11/9 Edition

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

What’s happening at Sam ‘BLACK OUT’ , P.2

Basketball season opener to bring awareness to police brutality.

Volume 128 | Issue 11

MOVIE REVIEW, P.4 The Houstonian reviews Doctor Strange.

/HoustonianSHSU

APPLE , P.6 Viewpoints Editor, Arturo Mosqueda reviews the new Macbook Pro. @HoustonianSHSU

INTERNET, P.7

BOWLING, P. 8

Viewpoints writer discusses the dangers of online friendships.

The SHSU bowling team hosted the KAT Klash and took home first place.

HoustonianOnline.com

@HoustonianSHSU

Student Tight Race: Watch Party Democrats Draws Excitement React to Results TRICIA SIMS Associate Editor

Trump Triumphs in Pres.

Race TRICIA SIMS Associate Editor

@TriciaAnnnn After weeks of predictions and analyzing, many believed that Democratic nominee Hilary Clinton was going to win the presidential race. In an unexpected turn of events Clinton has conceded.

President of Bearkat Democrats London Sneeden said election night brought interesting results with Republican nominee Donald Trump winning some states that many predicted Clinton to win.

“It has been very back and forth,” Sneeden said. “I think it is actually crazy that we have a candidate who has the most political experience that we have had in the last thirty years and that this election was still so close, when the comparison is someone with no political experience and who is a star of reality TV show.

All of these things are shocking, yet incredible to me. I am still in shock. I think it says a lot about our country and our political climate.”

The states that Clinton was proposed to win, like Michigan and Pennsylvania, became a Trump victory due to third party voters according to sophomore Logan Kennemer.

“In many polls, it showed Clinton winning at a pretty safe margin, but we have seen tonight Trump has taken many states that he wasn’t predicted to win,” said Kennemer. “I think that third parties had a very large effect on many states. The amount that the third party took in was actually larger than the difference between Trump and Clinton. I think a lot of those and undecided voters made those states that were not necessarily supposed to be swing states made them flip to the other candidate.”

With the conclusion of one of the most historical presidential elections, Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning showed that anything can happen and nothing can be assumed. Donald J. Trump is set to become the 45 President of the United States of America.

@TriciaAnnnn

Morgan Phillips | The Houstonian

WATCH PARTY. Student Goverment Association, the Global Center for Journalism and Democracy, the Department of Student Activities, the Department of Political Science, and the Student Money Management center teamed up to host an election watch party in the Kat Klub yesterday. Students enjoyed free food, t-shirts, and activities throughout the night.

SGA, PSP to Host ‘Sam Talks’ MORGAN PHILLIPS Staff Reporter @MorganLeeMusic The Student Government Association in collaboration with the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity will hold an event about campus carry. The event is called ‘Sam Talks: Campus Carry’ and will be held tomorrow at the Smith-Hudson Business building

Mafrige auditorium at 6:30pm.

The event hopes to promote increased awareness of active shooter threats and how to handle the new campus carry law.

The talking points for the event will feature how to handle an active shooter situation and how campus carry affects campus.

At the end of the presentation there will be a Q and A with the speakers. This will be an optimal opportunity for students to ask questions about certain

Election night has been a roller coaster. The Associated Press was the first to call the win in favor of Republican nominee Donald Trump. Democratic nominee Hilary Clinton called Trump privately instead of publicly conceding.

President of the College Republicans Leah Boyd said the states that Trump won have been surprising.

“Nobody thought he could pull the states he did, he is doing so much better than everybody thought,” Boyd said. “There are just places that Clinton messed up and it has costed her a lot of votes.”

The night seemed decided after results of Pennsylvania were released 48.9 percent for Trump and 47.6 for Clinton. To Boyd this means that every voice can make a difference.

“I am surprised that Trump lead Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania,” Boyd said. “I think it just really shows that people’s votes do matter.”

Clinical Professor in the Department of Political Science Mike Yawn said Trump’s victory in certain states are due to the thirdparty voters.

“He is doing about 2 or 3 points better in the polls than expected,” said Yawn.

“Some of the early polls are showing that Clinton did not mobilize some of the key groups that typically vote overwhelming democrat. I think in the last week or two weeks, that a lot of the thirdparty voters decided to vote for one of the two major candidates and apparently overwhelmingly for Trump.”

aspects of campus carry or items that students may need more clarification about.

The speakers will be University Police Department Officer Butterworth and Officer Hansford and a representative for the campus carry committee at SHSU. The speakers want to show a transparency with the school and the University Police about the prospect of campus carry.

The President of SGA,

National Vote Clinton Trump Popular Vote Popular Vote

47.22% 48.02% Walker County Vote

30.92% 65.43%

— SAM TALKS, page 3

Players of the Week

P. J. HALL, DEFENSIVE END

Although the defense allowed a season-high in points (43) and total yards of offensive (574), Hall’s dominant performance can’t be overlooked. The junior from Seguin racked up seven tackles against the Cowboys, a forced fumble and four sacks. Hall was named Southland Conference defensive player of the week and earned honorable mention for national defensive player of the week.

Wednesday, November 9th 6:00 - 7:00 pm LSC Theater Front Page, News, CC Layout 10-12-16 (1).indd 1

dESTI N ATI0N

NATHAN STEWART, WIDE RECEIVER

The freshman from Dallas was lights out in the Bearkats’ 56-43 win over McNeese State on Saturday. Stewart broke both the school and conference record for receiving yards in a single game with 12 catches for 268 yards and three touchdowns. His performance earned him both STATS FCS National Freshman of the Week honors, as well as Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

Free Pizza and Drinks, first come first serve.

Must have an active Bearkat OneCard to participate in the event.

Attend 3 workshops and your name will be entered into a drawing for one of our $400 scholarships.

Don’t let spring break, break your bank! Come brainstorm with the SMMC and get some great ideas for fun on a budget!

Student Money Management Center 919 Bearkat Blvd.

Student Services Annex 936.294.2600 - smmc@shsu.edu shsu.edu/smmc

@SHSU_SMMC

11/9/2016 2:47:39 AM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Page 2 T HE H E A DLI N E S i n br i e f

Social Media Affects Presidential Race ELISABETH WILLASON Staff Reporter @ewilla_

Compiled by: The Houstonian’s Media Practicum Students

ISIS KIDNAPS APPROXIMATELY 300 PEOPLE

A spokeswoman for the U.N. announced Tuesday that Isis has abducted 295 civilians from Tal Afar, which is 47 miles from Mosul.

The civilians were targeted because they were former security forces acting as personal for the iraqis.

The fate of the civilians remains unknown as the Shia militia advances on Tal Afar in order to cut off an escape route for Isis.

STICKERS PUT ON SUSAN B. ANTHONY’S GRAVE

In order to pay tribute to one of the woman who helped gain women’s suffrage, stickers are being placed on Susan B. Anthony’s grave. Anthony herself never gained the right to vote in her lifetime. Among them was the first woman mayor of Rochester, who paid her homage because “without her I wouldn’t be able to be where I am.”

NEW DELHI’S AIR DEADLY There is no fresh air in New Delhi. The city is reported to be under smog five times the “tolerable” amount. The Air Quality is at 999 on the index, which is well above the 500 point considered hazardous. Sunday hundreds protested outside of Parliament.

The presidential election of 2016 could be best described in one word: unprecedented. In the race between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, social media has taken the reigns.

Beyond the fact that we have the first female candidate of a major party and the first reality T.V. show star running against one another for the title, it’s also been an election disproportionately affected by the internet.

“The Hill” called this election

“The Social Media Race” and for good reason – the candidates throughout the entire process have had an enormous presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram over the past year and a half.

Department of Political Science associate professor Heather Evans examined how the candidates used their own personal Twitter to reach voters.

“Hillary Clinton has sent significantly more tweets than Donald Trump,” Evans said. “She has also been more focused in her use of negativity -- focusing solely on Donald Trump.”

While the negativity has been focused on Trump since the primaries ended, it’s not the first time the former Secretary of State

used tweets to go after another running candidate.

In August of 2015, she went back and forth with Jeb Bush about the cost of college tuition – including editing one of his infographics to point out that Florida had a “F” in college cost in the time that he was governor.

Clinton reaches 10.2 million followers with every tweet she sends – her opponent, Trump, has a whopping 13 million followers. “[Donald Trump], on the other hand, has been attacking everyone -- and I do mean everyone (the media, Democrats, Government, and even Republicans),” Evans said.

Trump has become notorious over the last year and a half for late night Twitter rampages against

anyone that might have slighted him – including House Speaker Paul Ryan and his running mate Governor Mike Pence.

Overall, Evans says that social media can impact politics positively, by having a chance to respond to an incident and take control of the narrative.

Sophomore Lily Dominguez said is less impressed with the way she’s seen social media used throughout the election.

“I think that they show only what they want you to see,” Dominguez said. “It’s all bias. Or he said she said, but never what they said.

Social Media notoriously paints beautiful pictures for the most crooked people.”

SHSU to Host Celebration of Veterans MASON GONZALES Staff Reporter @MasonUltra54 Veteran’s Day, a dedicated time for honoring the brave men and women who give their lives for America is coming soon.

The Sam Houston State University History Honors Society and the Phi Alpha Theta (PAT) will host the 2nd annual breakfast and program titled ‘November 1th: A Veteran’s Lament’ from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday at the CHSS Water Wall.

Graduate student and PAT President Briana Weaver helped organize the program and hopes this event opens people’s eyes to what Veterans go through.

“People go through and they don’t understand the complexities of war and the difficulties that veterans face after coming out of enlistment,” Weaver said. “A lot of people simply overlook the holiday unless they have a person whose active military. This is a good way for us to get people more

connected with the history behind veteran’s day, and illuminate people on the significance of the holiday” The event will contain a breakfast and a keynote address to the audience by Assistant Professor of History and U.S. Marine Corps.

Veteran Jeremiah Dancy.

“I think the disconnect between the veterans and the rest of the public causes a lot of problems,” Dancy said. “We basically end up with a society where we are willing to do anything for veterans except take what they do seriously.”

After the breakfast and speech, at noon there will also be a lunch in the conference room on the fourth floor of academic building IV. This is only open to veterans wishing to attend and PAT members.

“We plan to have an open discussion on how veterans are discussed in historiography and carry on with reflections over Dr.Dancy’s speech and what their thought are,” said Weaver.

Phi Alpha Theta is a society with the mission to promote the study of History. It enables students and teachers to come together in social

“I certainly hope that when I come back here ten years from now someone is still carrying on the tradition.”

-

Briana Weaver

Phi Alpha Theta President

and intellectual environments for the exchanging of historical ideas.

“We really try to lend a historical or critical approach to veterans’ day and to think critically about what it means to be an American veteran,” said History Professor and Phi Alpha Theta chapter sponsor Brian Jordan. “It’s an event that hopefully will continue in future years.”

If someone wishes to learn more about the organization they can

contact the Recruitment Chair Ingrid Patino at ivp001@shsu.edu.

All students of any major or classification can attend. This event is an excellent opportunity for students to have a learning experience and for our veterans to be appreciated for their sacrifices.

“I certainly hope that when I come back here ten years from now someone is still carrying on the tradition,” Weaver said.

Event to Bring Awareness to Police Brutality JAREN CRIST Staff Reporter

The season opener Sam Houston basketball game is scheduled for Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 pm.

During this game, students, faculty, staff, and community members are being asked to wear all black to protest police brutality.

This “Black Out” event is being organized by Sam Houston criminal justice student, Dominique Thompson with support from several student organizations including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Black Student Alliance, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and the Talented Tenth.

Thompson states that the protest was created to express the disapproval for police brutality.

“The purpose of this event is to make a solidarity statement to express the disapproval of police brutality,” Thompson said.

The event is aimed at protesting an injustice of society and that no one should be unjustly subjected to police brutality.

“The message we are trying to convey is simple,” Black Student Alliance President, Shateek Nazir, said. “We are standing in solidarity against police brutality. In no form or fashion are we anti-police, oftentimes it gets misconstrued as that and that isn’t the message. We are strictly anti-police brutality.”

Xavier Perry, president of NABCJ and Talented Tenth, believes that the demonstration will increase the awareness of police brutality.

“The purpose of the Black Out demonstration is to increase awareness of police brutality and show university-wide disapproval of this nationwide catastrophe,” Perry said. “The message that is hoped to be perceived by the community is that, though Sam Houston is a small, open campus, we understand the importance and prevalence of this issue. Movements

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always start small before growing into something bigger.”

Nazir believes that this event is important because it allows students, faculty, and staff to express their own views.

“This event is important because it gives people a chance to express their views against things going on in our country in a non-violent way. It’s an opportunity to express our first amendment rights of free speech,” Nazir said.

“This event is important because it gives people a chance to express their views against things going on in our country in a non-violent way. It’s an opportunity to express our first amendment rights of free speech,””

-Shateek Nazir Black Student Alliance President Thompson discusses their goals for the ‘Black Out’ event.

“The goal of the event is to raise awareness of the flaws in the criminal justice system as they pertain to police brutality,” Thompson said. “I know this event is small compared to everything that’s been going on, but hopefully we as a school that specializes in criminal justice can create a step towards change.”

Sometimes the hardest part to change is taking that first step. This is an opportunity for Sam to take that first step into pushing things in a more positive direction. If you want to join the fight against police brutality wear all black to the men’s basketball game Saturday, November 12 at 2:00pm.

11/8/2016 10:04:32 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Page 3

Presentation to Showcase Professor’s Research STORMY TORRES Staff Reporter @SassBawl

The Honors College will host a presentation to promote research that will feature English Professor Gene Young today from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Evans Complex in Room 105.

In assistive collaboration

with the English Department and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Honors College has continued their series of ProfSPEAK presentations this semester.

Young will share stories about visiting important sites from Cormac McCarthy’s novel “All the Pretty Horses.”

The novel presents a look on Western culture and delivers an exciting tale that will have

everyone enthralled. Since a lot of the book involves aspects of Texas, Young will be examining large parts of those sites.

Sophomore Valentina Rombado, a student in the process of applying for the Honors College, said she has an interest in the program.

“The concept of ProfSPEAK sounds interesting and beneficial to those who are

involved with the topic being discussed,” Rombado said.

“Because I want to be a teacher, I think that it’s imperative that students attend something like this just to have them consider their options for the future.”

The idea of ProfSPEAK was designed to inspire undergraduate research across campus. Each month, a different faculty member will share some aspect of his or her

research in an informal lecture with interested undergraduates from all disciplines.

All SHSU students, faculty, and staff are encouraged and welcome to attend. For more information regarding this event and the ProfSPEAK series contact the Honors College at 936-294-1477 or email them at honors@shsu. edu.

Andy Cohen to be Featured on Livestream LIDIA GUTIERREZ Staff Reporter @SilenceisGold3n

Sam Houston State University’s Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, NSLS, will host a live broadcast with Andy Cohen, Host and Executive Producer of “Watch What Happens: Live” at the CHSS 120 today.

Cohen will be speaking at New Jersey City University and through SHSU’s NSLS Chapter, students will have the opportunity to listen in to Cohen’s words.

Cohen is a radio and talk show host, author and producer. After serving more than 10 years as the head of development at Bravo, Cohen stepped down in 2013. Cohen also received an Emmy Award in 2010 as the Executive Producer of Top Chef.

In this livestream, Cohen will focus on building a personal brand, landing your dream job, and other real-life obstacles people can have in their professional lives.

“We hope that the presenters motivate and inspire our members with their stories,” Director of Communications Devin Lasker said.

The NSLS members undergo a five-step program into the induction of their lifetime membership in the Society.

Speaker Broadcasts Series is one of the stages implemented into the five-step program.

“We feel it’s important for our members to hear from successful leaders,” Lasker said. “Not only to hear the positive stories, but also the negative aspects and how they overcame them.”

NSLS pick people with plenty of experience, well known celebrities, and bestselling authors so that these members can get the ins and

outs of their careers.

In the past, NSLS has had a variety of diverse speakers such as Robert Gates and Hilary Duff.

If anyone is interested in the Society and the benefits the Society comes with, please visit their website http:// www.societyleadership.org or reach out to the Sam Houston Chapter President, Amanda Coglianese.

The Jump — SAM TALKS, page 1 Jacqueline Bolden, wanted to demonstrate that the Student Government of Association is planning on holding more “Sam Talks” to inform on various issues and how they can improve how students view life on campus.

“The Student Government Association plans on hosting a series of student forums titled “Sam Talks” that are designed to educate the student body on various issues affecting a variety of areas; including but not but limited to, the university, the city, and other social issues,” Bolden said. “SGA looks forward to partnering with Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity on November 10 to provide students the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with University Police and administration on concealed carry policy’s and suggestions on ways to improve university apps and safety procedures.”

SGA strives to bring

information and clarity to all students of policy changes that affect their life on campus.

Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity has been an organization on campus since 2001 and continues to foster scholarship, leadership, and fellowship on campus.

Jennifer Ward the Historian for Pi Sigma Pi said the event is important to the student body because it is a way to inform students and create a stronger community on campus.

“PSP and SGA can help reach more of the student body working together,” Ward said.

“The event is important because campus carry is a new law that people should be educated on, and it’s smart to be able to know what to do if you were ever in an active shooter situation.”

The event is open to all students and faculty on campus, and both SGA and Phi Sigma Pi welcome the opportunity to teach others about safety on campus.

TH E P OLI C E B LOTTER Compiled by Tricia Sims Associate Editor

NOVEMBER 2, 2016

11-02-2016 4:34 am 16-15151 Medical Assist An officer was dispatched for a Medical Assist call at Sam Houston Village, 1600 Sam Houston Avenue. The individual reportedly slipped on some wet pavement and sustained injuries. Walker County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the location and transported the individual to Huntsville Memorial Hospital Emergency Room for further medical treatment and evaluation.

11-02-2016 6:48 pm 16-15190 Theft An officer was dispatched to the Lowman Student Center Pawprint, located at 1800 Avenue I, in reference to a Theft. Complainant advised that around 6:45PM, four black females caused a diversion while the group committed a theft. Complainant stated that he wishes to pursue criminal charges and signed a Prosecution form.

NOVEMBER 3, 2016 11-03-2016 10:35 am 16-15214 Debit Card Abuse An officer was dispatched in reference to a “Credit/Debit Card Abuse” report. The complainant reported fraudulent activity on her debit card.

The complainant stated that the debit card was in her possession at all times and that no one had permission to use the card. The complainant desired to pursue criminal charges and signed a prosecution form and was unable to provide any suspect information.

11-03-2016 5:29 pm 16-15230 Criminal Trespass Warning An officer was dispatched to Sam Houston Village Residence Hall, 1600 Sam Houston Avenue. The officer issued a written criminal trespass warning for all Sam Houston State University Residence Halls to an individual that was recently involved in a “Suspicious Odor” investigation through the Sam Houston State University Police Department.

NOVEMBER 4, 2016 11-04-2016 5:46 pm 16-15286 Assault-Family violence An officer was dispatched to the Republic Apartments, 1312 Smither Drive, in reference to an emergency request for assistance to separate a verbal domestic disturbance that was previously physical. The female involved stated she assaulted the male involved. He was evaluated by Huntsville/Walker County Emergency Medical Services for the injuries he sustained during the altercation. The male involved was issued a criminal trespass warning. The female was transported to the Walker County Jail and charged. This report will be forwarded to the Sam Houston State University Dean of Students’ Office for violations to the university’s Code of Conduct.

NOVEMBER 5, 2016 11-05-2016 8:06 pm 16-15331 Disturbance An officer was dispatched to the University Hotel Parking Lot (P4), 1640 Bobby K. Marks Drive in reference to a disturbance. The complainant stated the suspect, an acquaintance, was acting dangerous and aggressive. The complainant then began yelling and acting erratically and more aggressive. Complainant was later released after calming down.

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11/8/2016 10:04:46 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Page 4

Movie Review: Doctor Strange Visually Impresses ETHAN HORN Campus Culture Editor @TheEthanHorn “You think you know how the world works. You think this material universe is all there is.

What if I told you the reality you know is one of many?”

Marvel studios appears to have done it yet again. Doctor Strange is the 14th entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was directed by Scott Derrickson. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, and Rachel

McAdams.

The sole reason, if nothing else, to see this movie is for the visual effects utilized throughout. The effects were fantastic and used in ways which some will argue are similar to Inception; but Dr. Strange takes them to another level.

It cannot be stressed enough the exceptional work that was put on the screen, through an incredible combination of color, CGI, and cinematography, often to a brilliant kaleidoscope effect.

Not only do the visuals impress, there is a compelling character in Stephen Strange throughout the film. Strange has multiple moments of growth as a character, making for a compelling centerpiece to the

film. That is helped greatly from the performance by Cumberbatch, from showing arrogance to eventually becoming humbled.

This couldn’t have been done without a well written script.

Tilda Swinton as the ‘ancient one’ was another example of excellent casting. I feel that she stole every scene she was in. There was also entertainment value from Ejiofer, Wong, and McAdams, while they are not in the movie great amounts they do add to the overall atmosphere.

However, no movie is perfect, and Doctor Strange is no exception.

The flaws stem from the villain, an iffy passage of time, and some lacking humor.

The main villain of Kaecilius portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen was rather weak overall. Mikkelson did give off a threatening presence and delivered his lines well enough but his character was not given enough screen time to make us develop any feelings good or bad towards him. It also did not help that his motivations were explained by other characters rather than by him or better yet shown.

The next issue falls within the passage of time within the film. The movie takes place over a span of years, however it is not shown. It is more implied, which hurts the film by making the audience assume, it creates an uncomfortable feeling amidst the larger plot.

Most of the humor throughout was funny, especially in scenes between Cumberbatch and Wong, though at some points it did fall flat but they were few and far in between.

Doctor Strange is an enjoyable time at the movies. Families can enjoy it, comic book fans and casual viewers can enjoy it. Despite some flat humor, a poor villain, and an iffy passage of time; the acting is great and paired with intriguing characters, the visuals are mindblowing, and add an extra level of entertainment. I personally recommend paying the 3D price, it will be worth it.

Memorial Musuem to Host Dance Dept.

Showcases Works Harvest Festival GABY TORRES Staff Reporter The Sam Houston Memorial Museum will be hosting a harvest festival Thursday November 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The event is focused on being fun for all, a large part will be featuring great food such as chicken with rosemary, cornbread, pumpkin pie, and garden fresh vegetables, and so much more. “[The festival] has had quite some time since the last one, but after looking at ways we could raise the community involvement we decided to bring this event up again,” Kathy DeYoung, who works at the museum and is helping with this event, said.

This festival is a way to show how the Sam Houston family would get ready for harvest back in the 19th century.

“We also hope to increase awareness and interest in the times the museum represents,” DeYoung said.

To run the estate Houston dedicated time to care for the crops and animals. There will be a replica kitchen cabin and historical interpreters from the

““[The festival] has had quite some time since the last one, but after looking at ways we could raise the community involvement we decided to bring this event up again,””

-

Kathy DeYoung

Musuem Employee and Event Planner museum will be present to explain how certain items would be used in 1847.

You will also get a chance to visit the vegetable and herb garden to pick out what they may need for ingredients. It’s not so much of a sit down meal; the event wants participant to experience helping prepare the meal and learning about the harvest and tasting all the different things the harvest brings.

Bring your friends and family to enjoy an evening full of new things to see. Learn new recipes to try this holiday season and leave your family wondering where you got

that cooking experience from.

The harvest festival will be the ultimate experience in getting to know how they lived back then and everything they had to do to prepare themselves for harvest season.

The museum closes at 4:30 p.m. so the staff encourages attendees to get there early so the museum can be part of your experience.

A $5 donation is recommended per person. To RSVP or for more information call 936-294-3153 or like the groups Facebook page: Sam Houston Memorial Museum.

By Alumni AMARI JONES AND KEITH COLLINS Staff Reporters

This past weekend the SHSU Dance Department hosted the 7th annual Dance Gallery Best of 10 festival.

It showcased works choreographed by alumni, emerging dancers, and established dancers from around the country.

Due to the gallery, over the weekend featured dancers came to Sam Houston to teach classes for aspiring dance majors alongside their performances for the public.

Astrid von Ussar hosted the event, and is the Founder and Artistic Director of the gallery. Andy Noble, hosted the event alongside von Ussar, who is the Associate Artistic Director.

Manuel Vignouelle was this year’s artist in residence at Sam Houston, and he performed some of his best known pieces.

All performances by the dancers

were modern and contemporary pieces. The dances were sensual, yet professional, very graceful and athletic. The music matched the mood of the set on the stage and movements of the performers.

Coordinator of the Dance Gallery, Dionne Noble, says that the inspiration for the festival came from founder, Astrid Von Ussar who was discouraged that younger artists did not have a platform to showcase their work.

“Mrs. Von Ussar was discouraged in New York by the idea that it is really hard for an artist starting out to be able to afford to show their work on a big stage, which is why we brought the festival to Texas,” Noble said.

Noble also said that some of the participants in this year’s event will be heading to New York for their Dance Gallery Festival.

Sam Houston had the opportunity to host these talented artists this weekend and took it as a step to advance the program for all involved.

SHSU Creates: Novelist Savannah Burrus TESLA CADENA Staff Reporter @TheEthanHorn SHSU freshman and theater major Savannah Burrus has been writing her entire life; from short stories and poems, to songs, but has recently decided to tackle a fantasy novel titled Genesis, based off J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan (a book she’s read at least ten times).

“It’s a prequel to J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan about how Peter, Captain Hook, Tink and everyone came to be, how they all met, and how everyone got to Neverland,” Burrus said.

Though there are many interpretations of Peter Pan’s and Neverland’s backstory, Burrus feels the narrator’s perspective makes all the difference.

“It’s unique because it’s told through not the perspective of Peter Pan, Wendy, or an outsider, but through the perspective of the crocodile,” Burrus said. “It’s significant because it’s the one character that doesn’t talk, so giving a voiceless creature a voice who’s observed how everyone came to be gives it a cool spin.”

Another unexpected, crucial aspect to Genesis is the transformation of characters.

“It’s funny because there are only four main characters, but each one shifts in the story to become who they are in J. M. Barrie’s version,” Burrus said. “There’s a moment where Peter turns from a normal boy to his iconic character, and everyone has their own transformative moment which creates eight characters.”

The character names, subject to change, include Smee to Mamba, James to Captain Hook, Peter to Peter Pan, and Lucy to Tinkerbell.

Burrus is compelled to write this novel to pay homage to all that Peter Pan has done for her, provide answers to her own questions, and let out the imaginative child in her.

“I’ve always been fascinated with Peter Pan and

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always wondered why no one addressed how everyone comes together,” Burrus said. “I think it’s because I’ve always been mature for my age, and Peter is all about not growing up, so I had a Wendy moment realizing I was growing up too fast and wanted to cling to my childhood.”

“My advice is not to give up, which sounds cliché, but don’t,”

-Savannah Burrus Novelist

writing actually begins for the first draft.”

Despite doing thorough preparation, writing doesn’t end there for Burrus.

“People think you just write a story and send it to a publisher, but it’s not that easy,” Burrus said. “You have to write, and edit, and then edit more, and rewrite, and edit again. It’s a very extensive process.”

Self-proclaimed perfectionist Burrus admits she is her own biggest critic, and relies on her friends and family for support.

“I have a bunch of friends I bounce ideas off of…my parents have also always been supportive of my writing,” Burrus said. “Being without friends and family to talk through the process with would be hard because then you’d rely on yourself, and you can’t write a book by yourself, as funny as that sounds.”

Burrus hopes to finish her first draft by December. Burrus believes

it will all be worth it, and that her determination and love of writing will only increase as she knows how a story can change a person’s life.

“I like telling stories; it’s part of why I am a theater major, because I love story telling,” Burrus said.

“Stories have so much power, and can speak to different people different ways, and it’s one of the oldest art forms we’ve ever had.”

Burrus hopes her book provides solace to others just as reading has always done for her.

“Life is stressful and the imagination is important to me as an artist to live in a different world for a short moment before coming back to reality,” Burrus said. “It provides a nice change to mentally escape for a while, even though I know it’s not reality.”

Burrus believes that anyone can become a published writer, and wishes to leave advice for any aspiring writers.

“My advice is not to give up, which sounds cliché, but don’t,” Burrus said. “It’s a frustrating, drawn out process because it gets hard. Don’t be afraid to take criticism from people because you never know who will have a good impact. At the same time, don’t just absorb everyone’s ideas and mesh them together. While that’s cool, it kind of makes you lose your personal touch. Lastly, read.

It’s why I’m rereading Peter Pan, East of Eden, the book of Genesis; because when you continuously read authors you enjoy, you start writing like them.”

Burrus’ creative outlet is writing, but if you, or someone you know, has another unique talent, or outlet you would like to share, please email campusculture@ houstonianonline.com.

The idea for this novel sprung roughly three years ago, but Burrus only started officially working on it a year ago. Burrus feels this is the perfect time to give her two-cents as there seem to be more Peter Pan interpretations now than ever before.

“I know there’ve been a lot of prequels done within the last few years, but I just felt that they lacked or I haven’t had access to them,” Burrus said. “I just want to get my ideas out there before all the good ideas get snatched up. Also, it’s something that’s been sitting on my mind a long time and its finally time to sit down and write it.”

Burrus found that coming up with the ideas is easier than the actual writing process, as hers is quite demanding.

“It’s a lot more important to me now to do a lot of research,” Burrus said. “It’s extensive and I don’t love it, but after research I sit down and develop my characters in-depth as to who they are, what they think about life, and their personal stories. After I do all that, there’s more plot brainstorming. Then the

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Page 5

A Male Defense For Feminism

TRACE HARRIS Viewpoints Writer The Global Center for Journalism and Democracy has put up signs around campus for a hashtag “HeforShe” with facts about women. For instance, one says “women make 76 cents on the dollar.” In August, President Obama had an essay published in Glamour magazine called, “This is what a Feminist Looks Like,” with a woman just steps away from the White House, misogyny and discrimination are coming to the forefront. Hillary Clinton is about to burst through the largest glass ceiling of all time. President Obama became the first African-American president, women have fought a battle from the beginning to be equal to men, and this may be to catalyst to make this a reality.

Today, little girls will be able to say, “Someday I want to be President,” without a parent humoring their daughter because it will be a reality. It is astonishing that today, in the freest nation on Earth, the greatest democracy, women are not thought of as equals to some. It has not even been a full hundred years since women obtained the right to vote in the 19th amendment in 1920. Women did not have the right to own property until the fair housing acts in the 60s.

The attitude towards women today is better than it has been, but much still needs to change. Women are underrepresented

in government, business, and math and science fields. This has nothing to do with an unequal intelligence level. On the contrary, women tend to be smarter than men. Women are more driven and hardworking. This may be because of all the barriers women had to break to get to today. Women have proven themselves in the hardest echelons of physical training in each branch of the military. Some woman today may choose to take care of kids and that is completely their decision.

Women can be whatever they choose to be, that is the point of feminism.

The 20th century saw the largest push for women’s rights ever. However, the 20s and 50s which are so romanticized in Americana were some of the most misogynistic eras in history. The 20s saw the freedom of women start, but when people think of the roaring 20s and the image by ‘The Great Gatsby’, the narrative is different from reality. We look at the women of this decade as free and able to be their own person, but much of this is sexualized. In the 50s women were looked at not much more than a nanny. Men were the breadwinners and women were to stay at home, raise kids, clean, cook, and fulfil every request a husband may have.

Women have been seen as sexual objects and property in history. What people seem to ignore is the fact that without women, humanity would not exist. Women bring life to our world, but that is not the end of the story. Women can do what they please, whether it is getting an education, having a family, being a CEO or being the President of the United States of America.

Women are equal to men, if not at a higher level. Imagine if women were the dominant gender in society. People claim women are weak or emotional or unstable, but this is so arrogant. Women are strong, women are intelligent, women deserve respect and exaltation.

The 2016 election has certainly perpetuated ridiculous stereotypes about women and make sexualizing women and joking about sexual assault “locker room talk.” Donald Trump, even before his campaign and war on women, has been one of the most outspoken critics of women. Trump believes women are

“dogs,” “pigs,” “bimbos,” etc. Trump, in the now infamous Access Hollywood tape advocates groping women because they will do anything if one is rich and powerful. Ten or more women have come forward accusing Trump of sexual assault. Trump not only down played all this as “locker room talk,” but also threatened to sue each of these women.

Trump supporters also advocated for the repeal of the 19th amendment because Trump would win in a landslide with just men. Due to his attitude towards women, the rape culture currently plaguing our nation subsides some more. We have seen day in and day out some football player abusing his wife, a college student (see Brock Turner) convicted of rape and given less than a slap on the wrist, and a general disdain and lack of respect towards women. If our Universities and society allow this rhetoric and try and push sexual assault under the rug we can never progress.

Some men seem afraid of women and especially of feminism. Why men believe women deserve less for equal work is insane. There is no argument to advocate that. Feminism is seen as an aggressive attack on men and trying to take their rights away. On the contrary, feminism makes our world freer and enables more progression and success. In any ideology, there are some who take it too far, but most are fighting for equality and respect.

Women can be the breadwinner of a family without emasculating a man. A man should hope for success for his wife.

Love is about support and respect. Men can also stay home and take care of kids.

Gender norms are the other big problem holding our society back.

Feminism is an ideology everyone should fight for. Women are equal. Women should make the same amount of money as men, have the same opportunities, and get maternal leave from the government, if they choose to have a family. Women deserve respect and not misogynistic rhetoric and jokes. Women should not have to fear being extorted, touched or harassed. Women bring life to our world, and without their sacrifices we would cease to exist.

What’s the

WORD ON THE STREET? What will be on your mind after the current election?

“Let us just hope for the best, whoever gets chosen.”

PAULO NIETO Freshman

“Family Matters.”

FAITH COX Freshman

Student View on Late Term Abortions

FELCIA ACEVES Viewpoints Writer

There is much controversy surrounding the abortion issue with the upcoming election. I want to give my stance as a mother, a citizen of the United States of America and a God fearing Christian woman. There are many beliefs that late term abortion is mostly for women whose lives are at stake. I want to bring up some points in this article about how that is not the primary focus for abortion in America. Abortion in America is more about birth control…a mistake. Fixing a mistake. I believe no one is a mistake.

I believe God’s word says that we were all written down in the Book of Life before time began. I was not planned. I was conceived during menopause by my mother. She was not happy about it as she was sure she could not get pregnant. She had her family and stayed home with all her babies and was on to her career as a

teacher. I am not a mistake, but I could’ve been treated as one. I am glad my mother was a God fearing woman as well.

There is strong evidence that babies experience pain as early as eight week’s gestation. Doctors have gone into the amniotic sack with a needle and the baby recoils from the pain and moves to the opposite end of the sack. Fetology is the belief that undeniably, life begins at conception and the fetus should have all the rights, safeguards and protection that all humans have.

There are some American doctors who hold fast to this belief and are still practicing abortion. Why is this happening, you ask? Simply stated in an article “Stories From Abortion Doctors” by a former abortionist, Dr. Bernard Nathanson from New York City, New York, “Simple arithmetic, at $500 a time, 1.2 million abortions means an industry generating $600 million annually, of which goes into the pocket of the physician doing the abortion.”

Hillary Clinton’s stance is to keep abortion legal and to legalize late term abortions. She believes that it is the right of the woman to choose to abort her already viable “unborn person,” as she states in an interview with a news anchor from NBC News. His question to her was, “when or if does an unborn child have constitutional rights?” Her response was that an “unborn person” does not have constitutional rights under Roe v. Wade.

It’s as if she could not call it a child as it would go against her history of fighting for women and children’s rights. It became a “person” not a child.

In my opinion that is the height of hypocrisy. You could see in her face the uneasiness about calling the baby a person. There was a long pause after she

said “unborn.” As if she couldn’t decide to say child or person. And if it was considered a “person” shouldn’t it have rights? Her stance is for the health of the mother in very difficult circumstances where the mother’s health is at stake. The problem with this is, we are legalizing killing for a small percentage of the abortion population, to allow the genocide of killing babies for convenience.

As I was doing my fact checking on percentages of abortions for the health of the mother, I came across the study from the Guttmacher Institute. It is a main source for research and analyzes policies for abortion in the United States. Less than 1 percent of abortions were due to saving the mother’s life. In the state of Texas there is a bill that does not allow for abortion after 20 weeks because that is when the baby’s brain is fully developed and is able to experience pain. It is also is just before the part of the babies system is developed that gives pain tolerance. The baby would feel the abortion just as fully as we as a person would feel the pain but even more pronounced because that part of his system is not yet developed.

I cannot get behind Hillary Clinton’s late term abortion stance since I know of babies who were born at one lb. and two lb. and made it. They are beautiful, seven year old blonde girls that would steal your heart away if you saw them. Facts show the need to save a mother’s life is not as prominent as you think. Are we to make it possible for babies to feel the pain of late term abortion for just convenience sake? I dare say not. I am voting “No” for Hillary Clinton for this reason alone. I ask you to search your conscience and think about whom is playing God here.

What Would Agnostic Jesus Do? ANGELA THEIS Viewpoints Writer

I was told, not too long ago, that if I ever do a good deed, and it’s not “in the name of Jesus”, then I would only be acting on the desire to serve myself.

This person elaborated to say that any good deeds done for reasons other than to spread “the faith” are automatically preformed to enhance the doer’s ego or pride. Thus, the only true motiveless deeds are those done in the name of the “Holy Spirit”.

I don’t completely disagree with all of these statements. I definitely do good things because it makes me feel good to help others. I find satisfaction in being in any part responsible for the happiness of

Viewpoints Layout 11-08-16 (1).indd 1

another.

But, is spreading your particular religion not a motive in and of itself? An action executed following that principle isn’t actually free, it just comes with a price someone has deemed more acceptable.

Why are people good? Why do they do nice things? Many religious people will say that their religion guides their values, their moral principles. But, what about people that have no religion?

This all leads me to question: What would Jesus have done if his deeds weren’t rooted in religion? Would he still have been a good person?

I am agnostic. I have chosen a life of concrete, scientific evidence over what I perceive to be a moderately well written yet extremely persuasive work of fiction.

I grew up surrounded by religion, had missionary grandparents and went to church many a Sundays. The Bible was

not a foreign concept to me, nor were the values expressed in it. But, I began to question faith and religion in high school.

I watched as people around me, in affluent, white, religious America, did the opposite of what I was always told God wanted. My grandfather always taught me that Jesus preached love, acceptance, mercy, and non-judgment, but all of these “Christians” did the complete opposite.

Some were racist, but many were homophobic and sexist, and every person I knew harbored at least some judgement for the most trivial differences.

At the time, I may not have fully understood the extent or importance of my drift, but as I got older I found out that my gut was right: these “Christians” were anything but.

For the entire article visit HoustonianOnline.com

“What am I going to do?”

CARTER LINDSEY Sophmore

“Quarter Night”

JENNIFER WARD Senior

“Drink for America.”

AMY AMAYA Sophmore

“Becoming Successful.”

AUSHAY HORTON Freshman

11/8/2016 10:03:45 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Page 6

We Need To Stop Racial Caricatures

NICK WARD Viewpoints Writer Last week was Halloween, and most people including myself are going through Halloween withdrawal. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, due to the horror movies, candy, parties and the creative costumes. However, controversies always

arise during the month of October. This includes objection to the holiday from religious extremists and their set up of Hell Houses in response (which I find them extremely hilarious), and controversy including costumes. This has been a rising issue lately, mainly due to social media, and some of the controversies are ridiculous including people getting upset over a cigarette baby costume, but some of are actually legitimate with the main complain of using someone’s race as a costume.

This can be best represented with the controversy of actress Julianne Hough. The actress alongside her friends dressed as characters from Orange is the New Black.

Personally, I believed the white, blondehaired actress should have been Piper in the group, but for some reason thought it was a good idea to be the African-American Crazy-Eyes. Therefore, for her costume she imitated the prison uniform, styled her hair into braids, and wore black-face thinking she was going to escape the wrath of the internet. People understandably got upset, but there was also the group arguing it was just a costume and just another result of our overly politically correct society. However, people have a good reason for being upset.

Blackface has haunted the American

entertainment industry for decades starting with minstrelsy. Minstrelsy or a minstrel show is a type of performance where white people dressed up as black people. The show was kind of revue where the performers lampooned black people as dim-witted, lazy, buffoonish and so on. This type of performance emerged in the 1800s and continued in too the mid-20th century making it into classic movies like Holiday Inn and the first sound film The Jazz Singer.

Of course once the civil rights movement moved on this ended, but insensitive portrayal of races in Hollywood still exist.

The most notable instance of this is actor, Rob Schneider. Schneider, Adam Sandler’s “muse” as depicted in Sandler movie’s as an Arab, a Japanese person, a Hispanic and a Peloponnesian. It is not because he looks like one, but for comedic effect and it portrays the ethnic characters as over the top and with generalized stereotypes that are as bad as the ones portrayed in the 19th century.

The exception is that the makeup is slightly better, but that is still not a valid reason to do it. Even in the theatre, Caucasian actor, Jonathan Pryce, played The Engineer in Miss Saigon, an Asian character. Of course, this was met with controversy, but ended with Pryce winning a Tony.

White people need to stop using a race as a costume because it promotes negative stereotypes and reduces a culture to a cartoonish figure with really awful makeup. This also needs to stop happening in Hollywood because doing this in the mainstream media reiterates the negative stereotypes on a nationwide level, and also at the same time blocks minority actors from acting jobs.

“White people need to stop using a race as a costume because it promotes negative stereotypes and reduces a culture to a cartoonish figure with really awful makeup. ”

-Nick Ward

Losing Touch with Apple: Macbook Pro

ARTURO MOSQUEDA Viewpoints Writer

Apple held their annual event just a few weeks ago, in which they unveiled their new Touch Bar technology with the new MacBook Pro lineup. Touch Bar is a new feature that Apple felt confident in rolling out near the 2016 Holiday season.

The Touch Bar made of smooth glass is one of the first touchscreens that supports multi-touch functionality brought into a Mac. The Touch Bar replaces the FN keys on the top of the MacBook Pro and is able to make Apple Pay purchases though Safari without the need of an iPhone or Apple Watch.

The new MacBook Pro also features a 67 percent brighter display with 25 percent added colors and claims to be 17 percent thinner than its predecessor.

I have watched almost every Apple

event since I was in high school, excited for the next thing Apple would bring out, but that has changed in the last couple of years, especially this year. The Touch Bar is possibly one of the first things Apple has brought to the public that I feel was a useless invention and gimmick that adds no functionality to the Pro. The Touch Bar is too small and seems to be quite cumbersome for professional work.

It’s not necessary to have a strip of touch on the keyboard to do certain tasks, hotkeys are a feature that every computer has and should be used more often if you want to get your work done much quicker and in a much simpler way. Those who know shortcuts don’t need this added feature.

I mean, sure this is great for people who are brand new to video or photo editing programs, but it’s a mistake having the new consumer rely on just the Touch Bar and ignore learning shortcuts that will help you in the long-run.

Take into example, After Effects. This program has hundreds of shortcut keys for many different tasks. The keys that select an attribute from a layer is much more than what a Touch Bar could easily display. I’d rather just enter a hotkey that would take me less than a second compared to trying to find where on the Touch Bar this function is at. Just the split second that I would use to change my glance from screen to keyboard to find an option on the Touch Bar can add up for unnecessary refocusing of my attention. I would rather not look at my keyboard 99 percent of the time if I’m working on a video project in After Effects or Premiere Pro. It’s an inefficient feature not just because of the physical movement that is involved, but because of the train of thought that is broken in the process having

to look for a specific button.

One of the biggest problems I have with the new MacBook Pro is the placement of the Touch Bar. There seems to be no way to rest your hand and be able to use the Touch Bar while working. You will have to hold your hand over your keyboard and be careful not to let your wrist drop and hit the keys. Try holding your hand(s) over your volume/brightness buttons for a bit and think if you could do that for a long time while working on an important task for an extended period of time.

Plus, why does Apple seem to be so focused on emoji’s this year? I don’t really want to scroll through hundreds of emoji’s on the Touch Bar. That isn’t innovation at all.

This feature would have been okay with me if Apple were to have mixed in other innovations alongside the Touch Bar. But, because it was the ONLY innovation that was introduced to the Apple event after a long wait time, it is really disappointing.

Let’s talk about price now. Exactly, who is Apple trying to direct this new MacBook Pro to? For the people who really need MacOS for iOS development, this is a real downfall for them. The Mac Mini is the next best option, but it’s years old now. The price for the new 13-inch at $1499 is just overpriced and is $200 more for almost the same functions. $200 for a better processor, $400 for 1TB of space, but $1200 for 2TB of data space?

This all seems very excessive for such an upgrade that should only be $100 more.

Apple products have are already some of the most expensive products in the industry and it just looks like they are headed towards even more expensive technology.

It’s hard to imagine Steve Jobs allowing

some of these things to happen in 2016.

Talk about releasing two flagship products months from each other that requires a $25 dongle in order for them to work together.

Apart from taking away the ports on the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, they have removed the USB 2.0/3.0 hubs, the SD card slot, HDMI, Magsafe and the death of the glowing apple symbol on the back of the Pro. From a time when all products worked in unison, to now where one must purchase extra dongles in order to connect certain cables for specific tasks, I don’t know what is going on with Apple. USB-C, one of the ports to become the best in the future is nice but it just feels like a dongle-filled hell for many users right now. If Apple is just going to go with one USB-C port, try to make it the fastest one possible, please. You can’t even use the new one.

I have seen many students on campus happy with their current MacBook Pros’ and that is fine with me, but honestly I’m worried if they will drop another $1500 or $2000 for a slightly enhanced version of what they have. The MacBook Pro is being priced for professionals but marketed distinctly for the “Prosumer” and college students. I feel Apple has lost touch with their consumer base in the past few years.

In my honest opinion, I would skip out on this year’s MacBook Pro if you want to save yourself $2000 for the holidays. Hopefully Apple will get itself together and come back better next year after they get a much needed reevaluation to their company. It’s really sad to see a company that you once admired and trust completely abandoned what they stood for. The times of “Think Differently” have sadly come to a conclusion.

The World in the Palm of our Hands

MASEY WHITE Viewpoints Writer

Technology has become an important aspect of our day-to-day lives. It has integrated itself into just about every part of every day. Nearly every person in our generation owns a smart phone and has some type of social media account which we use to keep in touch with our friends and family. It seems that we have become

Editorial

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Viewpoints Layout 11-08-16 (1).indd 2

accustomed to having a phone in our hand with the entirety of the internet and human knowledge in just a few taps of our screens.

Some of our elders mock us for this. They joke that we cannot go anywhere without our phones, they control our lives, and we have no social interaction anymore because of our commitment to our technology. They look down on technology as something that millennials abuse and allow to consume our lives. They say we are learning and interacting less, but I would argue that we are doing just the opposite.

At any time, we can unlock our phone with our thumbprint and talk to nearly anyone in the world. We can contact a friend through a text that takes seconds to send. We can video chat with loved ones from across the country face-to-face. A phone call across the world is easily made, and our friends are always within reach.

We can log onto social media and keep up with the ones we love. By scrolling through Facebook, we are updated on the lives of our friends and relatives. Snapchat allows us to send funny faces and updates about our day-to-day lives. Instagram lets us experience everything our friends experience through photos. In our free time, we can scroll through and see what

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our friends are up to. It lets us meet new people and make connections that many could never do in the early 00s. Social media allows us to support and uplift each other in the highest and lowest of our lives. We can share important moments in our lives, hardships we are going through, or even funny jokes to brighten each other’s days. It has never been easier to communicate with each other.

“Technology can control lives. Just as anything, when used in abundance, it is very dangerous. However, when used correctly, technology changes our lives for the better. ”

-Masey White

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We are also learning more than ever.

Any question we could possibly have is answerable with a couple of touches on a screen. We have access to scholarly magazines, encyclopedias, databases, and everything else Google has to offer. We can ask questions and discover things on our own. Sharing ideas across the planet is simple. Working on the go and collaboration around the world is easily made possible on your smart phone. Learning can now take place anywhere and at any time. You have everything the world has to offer in the palm of your hand.

Technology can control lives. Just as anything, when used in abundance, it is very dangerous. However, when used correctly, technology changes our lives for the better.

It allows us to stay in touch with loved ones and learn easier and faster. We are interacting with others and learning more than any generation before us. Nothing is out of our reach. So, keep being the generation that can access an abundance of information at any moment. Be the generation that loves and communicates and shares ideas. Be that generation that has the world at their fingertips. Be the generation that changes the world with technology.

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Page 7

Why I Do Not Subscribe To Online Friendships

SARAH BADILLO Viewpoints Writer Over the summer, I joined the app Periscope, a love streaming app purchased by Twitter. While scrolling through the different live-streams from people all over the world, I came across a Catholic seminarian up north near Seattle. I joined the stream to see people asking questions about the Church and asking for prayer requests. It was strange as to why these people felt comfortable practically pouring their hearts out over this app on the Internet. It was interesting, as it was my first and now last time making “Internet friends.”

In high school, I remember having friends who were part of “fandoms” for

different bands. They would interact over Twitter or Instagram with other like-minded individuals. I always considered this concept unique, but never doubted the authenticity of these Internet-formed friendships. Of course, there are online dating websites, but being the doubtful person I am, I prefer my “real-life friends.” Well, this was until I came across the seminarian’s Periscope.

The first few Periscope’s of the seminarian’s I watched, I did not add any comments. I read through other viewer’s comments as they ripped apart the seminarian by constantly asking questions about his stance on gay marriage or about exorcisms. Eventually, I joined in on the conversation. There were always around 30 people watching and commenting over the live-stream. I “told” the seminarian that I was also Catholic, and we chatted about the saints, controversy within the Church and thoughts about The Mass parts.

I joined and began noticing the regulars each time the seminarian went live on Periscope. We got to know each other as well as you could without meeting each other faceto-face. I befriended a girl who was around the same age as me and who claimed she studied journalism in college. We instantly connected and bonded over similar interests and exchanged social media accounts. Because she was pretty active on social media and had followers, I never questioned if she was fake.

This “friendship” lasted about five months before I became suspicious. After a group of us invited her to join our Skype chat, she never joined. Though I still talked to her over the next few days, I noticed comments or

posts that did not make sense. To make a long story short, she or he was not who they said they were. Her profile picture was one of a foreign celebrity, and I am assuming she used a different app to upload pictures to Snapchat.

The person also made multiple accounts and posed as several different people in the chat.

The entire situation was strange and put things into perspective for me. The Internet can be a scary place, but it can also be a place to bring people together. I still consider the seminarian and a few others on the chat friends, but I quickly learned to not release personal information or trust people over the Internet. While I have seen other online friendships and even online relationships thrive, they are not for me. The seminarian and I never figured out who this girl really was, or if she was even a girl. We both tried to contact her but had no luck.

At first, it bothered me not knowing who was on the other side considering I thought this person was legit. In the end, I learned my lesson. I would not completely dismiss the idea of internet friends, but from the one experience I had, it did not work out. There are good and bad people in everything, and knowing whoever was on the other side knows what city I live in and what university I go to leaves me with an unsettling feeling.

Whatever the other person’ intentions were, the situation was enough for me to never want to make Internet friends again. In the world we live in today, you can never be too safe or take the extra measure to see if someone over the Internet is real.

PAWS

UP

Paws up to the election being over.... Finally!

Our lives can go back to normal.

Paws up to the Starbucks Unity cup!

It’s Time to Stop Listening to the Media CASSIE KNUST Viewpoints Writer It’s no secret that the media is a consistent presence in our lives. It’s also no secret that our news sources are incredibly biased. Each party feels the need to go to ‘their’ stations for the ‘truth’, but the truth might be something else entirely.

One of the first classes taught in the Mass Communications department here at SHSU is Writing for Mass Media. In this class, we’re taught to strictly separate fact from opinion. We are required to see/hear a story, comprehend it, state the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, and why) and formulate it into a narrative that is both engaging and unbiased.

Unfortunately, this is not how real news works.

Real news has angles, it uses vocabulary that manipulates the viewers/listeners opinion, it leaves vital information out, and even worse, it outright manipulates stories to fit agendas.

As relieved as I am that more of my peers have stayed involved in this election season and plan to vote, it is disappointing at how much they allow the media to manipulate and even placate them. It’s disappointing how much the average voter is shamed of their opinions in a country that supposedly prizes and respects the freedom of each and every one of our beliefs.

It’s a fact that Hillary Clinton is under

investigation for criminal offenses that affect our entire nation’s well-being. She’s been proven to be a pathological liar who only cares about her reputation and power. It’s also a fact that Donald Trump is not a popular candidate due to the fact that he has zero filters. He’s been painted as this terrible, racist, human being with no heart (despite the fact that Clinton’s “friend and mentor”, Robert Byrd was a former member/recruiter of the KKK). Although, I definitely agree that we need better candidates, the fact of the matter is that we don’t. We are stuck with these two candidates, unless by some miracle, Gary Johnson is elected.

Many students on campus have said that they’d rather see Clinton in office and this is worrisome. The media has great things to say about Clinton and only bad things about Trump. Supporters don’t seem to care that they want to elect a criminal into office and would rather see someone under threat of indictment in office than Trump.

The left media has consistently thrown anything unflattering and offensive about Trump in our faces since he announced that he would be running for President. We don’t see this kind of air time for Clinton. Anytime you see her on the screen, she is seen as the ethical one (the email scan refutes this), faithful wife (let’s not kid ourselves, that is a strictly political marriage), experienced politician (who has lied and is responsible for the Benghazi incident) and an inspiring feminist (she is no role model.) Rarely do you see something offensive

or unflattering about her even though her criminal actions could bring our country to its knees.

It’s been said over and over again that neither candidate is a good choice; there are people who would rather throw away their vote by not voting than voting either of them into office.

The truth is that we need to start thinking for ourselves and looking at the actual facts instead of listening to the skewed opinions of the media. Instead of taking what is said on your screen as fact, take a few minutes and fact check.

“The truth is that we need to start thinking for ourselves and looking at the actual facts instead of listening to the skewed opinions of the media.

Instead of taking what is said on your screen as fact, take a few minutes and fact check. ”

-Cassie Knust

Paws up to Thanksgiving Break right around the corner! Time to stuff your face!

Paws down to Toblerone changing the shape of their chocolate bars. I love the triangles!

Why are we so pessimistic?

MICHELLE SKLAR Viewpoints Writer It’s true, we are pessimistic as a society. You need only turn on the news, open your favorite web portal or scroll through your Facebook or Twitter feed to see that. Violence, corruption, hatred, poverty, inequality and all manner of bad things are out there screaming at you. Even a certain presidential candidate is running on a platform of fear and insecurity, trumpeting about how very, very bad things are.

Is that a realistic point of view? Is it accurate?

Is it supported by evidence? Sure, there is usually some data involved. But data can be easily distorted, misinterpreted or simply misunderstood when offered without context.

Google ‘misleading data’ and you’ll see what I mean.

Progress, or improvement, can be a helpful context for making sense of information. So how do we define progress as a society?

One commonly used indicator is gross domestic product – which is the total value of goods produced and services provided in a country during one year – or the per capita (per person) fraction of it. That’s a useful number

Viewpoints Layout 11-08-16 (1).indd 3

because it measures wealth created. But it’s an imperfect measure because, as they say, money isn’t everything, especially when inequality is included in the equation.

Nonetheless, by those measures, the US is doing great. According to World Bank data, over the past 50 years, from 1965 to 2015, the US GDP grew from a little over $740 billion to almost $18 trillion, from a bit over $3,800 per person to nearly $56,000. Definitely a great amount of progress here at home by that indicator.

And the global GDP over the same period has grown from almost $2 trillion to over $73 trillion, GDP per capita from just over $589 to more than $10,000.

The Social Progress Imperative attempts to go beyond GDP and looks at social and environmental indicators, such as nutrition, basic medical care, water and sanitation, access to basic education and shelter, personal safety, environmental quality, access to communications and tolerance. The group is also interested in measuring outcomes that matter in people’s lives, rather than measuring the input of how much is spent on programs.

The organization’s Social Progress Index demonstrates a strong direct relationship between increasing social progress and rising GDP per capita. The most notable exceptions to that role are in countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. So more money usually means people are better off overall. The United States scores 84.62 percent on the 2016 index, ranking 19 of the 133 countries right behind France.

Human Progress offers a cool utility called “Your Life in Numbers,” which charts change based on user-selected variables. Using this tool showed that, in the United States, over the past 50 years, life expectancy has increased 13 percent and infant survival 76 percent. Income per person has grown almost 150 percent and food supply 25 percent. People are going to school 31 percent longer. By all those indicators, too, we are doing pretty well.

So, why the disconnect? Why do we see things in such a dismal light? In large part, I suspect, it’s because we’re wired that way. As a society, we self-select for violence and conflict. Fear excites us, makes us feel alive. Maybe those are instincts left over from the days when we were basically just another flavor of meat, rather than the dominant species on the planet.

The mass media machines are certainly happy to fan the flames. Fear sells, and ratings rule.

That’s why on a slow day the local news team may concoct a terrifying tale of a common, garden-variety bacterium ‘lurking right under your nose.’

It’s natural to respond to fear and pessimism, but that doesn’t mean we have to be ruled by it.

We are civilized people, capable of overriding our basic instincts. This may surprise you, but optimism can be acquired. Trust that this is an important point for those of us who are not positive by nature: Optimism can be cultivated.

And it should be. Studies have shown that optimistic people live longer and have higher quality of life. In addition, optimism enables us to see past the problems and find solutions.

That’s something we can’t do if we’re feeling down and hopeless.

One of the tools I’ve found useful for cultivating optimism is the Human Progress website. It offers regular updates on positive strides being made around the world by looking at data on things like mortality, hunger, poverty and education. The picture is pretty bright: things really are getting better, all over.

Another way to address the problem is by financially supporting the kind of progress you think we need more of. You can patronize companies that use innovative business models and giving initiatives. One business, for example, sells inflatable, solar-powered lanterns, with the promise to send one to an underprivileged country for each item purchased.

Paws down to the end of League of Legends season 6. I didn’t get gold. *sigh*

Paws down to how nerveracking the election was last night. Could not handle the stress.

PAWS

DOWN

For the entire article visit HoustonianOnline. com

11/8/2016 10:03:24 PM

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/sports | Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 @HoustonianSport

@HoustonianSport

/HoustonianSHSU

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Another Step in Bob Brock’s Legacy, Coach Makes Hall of Fame CHRISTINA NICHOLS Staff Reporter Sam Houston State University sSam Houston State University softball head coach Bob Brock will be inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame at the annual convention on Nov. 9 in New Orleans, LA. Joining the SHSU coach in the NFCA Hall of Fame is head coach Jacquie Joseph of Michigan State, head coach Mona Steven from Utah University and University of Saint Thomas Minnesota head coach John Tschida.

“It feels good to be honored by the NFCA Hall of Fame,” Brock said. “Great players and great colleges have helped me get to this point, and the support has been awesome.”

Since Brock became head coach in 2001, the softball program has seen tremendous improvements.

Brock has lead the Bearkats to over 380 victories, the most by any head coach in the program’s history. The head coach also led the team to their first NCAA Division I regional playoffs appearance in 2007.

Brock has also guided the team to 214 Southland Conference victories and 10 trips to the SLC Tournament over the past 15 sea-

sons. The team reached the finals in 2005, 2007 and 2012, and the semi finals in 2013 and 2014.

“My time here has been great,” Brock said. “I have been here since fall 2001 and don’t plan on leaving any time soon.”

During Brock’s 32 seasons of coaching, he has spent time on staff at SHSU, Texas A&M and Baylor, and has accumulated over 1,114 victories, which makes him one of 29 head coaches in the NCAA to have earned over 1,000 wins.

“If I didn’t have the school behind me, the athletic department and the grab bunch of athletes, I would not be earning this award,” Brock said “These awards are nice, but I did not earn them by myself.”

Along with his induction into the NFCA Hall of Fame, Brock is also a member of the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame, earned Southland Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2005, was named National coach of the year in 1983 and is a four-time Regional Coach of the Year winner.

“Getting into the softball hall of fame is the best you can get,” Brock said. “Getting into it [the softball hall of fame] is a great accomplishment.”

Brock has had the opportunity to coach 21 All-American play-

Photo courtesy SHSU Athletics

ENSHRINED. SHSU softball head coach Bob Brock has had a legendary coaching career. He will be inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Nov. 9. The Bearkats season will begin on Feb. 10.

ers, 60 All-regional honorees, he has coached in the Women’s professional Fastpitch League and coached two players who were members of the gold medal winning U.S Olympic softball team.

While the fall exhibition season came to a close on Oct. 27, Brock

hopes the team will continue their success in the 2016-2017 season, receive an NCAA tournament bid and make it to the conference championship game.

“I think we are going to be a really good team this season,” Brock said. “We have a lot of im-

pact players that are freshmen and we’re really excited to get started.”

The SHSU softball season will kick off on Feb. 10 with a handful of road games in Monroe, LA. at the University of Louisiana Monroe Tournament.

Bowling Takes Down No. 1 Nebraska, Win KAT Klash HIVAN MORENO Sports Reporter @wild_game_boy The Sam Houston State University women’s bowling team came out on top at the annual Kat Klash this past weekend in Houston.

The Bearkats had a pair of impressive wins, which included a win over No. 1 Nebraska. With the weekend win, the Kats claimed their second title. Senior Janine Kuwahara was named to the AllTournament team.

Women’s bowling head coach

Brad Hagen felt hat his team did what they needed to do to come out on top.

“Overall the event went very well and the results were what we were hoping for,” Hagen said. “We still had our ups and downs but we were able to prevail and most importantly we were able to keep our emotions in check and execute our shots a lot better than last week end, which was important for this event to do our best.”

Coach Hagen also feels that winning their event is huge, since it is the first time in four years that the Bearkats have done so.

“Winning our own event is huge,” Hagen said. “For us to get

over that hump and perform how we did and to beat the high-quality teams is a good sign moving forward for us. Hopefully we will end the first half in a high note next week when we head to Delaware for the UMES Hawk Classic.”

The Bearkats believed that the toughest team to compete against was themselves. Bowling can be both physically and mentally draining.

“To be honest, the toughest team to compete against is ourselves,” Hagen said. “Our competition was very good across the board and were some very high quality and competitive caliber

teams, but our biggest opponent is ourselves. If we can control our emotions and not let that dictate our actions, we can execute shots and battle through with a clear mind, thus the results will be very positive.”

Hagen felt that the Kats came out on top because the whole team played their part “The whole team contributed,” Hagen said. “Our upper classmen really pulled their weight. Senior Heather Penatzer, Kuwahara, senior Stephanie Zavala, and senior Madysen Keller were in the rotation most the event, but all around everyone contributed.”

SHSU will look to continue

their hot momentum at the UMES Hawk Classic in Millsboro, DE. The team believes that the Kat Klash victory will prepare them for future challenges.

“It [the Kat Klash] will prepare us mentally very well,” Hagen said. “We are going into a very strong field and there will be 18 teams there so this was a big weekend for us to mentally prepare ourselves for Delaware. We need to focus this week so that the results will show in the next event.”

The UMES Hawk Classic will be held on Friday.

Anchor Down, Katy Bound: Kats Shoot for Successful Season GABRIEL MYERS Sports Reporter @G_Myers33

Photo courtesy SHSU Athletics

UNDERDOGS. A season after making the conference championship, the Bearkat women’s basketball team was tabbed ninth in the preseason polls.

Nov.9 SPORTS THIS WEEK.indd 1

The Sam Houston State women’s basketball season will officially tipoff this Saturday in Fayetteville, AR against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The Bearkats will look to build on last year’s Cinderella run to the conference championship, where they came in as the tournament’s eight seed, reached the conference title game, but fell just short to the University of Central Arkansas 69-62.

“We are really excited, we are trying to teach these younger ones what it felt like to make that Cinderella run,” head coach Brenda Welch-Nichols said. “We got ranked ninth in the preseason polls, so we like being the under-

dog. It gives us a little bit more incentive to get where we are supposed to be.”

SHSU will be putting a young team out on the court this season, the team features 10 freshmen and sophomores. Welch-Nichols speaks very highly of this group, but she knows that this season will bring a lot of ups and downs, since the team is inexperienced.

“I think we are going to have some ups and downs like a rollercoaster,” Welch-Nichols said.

“I think we have a lot of good kids that can contribute, so we just have to put it together.”

The Bearkats lost four key players over the offseason, but that does not mean they lack talent.

The Kats have a lot of players that will be key contributors this season. Junior guard Angela Delaney figures to be one of the team’s more impactful players with her ability to shoot the ball and play

multiple positions.

Freshman guard Jennifer Oramas is also expected to step up and become a leader.

“We have some exciting young kids, Oramas is number one, be looking for that number,” WelchNichols said. “She is a firecracker, very good with the ball, and moves it up and down the court.”

Freshman Tia Harston and seniors Jasmine McCants and Morgan Day are also players that Welch-Nichols is very excited about going into the season.

The Bearkats are a young team, but that doesn’t temper with their expectations. The coaches expect the team to be right back in the conference championship game, where they were last season, but this time they expect to walk away victorious.

For the entire article visit HoustonianOnline.com.

11/9/2016 12:18:51 AM