pursuing their passions as

female MC’s in a hip hop and R’n’B world dominated by men and noted for misogyny.

The worldwide documentary takes viewers on a tour of urban culture and musical movement and features interviews and musical performances from a diverse cast of women that includes Remy Ma, Rah Digga, Jean Grae, Erykah Badu and Estelle, as well as newcomers Chocolate Thai, Invincible and Miz Korona.

For more information, contact Melinda Kovács, assistant professor of political science, at mxk004@shsu.edu or 936-294-4761.

Domestic Gross: $26,846,808

Have news tips or story ideas?

Send them to us! mellsworth@houstonianonline.com

Sports

Page 5

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 twitter.com/HoustonianSport

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Battle that never ends Sam Houston State faces Stephen F. Austin for the third time this season, second time in a week. The stakes? Win or go home Brandon Scott Sports Editor

HUNTSVILLE - The rivalries continue - all of them. Last week, men’s basketball rolled over Stephen F. Austin 55-40 in Nacogdoches. Saturday, the Kats piled on against Texas State, winning 93-79.

SFA and Texas State are the most despised rivals on campus, and the Bearkats closed out their regular season beating them both in convincing fashion.

On senior day, against the Bobcats, Lance Pevehouse played his last game at Johnson Coliseum, with an unforgettable performance.

Pevehouse racked up 25 points, going seven-of-10 from long range.

“After I got hot, I

think everybody played harder offensively and defensively,” Pevehouse said. “We were setting great screens tonight and we were moving the ball well. On defense, were pressuring them and sticking to our game plan.”

First year head coach Jason Hooten has been a part of many senior days, knowing what type of distraction it can be. The Kats celebrated during the week and even had light practices for the seniors.

“I wanted today to be special for them,” Hooten said. “But I didn’t want it to distract what we were trying to do as a team. The reason I was that way is because I know that’s what those guys would want.

I thought they handled themselves really well.”

Hooten, with good reason, was teary-eyed after the game. It’s his first set of seniors; Gilberto Clavell, Josten Crow and Lance Pevehouse.

Those players also played critical roles in last season’s conference tournament, in which case the livelihood of mid-major schools like SHSU relies on.

In 2010, the Kats beat SFA in the championship game, on the way to making their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2003 (when they also beat SFA in the championship game).

The Lumberjacks were pre-season picks to win the conference. Instead, they face the Bearkats as a sixth seed in the first round.

Junior big man Jereal Scott leads SFA with 13.7 points per game and senior

Jordan Glynn averages 11.6 points.

Clavell typically plays well against SFA’s bigs, averaging just over 21 points against SFA during his career. In last season’s conference opener, SFA head coach Dan Kasper candidly stated that the game was decided when SHSU won Clavell in the recruiting wars.

Be that as it may, excuses won’t protect SFA from the Bearkat attack.

“Stephen F. Austin is really good,” Hooten said.

“They’re well-coached.

They’ll play way better than they did at their place the other day. It will be a knock-down, drag out (game). They’ll be ready.

But our guys will be ready too.”

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

BORN A LEADER. Lance Pevehouse (above) led the Bearkats on senior night, with 25 points, shooting 70 percent from 3

Ladies take on UTSA in first round Lotis Butchko Sports Reporter

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

TAKING CONTROL. Khamra Echols is usually a defensive catalyst.

But she came out shooting against Texas State with a game-high 19 points

Last night the women’s basketball team gathered around for a team dinner.

They were greeted with a gourmet meal, and had laughs before the week that lies ahead of them.

In the next week, the Kats will play three games in four days – assuming they win each game – and the last team standing will go to the NCAA tournament.

Their first game will take place today at eight o clock at night against the University of Texas – San Antonio Roadrunners.

This will be UTSA’s second to last season in the Southland Conference as they bid farewell in

Kats win nine straight

Courtesy of SHSU Athletic Media Services LEFTY ON THE MOUND. Backed by a solid effort on the mound by Brent Powers, seven different Bearkats got hits and Sam Houston defeated Massachusetts 9-1 on Saturday night

Brandon Scott Sports Editor

Sam Houston State extended its baseball winning streak to nine games as the Bearkats defeated Michigan 8-0 and Massachusetts 6-2 to earn their second tournament championship in as many weekends.

The Kats went 4-0 in the Hensen Family Dealership/ First National Bank of Huntsville Invitational to raise their 2011 record to 102.

Home runs by Luke Plucheck and Mark Hudson helped lead Sam Houston to an 8-0 victory over Michigan Sunday afternoon to start the final day of the tournament.

“We feel good because we’re starting to gell,” Bearkats center fielder Mark Hudson said. “The pitchers are really giving us an opportunity to win because they’re throwing a lot of strikes, pounding the zone because they trust their stuff.

The defense is doing good.

We’re really confident about this team.”

After three scoreless innings, Hudson tallied the first run for the Bearkats after walking, reaching third on a pair of ground outs and scoring on a wild pitch.

In the fifth inning, Plucheck bashed his home run and Ryan Mooney added an RBI single.

Braeden Riley and John Hale extended the lead with a pair of RBI singles as the Bearkats rolled up three more runs in the top of the sixth inning.

Hudson’s solo shot and an RBI single by Kevin Miller wrapped up the scoring in the seventh inning.

Brandon Kimbell was the game winner on the mound, allowing five hits in seven innings while striking out nine batters. Michael Oros pitched in relief.

Back-to-back triples by Mark Hudson and Greg Olson highlighted the second game in the 6-2 win over UMass.

Hudson, Olson and Ryan Mooney each produced a pair of hits as Sam Houston totaled 12 hits as a team.

Caleb Smith picked up the victory on the mound, striking out seven in six innings.

“Caleb Smith was just outstanding today,” Sam Houston head coach Mark Johnson said. “He walked his first guy in the sixth inning.

He threw minimal pitches. He had just a dynamite off-speed pitch going. He was throwing at a high velocity, too. For a freshman, that’s as good as you’re going to get. That was really, really good.”

Sam Houston travels to Houston Tuesday for a game with Rice. *SHSU Athletic Media Services provided information for this report

two years and head to the Western Athletic Conference.

The Roadrunners will provide an interesting matchup. They split the season with the Bearkats, both teams winning their home game. Unlike Lamar or McNeese, San Antonio has been able to find a way to win without the amazing shooters or high octane offense. In the one game that the roadrunners did beat the Kats, they were able to take advantage of their superb Amber Gregg.

Gregg is the point guard for the Roadrunners. Last year she played well as the Roadrunners won the Southland Conference tournament and went on to play in the NCAA

tournament against Baylor.

Assisting Gregg will be lights out shooter Alysse Davis.

“We can’t let her pull the trigger,” said wing Britni Martin, the Bearkats leading scorer. “If she gets hot, it will be a long game.”

Defensively, the Roadrunners will run a triangle and two against the Kats. This will play a big role in shutting down Martin, making sure that post players and guards will have to get their points in this game as well.

For the Kats, nothing may be more worrisome than their own games. In their two last games the Bearkats have started slow, in the first two halves of

the last games Martin has had only two points, but in the second halves she has had a combined 33 points.

The teams new found mental toughness will have to break through as their biggest opponent could be themselves.

“This team has accomplished so much and been such a pleasure to coach.”

- SHSU head coach Brenda Nichols

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