Price Newell

The fall semester will end soon, which means students must turn their attention to finals. The schedule is a bit different this year. The last day of classes falls on a Thursday instead of a Monday, which should benefit students who will have a three-day gap between the end of the semester and the beginning of finals. However, the SLAC Lab will be closed during finals week, so anyone who needs help may have to hire a private tutor. Counselors say students are generally more successful at taking finals if they maintain a good diet, get plenty of sleep and stayed focused on their studies.

Lynn Anderson

The Texas State Study Abroad staff is busy recruiting students for next yearÕs spring and summer exchange programs. More than 400 students study abroad annually and are advised to apply for scholarships early, if possible. Brochures can be found at the Study Abroad office at the Thornton International House on campus.

Daisy Saenz

Texas State University has officially opened its first research facility -- STAR One -- at its 38 acre Science, Technology, and Advanced Research Park. The facility serves as a technology incubator for start-up companies. The goal is to collaborate with these companies and conduct research and development for new products. STAR One officials say companies are already starting to move into the facility and are expected to begin research in January. The park is located south of the main campus at McCarty Lane and Hunter Road.

Brittney Vaughn Frank

The fall semester is coming to an end, and for many students, so is the lease on their apartment. Moving out can be a stressful ordeal, and getting your deposit back can seem almost impossible. You can rent much of what you'll need, like steam cleaners or moving trucks. Rentals can make the experience much easier. U-Haul says that it rents out its trailers on a first-come-first-serve basis, with the smaller trailers being the first to go. Grocery stores such as HEB offer steam-cleaner rentals and can usually have them ready the same day that you request one. 

Jenny Sessions

The Lyndon Johnson Museum in San Marcos will celebrate its sixth anniversary this December with a holiday reception and Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This year's event is dedicated to the president's wife, Lady Bird Johnson. The community is invited to tour the museum and learn more about the former president and first lady. Students will participate in the reception by singing Christmas carols to those who attend.

Christopher Green

With final exams coming up, students at Texas State will soon need some quiet time to study. Bobcat Update's Chris Green has found some places where students can go.

Record enrollment at Texas State has made nearly every place on campus a bit louder. Parts of the library are packed with people hacking away on keyboards and printing papers. The fifth and sixth floors of the library are reserved for quiet study. There are even private study rooms available for students to reserve. The library is not the only place students can go to get away from the clamor.
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Boko's Living Room is the best place if you are seeking serenity with darkness.
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Texas State's oldest building, Old Main is surrounded by hidden spaces away from distracting foot traffic.
The area around the agriculture building offers peace from the crowds in a beautiful natural setting. One can relax at benches, tables or even a hammock.
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Matt Southall

A recent survey shows that the United States is increasingly secular. Matt Southall has more in this Bobcat Update. 

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released a study last month showing that one in five Americans claim no religious identity. This group of non-believers has a name -- Nones on the Rise. As a group, it's second only to Catholicism in size. According to the study, the Nones have in five years grown from 15 to 20 percent of adults in America. They feel no need to be part of a religious organization. 
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The  Secular Student Alliance chapter at Texas State is just one of many that have been created in the United States.
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It's unclear what kind of cultural or political impact the lack of religious identification will have in America, but there are signs that the trend will continue. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matt Southall. 

Matthew Boyd

A Texas State employee leads a double-life that might surprise you. Or, put it another way, she has weekend gig that is filled with excitement...you might even say...A LOT of fun. Matthew Boyd has more in this Bobcat Update.

This is the 400-seat teaching theater in Centennial Hall at Texas State University; Brianne Corn is the Media Technician for the theater.
SB- (job responsibilities)
Brianne has been working for Texas State for 12 years and has learned much from the diversity of courses taught in the teaching theater.
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While Brianne’s job doesn’t seem like a story we should cover, it is what she does when she’s not working that may surprise you. Brianne is a professional rally car racer and has built her own track, Brianne Corn Raceway, near the San Marcos Municipal Airport.
SB-(about BCR)
Brianne realized her passion in life while racing down a hill in Italy. A month after returning to Texas, she entered her first race at the age of 36. Since then she has racked up several accomplishments including winning three championships last year.
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While her work and passion seem to be different she says they actually go hand in hand.
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Brianne urges you not to give up on your dream.
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Brianne even took the time to show my photographer Sammantha, and me her talents behind the wheel.

Matthew Boyd

The Texas State football team looks to end its three game losing streak this Saturday when the Bobcats travel to Annapolis. Texas State will take on the Navy Midshipman in their first-ever meeting. This week's contest will be televised on the C-B-S Sports Network starting at 2:30. Texas State is coming off a high-scoring shootout loss against nationally- ranked Louisiana Tech. The Bobcats lost 62-to-55.

Jenny Sessions

Hays County has started its annual Brown Santa drive. The drive collects donations for families needing assistance in San Marcos.  Students, residents and local businesses are participating in the drive by donating canned goods, toys and money.  The Brown Santa drive has helped over 850 families in the area and has been a tradition in Hays County since 1988. Donations can be dropped off at the county sheriff's office through December.

Erik Pompa

Some students are noticing more trash on campus. Are garbage cans being missed? It's hard to say but the crews who work to keep the university clean are finding more to do these days, because the amount of trash and cigarette butts littering the campus has gone up. Students are being urged to hold on to their garbage and use trash receptacles found at many locations on campus. 

Daisy Saenz

Central Texas is braced for the race this weekend. Formula-One launches in Austin, and its impact will be felt far and wide. Daisy Saenz tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

San Marcos officials say they expect the F-One race will bring new business to San Marcos.
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The Convention and Visitors Bureau says reservations at San Marcos hotels are nearing capacity. Hotel officials are excited about the weekend. They're looking forward to showing visitors a little Texas hospitality.
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[STANDUP: The San Marcos Municipal Airport may see an increase in traffic. Those who make last-minute travel plans probably won't be accommodated in Austin if they haven't made reservations. Some of the overflow will have to come here.]
Airport officials say they're prepared.
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The F-One race brings with it anticipation and excitement. Many in San Marcos are ready.
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Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm Daisy Saenz

Alex Marshall

San Marcos honored veterans this past weekend. Residents turned out in record numbers on the square for this year's Veterans Day parade to honor retired and active duty military for their service to the country. Alex Marshall has more in this Bobcat Update.

The event kicked off on Saturday with a fly by and a parade, which included veterans young and old as well as numerous community organizations. On Monday a separate Veterans Day commemoration, organized by the Student Foundation, was held at Texas State. Student Foundation Director Ryan Elliot began the ceremony with a speech about the university's tradition of military and R-O-T-C service dating back to World War II. University President Denise Trauth introduced the keynote speaker, distinguished alumni Army Colonel Paul Philips III, who spoke about the significance of the national holiday.
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Colonel Philips said the United States will always need men and women to provide national defense and security.
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Following the commemoration, the L-B-J Student Center hosted a military history exhibit that included artifacts and memorabilia from past wars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Marshall.

Evan Bolton

For many Texas State students, finding quality career advice can be quite difficult. In this Bobcat Update, Evan Bolton takes a look at the many services offered to graduating students.

It's that time again. Graduating students are preparing for their transition from classroom to workforce. Career Services at Texas State offers assistance to graduates to help them land that first job.
SB: Ross Wood
Many students use the job placement services through the Jobs - 4 - Cats database.
SB: David Shabani
Students can make appointments with counselors to seek career advice before and after graduation.
SB: Ross Wood
Career Services offers students practice interviews, resume referrals, job postings and a host of other services to prepare students for the working world after they leave Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Evan Bolton.

Anyssa Bohanan

Texas State students are no strangers to social media. It seems a new social network becomes popular every week. One such network is Tumblr. It's a website mainly used for posting pictures. The recently created tumblr site, at-texas-state, has been getting a lot of hits lately. The site features humorous gifs that students can relate to. Topics range from everything you can do at Alkek library to climbing the hills on campus. 

Christina Ochoa

We're on the home stretch as far as the fall semester is concerned. The holidays are coming up soon. Deadlines are approaching. And before we know it, it'll be time for finals, which means it's a time for stress. Exercising is one way to relieve tension. Running or walking can help. Maintaining a healthy diet is advisable. Otherwise, just stay hydrated and rest when you can. Take a break and enjoy the fresh air with friends. Read a good book. Practicing good stress management skills will be beneficial as you prepare for those hard exams.  

Devin Crutcher

Texas State is a little greener today with the addition of 24 new trees. Nearly 70 students gathered in front of the Roy F. Mitte (Mitty) building for the planting this afternoon.  Students planted three varieties of trees for future generations.  Texas State is one of a handful of universities in Texas to hold the Tree Campus U-S-A designation.

Chrisdyann Uribe

You may want to make some space in your planner this month for some local musical entertainment. Spaces is an indie rock band with a little funk and jazz. Don't expect to hear any love songs though, this local talent doesn't write about mushy feelings. Instead, expect to hear different tunes ranging from sea monsters to zombies originally written and produced by the lead singer. They headline at many venues across San Marcos. You can see one of their shows on the 17th at the Coffee Pot and the 29th at Triple Crown.

Christopher Green

New Braunfels is celebrating its rich German heritage this week -- with a lot of food and fun. Chris Green has more in this Bobcat Update.

People come from all over Texas and other parts of America to enjoy Wurstfest, a ten-day festival chock full of entertainment. Some are here just for the food.
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The marketplace is a smorgasbord of culinary treats. If you like meat on a stick, Wurstfest has you covered, with sausage and porkchops. Potato pancakes and German nachos are great choices for the carb lover.
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Wurstfest is a treat for the eyes and ears as well.  Bavarian and Alpine music can be heard each night of the festival.
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Rides, slides and more occupy the children, while adults wash down festival eats with ice cold beer.
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This is the 51st year of Wurstfest. The fun continues tonight. The gates open at five. Wurstfest ends on Sunday. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chris Green.

Brittney Vaughn Frank

If you've been noticing a rugged trend among the guys on Texas State campus, there's a reason behind it. Brittney Vaughn Frank has the story.

It's November, and for some guys, that means more than just Thanksgiving Day turkey! 
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Men across the country are saying goodbye to the razors and shaving cream, and saying hello to an all-new look - a good old fashioned beard!
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For some, no-shave November is a way of spreading awareness for men's health - particularly prostate cancer. 
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"I do it to raise awareness, because my dad has cancer. He always grows his beard out too, so it's something we do together."
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SOUND BITE (participant #5)
I thought 'Hey, everyone wears pink for breast cancer, why not help raise awareness for guys' prostate cancer?'"
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For others, no-shave November is nothing more than an excuse to grow out a beard, despite their girlfriends' protests.
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"She hates it! She absolutely hates it. If she could, she would chain me to the bed and shave it all off!"
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"We're having a mustache contest."
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Some guys are just sporting the same thick beard that they have for years.
SOUND BITE (participant #2)
"I didn't even know that it was for cancer awareness. Now that i know that I've got another reason!"
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Whatever the reason, Texas State is in no shortage of ruggedly-handsome, hairy guys this month!
With Bobcate Update, I'm Brittney Vaughn Frank.

Alexis LaFosse

It’s early November and instead of bringing out the jackets and packing away the shorts students at Texas State have reason to believe that summer has been extended. Sewell Park is still a popular hangout. Bicycles are still a favorite way to get around. With the temperature hitting a high of 81 degrees today students are taking advantage of the weather. Don’t get used to this though, starting next week the overnight lows are expected to drop to the low thirties.

Erik Pompa

A Texas State English professor was on the ballot yesterday seeking a position on the State Board of Education. Rebecca Bell-Metereau, a Democrat, faced Republican incumbent Ken Mercer. We learn more about that race from Erik Pompa.

Thanks Jenny. Bell-Metereau was a candidate for the District Five Seat. She had hoped to become an agent for change. The State Board of Education plays a key role in selecting textbooks in Texas and beyond.
Bell-Metereau's attempt to unseat Mercer fell short. Bell-Metereau said she got involved in the race out of concern that the board had become too extreme.
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Bell-Metereau says the state board's revision of science and social studies textbooks should alarm Texans.
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Bell-Metereau says choosing textbooks is an important function of the state board, and she wants students to have the means to gain knowledge and comprehension.
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Bell-Metereau says as far as she's concerned the battle is not over. She doesn't rule out the possibility of running again for the State Board Education. Reporting live from the quad, I'm Erik Pompa. Back to you in the studio.

Christina Ochoa

The Republican Party won most of its races easily in Texas. However, in Hays County, several Democratic incumbents held on for new terms. Hays County Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe and Justice of the Peace JoAnne Prado were among those reelected yesterday. Also, Democrat Lloyd Doggett, who has served for many years as a congressman representing Central Texas, will be returning to Washington. He won a race closely watched by many in San Marcos because his challenger for the 35th House District seat was a former mayor of the city. Christina Ochoa has more in this Bobcat Update.

Susan Narvais served as San Marcos Mayor for six years before she decided to run for federal office. The Narvais campaign watched election results at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos. This seemed a fitting place because construction of that hotel and its adjoining convention center had been one of the triumphs of her administration as mayor. She and her supporters were hoping last night would be a victory party.
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Among the many supporters attending last night's party were volunteers and interns who had worked for Narvais:
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Narvais' campaign netted 32 percent of the vote against the incumbent Congressman who was running for reelection in a newly drawn district. Doggett took 64 percent of the vote. Even in defeat, Narvais said she felt her team had been victorious:
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Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm Christian Ochoa.

Aerin Carreno

There's a new fitness trend, and San Marcos is taking notice. Aerin Carreno has more in this Bobcat Update.

Thanksgiving is around the corner and the people of San Marcos are taking fitness and wellness to another level. How do they shed off those pounds? CrossFit.
CrossFit San Marcos is a facility located off Hunter Road, where athletes execute each "Workout of the Day".  CrossFit is a high-intensity workout that combines self-resistant exercises, weight lighting and gymnastics, and it targets all areas of the body.
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The trainers of CrossFit San Marcos teach their clients the safe, correct to carry out the task at hand, while motivating them to do their best.
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Although the CrossFit workouts may seem brutal at times, the athletes challenge their bodies in order to see the results of their fitness goals.
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Workouts are scheduled several times throughout the day and exercises change daily. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aerin Carreno.

Daisy Saenz

Texas State officials say Spring Lake in San Marcos may meet the criteria to be eligible as a World Heritage Site. The World Heritage Program was started by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The program seeks to recognizes and conserve properties around the world considered to be of outstanding universal value to humanity. Spring Lake -- the headwaters of the San Marcos River -- already meets half of the criteria. If Spring Lake is included on the list, it would be among such internationally recognized sites as the Statue of Liberty and the Egyptian Pyramids.    

Jeff Goldblatt

Many gamers are rejoicing this week with the arrival of one of the most anticipated games of the year -- Halo Four. Jeff Goldblatt attended the release and files this report.

Midnight -- a time most people are already in bed, but not if you're waiting for the release of Halo Four.
(Stand up) "You can find this scene at locations across the country, hundreds awaiting the release of Halo Four"
People filled the parking lot and sidewalk to get their hands on the game. GameStop provided a DJ, and many patrons brought their own forms of entertainment to keep them busy during the wait. One dedicated individual arrived ten hours early to be the first in line to receive the first copy of the game.
SB: (Sean Spivey) "I got here at two, been waiting for ten hours, go home and beat that game in one day, I'm so excited."
Even though these people in line will be the first to receive a copy of the game, the length of the line discouraged several.
SB: (Krista Pruske) "hoping the line goes by really quick, heard graphics phenomenal, really excited to play, nice step up from Reach."
Many have had versions of the game going back eleven years -- when it first came out.
SB: (Carson Belew) "I've been a huge fan of the franchise since halo 1"
SB: (Jonathon Esquivel) "been waiting for about three hours, we grew up playing halo, cool experience getting halo four, this is our childhood, grow up with master chief, wouldn't want this experience with anyone else but my friends."
Obviously, it takes a dedicated gamer to wait in line for hours and hours. But those who were at GameStop early Tuesday morning will tell you, the wait was worth it. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jeff Goldblatt.

Matthew Southall

Construction on Sessom Drive has motorists and pedestrians using more caution than usual. With half of the street closed, drivers are confined to two lanes, with only a few orange cones separating oncoming traffic. Flaggers might be present while the crews work on a underground waterline. Students should also note that the bus stop at State Street has been temporarily displaced because of the construction. The project began in late October and is expected to last for about another month

Anyssa Bohanan

Many streets in San Marcos will likely be under construction for at least the next two years. Anyssa Bohanan tells us how it's affecting business on the square.
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Construction along L-B-J Drive means fewer customers are dropping in to shop. Alex Castillo says she's doing what she can to get the word out that her favorite shop is open.
(SB: "I've been asked to volunteer here because the business is so slow…dust everywhere." - Alex Castillo, Volunteer)
Construction began in September, closing East Hutchison from L-B-J to C-M Allen. Businesses in the area have seen foot traffic in their stores drop off dramatically.
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Store owners say the lack of parking is a major concern. A lot of potential customers believe the shops are now closed.
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Store owners want to assure customers that they're still open for business. The construction project is scheduled to be finished in 20-14. For Bobcat Update, I'm Anyssa Bohanan.     

Chrisdyann Uribe

San Marcans wake up hungry. Some take the time to eat breakfast at home. But a lot of us eat on the run. The city has a lot of choices. And, in this Bobcat Update, Kristen Buechler tells us about one.

Traffic is slow every morning on Aquarena Springs Drive, and breakfast tacos are to blame.
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Lolita's Café serves burritos and tacos that many San Marcos residents would consider the best in town. What's not so great is the traffic the café causes because of the long line of cars waiting to order.
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The city has asked the café to change the layout of the drive-thru lanes in hopes of reducing congestion.
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Customers are still willing to wait in line regardless of the traffic jam and keep coming back for more. Sound Bite
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Kristen Buechler.