— See RUGBY, page 4

By Lauren AdkinsContributing Writer

— See ALLERGIES, page 4

The University has been awarded an incentive check of $7,462 from Entergy Texas, Inc.’s Schools Conserving Resources (SCORESM) Program for increasing the energy efficiency of the lighting and air conditioning systems in four campus buildings.

The no-cost SCORE Program provides technical and financial support to help schools and universities than identify and implement energy efficiency upgrade projects.

The incentive was determined by the total amount of energy the university will save. The new, high efficiency systems will save more than 83,200 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, equivalent to preventing the carbon dioxide emissions of more than 6,700 gallons of gasoline, according to Environmental Protection Agency calculations.

“It’s important that our university sets a positive example for our community, and reducing our energy use is a critical step,” said SHSU Energy Manager Sandra Gray. “In addition to the energy savings, our students and faculty will appreciate the better light quality and increased comfort in the buildings.”

In addition to financial incentives, the program provided no-cost technical assistance to ensure the university selected the appropriate high efficiency equipment. As part of its participation in the program, Sam Houston State University will continue to evaluate additional efficiency opportunities.

“We look forward to working with Entergy and the SCORE Program to identify ways to further reduce energy use,” Gray said. “Energy efficiency projects make sound financial sense, as the reduced energy use generally offsets the cost of the initial investment.”

“We identified a real need for an energy efficiency program that specifically targets educational institutions,” said Entergy Program Manager Kelley Carson. “This program is an organized effort to bring needed resources and energy efficiency to Texas.”

SHSU receives incentive check for energy efficiencyBy Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-Chief

Pitching Repertoire, Page 8

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State UniversityVol 117— Issue 19 Thursday, March 31, 2011

Viewpoints.................page 2Special........................page 3

Special........................page 6

News...........................page 4 Lifestyle.....................page 7Sports.........................page 8

Entertainment.............page 5INDEX

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Students will encounter a new registration process this semester.

University officials hope this new procedure, which will call for students to log into the uni-

versity’s My Sam Portal instead of Sam Web, will make a process that many students call tedious and confusing a bit easier.

“We made this change to help SHSU become more technologi-cally advanced and help students find everything they need in one place,” Assistant Registrar Kelli

Leaf said. “[Now,] when a student logs into My Sam, they can access the new registration process by clicking on the ‘Registration’ tab at the top of the page.”

Leaf says its going to be very different from how students have registered in the past.

Students who experience prob-

lems can visit the Office of the Registrar’s web site to watch video tutorials, view common error messages and go through a troubleshooting process.

“We have created a how-to page with a step-by-step video tu-torial,” Leaf said. “I think students should remain patient. If students

have problems with registration, go to our web site and you can find the right help.”

While the new system is differ-ent, Leaf expects a smooth transi-tion.

Registration will begin on April 1 for summer classes and will open on April 15 for fall classes.

My Sam portal to swap with SamWeb for registrationRegistration ReplacementBy Kolby FlowersSenior Reporter

Sam Houston Rugby Hall of Fame includes:• Jay Shepard- in

memoriam• Omar Sanchez-

in memoriam• Mike Mahon- in

memoriam• Dr. P. E. Parotti*-

Coach of original club

• Dewitte Lindsey*-Founder of original club

• David Patrizi-in memoriam

• Jeff Talley*• Michael Savage*• Aubrey Carter*• Dennis Walker• Richard

Johnston*• Dave Snook* charter member

By Jessica PriestWeb and Multimedia Editor

Rugby club inducts alumni into Hall of Fame

Fighting back against seasonal

allergiesSpring is in the air, and so

are the types of pollen that lead to seasonal allergies, a plight that the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases said approximately 26 million Americans suffer from.

Texas has one of the highest pollen counts in the country. Huntsville, Houston, Dallas, and Corpus Christi all have high pollen counts from trees. While in places like Jacksonville and Waco, pollen counts are higher because of grass and weeds.

Many people in Huntsville suffer from allergies coming from wooded areas, waste places, bottomlands, and rich woodlands.

The SHSU Health Center deals with numerous cases of students suffering from allergies. While the center does not diagnose allergies, it does refer students to specific allergists or suggest certain medications that

students can take, according to registered pharmacist Lauren Hoban. The center also has information on seasonal allergies and how they affect the body.

“An allergy is basically a heightened sensitivity to what happens to be growing in that season,” Hoban said. “An allergen causes the body’s immune system to overreact when defending itself. We see a great deal of students that come into the center that are dealing with allergies.”

Hoban said the center refers students to an allergist who prescribes a medication that students can then take back to the center for continuing treatment.

“Students … send their file into us so that they do not have to travel back and forth to the allergist, and we will give them a shot how ever often they need it,” Hoban said.

The symptoms of seasonal allergies are usually sneezing, runny nose nasal and postnasal

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

Michael Savage | The Houstonian

POLLEN SEASON. The SHSU Health Center deals with numerous cases of students suffering from allergies.

The SHSU Rugby Football Club announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class during the annual Alumni Rugby Match on March 26.

The match, which hosted more than 200 current and alumni ruggers, recognized players from every era of SHSU rugby. Six players from the program’s first year, from 1973 to 1974, were

featured along with six players from subsequent teams.

Four players were also inducted posthumously.

Nominated players gave induction speeches that expressed several commonalities. In particular, Dennis Walker, a rugby alumnus, stressed the unbreakable bond forged between teammates.

His 1973 teammates remain his best friends today, Walker said.

“I came to my first practice on a Tuesday, and I found my family,” Walker said.

The Rugby Alumni of Sam Houston, or RASH, actively gives back to the university. Each year, it provides scholarships, each totaling $1,000, to rugby players.

The Lindsey-Parotti Endowment has also been established to provide rugby scholarship funding.

For more information about RASH or this event, contact Gary Holub at 281-827-3529 or Michael Savage at 713-898-0522.

RUGBY RECOGNITION. Six former SHSU Rugby players from 1973 to 1974 were inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The Inaugural Class of 2011

Page 2Thursday, March 31, 2011Viewpoints

houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni:

The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Stephen GreenViewpoints Editorsgreen@houstonianonline.com

Letter to the Student Body

The housTonian sTaff

SECTION EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Editorial

Mike Silva.............................................................................Senior EditorJessica Priest.......................................................Multimedia/Web EditorErin Peterson..................................................................Associate EditorStephen Green..............................................................Viewpoints EditorBrandon Scott.........................................................................Sports EditorThomas Merka........................................................Entertainment EditorJared Wolf.................................................................Graphic Coordinator

Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505

STAFFKolby Flowers..................................................................Senior ReporterLotis Butchko.................................................................Sports ReporterJessica Gomez......................................................................PhotographerApril Sanders............................................................................Copy Editor

BUSINESS MANAGER

ADVERTISING MANAGER

HEAD ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Robin Johnson.......................................................936-294-1499

Advertising

Brittany Hampton..............................................936-294-1500

Branden Price.......................................................936-294-1503

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

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

Faculty Adviser

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

All cartoons courtesy of creators.com.

Comedy CornerBeing a first-

year student here at Sam Houston State U n i v e r s i t y , I have e x p e r i e n c e d a lot of new things over the past two s e m e s t e r s . I have met new people, joined new organizations, and done my best to try to stay involved.

After joining the SHSU community, I was greatly impressed by the quality and quantity of student involvement on campus. With over 200 student organizations on campus, each with p u r p o s e s ranging from politics to academics to volunteering, the student body has r e a l l y i m p r e s s e d me. The S t u d e n t Government Association impresses me the most.

SGA is comprised of committed and hardworking individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to serve the student body. Each and every week, SGA meets to discuss what they can do to make SHSU a better campus. They host events, such as Bearkat ALL-PAWS-IN, town halls meetings and recycling initiatives, to solve the many problems on campus.

Many organizations talk about how the campus needs to be better, but few actually plan on how to make it so. It takes a very rare organization, like Student Government, to see a problem, find a solution, and actually go out and fix it.

But in the past few weeks, many individuals on campus have been complaining about SGA, going as far as to question the integrity and motivations of its members. I am not a member of SGA, nor have I ever been, but I have been to its meetings, week in and week out, since the beginning of last fall, and I have seen with my own eyes that in each and every decision they make they do so for the student body.

In the recent Election Code controversy, many individuals have challenged the actions of SGA, calling the legislation bad policy and saying it acts against what’s in the best interest of the student body. But the actions of SGA, like they always are, were not misguided. Members

of student g o v e r n m e n t saw a problem: that under the then-cur ren t election code, s e l f i s h l y m o t i v a t e d , power hungry i n d i v i d u a l s who have not served the student body before could become leaders

of the entire student body.In response to this,

SGA held several open meetings in which the need for reform was discussed, made campus-wide announcements about the impending changes and invited the entire student

body to bring in their ideas to the table. As an extra m e a s u r e , they found a n o n - s e n a t e m e m b e r , myself, to author the n e c e s s a r y changes to their election code in order to ensure that anyone who wished to

hold a position over the student body has the right intentions.

These changes require individuals to attend a certain amount of meetings of the Senate and its committees before holding a position on the Executive Board of SGA. While a small change, this rule is crucial in ensuring that the student body has leaders endowed with the correct motivation, who are prepared to serve the students of SHSU and make our campus a better place.

The idea that SGA made these changes against the will of the student body or against their own rules are not only completely false, they are an affront to each and every student of Sam Houston State University. We, as a student body, cannot simply stand by and let individuals push around our elected student representation. It’s time we took a stand for those who always take a stand for us.

So the next time you’re in the LSC, drop by room 326 and visit SGA. Tell them that you support them, thank them for their service to the student body, and thank them for striving each and every week to make sure that SHSU gets even better.

Letter to the Student Body: support our active student organizations

- Steven is a sophomore political science major and member of the Elliot T. Bowers Honors College.

“Many organizations talk about how the campus needs to be better; others actually plan on how to make it so. But it takes a very rare organization...to see a problem...and fix it”

Have a question for the Houstonian Staff? Would you like to respond to an article or advice column?

Email the Houstonian and we will respond to you! Contact sgreen@houstonianonline.com for more information regarding responses or for any questions regarding the newspaper.

I’m back from my hiatus from the Supreme Court blog. This year hasn’t really had that many cases that have significant relevance to our society. Snyder vs. Phelps and this case (Dukes vs. Wal-mart Stores, Inc.) seem to be the most controversial.

First, let me break down the case. In 2000, a 54-year old lady named Betty Dukes filed a sex discrimination case against Wal-mart because after six years of “excellent reviews,” management wouldn’t provide her with the extra training it takes to become a manager. The case has now exploded to over 1.6 million women that are employed by, or have worked for, Wal-Mart since Dec. 26, 1988.

The issue now comes down to if this case is a class-action suit, and if it is admissible in federal court. If it is declared a class-action suit, it will be the largest in U.S. history.

Honestly, when I first read about this case, I thought it was going to be

a slam dunk in favor of the women. From the accounts that I have read, including Dukes, it seems clear cut that Wal-mart is violating some sort of right or law.

But, after reading the transcripts from the arguments, it seems that the women’s attorney, Joseph M. Sellers, has more problems coming his way.

His main argument is that the corporation has created a company-wide culture, described as the “Wal-mart way,” that makes sure uniformity is present in their thousands of stores. In addition, Sellers argues that the company gives

unlimited discretion to its store managers when it comes to job promotion.

In full disclosure, I do not hold a juris doctor, I haven’t gone to law school, majored in political science, and I have barely debated competitively; but it seems that those two points are more than slightly contradictory.

On the other hand, one could also say that the company has a dominating culture that controls employees, which could be seen as discriminatory. Why do they say the store managers have all the power?

Justice Kennedy called the women’s lawyer out on this, so I don’t see much hope for that argument in the future. I have a feeling that what Sellers is trying to argue is that the policy, which gives managers almost sole discretion of pay can, and has, led to discrimination.

Wal-mart got up there and tried to say the discrimination has been fixed, but even the Ninth Court didn’t buy that. The Ninth Court said that the women’s case was sufficient enough to prove discrimination in some cases.

In all honesty, with the Supreme Court now consisting three female Justices and with so many female plaintiffs, the women will come out on top of this. The only way that Wal-mart could win is by technicality or if the lawyer representing the women continues to shoot himself in the foot with an ever-growing gun.

ScotusFeed: Dukes vs Wal-mart Stores, Inc.Stephen Green explains the case, predicts the victor of the largest class-action suit ever

- Stephen is the Viewpoints Editor for the Houstonian.

Steven PerrySophomore

Student Government Association elections are coming up quickly! Your bulletin boards, Facebook and Twitter newsfeeds ( @ S H S U We D O Wo r k ) are probably going to be blowing up like never before, but I want to step away from the election for a second and talk about YOU.

I’ve had the honor of serving the student body for three years in Student Government and in those three years, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that students want parking to be addressed. As secretary, I signed off on legislation to help redefine parking spaces so that the university can cut back on the number of frivolous tickets and in the legislation we called for a campus parking committee to address student parking issues.

I still have the privilege of sitting on that committee, where I’ve had the opportunity to help tackle these problems in an efficient and respectable manner. Let’s be real, fixing parking problems isn’t easy, but with the steps and strides that we’ve made, I am confident that we can continue to move forward on this issue and help to make reasonable parking goals a reality to better serve you. We’ve seen you guys circling the lot in the morning. We’re working on that.

Let’s not get confused. Parking is just one of the many issues students have to deal with. As college students, we can all just about say that we’ve had a long night that MIGHT have caused a little pain the next morning. So this brings me to students with temporary disabilities;

@SHSUweDOwork is looking to establish ties with Student Services that will help these students in maneuvering the campus. We see you guys struggling with casts and crutches up those hills. We’re working on that, too.

In addition to this, times are getting rough for students all over the nation; especially in Texas. Now is the time for your Student Government to step up to plate and work for you. Under my leadership, I’ll make a personal promise to each and every Bearkat that SGA will stand on the front lines in Austin and anywhere else necessary to make your voices heard. We hear you. We’ll work for you.

As we’ve all noticed, new buildings are popping up all over campus. Where there’s business, there’s jobs; yet, our students still have to leave our community to find internships and permanent employment. Why? That’s a good question. We see it. We’ll work for you.

I know this isn’t a conclusive list of all the issues facing Bearkats today, but these are the starting points. Tyler Eberhart, Jimmy Williams, Cortnie Crayton, Audrey Williams and I will stand on the front lines. We’ve listened. We’ve heard you. We’ll work for you and guess what? We DO work.

On April 12th and 13th you have the opportunity to elect leaders with proven histories of working for the student body. Let US continue working for you. Vote McKelvey, Eberhart, Williams, Crayton, and Williams.

We do work

- Rene is the current Student Government Association Vice-President.

Rene McKelvey offers reasons students should vote for herself and others

Page 4Thursday, March 31, 2011News

houstonianonline.com/news

In Tueday’s SGA meeting, the latest revision to the Election Code was approved, two nominations were approved and one new piece of legislation was approved.

The latest revision to the Election Code better clarified the requirements for candidates, as the Student Supreme Court declared the last revision unconstitutional. The first revision called for a candidate to “actively participate” in SGA, while this latest revision simply states that a candidate must attend six committee meetings and three general meetings.

Two senators for the

College of Humanities and Social Science were nominated and approved: sophomore Brian Howard and freshman Brady Cullen.

Lastly, three pieces of legislation were discussed. The first piece of legislation, which called for an SGA graduation cord, was tabled until the next general meeting. The second, which called for the creation of a Commissions Committee, to be headed by a Commissioner of Communications, which would basically function as a public relations department for SGA, was sent to the Rules and Regulations Committee for further review. The third and final piece of legislation, The Judicial Procedure Reform Act, which called for the transparency of all

SGA-related courts, passed.This week’s meeting took

an interesting turn when the officers opened the floor for an open forum, allowing anyone and everyone to say what they needed to say. The most noteworthy speaker was Mariel Kaneen, who addressed SGA about their revisions to the Election Code, citing unconstitutionality. While the officers ensured that his remarks were heard by all, most in attendance backed the SGA’s decisions.

SGA holds general meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in LSC 326, unless otherwise posted. For up-to-date coverage of each meeting, visit The Houstonian’s Facebook page for a link to our live blog.

CHEER ON. The SHSU Cheer Team finished first in the STUNT Competition on March 26 and 27 at California Baptist University with a 15-14 win. This was the first time in SHSU history that an all female team competed in the STUNT competition. Next, the team turn their attention the NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL.

Sam Houston State is expanding its territory.

The Northwest Houston Campus, located within the Lone Star College University Center at University Park at the corner of Louetta and Highway 249, will provide opportunities for transfer students seeking undergraduate degrees, as well as non-traditional and graduate-level students, according to Richard Eglsaer, associate provost.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to check out the programs offered both at the new campus and online, as well as meet its new faculty, advisers and Director of

Academic Services Carolyn Martinez, during the open house on April 5. The open house will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the University Park dining facility. Refreshments will be served.

Features of the new campus include a storefront on the second floor, where students can learn about SHSU and the on-site programs and meet with faculty and university advisers.

The new campus boasts as many as seven undergraduate programs, six graduate programs and, pending approval, doctoral program. Classes will be housed on the fifth floor. There will also be a computer lab and meeting spaces for professors and

small-group discussions.The university signed

a contract with Lone Star College in November, and began offering a limited number of classes this semester in response to the growing number of programs and demand in the area.

“The market’s constantly changing and we’ve got to adapt to that,” Eglsaer said. “It used to be inconceivable for us to think that we’d have to bring the university to the students; the students should have come to the university

“Now we realize the demand by the state.

“There’s a whole group between 22 and 40 who do not have college degrees, who are working and just cannot afford the time to

drive to Huntsville, but have the desire and need to further their education.

“We feel that NWH will provide us with the venue to help these students.”

Initially, the new campus will focus on courses offered through the College of Education. These courses make up the bulk of those approved by the university systems involved.

“This is one of the rapidly growing areas for elementary and high schools,” Martinez said. “Thus our College of Education is primed to respond to the needs created by the growth of the surrounding school districts.

“Past analyses have indicated that approximately 40 percent of our graduate

students live within a 10 mile radius of this campus. Our campus at University Park is designed to provide access to a variety of students in the area as other universities begin to offer classes there.”

“We also have a great number of our graduates who are employed in the area school systems,” Eglsaer said. “So we have a natural ‘in’ to get referrals from those places if it’s convenient.”

The programs approved for the NWH Campus include: interdisciplinary studies certification for elementary, EC-12, middle-level math, math/science composite, middle-level English / language arts / social studies composite and kinesiology; and

graduate programs for instructional leadership, special education, school counseling, library science and administration and supervision.

NWH will release a listing of the classes available for the summer sessions on April 1. Classes will begin on June 1 for Summer I and July 6 for Summer II. Fall classes will begin on Aug. 24.

Application deadlines for both undergraduate and graduate admissions are May 15 for Summer I, June 15 for Summer II and Aug. 1 for the fall semester.

For additional information on the NWH campus, contact Martinez at or cmartinez@shsu.edu or visit www.shsu.edu/university_park.

Sam branches outUniversity expands to include campus in Northwest Houston

By Erin PetersonAssociate News Editor

drip, and it is difficult to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and the common cold, Hoban said. Only an allergist can tell the difference.

Pollens are tiny, egg-shaped powdery grains release from flowering plants, which are carried by the wind or insects and serve to cross-pollinate with other plants, according to pollen.com.

Spring allergies are usually a result of pollen from trees, which can start pollinating anytime from January to April, depending

on the climate and location. Oak and elm trees produce the most pollen in Huntsville.

Rachel Lacy is a junior and a music major at Sam Houston and has struggled with allergies for most of her life. She said she goes to an allergy and asthma doctor’s clinic in Houston for several years, and if she has questions, she goes to them for answers.

“If my allergies really start to bother me I usually stay indoors until I feel like they have died down,” Lacy said. “I also wash my face and clothes more often, as well as try to keep my room as free from

pollen as I can. Lacy has run the gamut

of allergy treatments. “I was on allergy shots

for three years, as well as Allegra and an inhaler, but as my allergies have gotten better over time I am down to just one medication,” Lacy said.

There are several ways students with allergies can avoid the effects of pollen. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises closing windows to prevent pollen from drifting into the home, minimizing morning activity, keeping car windows closed, staying indoors when the pollen count is high, and

machine-drying bedding and clothing.

There are also natural remedies such as Neti Pots that people can follow to help fight against allergies that do not require them to take medicine. Neti Pots are little vessels that look like a genie’s lamp. A pot is filled with warm salt water, and the water is poured in one nasal passage to the other, flushing out the nasal cavity.

Others use a stinging nettle. The stinging nettle is a natural form of antihistamine and has many of the same effects as the drugs that can be purchased in the pharmacy. It can

be found in local health stores and online. It is used to avoid the side effects of allergy medications, according to veggie123.com.

However, taking allergy shots is one of the most effective treatments. When over-the-counter medications do not help, allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can provide long-lasting relief for many people. The treatment can last up to five years because the patient has to slowly build immunity to the allergen, according to enotalone.com.

Lacy said allergy shots have been effective for her.

“I haven’t become immune to any medications yet, but I have had to try a lot of medicine to see which works best for me,” Lacy said. “There was a ton of trail and error. The shots were the very best option, and since I have began using them, my allergies are not nearly as bad as they used to be. They really helped, and I think it made my regular medicine more effective.”

The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases estimates that 26 million Americans suffer from pollen allergies.

From ALLERGIES page 1

2011 SGA Election Candidates

Photos courtesy of Carlee Smith

MR. SMITH GOES TO SAM. Candidates for the 2011 Student Government Association Election pose outside the SGA office following the mandatory meeting for all potential senators and officers for the 2011-2012 school year.

Photos courtesy of Carlee Smith

Cheerleaders gear up for nationals

By Erin PetersonAssociate News Editor

Executive Board Candidates:

President: A. Rene’ McKelveyVice President: Tyler EberhartSecretary: Cortnie CraytonTreasurer: Jimmy WilliamsChief of Staff: Audrey Williams

Candidates for the College of Business Administration:

Justin HaynesJacob HoytJoseph LeRyan LockridgeO. Tracy NnamadimJason TiltonVictoria TowneryAshton Winfree

College of Criminal Justice:

Cristal CalderonChidera EnehMatthew MonkTreveon MurdockKaylia Tucker

College of Education:

Adrienne ArmstrongPhilichell Pewitt-HemphilKenziee-Taylor Pope

College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication:

Kolby FlowersRonell Walker

College of Humanities and Social Sciences:

Cortnie CraytonDavid CullenLeAntranell GipsonBrian HowardJoe Lewis IIISteven PerryChaston PruittJennifer PoolMelody SaenzKendall ScudderCristan ShamburgerRebecca StatonTobias SteenRachel Voss

College of Sciences:

Robert ArriagaCody HatcherKeelan JonesBrandon Pete

Weekly update: SGAAssociation approves new senators, election legislation

A grass-roots documentary film that focuses on making changes in today’s schools will be presented at SHSU in the Lowman Student Center Theatre on Monday from 3 to 5 p.m.

The screening of “Race to Nowhere” is sponsored by SHSU College of Education and the SHSU Division of Student Services. The films has already gained national attention as a grass-roots movement to evoke change in schools.

“Race to Nowhere” is the result of a concerned mother’s drive to expose the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded today’s schools and children’s lives, which she believe creates unhealthy, disengaged, unprepared and stressed-out youth.

Vicki Abeles is a first-time filmmaker and was inspired to make “Race to Nowhere” after her 12-year-old daughter was being treated for stress-related illness. From her daughter’s experience, Abeles saw personally how the pressures were overwhelming not only to

her own kids, but to students everywhere – in every kind of school environment and community.

“As a mother, I experienced the stress firsthand and realized that no one was talking about it,” Abeles said. “I saw kids who were anxious, depressed, physically ill, checking out, abusing drugs and, worst case, attempting suicide.

“I felt compelled to speak out about this crisis by making a film and giving voice to the students, teachers, and parents. I wanted to expose a deeper truth about our education system. We are graduating a generation of robo-students, unable to think and work independently, creatively and collaboratively.”

Abeles’ film has gained national attention from The Wall Street Journal, CNN and CBS and has had more than 500 viewings in 48 states and viewing requests from 15 countries.

“Every once in a while, a film comes along that has the potential to change the culture,” said New York Times bestselling author Rachel Simmons (Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of

Aggression in Girls). “Race to Nowhere shines a light on the crisis of learning and meaning facing American education. The film is both a call to arms and a beacon of hope, a source of relief and outrage and a way

forward for all of us.”

Page 5Thursday, March 31, 2011Arts & Entertainment

houstonianonline.com/entertainment

Hot HitsBillboard Hot 100

Radio Songs

1. “Born This Way,” Lady Gaga2. “E.T.,” Katy Perry3. “S&M,” Rihanna4. “F**K,” Cee Lo Green5. “Just Can’t Get Enough,” The Black Eyed Peas

1. “Born This Way,” Lady Gaga2. “F**K,” Cee Lo Green3. “Tonight (I’m Loving You),” Enrique Iglesias4. “F**kin’ Perfect,” P!nk5. “S&M,” Rihanna

1. “Rope,” Foo Fighters2. “Shake Me Down,” Cage The Elephant3. “The Cave,” Mumford & Sons4. “Help Is On The Way,” Rise Against5. “Tighten Up,” The Black Keys

Rock Songs

Pop Songs

1. “F**kin’ Perfect,” P!nk2. “Born This Way,” Lady Gaga3. “F**k You,” Cee Lo Green4. “Tonight (I’m Loving You),” Enrique Iglesias5. “Hey Baby,” Pitbull ft. T-Pain

R&B/Hip-Hop Songs

1. “Look at Me Now,” Chris Brown2. “Moment 4 Life,” Nicki Minaj3. “Love Faces,” Trey Songs4. “6 Foot 7 Foot,” Lil Wayne5. “All Of The Lights,” Kanye West

Country

1. “Let Me Down Easy,” Billy Currington2. “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Jason Aldean w/ Kelly Clarkson3. “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” Thompson Square4. “Colder Weather,” Zac Brown Band5. “This,” Darius Rucker

Digital Songs1. “E.T.,” Katy Perry2. “Loser Like Me,” Glee Cast3. “Just Can’t Get Enough,” The Black Eyed Peas4. “Born This Way,” Lady Gaga5. “S&M,” Rihanna

Dance/Club Play Songs1. “S&M,” Rihanna2. “On The Floor,” Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull3. “E.T.,” Katy Perry4. “Born This Way,” Lady Gaga5. “Higher,” Taio Cruz ft. Kylie Minogue and Travie McCoy

Adult Pop Songs1. “F**kin’ Perfect,” P!nk2. “Firework,” Katy Perry3. “F**k You,” Cee Lo Green4. “Grenade,” Bruno Mars5. “Marry Me,” Train

iTunes1. “Just Can’t Get Enough,” The Black Eyed Peas2. “E.T.,” Katy Perry3. “S&M,” Rihanna4. “Best Love Song,” T-Pain ft. Chris Brown5. “On The Floor,” Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull

By Thomas MerkaEntertainment Editor

SHSU to present:

RACING FOR CHANGE. The film “Race To Nowhere” will be presented in the LSC Theatre on Monday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/RaceToNowhere

For more information about the film visit www.racetonowhere.com or www.facebook.com/RaceToNowhere.

Sudoku PuzzleThe aim of Sudoku

is to enter a number from 1

through 9 in each cell of a grid, most frequently a 9×9 grid made up of

3×3 subgrids. Each row, column and region must contain only one instance of each

number.

Solution:

Now available in the iTunes

App Store and the

Andriod App Market

Page 7Thursday, March 31, 2011Lifestyle

houstonianonline.com/entertainment

Taking a stand against climate change , many of the world’s landmarks sat in darkness in honor of the fifth annual Earth hour on Saturday night.

The Empire State Building joined the Eiffel Tower, Rome’s coliseum, and hundreds of other sites, businesses, and individuals in turning off their lights from 8:30-9:30 p.m. local time.

The World Wide Fund for Nature, or the international conservation nonprofit organization, coordinates Earth Hour each year and urges people to turn off their lights and other nonessential appliances. The idea is a symbolic demonstration of the support for action against climate change and for energy conservation in general.

"Through the simple gesture of turning off lights, Earth Hour has captured the world’s imagination, growing significantly year after year and 2011 is no exception,” Terry Macko, chief marketing officer at WWF US said.

“Our goal this year was for even more people to engage in Earth Hour, and the response has been simply amazing. We appreciate the individuals, communities, governments and organizations that are stepping up to the plate and 'owning' Earth Hour and helping to spread the critical message of sustainable living across the world."

Earth Hour first began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 with 2.2 million individuals and over 2,000 businesses dedicated to the cause. By the next year, Earth Hour had become a global

sustainability movement involving more than 50 million people. Each year, the participant numbers grow to outstanding numbers, and more and more people support the climate initiative.

On March 27, 2010, 128 countries and territories made that year the biggest Earth Hour thus far. However, 2011 set the record at 134 countries. According to WWF, over 89 national capitals participated, as did nine of the world's ten biggest cities, thousands of other communities, countless businesses, and hundreds of millions of individuals. Earth Hour has continued to gain success in its mission as well as bring together all races, ages, and ethnicities.

"It is not a matter of saving energy, but thinking about what we have been doing to the world," State Secretary for the Environment Edgard de Deus said.

Of course, the U.S. was more than supportive in the cause. All 96 UN buildings in New York, including its main headquarters, switched off for the occasion. Simultaneously, Broadway theatres dimmed their marquees and many building in Times Square also participated in honor of Earth Hour.

Las Vegas was a major spectacle as many hotels committed to power off. The legendary Caesars not only turned off its light on the strip, but in 40 of its worldwide locations.

"Caesars' leadership in the gaming industry and its steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship are reflected in our resorts' continued participation in Earth

Hour," said Gary Loveman, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Caesars Entertainment.

However, once again, Brazil showed a stronger support with a new record of 124 cities taking part this year compared to the still creditable 98 of 2010.

According to WWF, this included around two-thirds of the state capitals and coverage across all five Brazilian regions. Brazil’s leading landmark, Rio’s Christ the Redeemer Statue, brought more than 3,000 people to the surrounding area it looks down on. Corporations like Banco do Brasil, Coca-Cola, HSBC

and Rossi supported the events. Online, the Twitter hashtag #horadoplaneta (Portugese for Earth Hour) had a large amount of followers tweeting in Brazil.

Earth Hour has not only become an event to take part in, but a global support system. It demonstrates, that together, our actions add up and can make a difference in the world. It also did not end with Earth Hour. This year, organizers continue to promote “Beyond the Hour,” the global call-to-action commitment to conservation after the lights come on. U.S.-based Australian Victoria’s Secret Model, Miranda Kerr,

supports her home-country by spreading the “Beyond the Hour” message. Earlier this year, she signed up as a global ambassador for Earth Hour and plans to go “beyond the hour” by continuing to recycle and by buying organic produce from local farmers markets, thereby cutting down on the pesticides and insecticides used on our planet.”

Earth Hour 2012 will be held at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, March 31, 2012 and will hopefully be even larger than this year. WWF’s mission is to stop the disruption of the Earth's natural environment and shape a future where people

live in harmony with nature. In numbers, Earth Hour has gained a great deal of support.

“From school children in Singapore, to heads of state from the UK, to Australia, Pakistan and Columbia, people have shown that Earth Hour has evolved beyond lights-out,” Andy Ridly, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Earth Hour said. “This year’s event has illustrated without question what can be achieved when people unite with a common purpose and rally to action.”

For more information, go to earthhour.org/.

World celebrates Earth Hour

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nigelhowe | FlickrINTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION EFFORT. Earth Hour first began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 with 2.2 million individuals and over 2,000 businesses dedicated to the cause. By the next year, Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement involving more than 50 million people. Each year, the participant numbers grow to outstanding numbers and more and more people support the climate initiative.

By Brittany Pires Contributing Writer

Page 8Thursday, March 31, 2011Sports

houstonianonline.com/sports twitter.com/HoustonianSport

The key to Bearkat baseball team’s success lie in its pitching, according to Head coach Mark Johnson. The Bearkats’ relief pitching has been exceptional, and they hope to keep plugging away. Here’s a look at how the key pitchers have done so far in the season (with the exception of Wednesday night’s game against Rice).

Senior Right-Hander Brandon Kimbrel is 2-1 in six starts with a 3.08 ERA. In his most recent win, Kimbrel struck out three and walked four in seven and one third innings.

“He goes out there and he forces

guys to hit the ball, but he makes them hit his pitch,” Head Coach Mark Johnson said.

Brent Powers is 3-2 in six starts, holding a 3.15 ERA. Against UTSA, Powers worked six innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out seven.

Matt Shelton is a perfect 3-0 on the season, in six starts with a 3.82 ERA.

Other key pitchers include Paul Spinn (2-1), Cody Dickson (3-1), Michael Oros (0-2) and Caleb Smith (2-0).

- Brandon Scott, Sports Editor

Fri, Apr 01 Northwestern St. * Huntsville, Tex. 6:30 p.m. Sat, Apr 02 Northwestern St. * Huntsville, Tex. 2 p.m. Sun, Apr 03 Northwestern St. * Huntsville, Tex. 1p.m.

Tue, Apr 05 Baylor Huntsville Tex. 6:30 p.m