Huntsville, TexasVol 114 — Issue 29 Thursday, December 3, 2009

INDEX

Opinions................page 2

Campus................page 3

Entertainment........page 5

Sports....................page 6

WEATHER FOR DECEMBER 3, 2009 FEATURE PRESENTATIONEntertainment editor Kevin Jukkola reveals the re-sults of his weekly poll.

SEE page 5

Nation & World...page 4

TREE OF LIGHT CEREMONY

Ringing in the holiday season

Joe Buvid | The HoustonianSpreading holiday cheer. SHSU President, Dr. James Gaertner, shares insight into the ceremony at the 89 Annual Tree of Light ceremony. Many students were on hand to welcome in the holiday season, as well as gather for some food and hor chocolate.

89 years of tradition was illuminated last night at the Tree of Light ceremony where students of Sam Houston joined together to spread the Christmas cheer.

With candles lit, students drank hot chocolate and cider, munched on cookies, and listened to the holiday music provided by the SHSU Music Department. The Good Shepherd Mission collected cans, while organizations and members of the Sam Houston and Huntsville community trimmed the tree with ornaments. Organizations present included Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Colleges Against Cancer, Alpha Lambda Delta and many more.

The night ended with the echo Jingle Bells and car keys in the air as students left with a little bit of holiday joy to lighten the stress of finals.

By Kristin MeyerSenior Reporter

Hongmin Qin, assistant professor of biology at Texas A&M University, will dis-cuss her research on cells and cell health on Thursday (Dec. 3).

The SHSU Biological Sci-ence Department Seminar Series lecture will be held from 4-5 p.m. in Lee Drain Building Room 214.

Qin’s research focuses on cilia, “cellular structures that are important for functions such as cell-to-cell commu-nication, control of cell divi-sion, and maintenance of cell health,” according to Anne Gaillard, SHSU assistant professor of cell biology.

“More specifically, she will explain how these structures

are assembled, and how de-fects in the assembly process can cause disorders such as blindness, kidney malfunc-tion and obesity,” Gaillard said.

Qin has been a part of the TAMU faculty since 2006.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Shandong University in Chi-na and her doctorate in ge-netics from the Institute of

A&M professor to reveal cell effect on disorders

Applications are now available online at http://www.tsus.edu/regents/index.html for students inter-ested in applying for The Texas State University System’s (TSUS) student regent position.

The student regent is a non-voting participant on the Board of Regents representing the students of each TSUS component institution.

The student regent serves a one-year term beginning on June 1 and ending May 31 of the following year. Completed applications must be turned into the Office of the Vice President for Student Services by Wednesday, December 9. If you would like more information, please contact 936-294-3820.

For more information on The Texas State University System, visit the following website at http://www.tsus.edu/.

Student Regent applications available

When President Gaert-ner announced his plans to retire on August 31, 2010, the faculty, staff and students of Sam Houston State Universi-ty (SHSU) were asked to nominate individuals to serve on the presidential search committee. We are pleased to report that there were 255 nomina-tions for the 13 at-large positions to be named (board reserves three positions for sitting re-gents).

On Monday, Novem-ber 23, 2009, The Hon-orable Ron Blatchley, Chairman of the Board of Regents, Texas State University System, asked that the following individuals be invited to serve as members. We are pleased to report that his invitations to serve were accepted.

Regents:Ron Mitchell, Search

Committee ChairCharlie AmatoMichael Truncale

Faculty:Gaylene Armstrong Caroline Castillo

CrimmMark FrankMichelle MullinsDebra PriceSergio Ruiz

Staff:Somer FranklinJaimie HebertFrank Parker

Student:Ryan Bridges

Alumni/Community:Jane MondayDanny PierceJohn Hoyt

The first task of the search committee will be to develop a position an-nouncement. Through-out the entire search pro-cess, there will be many opportunities for your input. Regent Blatchley encourages each of you to remain engaged and to provide feedback as the opportunities arise.

Presidential Search Committee Announced

The following letter was addressed to the SHSU community from Dr. Ken Craycraft.

By Jennifer GaunttSHSU Public Relations

Changing weather, ap-proaching holidays and final examinations just around the corner affect more than just a student’s stress level.

People consume about 200 calories more in the fall, not including holiday eat-ing, and because of all the risks associated with weight gain, John de Castro, dean of the College of Humani-ties and Social Sciences at Sam Houston State Univer-sity and an expert on eating habits, offers some simple tips that even the busiest of students can follow:

Pay attention to what you’re eating

From television to stress, “distracters” can signifi-cantly increase the amount of food one consumes in a sitting. Distracters are any-thing that take your atten-tion away from what you are doing.

“It turns out that not only do you eat more when you’re around people, the more people you’re eating with, the more you eat,” de Castro said. “When you eat with other people, you eat on average 44 percent more than when you eat alone. When you eat with a large group, that goes up to about 76 percent more.”

When people eat in groups, they eat for a lon-ger period of time because conversation serves as a dis-tracter in the same way that eating while watching TV does.

“Students tell me that when they were with oth-er people they eat less, not more. It turns out that they do eat more,” he said. “They’re remembering what I call ‘first-date phenom-enon’ where they go out to dinner with someone and they reduce their intake to give the impression of not

being an overeater. “But, how many first dates

are there? The vast majority of meals that people eat are with people they’re totally comfortable with and have long since given up any pre-tense,” de Castro said.

The same is true for stress, which can affect students differently—some “stress eat,” while others reduce their intake.

“Students in particular, when they’re studying late at night, tend to snack while they’re studying. They keep on eating because they’re staying up later,” he said. “When people are really un-der stress, it’s a distracter; they’re not paying atten-tion to what they’re eating but are paying attention to whatever the source of that stress is.”

Eat a good breakfast“It sounds like what mom-

ma told you, but it is true,”

de Castro said. “I found in my research, the more peo-ple eat in the morning, the less they will eat over the entire day.”

Speculation for this points to daily biological rhythms: even when people have a large meal in the evenings, they will often have another snack a short time afterward out of habit; but this doesn’t happen in the mornings, de Castro said.

“When people diet, one of the first things they do is restrict their intake in the morning, which is absolute-ly the wrong thing to do,” he said. “The place they need to restrict their intake is in the evening; that’s when people overeat. To approach the evening and restrict your in-take, you have to have eaten well beforehand.”

Grab an apple instead of

Dean offers eating tips for busy students By SHSU Public Relations

Today’s issue is the last issue of the fall 2009 semester. However, the first issue for the spring 2010 semester will be Thursday, Jan. 14. Any inquiries for advertis-ing should be sent to advertise@shsu.edu. Any story ideas should

be sent to scm_pkz@shsu.edu.

— See FINALS, page 4 — See PROFESSOR, page 4

Partly CloudyHigh: 54 degreesLow: 37 degrees

It’s funny how I ended up writing this farewell letter to my friends and my time here at Sam Houston. I honestly never thought coming out of high school that I would end up in an editor’s chair on the second floor of the Dan Rather building writing and looking over col-umns about everything from the health care debate to what Brad Basker does in his spare time (you can’t imagine the terror).

I’ll spare you my personal story, but suffice it to say, it’s been a hell of a ride and I’m happy that I ended up where I have. My time here has been ev-erything college was supposed to be, and perhaps now more than ever I understand what my parents and everyone else al-ways said about college being the best time of your life. I have truly loved every minute of it.

Naturally, I can’t leave with-out saying a few words about the staff here at The Housto-nian, my friends from debate and elsewhere, and even a pro-fessor or two.

First, my friends here at the paper.

To Joe Buvid, the best damn photographer I’ve ever met. We’ve become fast friends over the last semester. It’s not easy to

find someone with your experi-ence and commitment to your opinions and ideas. I’d tell you to stay true, but I know that won’t be a problem for you. Thanks for the good times both in the office and at the bar(s), my friend.

To Lotis Butchko, who knows that there is no such things as stories about sports, only stories about people. I’m honestly not sure that I’ve ever met anyone who’s as awful at news writ-ing, but as good at profiles as you are. I’ve meet more than one person with your personal-ity, but you’re the only one I’ve actually become friends with. Thank you for that.

To Meagan Ellsworth, the best looking reporter on campus. You know more about newspa-pers than anyone here, save Ms. Zeigler. I have no doubt that you have a fantastic career ahead of you. Thank you for your com-mitment to ethics and your knowledge, yes, but more so for always lightening the mood and keeping us on a leash.

To Heath Wierck, our illus-trious copy-editor. Your twang and taste of music don’t match, but your rolling around in an of-fice chair and random insults at Kevin provided endless enter-

tainment. Lord knows someone needs to take him down a peg.

To the aforementioned Kevin Jukkola, who uses more big words in his writing than I do. I’ve never seen anyone contort themselves to the positions sit-ting in an office chair than you. Just remember, not everything that people say is subtly racist. Also, thanks for your random insults at Heath. Lord knows someone needs to take him down a peg.

To Kristina Salazar, our dis-tinguished editor-in-chief and the only other graduate on staff. Thanks for putting up with my big mouth, my country music on the computer, my fiery opinions, and for granting me the freedom to be creative. Hope you had as good a time as the rest of us did and good luck.

To Ms. Patsy Zeigler, The Houstonian’s faculty adviser and oversight. There’s a reason I took about half of my Mass Communication classes from you. You’re a fantastic instruc-tor, and your humor and expe-riences have taught not only those of us on staff, but all of those that came before us and will come after, so much about the business and how to become better writers. Thank you.

Even though this is starting to sound like an Oscar acceptance speech, I still couldn’t leave without saying a few words about a few of my very close friends in low places outside the newspaper.

To Jeremy Trepagnier, maker of the best burgers and steaks in Huntsville. Thank you for be-ing the first person in my life to actually lighten me up and get me to open up more as a per-son. I cannot thank you enough for that, and I wouldn’t trade those beer-drinking nights on your porch for anything in the world. Here’s to many more, my friend.

To Ryan Bridges, most know you as the SGA President but I know you as a friend. You are both genuine and trustworthy. It’s a shame I have to graduate just after you turned 21, but at least we’ll get a week or two of cigar smoking at the bar.

To Adam, Clayton, Jerusha, Grayson, De and Clyde, the founding members of the SHSU Speech and Debate Team. I’ll always look fondly on the early mornings, late nights, and abso-lutely miserable long drives that we’ve shared debating all across the country. We built something great here that will be a true leg-

acy for all of us. I’ve been hon-ored to be a part of it. Good luck to all of you and all the other present and future members of the team. Oh, and you too Alex, almost forgot you.

As for professors, special thanks to Mr. Jim Jones of the Mass Communication Depart-ment for his work as the Speech and Debate faculty sponsor. How you make those drives all by yourself I have no idea, but I thank you for it.

Also, to Dr. Brian Domitrovic of the History Department, just like you asked me to, I read “Econoclasts,” yes, but Carl Menger too. Thanks for always having an open door so I can complain to someone about eco-nomics.

Finally, a special thanks to a former Bearkat, Jenny Swenson. You were my first true friend here and always will be. What would I have done without you? Thank you from the very bottom of my heart heart heart.

An extra word of thanks to the crew at the Stardust Room, my home away from home, my coworkers and bosses at Com-fort Suites, for giving me a job and a great place to work, and everyone else here at Sam and in Huntsville for a great life, a

great town, and a great experi-ence. Also, thank you to all of you, my fellow Bearkats, for reading and supporting us at The Houstonian. We’re far from perfect, but for whatever it’s worth, we really do try and be the best that we can be.

And so we come to the end of a long letter, but hopefully you haven’t minded indulging me. I’ll leave SHSU with fond memories from great times and great friends. Life has a funny way of working itself out, and even though I never planned on coming here, as I’ve said, I couldn’t be happier that I did. I hate that this part of my life is coming to an end, but I look to the uncertain future with the same attitude that I’ve devel-oped in my time here: as the great Texas singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen puts it, “the road goes on forever and the party never ends.”

OPINIONSPage 2 The Houstonian Thursday, December 3, 2009

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alum-ni:

As this is our last issue of the semester, it’s traditional for our graduating seniors to write and print goodbye letters. This December, our Editor-in-Chief, Kristina Salazar, and myself, Addison Reed, are in such a position. Hopefully you won’t mind taking a break from the usual banter on this page to help the two of us look back as we share memories and thanks for our time here at SHSU.

Addison Reed Opinions Editor

SECTION EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

AdvertisingDeadlines

The HoustonianEditorial

Meagan Ellsworth........................................................Associate EditorAddison Reed................................................................Opinions EditorLotis Butchko....................................................................Sports EditorKevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment EditorThomas Merka.....................................................................Web Editor

Kristina Salazar...............................................................936-294-1505

FACULTY ADVISORPatsy Ziegler.....................................................................936-294-1499

STAFFKristin Meyer.................................................................Senior ReporterMike Silva......................................................................Sports ReporterJoe Buvid..............................................................................Photo EditorKrystal Jackson.................................................................PhotographerHeath Wierck.......................................................................Copy Editor

AdvertisingBUSINESS MANAGER

Tammie Nokes..................................................................936-294-1500

STAFF

Brittaney Pires.....................................................Advertising Manager Samantha Berezowsky............................................Account Executive

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

The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not nec-essarily 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 Uni-versity, 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.

Writing this farewell letter, I am filled with both sadness and eagerness. Sadness because it is the end of one chapter, and eagerness because I am eager to see what the future holds.

However, I must say that looking back upon my time at Sam Houston, I like to think that because of the people I have met, I have grown along the way, starting with The Houstonian staff.

Christi Laney: I want to first thank you for taking me under your wing when I came into the first meeting of the semester and said that I could cover softball, knowing that I had no previous experience whatsoever. The knowledge that you gave me and the courage you helped me find are immeasurable and the simple words of “thank you” will never be enough. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Rachael Gleason: Thank you for your boost of confidence last semester when you found out that I would be Editor-in-chief. It really meant a lot.

Jenni Swenson: Thank you

for teaching me great lessons and I had a blast listening to your music on our drive up to TIPA.

Meagan Ellsworth: I have had a blast knowing you. You are a great writer and have a great road ahead of you.

Joe Buvid: Your photos, especially your action shots for sports are incredible. I hope you weren’t mad when I thought they were taken by a professional. That just simply means that is how great and well taken they were.

Lotis Butchko: I have never seen anyone network the way you can. The way you have people call you back within a matter of hours is incredible, plus the people you know are immense. Though we have had a bumpy ride sometimes, I wish you all the best in your future and your career.

Kevin Jukkolla: I have to say that it has been very intersting knowing you. Though we have differing viewpoints and disagree a lot of the times, I have to say that I couldn’t see myself not having you as a friend. You have let me see viewpoints of the world in a completely

different way, and I thank you for that.

Heath Wierck: Thanks for all the editing you did for the paper. I know sometimes it was rough. Also, thanks for the great laughs in our English class, as well as the words of wisdom. Don’t forget to bring the coffee.

Addison Reed: I enjoyed your special edition about the health care debate. I also enjoyed our history class together, as well as getting your input on the scheme of things. It was enlightening.

Ms. Ziegler: Thank you for allowing me to do what I believed to be right for the paper. I also thank you for your input on certain matters, as well as places where I could improve upon.

To all the other staff members that I have worked with at the paper, I want to thank you to for all the lessons you have taught me and the many laughs we’ve had.

Graduating in December, when New Year’s is not that far away, almost seems like a cliche. However, I think it has more meaning because not only will the year be coming

to an end, but my college career as well.

Though I will drive out of Huntsville with my rock music blasting in the background, I know I will not be afraid, even though I don’t know where the road of my life may lead.

Watching the movie Serendipity, I remember when Jeremy Piven’s character explains to John Cusack that the Greeks never wrote obituaries. They only asked one question when a man died: Did he have passion?

I guess in a way, this farewell letter is a sort of obituary because it is basically the ending of an important chapter of my life. However, I like to think that I did have passion, whether it was with the newspaper or my classes in general. It was passion that drove me, and it will continue to be passion that will drive me in this articulate and and once-in-a-lifetime experience called life.

Addison Reed is now the former Opinions Editor for The Houstonian. He is a soon-to-be graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Mass Com-munication. He also needs a job.

Addison Reed bids a fond farewell to Huntsville and Sam Houston State.

The road goes on forever and the party never ends.

Kristina Salazar gives her many thanks and shares the question she aspires to fulfill

Embarking on a new journey

Kristina Salazar is now the former Editor-in-chief. She is a soon-to-be graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Com-munication and a minor in English.

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

Traditional Irish Blessing

A special message from The Houstonian The Rostrum

From all of us at The Houstonian to all of you,

we thank you for being support-ive of us throughout this semes-ter. Good luck on finals, happy holidays, and for those of you graduating, happy graduation

and good luck to all of you!

CAMPUSThursday, December 3, 2009 The Houstonian, Page 3

Contributing WriterBy Cheryl Smith

After successfully getting a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctoral Degree and then teaching at Sam Houston State University for 20 years, Kay Raymond, Ph.D, associate professor of Spanish and director of undergraduate studies in the foreign languages department continued her success with an honorable award.

The League of United Latin American Citizens awarded Raymond with the Community Amigo Award 2009 as Educator of the Year.

When she was awarded Educator of the Year by LULAC she did not expect it, “no, not at all,” Raymond said and with a chuckle, said “they did not even mention my name at the previous LULAC meeting.”

Raymond has been teaching at SHSU since 1989 and has been a member of LULAC for six years.

Here at SHSU she teaches Spanish and Latin American Literature.

“I really enjoy the students at Sam, they are the nicest I have ever taught,” Raymond said.

She also has worked with the International Hispanic Association and been their advisor since 1990.

“I found out about the award at the Banquet, I didn’t know I had received it until they called my name,” Raymond said.

John Escobedo, president of the Huntsville LULAC

chapter said, “Every year we recognize people who do things for the community, e s p e c i a l l y the Hispanic community.”

The LULAC chapter has been in Huntsville since the 1980’s. Their annual scholarship banquet was held in February.

The purpose of the LULAC organization is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States.

R a y m o n d , originally from Chicago, brought an impressive e d u c a t i o n a l background with her when she joined the SHSU faculty.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Radcliffe Institute in Romance Languages and Literature.

Radcliffe Institute for advanced study is a program offered by Harvard University.

She then received her Master’s degree from Brown University in Hispanic Literature, and then later went on to earn for Ph.D. at Indiana University in Spanish.

“When I got my Ph.D. jobs were tight, I taught in Alabama, and that motivated me to teach

where Spanish was really relevant, so I wanted to come to Texas,” Raymond said.

What really motivates Raymond is the students,

“I really enjoy seeing them become proud that they have learned something,” Raymond added.

Escobedo spoke very highly of Raymond and her efforts with the

students.“ S h e i s v e r y

i n v o l v e d w i t h o u r y o u t h , a l w a y s d o i n g v o l u n t e e r w o r k . S h e i s a m e n t o r t o h i g h s c h o o l s t u d e n t s , ” E s c o b e d o s a i d .

“ S h e i s v e r y d e s e r v i n g o f t h i s a w a r d a n d i t s h o w s i n h e r a c t i v i t i e s w i t h t h e s t u d e n t s . ”

Road to Success shows no dead end

• Rate: $1.50 per line, per issue• All ads must be paid in full prior to publication• No refunds• Lost and found ads are free• Deadline: For Tuesday’s paper is 12 p.m. ThursdayFor Thursday’s paper is 12 p.m. Monday

Houstonian Classifieds

Real Estate

Classified Rates

Apt. sublease available @ The Exchange. Spring

semester $400/month. Call 979-450-3121

Make Great Money While Still in College!

Bring Your ApplicAtion in todAY!Dan Rather Comm. Bldg. Room 210

Now Hiring Part-Time Account Executives

Houstonian Account Executive Application

Experience working with people as an account executive or sales person:

Please complete this application and turn into Rm 210 in the Dan Rather Communications Building.

You will be contacted by phone for possible interview.

Date:Name: Address:Phone #:

Expected Graduation:

Start Date Available:

Qualifications/Skills:

THE HOUSTONIAN

Photo courtesy of SHSU Foreign Language Department

Driven: For going above and beyond, Professor Kay Raymond has been selected as the Community Amigo Award 2009 as Educator of the Year by the The League of United Latin American Citizens.

Foreign language department professor receives unexpected recognition after many years of reaching personal goals and leading students in the right direction.

“I really enjoy the students at Sam, they are the nicest I have ever taught.”

-Professor Kay Raymond

Parent's Final's Relief: Free childcare for SHSU students while they study, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center. The SAM Center will provide free child care while you study Dec 12th at the LSC. Pre-registration is necessary. For more information or to register, call the Student Advising and Mentoring Center at 936.294.4444.

Announcements

Final Examinations Dec. 14-17th

MAC Award Banquet: or iginal ly scheduled for Monday, Dec. 7 , cancel led.

T h u r s d a y , D e c . 3 5:00 pm -9:45 pm :

Texas Hold’em LSC Kat Klub

Open to all students, faculty and staff.

Contact Information: Gary Roark

936-294-1722

6:00 pm -8:00 pm : Vertical Happy Hour

Rec. Sports Center Climbing Wall

Free Climbing each Thursday.

Contact Information: Rec Sports Office

936-294-1985

F r i d a y , D e c . 412:30 pm -1:30 pm :

ELI Cultural Exchange Picnic at Sam Houston Museum PondThe SHSU English Language Institute is beginning a new cultural exchange program to provide an opportunity for our international students to meet local people and learn about our culture. People

of all ages and cultural backgrounds are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to the Sam Houston Museum Pond (along Sam Houston

Avenue across from campus) and meet with students from a variety of different countries all around the world.

We plan to continue these picnics every Friday throughout the rest of the semester, except for holidays.

In the event of rain, we will be allowed to hold the picnic on the first floor of the Walker Education Center on 19th St.

Contact Information: James Moore 936-294-3446, esl@shsu.edu

Information courtesty of

Student Services, SHSU, and

SHSU publ ic re lat ions .

Photo coutesy of the student mentoring and advising center’s website.

The Sigma Chi fraternity will be holding their 56th annual Fight Night event this Friday night at Shenanigans.

Fight Night kicks off Friday, Dec. 4 from 8 p.m. until Shenanigans closes. Tickets are $10 for pre-sale, $15 at the door, and $50 for VIP access.

Fight Night will feature live music and 12 fights between Sam Houston students. The event will also hold a “Smasher Car” event outside of Shenanigans for anyone who would like to partake in demolishing a car with a baseball bat for $5. All funds raised will be donated to families in need.

“We collect all of the money that we raise and give it to families in need,” Sigma Chi President Trey Bing, who is the main coordinator of the event, said. “Family Faith Church and the Lake Road Baptist Ministry each give us a family to sponsor. Sigma Chi then donates Christmas gifts to these families as charity.

“In the past we donated to hurricane relief groups and safe houses. We were able to raise around 10 to $15 thousand.”

Sigma Chi teamed up this year with USA Boxing to bring forth the 56th year of Fight Night as Sam Houston State University. The event coordinators will also collect money from local businesses,

including the Exchange, the Arbors, Nutrition Central, and the Farmhouse Café.

The students fighting for Fight Night were chosen at the beginning of the semester from a group of people who signed up. USA Boxing provided the fighters with a free month of training leading up to the event for safety precautions.

Other precautions being held for the event include an on-site ambulance, paramedics, and trained USA Boxing officials.

“We wanted to take as many safety precautions as possible,” Fight Night assistant coordinator Erich Stolz said. “We had some injuries last year and our safety crew took care of everyone. We want to be as careful as possible this time around.”

Sigma Chi also looks to hold other fundraising events in the not-too-distant future.

Each semester, the fraternity holds a golf tournament open to anyone who would like to play. In the future, Sigma Chi looks to hold a running event to raise awareness for cancer. The fraternity also has plans to hold an event for the passing of their brother Chris Pickren.

“Fight Night is just one of many events to come from Sigma Chi,” Bing said. “We want to stay active in the community and continue to help out as much as possible.”

Staff ReporterBy Michael Silva

MAIN EVENTUSA boxing transforms students to warriors for Sigma Chi fundraising

f i g h t n i g h t

NATION & WORLDPage 4 The Houstonian Thursday, December 3, 2009

Smither Company .com1 & 2 & 3 BEDROOM

LOFTS, HOUSES, APARTMENTSVisit Our Website For All Listings

936-291-14661416 Sam Houston Ave

a doughnutThe density of food plays

an important role in weight gain.

Calorically-dense foods include things such as meats and pastries.

“It’s not the case of don’t eat high density foods, but when you do, eat just a little bit,” he said.

Stay away from fast foodThis includes restaurant

eating in general, because “fast foods” tend to be dense and presented in large quantities.

“For students most of the time restaurant eating is fast food,” de Castro said. “Whenever people eat out-side of the home, they eat much more.”

De Castro recommends preparing large amounts of the meals you cook on the weekends and then storing servings in the freezer to thaw out during the week or sharing home-cooked meals with other people.

“Share preparing meals with friends, in the sense that one person can cook one day, someone else the next, and rotating around,” he said.

Watch your portionsOne of the biggest prob-

lems with restaurant meals is the gigantic portions served.

“You think you’re getting your money’s worth, but it’s giving you much more food than you need,” he said.

One strategy to deal with this is to eat only half of what is offered and take the rest home to eat another day.

In addition, over the years, portion sizes have increased tremendously, as a colleague of de Castro’s found when he did a com-parison between portion sizes between France and Philadelphia.

Watch what you eat, par-ticularly on weekends

“People eat considerably more on the weekends than they do during the week—on average about 200 calo-ries a day more on the week-ends than they do during the week,” de Castro said, add-ing that this includes Friday as well.

While alcohol can ac-count for some of the ad-ditional calories consumed, beverages with sugar or alcohol don’t displace calo-ries, so they’re added on top of what you normally eat.

“There is no difference between how much you would eat in a meal if you had a glass of water versus if you had a beer; you’d eat the exact same amount,” de Castro said. “So the calories in the beer just get added on

top of it all and end up in-creasing the energy value of the meal.”

Be mindful of what you eat

While this may seem like the tip about avoiding dis-tracters, simply paying at-tention when you chew your food can make a difference, de Castro said.

Exercise, even minimally“Most modern day Amer-

icans expend virtually noth-ing,” de Castro said. “Their total expenditure for the day is pretty close to their rest-ing metabolic rate, which means they’ve expended nothing other than just sit-ting.”

De Castro recommends the “pedometer routine,” challenging students to take 10,000 steps in one day, or building up to that.

“You don’t have to run a marathon, just increase your everyday activity,” he said.

Educate yourself“There is a huge lack of

knowledge or understand-ing,” he said. “What people believe to be true frequently is not and their understand-ing of foods that are health-ful and those that are not is incorrect.”

While as many as 10 per-cent of college women have or are practicing bulimia as a way of controlling caloric intake, which includes over-exercising, and the number of students who suffer from anorexia is immeasurable due to the secrecy of the disease, there are “better ways of controlling weight than this,” according to de Castro.

“One of the best programs I’ve seen for diet restraint is one that recommends sim-ply that you change your in-take expenditure balance by 200 calories a day,” he said. “Reduce your intake by 100 calories, and that could be just dropping out one soda, or increase your expendi-ture by 100 calories, just walking a little bit more.

“The whole notion is to do it over a long period of time and not to do it quick-ly, because rapid weight loss diets do not work, in the sense of keeping weight off for a sustained period of time. They can work for dropping weight quickly, but that weight’s put right back on very quickly too.”

In addition, the people you hang out with can make a difference.

“There is a factor called modeling: if you eat with someone who’s overeating, you overeat; if you eat with someone who’s a very re-strained eater, you’re more restrained,” de Castro said. “So one way of trying to control your intake is to eat with people you know who eat in moderation.”

From FINALS page 1

Microbiology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Qin also did postdoctoral work at Yale University.

Held each Thursday, the seminar series is intended for the public and addresses current research being conduct-ed by a guest professor in a way that the general public can understand.

For more information, contact Chad Hargrave, assistant professor of biological sciences, at 936.294.1543.

From PROFESSOR page 1

(AP) — Tradition is taking a back seat at a window display on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan this holiday season.

Directly across the street from the traditional Lord & Taylor holiday windows that attract families is a more edgy display.

It's not X-rated — just XOXO.That's the name of the clothing line

being advertised in a storefront, with one young woman stripping to her underwear while another sends text messages or applies makeup.

Carol Powley created the window for the California-based company

and calls it "a play on voyeurism.""You are looking into the life of

a young woman, her apartment, her beauty," Powley said.

The scantily clad models were hired to appear in the leased window space for 10 days.

For model Helene Traasavik, it's nothing unusual.

"It's what I do every day at home," she says — dressing, texting and "just hanging out."

But there's one difference."I've got an audience," Traasavik

said.

Nontraditional window display in NYC

Thursday, December 3, 2009 The Houstonian, Page 5ENTERTAINMENTSPECIAL EDITION

Kevin JukkolaEntertainment Editor

The Best Films of the DecadeOver the past decade, the

cinematic landscape has been forever altered by the exquisite craftsmanship of talented filmmakers whose unique

visions have continuously inspired various audiences, both intellectually and emotionally. The impact of these artists’ work is immeasurable because these movies must be analyzed through their perpetual impression on the culture and each individual filmgoer, rather than some arbitrary box office figure. Personally, I believe the future of cinema is in great hands, with young filmmakers continuing the pursuit of their initially stellar careers and legends creating masterpieces that enhance their foundation in the history of movies. Although many courageous and revolutionary films affected me immensely in ways that previously seemed impossible, there were ten movies that did this better than all the others. Here are the ten best films of the decade, in order of preference.

1. Monster’s Ball (2001)Easily the best and most emotionally challenging film of

the decade, “Monster’s Ball” is a harrowing and hopeful story of two people desperate to make a connection with immense obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton, in two great performances as Leticia and Hank, never deviate from the consistently somber, yet optimistic tone. The story unfolds revelations beautifully, with tragedy being the common denominator that could eventually lead to a discovery of hope. Marc Forster’s film makes stark and unambiguous statements about racism, poverty and class, the death penalty, and the omnipresent nature of abuse without lecturing or struggling for authenticity. Through their experiences, these people become better as exhibited by subtle gestures sometimes known only to them. The ending shows the growth in Leticia and her newly found resolve to choose the possibility of perpetual happiness over the certainty of never-ending loneliness.

2. The Wrestler (2008)Darren Aronofsky’s film is a flawless masterpiece that

follows the tumultuous times of Randy “the Ram” Robinson, played by Mickey Rourke in perhaps the best individual performance of the decade. Randy is attempting to reconnect with his daughter, cherish a flourishing relationship with a local stripper, and find a peaceful balance with the ability to change but not the desire. The handheld camera and gruff look illustrates the harsh and unforgiving realities these characters inhabit, and the terrific performances enhance the vivid pollution of these people’s souls. These people are emotionally naked to the audience, and every moment is significant in recording the inevitable march to judgment day when Randy’s trespasses will be catalogued with nobody standing in his corner.

3. Sideways (2004)

Hilariousness and poignancy are pervasive in Alexander Payne’s simple tale of two men on a final trip in the California wine country before one of them gets married. Paul Giamatti, one of the best actors working today, initially exhibits a pillar of pessimism that overwhelms his insecurities as Miles and Thomas Haden Church is Jack, a person whose sunny disposition is a rouse for the childlike behavior and emotional immaturity that constitute his life. The story is about whether Miles, who lives vicariously through Jack, will grow enough as a person to pursue a relationship with Maya, played with unmatched believability by Virginia Madsen, and if Jack will become enough of an adult to take responsibility for his mistakes

and make the best life decisions. “Sideways” ends in the same manner as it begins because the universal themes it explores are forever ongoing in various lives as long as relationships blossom and evolve.

4. Crash (2005)Paul Haggis co-wrote and directed a frank assessment

of the prevalent racism that still plagues our society, while quietly acknowledging the immense progress that has been made. The film tells the interlocking stories of people of different races whose prejudices are uncovered because of either misunderstandings or actions that are escalated into incidents because of the discriminatory attitudes of those involved. “Crash” pulls no punches with its subject matter, containing neither perfect heroes nor wholly evil villains. These are real people with genuine flaws who, as the film argues, must first identify their cancerous racist attitudes before they can hope to confront them.

5. Brokeback Mountain (2005)“Brokeback Mountain” is one of the greatest and most

passionate forbidden love stories ever filmed. It deals with connections that are still largely prohibited in an society between two cowboys, played with remarkable delicacy by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, whose love seems like a futile enterprise because of their inability to cherish the flourishing relationship. The poetic story illuminates an intolerant world that makes all of these people victims, and the epic filmmaking style is still tender and reflective enough to understand the universal tragedy of unfulfilled desires from perceived differences.

6. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Clint Eastwood’s best film is a heartbreaking story of loss, sacrifice, determination, and, ultimately, love. Hillary Swank plays Maggie Fitzgerald, a female boxer who simply wishes to ascend from the life of despair and denigration to a societal place where she is respected as a courageous champion. Clint Eastwood is her trainer, Frankie Dunn, whose immense guilt for an unknown past transgression plagues his every decision and movement in the present. Morgan Freeman also has an important part in enhancing the relationship between the two, and Eastwood’s direction is exquisite and perfectly measured.

There was asinine controversy over the ending after the film was released because of the ignorant belief that it supported a particular point of view of a contentious issue. “Million Dollar Baby” is not interested in playing politics with its ending, but is completely immersed in illustrating complex characters who make realistic, painful decisions in the context of the agonizing information they are provided.

7. Monster (2003)Charlize Theron perfectly embodies Aileen Wuornos in

Patty Jenkins’ brutally honest portrait of the first documented female serial killer in American history. Although her superb performance is essential in creating the disturbing atmosphere of the story, the film stands on its own as an accurate depiction of events that seemed incomprehensible and becomes understandable, but nonetheless tragic, as the end of her life is painfully, mercilessly chronicled. The great feat of “Monster” is intimately focusing on the humanity of Wuornos, which includes a wonderful scene at the skating rink that briefly examines her dreams, without condoning any of her actions. The film is uncompromising and unblinkingly dark, believing that the best day in Wuornos’ life was most definitely her last.

8. City of God (2003)This Brazilian film by Fernando Meirelles has the kinetic

energy and pacing of “GoodFellas” and the bleak, but realistic, vision of otherworldly destitutions in “Slumdog Millionaire.” It tells the story of a child who views unimaginable horror growing up and believes this to be standard, while continuing to mature as a person with real morals that are unwavering. The film does an outstanding service in outlining the complexities of the manner in which gangsters, drug dealers, and thieves, mostly children, are forced to defend and protect members of the surrounding community because of the corrupt law enforcement, while being the main cause of the seemingly endless escalation of violence. “City of God” is fascinating throughout, while also being exciting and pensive, riveting and thoughtful sometimes simultaneously, and clearly one of the best and most powerful experiences of the decade.

9. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)An inspirational tale that is also a realistic depiction of

the pervasive poverty in the slums of India, Danny Boyle’s tour de force is both a touching love story and exciting thriller. Its brisk pace seizes for genuine moments of tearful and poignant subtleties, with the characters understanding the most humane course of action that must be taken. The story holds the belief that beginning from the depths of hell does not prevent someone from achieving a sense of heaven in a more spiritual than financial manner. It is also about how a type of brilliance can be found from unpredictable places and the underdog story is a reminder that paradise is attainable with an ardent desire for a better life, even for a slumdog.

10. A History of Violence (2005)This is a spellbinding thriller and an exceptional meditation

on the primal nature of people that forces them to resort to violence in solving problems without first drawing on the compassion derived from their humanity. Viggo Mortenson gives an extraordinarily complex portrait of Tom Stall, a man whose past transgressions begin to haunt and expose the true nature of his character. Maria Bello, William Hurt, Ed Harris, and Ashton Holmes are all tremendous in their respective roles, but the impressive craftsmanship of David Cronenberg closely highlights important themes that give the story an intricacy rarely permitted among thrillers.

Here are other great films that missed the list:11. Far From Heaven (2002)12. Mystic River (2003)13. Juno (2007)14. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward

Robert Ford (2007)15. No Country for Old Men (2007)16. Adaptation (2002)17. The Departed (2006)18. Gangs of New York (2002)19. Minority Report (2002)20. Munich (2005)21. Gone Baby Gone (2007)22. Revolutionary Road (2008)23. Little Children (2006)24. Once (2007)25. About Schmidt (2005)26. Half Nelson (2006)27. Matchstick Men (2003)28. Junebug (2005)29. Cinderella Man (2005)30. The Woodsman (2004)There are many other films that deserved to be honored

and remembered as treasures that will continue to influence the ongoing maturation of the cinematic landscape. The hope is that the next decade will maintain the persistence in fruitfully expanding the ability for filmmakers to express their uninhibited and innovative visions, while providing the same avenue of acceptance for new ideas as the previous ten years.

SPORTSPage 6 The Houstonian Thursday, December 3, 2009

Who’s it going to be? The Houstonian has selected five candidates we feel would fit the job for the Sam Houston State head coach-ing position. While there have been many inquiries for the job, a formal list has not been released.

Dana HolgorsenOffensive Coordinator University of Houston

Chris ThomsenHead Coach Abilene Christian University

Neal BrownOffensive Coordinator Troy University

Don CarthelHead Coach West Texas A&M University

The Houstonian will not be running the second part of the Anna Ferguson story.

Brad FranchioneHead Coach Blinn College

Brandon ScottContributing Writer