Vol 117— Issue 3
Huntsville, Texas
SPORTS
Thursday, January 27, 2010
FEATURE PRESENTATION
Women’s basketball endures first conference loss of the season
“No strings Attached” SEE page 4
SEE page 5
INDEX
Entertainment........page 4
Viewpoints................page 2
Sports....................page 5
Campus................page 3
Sports....................page 6
junior and vice president of the Texas Young Democrats, praised Obama’s call to freeze spending saying it speaks volumes that the president would want to cut spending. “You need to run government like you run your house spending,” Scudder
said. “Republicans didn’t do that while they were in charge. The economy is now recovering. It’s time that we tighten our boot straps and cut spending, and leave it to the Democrats to do that.”
Obama addresses national deficit By Kolby Flowers Senior Reporter
During a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address, calling for bipartisanship among
lawmakers and tackling the issue of America’s growing deficit. The speech, which lasted 61 minutes, was the first given by Obama since Republicans took the majority of the House of Representatives in the November mid-term election.
While the majority of the speech centered on the message of bipartisanship, Obama first asked Congress to tackle the issue of reducing the deficit. “I am proposing that, starting this year, we freeze annual domestic spending for
the next five years,” Obama said. “This would reduce the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade and will bring discretionary spending to the lowest share of our economy since Dwight Eisenhower was president.” Kendall Scudder, SHSU
On tour to Sam Houston
Harlem Globetrotters to showcase game-changing innovation at Johnson Coliseum Monday night By Brandon Scott Sports Editor
The Harlem Globetrotters, basketball’s most influential team ever, brings their most recent game-changing innovation to Johnson Coliseum against the Washington Generals on Monday, Jan. 31. As a part of the team’s 2011 “4 Times the Fun” North American tour, the Globetrotters introduce the “4-point shot” to 220 cities and 46 U.S. states. The North American tour marks the 85th tour season for the Globetrotters. The 4-pointer debuted to a national audience on December 5, 2010, during a special ESPN2 telecast. “The Globetrotters have been at the forefront of basketball’s evolution throughout the sport’s history,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “From the alley-oop to the slam dunk to the behind-theback pass, the Globetrotters have long brought innovations to basketball that are now staples of the game, and we’re confident the 4-point shot will change the game of basketball going forward.” The featured 4-point shooting spots are located on each side of midcourt, 35 feet from the basket and 12 feet from the NBA 3-point line.
— See OBAMA, page 3
Spring Graduation Applications Due Students who anticipate graduating in May must file degree applications by Feb. 3 with the Registrar’s Office. Those who fail to apply by the deadline will be assessed a $25 late application fee in addition to the $25 graduation fee. Students can apply online through SamWeb by going to “Student Records” and selecting “Application for Degree” from the drop down menu. Online payments can be made with MasterCard, Visa or American Express. The Registrar’s Office is located on the third floor of the Estill Building. For more information, call 936.294.1040.
Last issue, The Houstonian asked: Should K2 and Salvia be banned from within Huntsville City limits?
YES 36% NO 64% Total Results: 14 Send in your comments to kflowers@ houstonianonline.com Photo courtesy of Harlem Globe Trotters International Inc.
— See GLOBE, page 5
New research shows smoking leads to genetic mutation, lung cancer By Jared Wolf
Graphic Designer
Smokers beware, a new study came out last month with definitive proof that smoking tobacco cigarettes causes lung cancer within minutes of inhaling. Lung cancer was previously thought to be a long term process, but researchers have found that within minutes genetic mutations occur, according to a study in the journal ‘Chemical Research in Toxicology.’ Research scientists from University of Minnesota have found the chemicals responsible for the break down of DNA and is said to cause lung cancer
in smokers. The pollutants that react with DNA, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAH, produce chemical compounds that can cause mutations and initiate the carcinogenic process. Using 12 volunteer smokers, scientists tracked the PAH toxins that are carried in tobacco smoke when inhaled. The scientists collected samples of plasma from each volunteer 30 minutes before smoking, 15 minutes after smoking and 30 minutes after smoking. The results demonstrated that the process resulting in the formation of toxic chemicals known as diol epoxides from the DNA occurred very rapidly, according to the study.
Diol epoxides are toxic chemicals that bind to DNA and cause many genetic mutations. The results show that levels of PAH “reached their maximum in each subject's plasma within 15-30 minutes after the cigarette had been smoked and decreased thereafter,” the report stated. Previous studies have indicated that PAH diol epoxides are formed in humans from other sources, but the levels are greatly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. This is the first study to investigative how humans metabolize PAH by proxy of inhalation of cigarette smoke. — See CANCER, page 3
Information graphic by Jared Wolf | The Houstonian
Viewpoints
Page 2 Thursday, January 27, 2011
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
Storming the beaches of “Jersey Shore”
Letter: “Why” is important
Stephen Green argues
in news
against the reality show craze
Stephen Green urges the news media to stick to the facts and “leave the thinking to the public” in reporting stories such as the recent Tucson massacre. (“Intro to journalism,” Jan. 20) He is correct in observing that news and opinion have become conflated in much of the coverage of politics recently. However, he forgets (or perhaps never realized) that Why is one of the 5 Ws of news coverage. To not seek answers to the Why question in reporting a story such as this would be for the press to abdicate its responsibility to the reading public. Why did this happen? Was it a failure of the mental health system? Was it an inevitable consequence of that state’s gun culture? Was it in any way a product of overheated political rhetoric, complete with its recent violent imagery? Or were all of the above perhaps partly to blame? These are important questions to ask at a time like this, and ones that the press has a duty, not just a right, to ask. Perhaps this is a topic Mr. Green will find covered in Advanced Journalism.
There is an entity waging a full-frontal assault on teenagers. Its name is “Jersey Shore.” For those lucky enough to have escaped this phenomenon, the show on MTV follows a group of eight people who live together during the summer. During their stay in the house, they frequent bars, hook-up with strangers and exercise their diaphragms in each other’s direction. This could be one of the most useless programs I’ve come across in my life. Viewers will sit on their couch to watch the misadventures of eight publicly intoxicated individuals sleep with anything that makes a slight movement. Not only that, but the cast is heavily influencing the next generation to act like them, indirectly of course. The show received 8.4 million viewers on the latest episode and tops the Nielsen cable charts by a significant margin. Another interesting fact: in an interview with Dr. Drew Pinskey, of “Celebrity Rehab”, SallyAnn Salsano said that he does a full medical on the cast members and a lot of things
- Marc Edge, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the mass communication department.
for sexually transmitted diseases as well. “We hand it out like M&Ms!” Salsano said. “‘Hey kids, it’s time for Valtrex!’ It’s like a herpes nest. They’re all in there mixing it up.” That conversation was a roundtable hosted by ‘The Hollywood Reporter,’ and as a side note Valtrex is herpes medication. These people are more diseased than plague-era Europe. Something that also needs pointing out is that MTV’s target audience is kids 12 to 17 and men 18 to 34, according to Time Warner Cable Channel’s website. This means that people targeted for this show are young, impressionable teenagers. Far be it from me to say what adults should watch or mimic. However, children as young as 12 are being exposed to this culture of drinking, smoking and sex that they should not be imitating until they are old enough to do so. This is the type of behavior that is causing the rate of teen pregnancies to rise more than three percent over a year, according to a study by the Guttamacher Institute. In a study by The Partnership for a Drug-
Free America, the number of teens that drink alcohol rose from 35 percent to 39 percent, also over one year. Now, this can’t all be blamed on television. A great way to combat this is for parents to be more aware of what their children are doing and who they hang out with, though teens know how easy it is to slip under the parental radar. However, some of these ideas shouldn’t be promoted in a good light to such a young audience. Maybe reducing some of the smut, like this, on television could reduce the amount of STDs found in minors, which currently rests at 3 million, or 25 percent of all STDs reported every year according to “Better Homes and Gardens” new teen book. In the end, reality shows will always exist and portray some unobtainable and fruitless lifestyles and Americans will continue to watch and ravenously ask for more. Even if you do nothing else “Jersey Shore,” in the words of my editor, please stop fist pumping. - Stephen is the Viewpoints Editor for the Houstonian.
Comedy Center
CORRECTION:
In the issue from Tuesday, January 25, a previously published column was printed instead of the correct letter to the editor. The correct letter, above, should have been run.
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
Quick Thoughts By Stephen Green Viewpoints Editor
The Office: It was recently announced that Will Ferrell will join the cast of “The Office”. Personally, Will Ferrell’s style of comedy should be left out of this one. Sure he was good as the talented Ricky Bobby in ‘Talladega Nights’ and a famous cowbell player on a “Saturday Night Live” skit. But his style will do one of two things. One, it will be brilliant. It will bring in a new audience to the show and expand upon its already hyped success. Or, a more likely scenario, the departure of Steve Carrell will suck out all of the laughter that the pen pushers of the Dunder Mifflen company has brought us as a cast. Ferrells rapid change in comedic styles will be hard to adjust to and with Carrell leaving, I see it as the end of the amazing show. State of the Union: After watching the State of the Union Tuesday night, I want to keep this short. President Obama just repeated the same rhetoric that we hear every year from every president. Michele Bachmann and Paul Ryan delivered equally cliche’ responses from the Tea Party and Republican parties respectfully. Overall I would rate all of the speeches with an A, for average. The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.
The Houstonian
Listen up America Kolby Flowers urges everyone to support the President, or at least listen to him at certain times In his Farewell address in 1796, George Washington, our nation’s first president, warned against the formation of political parties because he felt they would destroy the foundation of our government. He couldn’t have been more right. Today, more than ever, our nation is divided and, because of it, we get nothing done. It’s come to a point where the progress of our nation has come to a screeching halt due to the inability of our lawmakers to “reach across the aisle.” We keep yelling, screaming and raising hell because our elected officials don’t get along, but do we really have any room to talk? Over the course of the last week or two, I have
Letter to the Student Body
continually expressed my excitement over the president’s, then upcoming, State of the Union address repeatedly updating Facebook or sending out a tweet from Twitter. While several friends joined me in anticipated excitement, I was surprised when several republican friends, including former teachers and principals, told me that they were not even planning on watching the speech. They claimed it was because all they would hear is lies and that they didn’t want to waste their time listening. Instead, they planned to watch a baseball game or a re-run of “The Office.” Any other day, that’s fine. When the president is making an address to the
nation, however, all eyes and ears should be attentive out of respect for what he has to say. I argued with them about how important it was to listen to the president speak, regardless of what political affiliation you might have, but, to no avail, they were set in their ways and would not be watching the speech. I strongly believe this attitude is what is wrong with America today. Our inability to simply listen to what the other side has to say is destroying our society and making it impossible for proper political discourse to occur. How can we expect to move our country forward if we aren’t willing to listen to what the other side has to say? We can’t, and we won’t
until we learn to get along. I can understand that people could and would disagree with the president and that’s perfectly acceptable. What isn’t is tuning him out because you disagree with him. How do you even know that you’re going to agree or disagree with what he has to say when he has not even said it yet? Democracy will not work,if we do not participate. Whenever we reach the point where we refuse to listen to our president discuss the state of our union and his plan to solve the issues plaguing it, there is little, if any, hope for a better future. - Kolby is the Senior Reporter for the Houstonian.
Editorial FACULTY ADVISOR Robin Johnson.....................................................................936-294-1499 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 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 Designer STAFF Kolby Flowers................................................................. Senior Reporter Lotis Butchko.................................................................Sports Reporter Jessica Gomez......................................................................Photographer
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Campus Fellows hit the road houstonianonline.com/campus-news
Page 3 Thursday, January 27, 2011
Counseling Center offers stress tips
By Erin Peterson Associate News Editor
by George Mattingly Contributing Reporter
Starting the year off on an adventurous foot, the Junior Fellows traveled throughout the Deep South during the second week of January, experiencing the culture, food and scenery, all while blogging their experiences along the way. Mike Yawn, political science professor and Junior Fellows advisor, set off with Stephanie Brim, a graduate student; her son Ryan, 11; Dana Angello, senior; and Amanda Ketchum, sophomore, on Jan. 7. “The trip was a great way for the students to learn about lots of different things while also having fun,” Yawn said. “They learned about art, literature, politics, history, architecture, cuisine, the media, urban planning, the environment and lots more. It was a fun trip.” On their trip, the Fellows stopped Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta, Macon and Savannah, Georgia; drove into South Carolina; swung down into Florida and stopped in Tallahassee; visited Mobile, Alabama; and capped off their trip in Louisiana, visiting New Orleans and Baton Rouge. “I really enjoyed New Orleans,” Amanda Ketchum,
There is no shortage of things that stress out students today: relationships, money, children, scheduling, Middle Eastern strife. The list is endless. To assist students, the Counseling Center offers several solutions for coping with high levels of stress. “I usually stress out about finances, about having to pay a lot of college expenses, like books and tuition,” Olivia Jaramillo, sophomore, said. According to Drew Miller, Ph.D. in the Counseling Center, many other students feel the same way. Students’ stress stems from a variety of things, ranging from relationships to expenses. “Students typically face stress from their relationships with family, friends and even professors,” he said. “They also often face feelings of being spread too thin with classes, work and extracurricular activities.” This stress can have negative affects on a student’s classroom performance, significantly decreasing concentration, energy,
Photo courtesy of Mike Yawn
ROAD TRIP. The Junior Fellows make a chilly stop at Tybee Island, outside Savannah, Ga., during their trip through the Deep South. Left to right: Dana Angello, senior; Stephanie Brim, graduate student; Ryan Brim, 11; and Amanda Ketchum, freshman. sophomore political science/ economics major, said in the Junior Fellows’ trip blog. “The area really has a very rich culture. The food, the music, Mardi Gras and so much other stuff makes this a unique place. New Orleans is one place that I have been that no other can relate to. [It had] to have been my favorite stop this [trip].” The organization is no stranger to group trips. “The Junior Fellows try to go on one large trip a semester and one min-trip,”
Yawn said. In the past, the organization has gone several multi-state trips, traveling through Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee, as well as several 11-state tours to Washington, D.C.. two of which occurred during presidential inaugurations. “The small trips typically include Austin, San Antonio, Dallas or the like,” Yawn said. “We are going to Little Rock and Tennessee again. In April, we are going to
STUDENT GOVERNMENT UPDATE In the first SGA meeting of the semester, members took the opportunity to approve the budget and to nominate and elect members to new positions. New caucus chairs are as follows: Kayla Tucker for the College of Sciences; Audrey Williams for the College of Fine Arts & Mass Communication; and Michael Oyeteju for the College of Criminal Justice. New senators are as follows: O. Tracy Nnamadim and Jesse Brown for the College of Sciences; Leantranell Gipson and Xochilt Endsley for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Kolby Flowers for the College of Fine Arts & Mass Communication; and Kelsy Ray for the College of Business Administration.
San Antonio. We may go to Austin in March and/or June.” “On all trips, large or small, we see a variety of things relating to multiple disciplines.” The Junior Fellows’ experiences were recorded in their blog, found at http://politicalsciencejuniorfellows. wordress.com/. For more information about the organization, visit http://www.shsu.edu/~org_ psjf/.
From CANCER page 1
With this report, antismoking advocates to this topic now have more ammunition in their arsenal. “I personally think that smoking shouldn’t be allowed on campus anywhere. But that’s probably not going to happen,” Amber Jean, a language studies major at SHSU, said on the Houstonian Facebook page. “So my solution is that maybe having a designated smoking area would be better. I hate having to walk thru all the smokers who are gathered right in front of the doors of the buildings.” Cody Osborne, political science major said there is already too much government regulation. “I'm tired of the nanny state that our country is developing into,” Osborne said. “We are raising generation after generation that is less responsible for their own actions.” He said.
From OBAMA page 1
Private fourplex for students 1 BR/1BA $500/month - $200 deposit for more info
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Obama also addressed the issue of health care reform, which the Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to repeal, last week. “Now, I’ve heard rumors that a few of you have some concerns about the new health care law,” Obama said. “So let me be the first to say that anything can be improved. If you have ideas about how to improve this law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with you. We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses.” The bill which passed the House with a 219-212 vote, now moves to the democratically-controlled Senate, which is not expected to pass. “I think Obama's health plan is a joke,” said Charles Brown, a student from the University of Kentucky, who doesn’t consider himself a
motivation and even memory. If untreated, stress can lead to more serious problems, such as panic and depression. However, the Counseling Center can help students to manage their stress with a variety of techniques. “We work with the students to teach them effective time management [and] how to set boundaries. We also teach ways to relax [through] different breathing techniques,” said Miller. Additionally, it is important for students to claim individual time to relax in order to stay healthy, he said. Students should try to maintain a healthy diet and get at least eight hours of sleep at night. Some recommended popular ways in which to relieve stress include exercise, music and taking walks. Miller strongly urges students not to avoid their stress and to face it head on. Strong support from friends and family can also be beneficial in providing an outlet for students. To learn more about the Counseling Center and the services they offer, visit their website at http://www.shsu. edu/~counsel/.
GOT NEWS TIPS? Would you like to write for the Houstonian? Do you have an story idea? E-mail Associate News Editor Erin Peterson at erp008@shsu.edu to become a contributor. “It is not the government’s job to decide what a person can and cannot do with their daily life.” Scientists did take into consideration other environmental pollutants and created lab settings to allow only the toxins that come from smoking tobacco to have affects. The University of Minnesota scientists reports that the “results clearly demonstrate that the formation of PHE diol epoxides occurs rapidly in smokers. These results are significant because PAH diol epoxides react readily with DNA, induce mutations and are considered to be ultimate carcinogens of multiple PAH in cigarette smoke. In fact, the concentration-time profiles looked similar to what one might have expected if [a heavy dose had been administered intravenously.]” This shows how potent and how rapid exposure to PAH in cigarettes develop. The tobacco industry could
now be under greater public scrutiny and possibly attract even more focus from the FDA’s watchful eye. “Though it is seen as wrong for tobacco companies to have such harmful ingredients that they sell to the public, in the end it is the consumer who is to blame for their own health issues,” Sarah Hagler, a freshmen psychology major, said. She said, “If you smoke, you are at a risk for lung cancer. Everyone knows it, and those who ignore that fact and keep smoking are going to pay the price.” Stephen Hecht, a member of the research team said, "The results reported here should serve as a stark warning to those who are considering starting to smoke cigarettes." Lung cancer takes about 3,000 lives around the world each day. An estimated 90 percent of those deaths are attributable to cigarette smoking, according to the American Cancer Society.
democrat or republican. “It will soon be required that every person in the nation have an insurance policy. A close friend of mine is a single working mother with a child, who has pre-existing health problems, and the lowest quote she has gotten for a policy on her child has been $1,100 per month. The government needs to assist those in need of insurance first.” In respect to the repeal on his landmark legislation, President Obama issued a call for lawmakers to work together and asked for bipartisanship, and acknowledging that the debate will, at some times, get heated and contentious. “It’s no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years,” Obama said. “The debates have been contentious. We have fought fiercely for our beliefs, and that’s a good thing. That’s what a robust democracy demands.” In the wake of the tragedy in Arizona, several members of Congress sat with
members of different parties to show that they are willing to work together. “I personally don’t think it will change anything,” Scudder said. “When they are sitting by party, it’s easier to see when the Republicans aren’t clapping when they really should be. They didn’t stand up when Obama said, “We want health care reform for all Americans,” and they didn’t stand up when he said he wanted to give tax cuts to students who get a four year degree.” Obama closed by discussing the “American Dream” and how it makes America stronger. “From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dare to dream. That’s how we win the future,” Obama said. “The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. And tonight, more than two centuries later, it is because of our people that our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our union is strong.”
Campus Calendar Friday, Jan. 28: - Physics Prof. O. Renee James will be signing her book “Seven Wonders of the Universe that You Probably took for Granted” and giving a presentation at Hastings (11th Street) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31: - Harlem Globetrotters “4 Times the Fun” at Johnson Coliseum from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; tickets start at $20
Arts & Entertainment
Page 4 Thursday, January 27, 2011
houstonianonline.com/entertainment
Plucking heartstrings Billboard Hot 100 Music
Jessica Priest gives her thoughts on the latest chick-flick, “No Strings Attached” By Jessica Priest
Web and Multimedia Editor
Director Ivan Reitman’s (Ghostbusters) newest film, “No Strings Attached,” struggles to answer a question many individuals of our generation ask: can a man and woman really have an intimate relationship without becoming emotionally involved? While the answer seems obvious to many, this flick provides audiences with an interesting twist. Here, the gender roles are reversed. Emma, played by Golden Globe winner Natalie Portman, is very much a career-driven woman. As a busy medical student, she claims she doesn’t have time to commit to maintaining a relationship, but it’s clear to viewers she wants all the benefits and comfort of being in one without any of its drawbacks. And that’s where Ashton Kutcher’s character, Adam, comes in. Likeable and carefree, Adam is an aspiring television writer who works on the set of a “Glee”esque TV show. Audiences suppose Adam has gotten his start in the television industry because of his famous father, who starred in a fictional, yet popular sitcom many years earlier. It’s clear early on that Adam is uncomfortable with the fact that his father’s fame overshadows his every
accomplishment. As a kid, Adam meets Emma at summer camp, where she quickly squashes his sexual advances. But Fate brings them together again, as it often does in most chick flicks. Both Emma and Adam have changed very little since their first encounter at summer camp. Emma is still unattached for no apparent reason, and Adam still struggles to get out from under the grasp of his overbearing, womanizing father. So, after Adam is dealt a significant blow to his selfesteem (his father shacks up with his ex-girlfriend), he’s very gung ho about this “friends with benefits” arrangement that Emma proposes to him, as most men would be. The film possesses all the elements required of a typical romantic comedy. Audiences chuckle as Adam makes male dating blunders and sigh enviously as he attempts to woo Emma with flowers, confectioneries and mixed CDs. Overall, the movie conjures up the usual unrealistic expectations of men. I mean, what heterosexual guy shows up to your house with a box of baked cupcakes? It’s all quite predictable. In fact, there are only two real surprises. First, it’s Adam who craves a relationship, but is constantly rebuffed. To
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Hold It Against Me,” Britney Spears “Grenade,” Bruno Mars “Firework,” Katy Perry “What’s my name?,” Rhianna “Black and Yellow,” Wiz Khalifa
Radio Songs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“What’s My Name?,” Rhianna “Firework,” Katy Perry “Grenade,” Bruno Mars “Only Girl (in the World),” Rhianna “We R Who We R,” Ke$ha
Adult Pop Photo courtesy of www.boxofficemojo.com
the critical eye, it’s quite confusing why Emma should be the one who is not open to the idea of dating someone exclusively. Isn’t Adam the character whose ego’s been bruised the most? Viewers never quite understand why Emma is so cold. Eventually, Emma comes around to the idea, but not before she realizes she’s set to die as the lonely cat lady. Hey, wasn’t the
movie’s premise supposed to empower successful, confident women? Still, the likely female-dominated audience will enjoy their reconciliation, despite it’s hypocritical nature. Second, what the hell is Natalie Portman doing in this movie? While her co-star, Kutcher, has successfully type-cast himself (he’s starred in “Just Married”, “Valentine’s Day” and “The Killers”) it seems entirely wrong for Portman to be by his side, as I usually associate her with more serious roles such as her previous experiences in “Closer”, “The Black Swan” and “Brothers.” Still, Portman proves herself to be versatile and does not disappoint, delivering her character’s quirky, funny lines with the ease of a great actress. Overall, this movie will pull the heartstrings of most young women. It’s a great “feel good” movie to watch on Valentine’s Day with some girlfriends or a significant other, but moviegoers should appreciate the film’s limits. As long as you know this movie is not set to be nominated for any awards, you will not be disappointed.
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA): Rated R for sexual content, language and some drug material. Showtimes for today (Thursday): Cinestar of Huntsville 3:55 p.m., 6:20 p.m., 9:10 p.m. My Rating: B
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“Raise Your Glass,” P!nk “Just the Way You Are,” Bruno Mars “Firework,” Katy Perry “Secrets,” OneRepublic “Animal,” Neon Trees
Hip-Hop/R&B 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Can’t Be Friends,” Trey Songz “What’s My Name?,” Rhianna “Aston Martin Music,” Rick Ross “No BS,” Chris Brown “No Hands,” Waka Flocka Flame
C.J. programs nationwide adopt professor’s books By Miranda Landsman Contributing Writing
Willard Oliver, Ph.D., criminal justice professor, has published three books within the past three months. His most recent book commands attention with its astounding title and cover art, depicting a sniper’s gun pointed at the White House. “Killing the President” describes in detail the story of every presidential assassination and those attempted. “I wrote the stories in a way that is interesting but [also] backed by scholarly evidence,” said Oliver. His inspiration to write the book came from a visit to the bookstore. “I was looking for a book on presidential assassinations. I couldn’t find one, so I thought, maybe I’ll write one!” His other two books, “A History of Crime and
Criminal Justice in America” and “The Public Policy of Crime and Criminal Justice” include topics from his area of expertise in the field of criminal justice. Oliver is a board member of the Southwest Association of Criminal Justice and serves as Region IV Trustee on the executive board of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. He is a decorated veteran of the Persian Gulf War and a retired major in the Military Police Corps of the U.S. Army Reserves. His books have been adopted into many criminal justice programs throughout the nation. For more information on Oliver visit the SHSU Criminal Justice website, www.cjcenter.org. His books can be purchased either online at Amazon.com or through Barnes & Nobel bookstores.
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Face Time with Britni Martin
The Houstonian: So Britni, tell us about yourself. You are from Conroe? Britni Martin: I am. TH: What’s it like going to a school so close to home? BM: It doesn’t always feel like I am that close because we’re always doing something and we’re always busy, so it’s not like I get to go home every weekend, because we are on the road or practicing or at community service. Which is a good thing, but I like being close for family support, along with some friends. TH: You are a two sport athlete correct? BM: I was freshman year. TH: How was that? BM: It was a lot of fun, it was very tricky, we had to have a lot of time management. But after I got hurt, at the end of freshman year, had surgery at the beginning of sophomore year, I was taken out by coach Nichols from soccer, I was told to focus on just basketball. So now I am a one sport athlete, for the first time in my life. When I was younger I play four sports at a time all in one season. And I was always on the go. It took time to get used to but, I like focusing on one thing. TH: Do you miss soccer? BM: I do miss soccer, it’s hard to go watch a game, it makes me want to go play, but I still go to support the team. It’s hard to watch thought, I miss it a lot. I think that’s just because I am a competitor, I love all sports, if I see it I just want to go play it. TH: What’s it been like this year with your huge turnaround? BM: Very exciting, we have been really focused, that’s been a big thing, focus and mental toughness. Every practice we have been coming out hard, we have taken it on us. We don’t just put it on the coaches, if we see something whether it’s a freshman or a fellow upperclassman we will tell them, “hey you might need to look at this.” Everyone is stepping up this year and taking it on themselves. TH: For the first time since I have been here, you have a better team than the men’s team. Is there a friendly rivalry there? BM: Yes and no, we are pretty close with the guys team we talk to them every day. We are always around each other whether we see them walking through the tunnel or on and
the Bearkats 48-27 and out-shot Sam Houston 42.6 percent to 38.1 percent. Jordan Ford led the Jacks with 19 points. The Bearkats, looking to start Southland Conference play with six consecutive victories for the first time in their 24 years in the league, led only twice during the contest. Smith's lay-up with 12:54 to play in the first half put Sam Houston up 12-10. SFA went on a 20-10 run to build a 3022 lead. The Jacks led at intermission 38-32.
Sam Houston bounced back early in the second half to take a brief 40-38 lead on a Clarke Davis layup with 14:39 to play. But the Jacks roared ahead, outscoring Sam Houston 13-4 in the next eight minutes to go up 51-44. Sam Houston never came closer than four points the rest of the game. Sam Houston will continue this week's Southland Conference road trip Saturday afternoon when the Bearkats travel to UTSA.
Jessica Gomez
- Lotis Butchko conducted the interview for this report.
By Zach Birdsong Contributing Writer
HUSTLE PLAYS, ENOUGH (above) dives
By SHSU Athletics
off the court we Jessica Gomez The Houstonian are really excited for the guys last year. They always show us their rings. We want the same thing and they got the new jerseys and a lot of new things we would like at the same time it’s nice and what not. But I am huge supporter of all the athletics here… TH: Even bowling? BM: Yes, even bowling. They are amazing, they are like going for a national title. I was super excited for that. But yea, the guys, I hate it when they lose, I hope we are both winning and I know how they feel we were in their shoes last year. TH: IN one of the videos about your team you guys were writing on a board at half time. I just wanted to ask you about that. BM: Coach actually started that this year, that’s another one of those things with us taking initiative. She started that at the beginning of conference, she had a board with two sides a good side and a bad side, and we have to list what we thought we were doing good that half and not good that half. We talked about it anyways, but it gave the coaches an idea of what was going on in our
SFA defeats SHSU handily, 63-49.
James
After starting conference action 5-0, the women’s team falls to SFA. NACOGDOCHES Dominating the boards and out-shooting the Bearkats, Stephen F. Austin ended Sam Houston's Southland Conference women's basketball winning streak with a 70-63 victory over the Kats Wednesday night. Sam Houston (11-9, SLC 5-1) was led by Britni Martin with 18 points. Khamra Echols scored 14 and Chanice Smith added 13 points. Stephen F. Austin (6-12, SLC 3-2) out-rebounded
Men continue to struggle HUNTSVILLE -- The Bearkats dropped their third consecutive game in a loss Wednesday night against rival Stephen F. Austin 63-49. This loss drops the Kats record to 9-10 this season with a 2-3 record in the Southland Conference. The crowd of 3,153 at Johnson Coliseum was loud and energetic at tip off. The Kat’s fed off that energy and responded by jumping out to an 8-3 lead. After a timeout at the 15:50 mark of the first half, the Lumberjacks recovered and held the Kats to just 15 points the rest of the first half, taking a 33-23 lead to halftime. First half foul trouble from Gilberto Clavell, led to the Kat’s struggling for offense. “It was frustrating,” said Clavell. “Coach told us we have to fight through it.” “When things aren’t going good we have to find other ways to generate offense,” said head coach Jason Hooten. “We just haven’t gotten the job done or been good enough… Sometimes when it rains it pours. But what I try to preach to our guys is that we’ve got to find a way to change that momentum.” Clavell played most of the second half and finished with 26 points and 6 rebounds. The Kat’s 3 point shooting struggle continued as the team went 0-11 from 3 point territory.
Jacks end conference streak
for
a
NOT
Marcus loose ball.
“That’s kind of been our Achilles heel all year long,” said Hooten. “The sad thing is though on the last road trip and against Nichols we shot it really well. I was happy with the number of three’s we took. We only shot 11, and the two nights we shot it really well we were 7-14 against Nichols and 6-12 at Corpus, I like those number. This team needs to keep that number down.” Overall the Kat’s shot the ball well, shooting 40.5 percent “We just haven’t gotten the job done but were outmatched by the or been good enough…Sometimes Lumberjacks who shot the when it rains it pours. But what I try to ball for 59.5 percent. preach to our guys is that we’ve got to “Defensively I thought at find a way to change that momentum.” times we were good,” said -SHSU Head Coach Jason Hooten Hooten. “But maybe at the
Jessica Gomez The Houstonian
end of the shot clock when they went to make a one on one play we didn’t do a good job.” The Kat’s were able to create turnovers, but putting points on the board with them was the difference. The Kat’s created 19 turnovers, but only scored 10 points off of them, while the Lumberjacks created 17 turnovers and scored 23 points off of them. “That’s absolutely the difference in the game,” said Hooten. That’s 13 points in the difference, and we lost by 15.” The Kats look to redeem themselves in a tough matchup this Saturday at Johnson Coliseum against the University of Texas SanAntonio Roadrunners ( 10-8, 3-2 SLC).
From GLOBE page 1
Globetrotters say they want to add more intrigue to games, and maybe even give the Generals a chance to score more points. The 4-point shot is only activated in the last three minutes of each quarter. More importantly, the Globetrotters are widely known for their efforts to better communities. Every time a Globetrotter knocks down a 4-point shot, they donate four pairs of eye glasses to children in need of eye care. “We just try to do so much positive things for the community,” said Blenda Rodriguez, who is in his fourth season on the team. “The most exciting part of coming to a Harlem Globetrotter game is, when we finish we don’t just go straight to the locker room. We want to give back to the fans.” After games, the shot clock is set at 30 minutes, when the players sign autographs, take pictures and interact with fans. Rodriguez says the best Globetrotter trick is bringing families together. The team visits hospitals, schools and participate in charity fundraisers. Every year, the Globetrotters do a military tour to give back to the troops. “To me, the troops are superheroes because they do so much for our country. We go
out there and play for 200, or 300 troops and their families. The smallest crowd the Globetrotters performed for was one person and that was the Pope.” For Rodriguez, visiting the Houston area brings back fond memories. In 2007, Rodriguez was invited by the team for a tryout in Houston. He was hand-picked by team scouts after his basketball videos surfaced to showcase his talent. Rodriguez was one of five players signed to a contract. After high school, Rodriguez quit basketball for four years, he says because he didn’t think he would ever play professionally. Rodriguez worked as a messenger in New York City, making just under $7 an hour. He worked as a staff counselor at basketball camps and even at a batting cage. Rodriguez says he would take his basketball to his jobs and just dribble during his breaks. “I was just a regular kid growing up and loving the game of basketball. I feel like I’m living the American dream, being with the Globetrotters. But we don’t only represent the Globetrotters, we represent the United States. We’re ambassadors of good will.” Tickets, starting at $20.00 are on sale at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, the Johnson Coliseum box office, ticketweb.com or by phone 936294-3021.
File photo
K atistics MEN’S HOOPS RESULTS WEDNESDAY, Jan. 26
SFA 63 SHSU 49
STANDINGS EAST DIVISION McNeese State Northwestern State Lamar Nicholls State Southeastern LA Central Arkansas
11-6 8-7 8-9 8-6 10-9 4-13
(4-2) (4-2) (3-2) (3-3) (2-3) (1-5)
WEST DIVISION Stephen F. Austin
12-5 (3-2)
UT San Antonio UT Arlington Texas State Sam Houston State Texas A&M-CC
10-8 9-9 8-11 9-10 7-13
(3-2) (3-2) (3-2) (2-4) (2-4)
WOMEN’S HOOPS RESULTS WEDNESDAY, Jan. 26
SHSU 63 SFA 70
STANDINGS EAST DIVISION McNeese State Lamar Central Arkansas Northwestern State Southeastern LA Nicholls
14-5 15-4 12-7 7-12 9-8 6-13
(6-0) (4-1) (2-1) (2-4) (1-4) (1-5)
WEST DIVISION
Sam Houston State 10-8 (5-1) UTSA Stephen F. Austin UT Arlington Texas State Texas A&M-CC
7-10 5-11 4-12 5-11 2-15
(4-1) (3-2) (2-3) (1-4) (0-6)
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