March 14 to 18
The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Vol 117— Issue 15
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Cartels threaten leisure Various vacation hot spots see rise in violent drug war crime, corruption prevalent
Dean of Students issues advisory about Mexico travel: To all Sam Houston Students:
By Hugo Lopez
Contributing Reporter
Spring break arrives in a few days and students are eager to find a place where they can get their party on. Students have already made plans to travel to Mexican resorts with lax drinking laws, but state and federal officials in the US have warned that because of the violent drug war, no place is totally safe. South Padre is a popular and expensive place college kids like to go to get their party on, but sadly most college students can’t afford South Padre. Many students will travel to popular Mexican resort cities such as Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Acapulco as they are way cheaper than most resorts in the US.
Spring Break is fast approaching and many students are planning trips to Mexico. If you are among them, please be aware the Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. State Department is again warning students to avoid traveling to Mexico in light of recent events. Falcon Lake has been the scene of several robberies and a U.S. citizen’s murder, and DPS is again warning boaters to steer clear of the Mexican side of the lake. Cartel activity remains high in that area.
— See CARTELS, page 3 MAP UPDATES. The Sinaloa Cartel has expanded north and is currently overlapping the Juarez Cartel territory. Los Zetas have also expanded south all the way to El Salvador. Most of the Beltran Leyva cartel has disbanded. Photo courtesy of YoTuT| Flickr
Expect more cuts
University prepares for additional 7 to 15 percent budget loss, plans to announce at end of month By Kolby Flowers Senior Reporter
The reality of budget cuts are looming closer each day, many are trying to speculate exactly how much the university is expected lose in upcoming budget cuts. The university is preparing to receive cuts ranging in the amount of 7 to 15 percent, according to University President Dana Gibson, Ph.D. We already have had seven and a half percent cuts for fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011,” said Gibson. “And when you start to put another 15
percent on top of that, that is going to be fairly large numbers to make up and we are still looking at how we can make those up.” When asked whether or not the numbers were comforting in comparison to other estimates, Gibson said it was difficult to say because of the number of bills floating around in the legislature. University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, David Payne, said that he believes the university is exploring its options when it comes to dealing out the cuts.
Gibson takes ‘reigns’
University celebrates new president at investiture
By Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-Chief
Graphic Coordinator
The Houstonian’s latest installment, Microsoft TagReader, has been launched. With today’s tech-savvy generation, smart phones are becoming more prevalent. To stay ahead of the curve, The Houstonian staff is finding new ways to link traditional reading with online reading. Many newspapers, including USA Today, have employed the app into their stories to boost online
and exercising proper diligence in representing the university. In accepting her task, Gibson talked about the changing face of higher education. “Just to maintain the current competitiveness of the United States in the world economy…(America) will need to produce 23 million more college graduates in the next 15 years,” she said. “To assume or expect that traditional bricks and mortar education is the only way to accomplish this goal is shortsighted,” she said. She went on to talk about the growth of online courses and the increase of online enrollments in both for-profit and non-profit U. S. colleges and universities. “But the important point is that it’s not ‘either/or’ in terms of online vs. an on-site university,” Gibson said.
The threat of rain did not dampen the spirits of the crowd as Sam Houston State University formally welcomed Dana L. Gibson as its 13th president during an investiture ceremony held in her honor Tuesday afternoon. The investiture, not only a celebration for a new president but also one for the university as a whole, took place in Johnson Coliseum with regents, faculty, staff, students, alumni and representatives of government and other institutions — See CUTS, page 3 of higher education attending. Charlie Amato, chair of the system’s board of regents and a Sam Houston State alumnus, officially installed Gibson as president, entrusting to her the involvement. stewardship of the univerViewpoints Editor, sity and charging her with Stephen Green, has been upholding the laws of Texas — See GIBSON, page 3 working on marketing data for the past month and found some results that foster this Presidential Highlights move. A Texas native, Gibson accounting and her Master “One thing we realized was named the university’s of Business Administration in the preliminary data was president in July, following at Texas Woman’s University. the ones that picked up the unanimous approval by She received her doctorate in newspaper were not using The Texas State University business at the University of a phone at the time,” Green System Board of Regents. Texas at Arlington. She earned her Bachelor of Her career in higher said. Science degree in business- education began in 1986 at “The data shows almost 78 percent of readers were not presently using an electronic device.”
The Houstonian launches TagReader By Jared Wolf
— See TAG, page 3
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
Texas Woman’s University, and she has since served as a financial vice president for the University of Colorado at Denver, Southern Methodist University and as president of National University. She joined SHSU in 2009 as vice
Battle declares top DJ
president for finance and operations. More information: http://www.shsu.edu/ presidential_search/GibsonWeb.pdf
INDEX
Kickflip tops competition, Adopt-A-Heart event raises $1000 for critically ill candidate
Viewpoints.........page 2
By E.Jay Miranda
News..................page3
Marketing Manager
Jared Wolf | The Houstonian
— See ADVISORY, page 3
On Wednesday, March 9, the Adopt-AHeart organization hosted their first annual “Go DJ” Battle in the Olson Auditorium. Playing to a capacity crowd, DJ Yeti, Thoed Off, Super Jay, and Kickflip battled it out through five rounds of competition for the title of “Best DJ at Sam Houston State.” The competition was centered around raising funds for Mariano Thomas, an Adopt-A-Heart candidate that the Sam Houston State chapter is currently sponsoring.
“Our organization has been around for five years,” Allyssa Bogan, junior and president of the organization, said. “Each year, we elect a critically ill candidate and spend the entire school year raising funds for that individual – as well as raise awareness for the student body.” Five rounds were set in place for the competing DJ’s, who were challenged with building mixes around genres such as old school beats, h-town songs, and then given five minutes to perform their set in front of the estimated 350 students in attendance. — See DJ, page 3
Entertainment...page4
Sports...............page5
Special...............page 6
Viewpoints
Page 2 Thursday, March 10, 2011
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
Priorities not in place
Brittany Pires thinks the Student Health Center is in need of organization Last Thursday morning, I awoke with symptoms that had worsened over the past three days. I suspected tonsillitis, since I am prone to it a few times a year and felt like I had swallowed a baseball. While still in bed, I preceded to call the SHSU Student Health Center, the clinic offered to “all currently enrolled students.” To my disdain, I was told there were no slots available until the next week. “Would you like me to schedule you then?” the annoyingly chipper woman asked. Clearly I needed antibiotics pronto and knowing I had to see a doctor before I got worse, I sarcastically chuckled and told her I would go somewhere else. I have noticed that our Student Health Center is far less accommodating then they should or appear to be. It is a joke that we are promised a service that is not available when we truly need it. This has happened to me on multiple occasions throughout my three years as a student here. Frankly, I am sick of having to pay $20-$30 elsewhere when I can get health care that is covered in my tuition between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.—allegedly. Ironically, their mission statement that is openly published on their website states that they “provide quality care in a timely manner at significantly economic savings.” I have yet to see the “timely manner” part, therefore I disagree. According to Ernest Boyer,
an experienced lack of doctors $80,000. Comparably, the A m e r i c a n at the SHC, budget gives the athletic educator in with only one department $1,575,000. New York, doctor currently Something does not seem “wellness must employed. The right with those numbers, be a prerequisite rest of the staff especially since based on to all else. is composed the budget; athletics has Students cannot of mostly priority over health care. be intellectually vocational What are students proficient and registered supposed to do when if they are n u r s e s , there are no available physically and p h y s i c i a n appointments? What if they psychologically Brittany Pires a s s i s t a n t s , have no other option for a unwell.” Why Contributing Writer and nurse clinic? on earth is this practitioners. Is it safe for them to promoted on the SHC One doctor for over hold off on getting the care website if they cannot 17,000 students hardly they need? Some of these uphold it? seems enough. Or possibly questions have yet to be I was very “physically we are in need of a bigger answered and the director unwell.” My severe facility with legitimate of the SHC would not return symptoms and baseball- parking. calls for comments. sized lymph nodes It is well-known that I am proud to be a Bearkat prevented me from being parking is being cut and want nothing more than “intellectually proficient” down, but a bigger facility to feel the same about all as well as made my work could accommodate more aspects of the school. week very difficult. I was students and health care Unfortunately, I am $30 poorer after having to providers. extremely disappointed go to a local clinic, and I However, I must say, I and feel that the Health felt ashamed that my school am confused at the lack of Center should have higher could not provide timely appointment availability, standards. Along with health care when I needed since the times I have the parking dilemma, it and after it was promised sat in the waiting room, construction, and dining to me. there were a total of three concerns, this is an issue I am not alone in this students. Yet, I was told that needs to be dealt with. grievance; I have heard from they were booked all day. It is not only giving the many students who share Both possibilities, SHC a bad reputation, but this irritation. Students are however, seem to link to it is unhealthy for students. tired of not being able to get funding. medical care through the In the 2011 fiscal school, especially if that is budget auxiliary funds, - Brittany is a junior mass their only means of getting the clinic only receives communication student. it. One sick SHSU competitive player resorted to asking his coach to make a phone call for him Brian Howard wants Republicans to to receive immediate care stop standing in the way of progress because he needed to be able to play. It is unsure As I glanced at the hack away at the pay and if the coach actually made television screen, watching benefits for those in charge this call, but it is apparent today’s latest episode of of educating our future? this is an issue that needs to CNN’s “AC360” I noticed What the Republican be addressed. that thousands upon party fails to see is that Perhaps the issue is the thousands of individuals this country was built on
Not easily silenced
Comedy Corner All cartoons courtesy of creators.com.
at the Wisconsin state the backs of the American capitol were marching working class; not the for something they all wealthiest 2 percent, and believed in; the rights of the voice of the people hard working Americans. will NOT be silenced. So with a loud roar, No longer will the teachers, Republican nurses, firemen Party stand country in the way and many other “...this Wisconsin progress. built on of public sector was Claiming that e m p l o y e e s the backs of they have the refused to stand answer to American our countries for anymore the of Scott woes, working class... economic Walker and yet according the Republican not the wealthiest to CNN. Party’s class com the RNC percent of ( R e p u b l i c a n favoritism and 2 attacks on the Americans...” N a t i o n a l middle class. Committee) It seems that continues to the Republican remain in debt Party is trying to make over $22 million. budget cuts everywhere How can they balance but where they belong like our countries check book the honest, hard working when it appears they teachers who have no cannot even balance their more money to lose. own? However, these So I solicit to you, my same members of the fellow Americans, stand Republican party, who in solidarity with the find it acceptable to cut Democratic Party as we the teachers bonuses, are fight for the rights of hard the ones who found it working Americans and unacceptable to cut the tell the Republican Party, bonuses of the Wall Street before you balance my CEOs. checkbook you need to Why is it not fair for balance your own. Wall Street, the group who placed our country in the situation that we - Brian Howard is a member are currently in, to lose of the Bearkat Democrats and their multi-million dollar a sophomore political scince bonuses, but it’s fair to major.
The Houstonian Staff Editorial
Faculty Adviser
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505
Robin Johnson.......................................................936-294-1499
Advertising
SECTION EDITORS 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
BUSINESS MANAGER
Brittany Hampton..............................................936-294-1500 ADVERTISING MANAGER
Branden Price.......................................................936-294-1503 HEAD ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
STAFF Kolby Flowers..................................................................Senior Reporter Lotis Butchko.................................................................Sports Reporter Jessica Gomez......................................................................Photographer April Sanders............................................................................Copy Editor
Advertising Deadlines
Chelsea Boyd................................................................................ PRODUCTION MANAGER
Chanel Montgomery...................................................................
Tuesday’s Issue............... Friday at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday’s Issue........... Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
Paws Up, Paws Down “Paws UP” to the men’s basketball team for defeating SFA 61-45 in the first round of the SLC Conference tournament. “SIDE Paw” to the women’s basketball team for losing in the first round of the SLC Conference tournament, but also for a great year overall. “Paws DOWN” to the coliseum for being hot and humid during the Presidential Investiture yesterday.
Implications of Bahrain
Karmen King says that the situation in the country may hit closer to home
While the world has been focused on the uprisings, first in Tunisia, then Egypt, and now Libya, a less known uprising has been happening in Bahrain, and it may have the biggest implications yet. For three weeks the Shi’ite majority population has been protesting against AlKhalifa, the Sunni family that has ruled Bahrain for over 200 years. While the protests have not only been about sectarian differences, that has become the main theme. One of the Shi’ite protestors’ largest grievances is the naturalization policies instituted by their king in June 2002 that allowed employees of the Gulf Cooperation Council to obtain dual Bahraini nationality. Opposition groups claim this, and other lenient naturalization policies, are aimed at altering the country’s demographic balance in favor of the Sunnis. Why this is important? Bahrain is not one of the world’s major oil suppliers, so in an effort to diversify their economy they have emerged as the major financial and business center of the Middle East region. Over 370 offshore banking units and representative offices are located in Bahrain, as well as 65 American firms. Bahrain is also home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, providing the United States with strategic positioning in the event of escalation with Persian Gulf countries. Since 2000 the US has had $1.4 billion in military sales to Bahrain. While Bahrain does not have much in the way of
their own oil supplies, they are located next to the major oil fields of Saudi Arabia. These Saudi oil fields are located in predominately Shi’ite majority areas. The Saudi government has already pledged to assist Bahrain’s royal family with the uprisings out of the fear that they will spread to their own country. If the Shi’ites in Saudi Arabia were to rebel and take control of the oil fields they could cripple the world’s oil supply. Now, let’s expand this even one step further. While the government of Bahrain has had cool relations with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, some analysts say that the people of Bahrain feel closer to the government of Iran because it is a Shi’ite system. The same would hold true for the Shi’ites of Saudi Arabia. So, if the government of Bahrain were to fall, and the Shi’ites of Saudi Arabia were able to partition off from the rest of the country, the bulk of the world’s oil would be in the hands of governments who empathize with Iran. All Iran would need to do to finalize its position as a world power at that point would be to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40% of the world’s seaborne oil shipments pass. That’s it, game over. That right there is why the Sunni controlled Gulf States are so worried about Bahrain, and why you should pay more attention to that tiny country in the Persian Gulf. - Karmen King is the President of the Middle East Studies Student Support Group.
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
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 Thursday, March 10, 2011
houstonianonline.com/news
Fashion Spotlight
Bearkat street style
By Rachelle Sadler Contributing Reporter The mall area will never be confused with Paris fashion week, but there is plenty of hidden fashion sense on display from students hanging out with friends or heading to class. Some take their style and fashion very seriously, and others, well…not so much. It doesn’t take long to spot students who take pride in what they wear, whether it is a normal day of walking to class or heading to a job interview. “I’ve only been [in America] for a month, but I like American fashion,” said Kijun Kim, an SHSU sophomore transfer student from South Korea. Kim, who was wearing a jacket inspired by vintage motorcycle racers, is up on the latest fashion for college-aged men. “I don’t really care about what shoes I wear – just mostly clothes,” said Kim, adjusting the stone-colored leather jacket. “Abercrombie & Fitch and True Religions are pretty much my favorite stores to shop at.” On the other hand, some students don’t mind leaving their pride at the door when it comes to intensely following fashion trends. They choose to
From GIBSON page 1
“It is ‘both/and.’ More importantly, it’s about the quality, the true rigor of the academic experience for the student, whether that comes online or in a classroom.” Gibson also discussed the reduced funding that universities are experiencing nationwide and how institutions of higher education are being required to demonstrate more accountability. “The continuing withdrawal of public support for higher education accompanied by increased demands to ‘prove’ the efficiency of our operations and the quality of our education outcomes is a long-term trend that is on an escalating trajectory,” she said. “Therefore, we must be more thoughtful and systematic in documenting our performance in order to secure our support from all sources — public and private,” she said.
From ADVISORY page 1
“While drug cartel violence is most severe in northern Mexico, it is prominent in other parts of the country as well,” said DPS Director Steven C. McCraw. “Various crime problems also exist in many popular resort areas, such as Acapulco and Cancun, and crimes against U.S citizens often go unpunished.” “Drug violence has not discriminated—innocent bystanders and people who may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time are among the casualties. Underestimating the violence in Mexico would be a mistake for parents
Photos by Rachelle Sadler
STYLE WATCH. Houstonian contributor Rachelle Sadler recently hit the streets to discover what exactly students were wearing on and around campus. Left: Kijun Kim, English major, shown wearing: a tan zippered leather jacket, Abercrombie & Fitch shirt, leather belt, True Religion jeans, and moccasin-like shoes. Right: Megan Lee, accounting major, shown wearing: multi-colored button-up sweater, v-neck blouse, skinny jeans, and slip-on open flats. wear whatever they feel makes them feel good about themselves. “I would describe my style as fun and everchanging,” said Megan Lee, a junior accounting major at SHSU. “Whatever makes me happy or comfortable is what I’m going to wear. That’s when you look your best.” Lee has style that she wants to keep her own.
“I love online shopping also, but I can’t give away all my secret websites,” Lee said. “One of my favorites that I visit regularly, though, is [Asos.com].” Regardless of what the “in” fashions may be, the students of SHSU have a way of creating their own norms. One reason is the extreme temperatures that Texas weather brings.
It’s no question that meteorological conditions play a big role in what students wear even if the forecast doesn’t permit it. The variations and expressions of styles among the students of SHSU change with each new fashion season, but light jackets, shorts, tank tops, sandals, and thin layers far outsell GORE-TEX parkas and full-length furs.
She emphasized, however, that the students who go to classes on the SHSU campus have a different experience from students taking online classes. “While I am a believer in data driven decisions, providing more transparency and showing more accountability and efficiency to the students and funders of higher education, I also firmly believe that a student’s education experience should and does encompass far more than just what the metrics can capture,” she said. “Being a fully participating student at Sam Houston State gives you something you cannot find online. As we say, when you come to Sam Houston, you can feel it,” she said. Gibson concluded her speech by laying out her agenda. “Sam Houston State University will continue its path of service for the citizens of Texas, the nation and the globe — and maybe with a broader definition of
our student population,” she said. “We will continue to do this in an effective and efficient manner, fully documenting our outcomes to demonstrate our success and the value of the educational experience here at this university. “But let there be no doubt that what we do here is about people, not numbers,” she said. “I pledge that we will continue with a passion for the educational process and an ongoing commitment to the discovery of knowledge and engagement with the students we serve,” she said. Following Gibson’s speech, TSUS Regent Trisha Pollard presented a new presidential medallion to Gibson. The medallion features the university seal suspended from a chain. Directly above the seal is a bronze plate engraved with Gibson’s name and “2010,” the year she became president. Leading to the medallion on the
chain are small, individual plates engraved with the names of Sam Houston State University’s previous 12 presidents and the years they served. Pollard, and her husband Randy — both 1974 graduates of SHSU — provided funding for the new medallion. Representatives from the student, staff, faculty, alumni and local communities formally greeted Gibson and welcomed her to her position. The SHSU Trumpeters, SHSU Orchestra, and SHSU Chorale, conducted by David Cole, provided music for the ceremony. Brian McCall, chancellor of the Texas State University System, served as master of ceremonies. Other participants included SHSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs David Payne, President Emeritus Bobby Marks, President Emeritus James Gaertner and song leader James Franklin.
and students,” said McCraw. “Our safety message is simple: avoid traveling to Mexico during Spring Break and stay alive.” So far this year, an ICE agent was killed and another injured in a suspected ambush near San Luis Potosi February 15. Two El Paso teens were gunned down February 5 in Ciudad Juarez. In January, a Texas missionary was shot in the head when she and her husband ran an illegal road block in Nuevo Leon. In addition to U.S citizens killed so far this year, preliminary figures show as many as 65 Americans were killed in Mexico in 2010. Kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery and carjacking
also are threats in parts of Mexico. Suspects have not been prosecuted in many of the cases. Meanwhile, more than 30,000 Mexican citizens have died in drugrelated violence since 2006, and the violence shows no signs of abating. Because of these dangers the Dean of Students’ Office is advising SHSU students to avoid traveling to Mexico for Spring Break again this year. If you should choose to make the trip, the Department of Public Safety urges U.S. citizens living or traveling in Mexico to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through their website at https://travelregistration. state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
Travelers should always check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http:// t r avel. st ate. gov / t r avel / cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970. html or http://mexico. usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_ MexicoS ecurityUpdate. html.) During your trip please phone/facebook family and friends often to assure them that you are safe. Also remember, whether you are crossing the border for the day or spending a few nights, you are in a foreign country and you are subject to the laws of Mexico.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT UPDATE
From TAG
In Tuesday’s SGA meeting, there were two senator confirmations and a single allocation of funds. Brandon Pete, junior, was elected senator for the College of Sciences, and Jason Tilton, junior, was elected senator for the College of Business. In addition, after much deliberation, SGA agreed to continue to allocate $300 to the Writing Center, as they have done for the last decade. The $300 is dedicated to paying for the catering service for the annual scholarship event that the Writing Center hosts each year. Instead of putting their own $300 to food, the Writing Center can instead focus on redirecting that money to the scholarship fund that the event itself is designed to help increase.
This helps show the difference where traditional readership and new age online readers find their news. The Houstonian’s plan is to get students who are using smart phones and electronic devices at all hours of the day, to both pick up a newspaper and go to our website. How it works: download the free app from http://gettag.mobi on a smart phone browser. iPhone, Blackberry and Android are the most common and work. Launch the app and scan the multi-colored
page 1
tag. Instantly, it redirects to the website it was made for. Try The Houstonian’s customized tag today at the bottom of the article. With TagReader, the staff hopes to lessen the gap between traditional readers and online readers by encouraging more online activity and paper readership. But it doesn’t stop there, the publication is looking to use the app for online advertising sales, provide links to view more photos, view multimedia packages that go along with articles and much more. Be sure to look for more tags in the future.
Spring break to bring good will By Erin Peterson Associate News Editor For those students desiring a bit more than the stereotypical drunken misadventure over spring break, Bearkat Impact has brought Alternative Spring Break, or ASB, to the offering table. “Part of my job is to work with service projects,” Rommel Abad, program coordinator for the Leadership and Service Program with Student Activities, said. “[ASB] is an intense experience.” This is the first year for the program at Sam Houston State. “While the program has been going on at other universities for several years now, [Bearkat Impact and I] decided that, with our school’s motto being what it is, [‘A measure of a life is its service,’] it was time for [ASB] to come to Sam Houston.” The 20 people attending, composed of 16 students, two student site leaders and two staff members, will be going in two groups of 10 to New Orleans, Lousiana and Gulfport, Mississippi. The New Orleans group, led by student
From CARTELS page 1
Five star hotels in these cities have packages that provide a two-way bus trip, which always ends up being a 10 to 24 hour party ride from border cities such as Cd. Juárez and Nuevo Laredo to the resort city of your choice for a one week stay that includes food, what seems to be unlimited beer and VIP passes to most clubs of those cities, all for about $250 or $400 per person. Students like the idea of being able to publically consume alcohol in the tourist areas as it is not against Mexican law, and a dollar will go a long way. There is a major downside to all this. Mexico has seen a violent war for the past four years as it is the battling ground of violent cartels and the victim of corruption at every level of the Mexican government. The State Department has issued multiple warnings about traveling to Mexico as border cities are extremely dangerous. Cd. Juárez is the battling ground of the Sinaloa and “La Línea” (Juarez) Cartels and Nuevo Laredo is the battling ground of the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas which are ex-military. These cities reach double digit murders per day, but not all of the victims are involved in the cartels. The Texas Department of
From CUTS page 1
“One is never comfortable with budget cuts,” said Payne. “I do believe the university will be able to deal with these cuts and at the same time maintain the exceptional level of education that we currently offer.” “We are not sure of where it will be best to place those cuts, but I do know that no matter what cuts take place, our first priority is to maintain the best educational experience we can. Anything we pursue,
From DJ page 1
Anticipations ran high among the competitors. “My thought on all of this is to go at it like I usually do” said DJ Thoed Off. “Just gotta go out there and give it my all.” By the end of the night, DJ Kickflip, aka sophomore Colton Cornett, came out on top as the winner of the contest. Nearly $1000 was raised from the competition –
site leader Erin Perkins and staff member Chuck Collins, Program Council coordinator, will be volunteering with the Katrina’s Kids project. Katrina’s Kids helps bring volunteers to disasterimpacted communities and works with schools, head start programs and afterschool programs, according to the ASB website. The Gulfport group, led by Christina Smith, student site leader and student director for Bearkat Impact, and staff member Tracy Svyczak, will be assisting Home Construction and Restoration in providing construction and restoration services to the homes of displaced families and homes of historical value. In addition, they will be assisting Green Space and Blue Way Management, which focuses on the preservation of the natural habitat and beauty of the Gulf Coast. The trips each cost $200 per student, and they both leave on March 11 and return on March 18. For additional information about Alternative Spring Break, visit http://www.shsu. edu/~org_cls/asb.html. Public Safety has issued a warning to students not to visit Mexico. In 2010, 65 Americans were killed there. “While drug cartel violence is most severe in northern Mexico, it is prominent in other parts of the country as well,” DPS Director Steven C. McCraw said in a press release. “Various crime problems also exist in many popular resort areas, such as Acapulco and Cancun, and crimes against U.S citizens often go unpunished.” These cities, besides being the victims of cartel violence are also the centers for kidnappings, which have become a normal activity that often goes unreported. Individuals that seem to have money are often the ones who fall victim to this crime. Free lance reporter Charles Bowden [has reported that units of the “Agencia Federal de Investigación” (AFI), units sworn to investigate kidnappings and other federal offenses have been known to be the initial kidnappers of many individuals. USA Today reported that gunmen arrived in two SUV’s and killed four people while injuring at least 10 people on the parking lot of a hotel frequented by foreign tourists. Events like this have become a normal part of life in Mexico. will be with that in mind.” Gibson said that while it seems that the university may be hit with lower cuts than expected, the university will be ready to deal with what ever comes its way. Sources say the university plans to publicly announce the percentage of cuts at the end of the month. For more on the story, be sure to pick up The Houstonian after the break. What would you do to deal with the budget cuts? Send your comments to kflowers@ houstonianonline.com a major success for the program. DJ Yeti said it best, “For Adopt-a-Heart to give us this opportunity to DJ for this cause – well this is definitely a great thing.”
Please recycle your copy of The Houstonian
Arts & Entertainment
Page 4 Thursday, March 10, 2011
houstonianonline.com/entertainment
Give Me A Break
Spring break is quickly approaching for Bearkats and students across the state. Many have already made plans for the much needed vacation from school, but for those who have either procrastinated in planning or have no idea what to do, Entertainment Editor Thomas Merka offers a few ideas and events to ensure that you have a fun-filled vacation. Photo courtesy of millicent_bystander | flickr.com
T
here is plenty to do right here Huntsville for those who want to avoid traveling during spring break. Huntsville is full of history and has many locations to learn more about the town’s past, such as the Sam Houston statue and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. “The Square” is the area of town that surrounds the courthouse and is home to many antique shops and clothing boutiques with fun and unique items to buy. For those who like the outdoors, a camping trip at the Sam Houston National Forest is a fun way to spend time with
i n
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he Kemah Boardwalk is located in Kemah, TX, which is about two hours from Huntsville. The boardwalk has all kinds of amusement rides and games that overlook the water. The boardwalk is also home to a wide range of unique shops and dining experiences. From riding “The Bullet” to having lunch with the sharks, The Kemah Boardwalk promises to provide a fun-filled experience.
H Photo courtesy of mhowry | flickr.com
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Photo courtesy of Theodore Scott | flickr.com
ouston is right in Huntsville’s backyard and is full of fun and exciting things to do during spring break. From shopping at the Galleria to attending a play in the Theatre District, this town has something to offer to everyone. For those who like to dance, the fun really begins when the sun goes down. Downtown Houston is home to a thriving nightlife with a wide variety of clubs to choose from.
alveston, located about two hours from Huntsville, is a great place to spend a day or two during spring break. Galveston has many attractions and activities that appeal to a wide array of tourists. Some of the hot-spots on the island include the Moody Gardens theme park, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Thomas Merka | The Houstonian a vibrant night life, tons of shopping opportunities and dining experiences for any palate. Another big tourist attraction is, of course, Galveston Beach (pictured above). Whether you’re into tanning, swimming or displaying your artistic side through sand castle construction, Galveston Beach is sure to be a relaxing get-away.
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Photo courtesy of 1035 WEZL | flickr.com
he Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be in full swing during Spring Break and offers students the chance to experience some good oldfashioned Texas fun. The annual event features a Texas-sized carnival, BBQ cook-off, rodeo contests, a livestock show, a full lineup of entertainers and many more events and activities for people of all ages.
Multilingual Readings to Celebrate Women’s Month By Thomas Merka
Entertainment Editor
The Multilingual L i t e r a t u r e - b y - Wo m e n readings, hosted by the foreign languages department, will celebrate women artists from all over the world on Thursday. The reading will begin at noon in Academic Building IV. Among the featured readers are foreign languages Department Chair Debra Andrist, reading in Spanish; College of Education Associate Dean Beverly Irby, reading a Spanish piece by Rigoberta Menchú; Spanish pool faculty member Norma Mouton, reading a poem from Paz Pasamar’s poetry in Spanish; Assistant Professor
of Sociology Lee Miller, reading in Italian; College of Humanities and Social Sciences Administrative Assistant Evelyn HasourisTurner, reading in Greek; and English Department Chair Helena Halmari and Assistant Professor Scott Kaukonen, reading an excerpt from their translation of Anja Snellman’s Finnish novel “Pet Shop Girls.” Students will read as well during the event. “The literary accomplishments of more than half of humankind, women, have only recently— basically the second half of the 20th Century—been consistently included in the canon and/or made available as a rule,” Andrist said. “Therefore, it is essential to
continue to highlight such accomplishments in order that our students, and the community at large, have the opportunity to explore these accomplishments and broaden their horizons.” International Women’s Day, originally called International Working Women’s Day, is marked on March 8 every year. “It is a major day of global celebration of women,” Andrist said. “In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women’s economic, political and social achievements.” For more information, contact Andrist at 936-2941441 or dda003@shsu.edu.
Sports
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Thursday, March 10, 2011 twitter.com/HoustonianSport
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Road to championship repeat
Baseball shuts out Rice
Stephen F. Austin is Sam Houston State’s most recent and frequent victim. In a rematch of last season’s SLC tourney title game, Kats axe the Jacks Brandon Scott Sports Editor
KATY - They led the entire game. Not one moment did Stephen F. Austin seem to threaten Sam Houston State, winners of four straight and tournament semifinal qualifiers, set to take on UTSA today at 6:00 p.m. The Bearkats devoured SFA for the second time in a week’s span, this one 6145, thanks to an aggressive start on both ends of the floor and a trademark performance from the best player in the Southland Conference. It’s been a career week filled with highlights for Gilberto Clavell. Last Wednesday he went 8-9 against the Lumberjacks, posting 17 points and 11 boards in a road win the Kats desperately needed. With Saturday came senior night, where Lance Pevehouse had the game of his career with 25 points off seven 3s, while Clavell had a modest 13 points in his last game at Johnson Coliseum. His family was in attendance from Puerto Rico and he received a standing ovation from a thankful Bearkat fan base. On Tuesday, it was announced that SLC head coaches and sports information directors voted Gilberto Clavell as the league’s Player of the Year, a step up from last year’s Newcomer of the Year award. Then he led the Kats with 20 points in Wednesday’s route over the archrival SFA. Clavell could be on his way to Most Valuable Player honors in the tournament, given Sam Houston’s continued success. But unselfish, yet proud as ever, Clavell said after the win, “It’s
just an award and doesn’t really mean anything. If Ididn’t have my coach and teammates I wouldn’t have gotten it.” The Kats were rolling from the beginning. Early buckets from Clavell helped SHSU jump out to a 9-0 lead. SFA could never effectively alter its incredulous fate. The Jacks were frustrated with good reason. “If I have to be blunt about it, we just didn’t have it offensively today,” said SFA coach Danny Kaspar. Even in the second half when Antuan Bootle extended Sam Houston’s lead to 44-30 with 15:19 to go in the second half, SFA scored only six points through the ensuing seven minutes in which the Kats failed to score at all. Senior Josten Crow scored 11 points, with
a pair of 3s towards the end of the first half. Nafis Richardson, featured in this week’s Today@Sam article “Balancing Act,” came off the bench to score eight of his 10 points in the second half. Richardson provided the icing, with a step-back jumper over SFA senior guard Eddie Williams, and a tenacious drive to the basket which erupted the Bearkat bench to its feet. “We came in ready, focused, and just executed,” Richardson said. “It really comes down to preparation. The coaches do a good job of getting us ready the scouting report, going over plays. Just the whole atmosphere, everybody seems to be on the same page and just focused.” Clavell was direct in addressing how critical it was for the Kats not to be satisfied, and to stay hungry
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
GO HARD OR GO HOME. Nafis Richardson (above) brought his usual ignited energy off the bench, with 10 points
for a championship. For a guy with very little to prove, ‘Goggles’- as Clavell is so appropriately nicknamed – is as motivated as ever. “Today, we were all focused, we practiced hard all week,” Clavell said. “We concentrated on rebounding and out playing people. We wanted to increase our defense knowing that our offense would come from that effort. It was a good game for us.” For Stephen F. Austin, Wednesday’s loss was disappointing at best. “I really think we just got out played today. Particularly, the last two times we played Sam Houston, they jumped on us pretty good in the beginning and we were playing catch up both games. “ SFA head coach Dan Kaspar said. “We couldn’t buy a bucket early which was indicative of our games earlier in Nacogdoches. I thought Sam Houston executed very well. Clavell had a great offensive game. Overall, their team played very well and shot the ball well. We got out rebounded, which is something that didn’t happen to us a lot this year. So that in and of itself is not a good sign for us. Sam Houston was the better team in the end.” Looking ahead, Richardson pointed out the skill set of UTSA guard Devin Gibson, a capable lefty who SHSU guards have their work cut out for. The Kats swept UTSA in the season series, the most recent an 88-67 blowout on Jan. 29 in Huntsville. With a victory over the Roadrunners, the Bearkats would play in their second consecutive Southland Conference Championship game – preparing for tonight’s winner between McNeese and Texas State.
Spring Break Katinerary Fri, Mar 11 Sat, Mar 12 Sat, Mar 12 Sat, Mar 12 Sat, Mar 12 Sun, Mar 13 Sun, Mar 13 Sun, Mar 13 Mon, Mar 14 Mon, Mar 14 Tue, Mar 15 Fri, Mar 18 Sat, Mar 19 Sat, Mar 19 Sat, Mar 19 Sun, Mar 20 Sun, Mar 20
BSB UT-Arlington * Huntsville, Tex. 6:30 p.m. WTEN Nicholls * Huntsville, Tx 10 a.m. SB Texas St. (DH) * Huntsville, Tex. 1 p.m. BSB UT-Arlington * Huntsville, Tex. 2 p.m. MBB Finals Southland Conference Tournament at Katy, Tex. WTEN Southeastern Louisiana * Huntsville, Tx 12 noon SB Texas St. * Huntsville, Tex. 1 p.m. BSB UT-Arlington * Huntsville, Tex. 1 p.m. WGLF Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational at Honolulu, Hawaii All Day MGLF Texas Wesleyan Invitational at Fort Worth, Tx BSB Houston at Houston, Tex. 6:30 p.m. BSB Texas State * at San Marcos, Tex. 6:30 p.m. WTRACK SFA Dual Outdoor at Nacogdoches, Tex. All Day SB UTSA (DH) * at San Antonio, Tex. 1 p.m. BSB Texas State * at San Marcos, Tex. 2 p.m. SB UTSA * at San Antonio, Tex. 12 noon BSB Texas State * at San Marcos, Tex. 1 p.m.
Kats hosed to end storied season Lotis Butchko Sports Reporter
KATY - For the second year in a row, the women’s basketball team bowed out of the first round of the conference tournament, but this time it was under completely different circumstances. The Kats played through an onslaught of fouls, elbows and huge deficits to rebound their way into a competitive game and almost pulled out a win. “I am really proud of these girls,” said head coach Brenda Nicholls. “We play for pride on this team. We play for the name on the front not the name on the back, that’s why we don’t have a name on the back.” The Kats started the game in a huge hole falling behind 16-3. They were hit with several foul calls, but also couldn’t make any baskets. Due in large part to the efforts of Amber Gregg, a point guard for the University of Texas – San Antonio, the Bearkats struggled defensively. Assisting Gregg was some help from the referees. By the time the Bearkats fell down by thirteen points the fouls were 6-1 in favor of the Roadrunners. But luck finally turned the Kats’ way when Gregg rolled her ankle. This lead to resurgence in the Bearkat offense and a slump in the Roadrunners’ offense. The Kats were able to cut the lead down to just four points in the course of Gregg’s absence and continued to roll throughout the course of the first half. Sequeena Thomas lead the Bearkat revival with 19 points and 15 rebounds, her seventh consecutive double-double. Thomas was also able to get some blocks to help the Bearkat defense before half. The referees eventually began to call fouls on the Roadrunners, hitting them with eight fouls for the first half compared to the Bearkats 14. Just before the half, Gregg was called
for a travel giving the Bearkats the ball with 1.6 seconds left. Chanice Smith hit Thomas with an outlet pass, Thomas took one step, and threw the ball down the court hitting a half court three to pull the game within one point at halftime. “We have been practicing that shot all year when we are on the road” said Nicholls. “It’s about time she made it.” Revived by the energy of the first half, the Kats’ came out with a bang in the second half, taking the ball off of a turnover and scoring for their first lead of the game in just thirty seconds into the second half. Both teams exchanged the lead in the game, changing leads five times in the second half. After just twelve minutes of the first half the referees were at it again, this time the Kats were down 8-3 in foul calls. The Kats finally had to settle for outside shooting, after several attempts to take it inside and were swarmed on by the Roadrunners who saw no fouls from their contact. The Kats’ 3-point shooting wasn’t going down and All-Southland first teamer Britni Martin only had one three pointer all night. “Every time we drove we weren’t getting anything,” said Martin. “We had some trouble with their triangle and two defense.” The Roadrunners triangle and two defense was used earlier in the season but it’s a rare look for the Bearkat team. “We had put a play in for that this week,” said Nicholls. “But we only had 55 minutes one day and 20 minutes the next, that’s a hard thing to get ready for.” One optimistic side for the women’s team is that next year they will return every starter. “It’s nice to know that this team will be the same as next year’s team,” said Nicholls. “The best thing about freshman, is that they will be a sophomore next year.”
Courtesy of SHSU Athletic Media Services RUNNING THROUGH COMPETITION. Greg Olson is a sophomore outfielder batting .450 in 13 games this season
Brandon Scott Sports Editor
singled to center field to score both runners. Andreas, Mark Hudson and Olson hit three consecutive doubles to add two more tallies in the third. Wisener scored in the fourth, walking then reaching second on a balk and third on a ground out then scoring on a grounder by Ryan Mooney. Olson and Nottebart produced two more runs in the fifth. Andrew Benak was the losing pitcher for Rice. The Owls used four pitchers during the game. Sam Houston State returns to Don Sanders Stadium for the Bearkats’ opening Southland Conference series this weekend. SHSU plays host to UT-Arlington with games Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
HOUSTON The Bearkats, now 11-2 for the year, are beginning to look like a contender in the Southland Conference as SHSU rolled up its 10th consecutive victory. Freshman left hander Cody Dickson and senior right hander Justin Jackson combined to limit Rice to five hits as Sam Houston shut out the No. 14 ranked Owls 7-0 at Reckling Park in Houston Tuesday night. Dickson faced 23 batters in five and onethird innings to earn the victory, allowing only four hits with two strikeouts. Jackson earned the save, pitching the final three and two-thirds innings. He gave up only one hit and struck out one of 11 batters. Chris Andreas, Greg Olson and Daniel Nottebart each produced a pair of singles. The Kats Want more SHSU sports? picked up their seven runs Listen to our podcast: on nine hits and one Rice houstoniansport.podbean.com error. Sam Houston struck first The Houstonian in the second inning with a single from catcher John Sports Show iTunes Hale, who then moved to third on a Nottebart double. Payton Wisener
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