11/30/10

Jeremy Klaff

You may not be aware of it, but the L-B-J Student Center has some hidden gems. There are places within the center to check out if you have some free time. If you're looking for a place to relax, go to George's. Need a nap or a place to do your homework? Check out Boko's. The student center even has a shower on the third floor. Need legal advice? Talk with the school attorney. The information desk can direct you to all kinds of resources.

Natalie Pendergrass

Texas State students will soon be cramming for their final exams. If you're looking for a quiet place, the Alkek Library is a favorite choice of many. One of its features is the SLAC lab, which offers tutoring for many courses. The library's sixth floor is known as the silent floor where a lot of students hang out for heavy duty studying. If writing papers, planning projects, or designing portfolios is on your finals' list, Flowers Hall is home to the Writing Center. And you'll find open computer labs at several locations on campus.

Robert Fisher

Every freshman at Texas State has to go through orientation to learn how to navigate around campus, but that doesn't mean they learn everything there is to know about what makes the place interesting. Robert Fisher has the story.

Pay attention now, there'll be a quiz at the end of this.
Here are the facts. Residential College. Have you heard about it? It's open to all freshmen and includes three residential halls: Brogdon, Beretta and Laurel. You have to be pretty smart to be a part of it.
[Standup]
Another fun fact: Texas State is a diverse campus. The student body closely resembles the make-up of Central Texas with 65-percent white, 25-percent Hispanic, 6-percent African American and 3-percent Asian.
[Standup]
The campus newspaper. Texas State's University Star is the fourth oldest student-run newspaper in Texas: founded in 1911.
[Standup]
Editor in Chief Allen Reed says the secret to the Star's longevity is its integrity.
[SB]
For all the social media fans, Texas State ranks fifth. Yeh, but we're moving up…we are after all the rising star in Texas. How many fans do you think Texas State has?
[SB]
[SB]
[SB]
{Standup}

Jennifer Nickell

Texas State is doing its part to call attention to AIDS prevention. A campus team called the Network organized the university's effort to promote awareness about AIDS and H-I-V. Texas State is not alone, because yesterday was World AIDS day, which calls attention to the plight of the 33 million people who are infected with the virus. Perhaps you've noticed the effort on campus – brochures have been handed out along with red ribbons to show support and concern.

11/29/10

Matthew Wyble

Some Texas State students say -- enough already -- when it comes to the
ever-present solicitors on campus. The solicitations usually take place on the
quad where the heaviest foot traffic exists. According to the University Star,
organizations distributing fliers have incited criticism from students.
University policy states that anyone wishing to distribute literature in the
Quad is required to use a table and must not interfere with traffic or create
litter.

Adam Holloway

A new doctoral program has just been approved by the university's Board of
Regents. The governing board has authorized Texas State to offer a doctor of
philosophy major in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization. The
program will be unique in Texas. It will advance research in the development of
the next generation of plastics, renewable energy, and electronics, and it will
help doctoral students learn how to commercialize their findings. Courses in the
doctoral program are expected to begin as early as the fall of 2011.

Rachel Nelson

The annual Sights and Sounds of Christmas will kick off tonight at six o'clock in the San Marcos Plaza Park, located in the 400 block of East Hopkins Street. City officials say the four-day-long event will likely attract about 35-thousand visitors who will gather for food, arts and crafts, games, and carnival rides. Another feature of the events will be the thousands of lights strung along the San Marcos River. The annual Sights and Sounds 5-K Run and Walk will also take place Saturday, starting at nine A-M in the park.

11/18/10

Will McGinnis

In letters to four companies, the Food and Drug Administration says it has
concluded that adding caffeine to alcohol is unsafe. Four Loko and Joose are
among the companies that received the letters. If the companies do not take
action within 15 days, the F-D-A could begin seizing the products. Federal
officials were facing increasing pressure to take action in the wake of
high-profile incidents, especially involving college students. Experts say the
drinks, sometimes called a blackout in a can, contain high levels of alcohol and
caffeine, making it difficult for people to realize how intoxicated they are.

Michael Fallis

Many restaurants are jumping on the recycling bandwagon, and apparently The Cool
Mint CafĂ© in San Marcos serves as a role model.  The San Marcos Chamber of
Commerce recently chose Cool Mint as the Green Business of the Year. Cool Mint
saves and separates its containers for recycling.  So, glass, cardboard,
aluminum, steel and plastic are all reused. Even the scraps from the
restaurant's food are recycled and composted. The scraps are used in its organic
garden, which in turn helps the restaurant grow fresh fruits and vegetables.

Robert Fisher

Texas State's Common Experience theme of Sustainability is still going strong.
Theatre and dance professor John Hood and his University Seminar sections hosted
a free acoustic and variety show today at the L-B-J Student Center Amphitheater.
The majority of the artists featured in the show were Texas State students, and
their material conveyed a message of Sustainability in Music and Entertainment.
According to Hood, the showcase was appropriate because playing acoustic music
saves electricity and hearing.

11/17/10

Tina Salazar

The recent national debate over the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy is
being heard at Texas State. Tina Salazar has more on this Bobcat Update.

The Allies of Texas State had its Fall 2010 Bi-annual Meeting in the L-B-J
Student Center Ballroom Tuesday. The assembly discussed the controversial topic
of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which allows gays to serve in the military
so long as they keep their sexual orientation quiet.
Allies of Texas State Graduate Research Assistant, Greg Snodgrass, says
discussion at Texas State was designed to promote awareness…
SB:(10)
Aaron Tax of the Service member's Legal Defense Network said Texas State can
play a role in supporting veterans and students.
STANDUP:(10)
Texas State Senior Albert James DeGarmo said he believes the military's policy
is unconstitutional.
SB:(10)
The move to repeal the policy is facing many obstacles in courts and in
Congress.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Tina Salazar.

Kyle Hinojosa

With graduation just around the corner, many Texas State seniors are concerned about their future. Kyle Hinojosa tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

College graduation should be a time to celebrate a new chapter in your life. However, today’s economy is leaving students in a state of uncertainty. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, two-point-four million students will graduate with a bachelors degree in December -- at a time when jobs are scarce. Texas State Senior Katie Dyson says she's approaching graduation with mixed emotions:
(Sound bite)
Texas State University Career Services Director Curt Schafer says looking for a job can be frustrating in hard economic times, but there are ways to manage it.
(Sound bite)
Student Jordan Jamison is more optimistic than most.
(Sound bite)
(Stand up w/ sign off)

Jessica Garcia

The Campus Recreation Center at Texas State is offering courses in C-P-R, First
Aid and Lifeguard Instructor. Jessica Garcia tells us more in this Bobcat
Update.

The American Red Cross has authorized the rec center to provide safety classes
to the university and community.
(Bjornaas…xx sec…)
Re-certification courses for C-P-R and Lifeguard Instructor are also available.
(Wood…xx sec…)
Each of these safety classes is offered three to four times every semester. The
class registration fee ranges from 25 to 50 dollars.
(Bjornaas…xx sec…)
The C-P-R and First Aid courses are mainly on Fridays and Saturdays at the rec
center.
(Wood…xx sec…)
The rec center is on the corner of Sessom Drive and Academy Street. To find out
more about the classes offered here, visit their page online or ask the front
desk. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jessica Garcia.

Hayley Balin

All dorms on campus now have elevator security cameras. The installation of
cameras began last summer as a part of a campus-wide surveillance system.
According to the University Star, the Department of Housing and Residential Life
initiated the effort to improve security in the residence halls. Dorms without
elevators are receiving new cameras at the front entrances. So far, students
have responded positively to the new security additions, and vandalism has
decreased overall.

11/16/10

Natalie Pendergrass

Shorter days and longer nights. Moods seem to have changed after we adjusted
our clocks a couple of weeks ago, and the daylight hours will be fewer and fewer
as the winter season approaches. Natalie Pendergrass reports on the impact of
these changes.

Many students and faculty are having a hard time adjusting their schedules.
Interview
According to health officials, having a predictable sleep pattern, or the lack
of one, affects one's mood:
Interview
Changing clocks from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time gave some people an
excuse to party for an extra hour:
Interview
For others, clock shifting is an irrelevant exercise. It simply doesn't
matter. For example, Aviation Club President Brian Dierks, says any time is a
good time to fly.
Interview
Stand up

Jennifer Nickell

The Cheatham Street Warehouse, a true San Marcos treasure, has been helping
launch the music careers of many country artists for 30-plus years. Kent Fin-lay
founded the venue in 1974. He rented an old warehouse and turned it into a
honky-tonk bar that provided local musicians a venue for their talents. The
small stage has nurtured the career of several country music artists, including
George Strait. Strait played his first 60 gigs at the bar. The Cheatham Street
Warehouse features live music almost every night and a songwriters' circle on
Wednesdays.

Monte Ashqar

Athletics officials say Texas State University is making the right move as it
steps up to the Western Athletic Conference. The move puts the Bobcats in the
Football Bowl Subdivision. But some students are concerned. Monte Ash-car has
more, in this report.

The concern is this: The move is going to cost a lot of money, and there's fear
that the needed funding will come at the expense of academics.
(Insert Elaine Roll's SB)
Roll says the university should get its house in order before making such move.
Next year the Athletics Department will be receiving an *additional* two million
dollars for its budget, bringing the total up to 18 million dollars.
Associate Athletics Director Don Coryell (Correll) says the move will benefit
everyone at the university.
(Insert Coryell's SB)
Some students like the idea of joining the WAC and being eligible for F-B-S
competition.
(Insert Hernandez' SB)
Insert Stand up

Karla Estrada

Perhaps you've heard the term -- it's been in the news lately -- Vodka Balling.   In this Bobcat Update, Karla Estrada tells us what Vodka Balling means and who's being affected.
Featured on YouTube are people who have tried it.  Some of the TV stations in Austin and San Antonio have picked up on the phenomenon.  Vodka Balling is -- get this -- shooting straight vodka directly into your eyes just to get drunk faster.  Sounds pretty bizarre, right?
SOUNDBITE
SOUNDBITE
SOUNDBITE
Julie Eckert of Health Promotion Services at Texas State says putting alcohol in your eyes can be more than painful--it can lead to blindness. She says there's a big difference between drinking alcohol and putting it in your eyes.
SOUNDBITE
Eckert also says no cases of vodka balling have been reported at the Student Health Center.
SOUNDBITE
Local bar owners are skeptical.  The ones we talked to haven't seen anyone engage in Vodka Balling.
SOUNDBITE
SOUNDBITE
Seems the only people that know what vodka balling is, heard about it in a news report.
STAND-UP

Ashley Coke-Mendez

The School of Art & Design at Texas State is exhibiting work this month that fits the university's common experience theme, sustainability. There are two galleries located in the art building. One of the galleries is exhibiting the works of Sculptor Mark Schatz -- his topic -- Signs Of Life. The other gallery is exhibiting the works of Jessica Halonen and Vincent Falsetta. The materials used to create both exhibitions consist of wood, recycled cardboard and paper -- all of which support sustainability.

11/15/10

Justin Travis

According to the Better Business Bureau, bank customers collectively lose nearly
one billion dollars each year to theft -- when they use A-T-Ms and other card
scanners. The thieves are called skimmers, and they steal debit and credit card
information. Students can avoid becoming victims of skimming by avoiding A-T-Ms
in poorly lit or low-traffic areas. They should also avoid A-T-Ms if cameras
have been placed in areas where skimmers could be recording PIN numbers. If you
encounter such a situation, report it immediately to the bank and closely
monitor your account statements for suspicious activity.

Denice Williams

Since 1979, the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center at Texas State has been
providing a wide range of water analysis services. The center also serves to
educate students and the public-at-large about water issues in the region. It
sponsors a variety of workshops and seminars to inform people about water
conservation. The center was established to provide a place where water quality
of the aquifer could be evaluated, and it also seeks to improve waste water
treatment.

Matthew Wyble

The Hays County Food Bank needs help to provide Thanksgiving dinners to
thousands of families in need. For the upcoming holiday season, the agency has
received a record number of requests -- more than two-thousand total. That's an
increase of 30 percent from last year. The Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign
lasts through the end of November. Each donation buys one family a turkey box,
which includes a turkey, corn, green beans, stuffing mix and more. The Food
Bank also needs volunteers to help put up posters and distribute promotional
materials.

11/11/10

Kate Gisi

Some Texas State students and faculty enjoy star-gazing every Wednesday. Kate Gisi has more in this Bobcat Update.

You don't have to be a science major to find some enjoyment in gazing into the vast night sky. Every week you can find students with various interests coming together at the star gazing observatory in the Supple Science building. Make your way to the fourth floor and find a group of enthusiasts equipped with telescopes and binoculars ready to share their interests with you. On a clear night when the observatory is open, you can see the moon and its craters, Jupiter and its largest moons, and a number of famous constellations. Science Professor ___ _____ says his passion for the universe and its wonders extend far beyond the classroom.
(SOUND BITE)
Some students have lab in the observatory and some come because they are looking for a great view. ________ _____________ comes every chance he gets, even when there isn't a grade involved.
(SOUND BITE)
(STAND-UP)
"The star gazing observatory at Texas State opened in 1994 and since then, every Wednesday about 15 students come up here to check out the stars. This really is a secret gem here at Texas State and you ought to come experience it for yourself. It's out of this world. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kate Gisi.

Tina Salazar

Texas State is honoring our nation's heroes today.  This is Veteran's Day.   Part of the observance this morning was a ceremony attended by Texas State President Denise Trauth and retired Army General Stephen Speakes.  A reception was held in the student Center after the ceremony along with a history exhibit created by the Texas Military Forces Museum.  The university chimes played America the Beautiful to salute the nation's veterans.

Amanda Garcia

Fire alarms have been a more frequent occurrence in recent weeks at the L-B-J Student Center. Mandie Garcia tells us why in this Bobcat Update.

University officials say the fire alarms have been accidentally triggered by ongoing construction at the center.
The alarms forced students to evacuate the student center and wait up to 30 minutes for U-P-D to approve re-entry. The student center is undergoing renovations, including additions to the basement dining hall, larger seating areas and a new restaurant.
Sophomore Alex Smith says university officials should try to keep students informed about big projects on campus:
(SB: Alex Smith, Texas State commuter student)
The project was supposed to have been finished last August, but updated floor plans and equipment delays have forced postponements. The blocked-off area makes for a cramped and frustrating environment.
(SB: Robin-Lee Pennington, Texas State freshman)
Stand up:
"Lyndon's U-Club promises a sit-down restaurant environment and full wait staff for students to enjoy. Construction began in May and Texas State officials are hopeful that U-Club will be up and running by the end of next semester. For Bobcat Update, I'm Mandie Garcia."

11/10/10

Adam Holloway

You may have seen an increase this week in charity-related activities in the Quad. One fraternity is staying there day and night to get their cause noticed. In front of the Evans Liberal Arts building, members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity are raising funds and spreading awareness about kids with disabilities. The fraternity's Push America initiative is a collection of nationally recognized programs that promote understanding and construct camps and playgrounds for children with disabilities. The participating members came out here to the Quad on Monday at 7 AM and will stay until tomorrow at 5, taking shifts in order to attend class and using sleeping bags over night so there will always be someone here. With individual donations and help from local businesses, the initiative's total is expected to be around five thousand dollars.

Ashley Coke-Mendez

Thanksgiving break is approaching, and most students at Texas State will be heading home for the holidays. Ashley Coke-Mendez has more in this Bobcat Update.

Thanksgiving is a time when most families like to get together for a feast. And since most students at Texas State grew up in the Lone Star State, the way home is to drive. 
Montage of Interviews – Texas State Students
The Greyhound bus station in San Marcos tends to get rather busy around Thanksgiving. Greyhound employee Michael Romero says the rush comes mostly from the students at Texas State. 
Interview - Michael Romero, Grey Hound Employee
The train lines in San Marcos may look busy during the day, but most of the trains are not passenger filled.
Michael Romero cont..
Flying is perhaps the safest way to travel, but the San Marcos Municipal airport doesn't see too many Texas State Passengers during Thanksgiving.
Emma Gardner-Interview, San Marcos Municipal Airport employee
Ashley Coke-Mendez - Stand Up

11/9/10

Natalie Pendergrass

As students walk through the Texas State campus, they might occasionally notice
the efforts of a dedicated staff who oversees the university's landscaping. The
Texas State Grounds Operation is charge of creating the scenery on campus. The
group's work intensifies when the seasons change. Flowers and trees are
replenished in preparation for warmer and cooler temperatures. Yesterday the
grounds operation hosted its first annual Arbor Day Celebration. The event
allowed volunteers to help plant 20 trees to replace ones that have died on
campus.

Jason Britsch

While wandering through the quad most weekdays, it's hard to ignore the
delicious smell of hamburgers and sausage wraps. When students stop to buy a
snack, they also help organizations raise funds. Before setting up on the quad,
approval must be sought from CASO, which stands for Campus Activities and
Student Organizations. A solicitation form and a food waiver have to be signed.
The whole process takes about a week. Food prices are set by the organizations.

Hayley Balin

San Marcos has a wide variety of businesses, but not all of them are destined to
succeed. As in any community, retailers come and go -- only a very few stick
around for the long haul. Hayley Balin tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

Being close to the Texas State campus is good for business. When school is in
session, retailers in the neighborhood get a lot of foot traffic. But other
locations require more work and having what buyers want. Certain locations have
had a lot of turnover since they opened for business. Take, for example, the
corner of Wonder World Drive and Hunter Road, or Holland and Ranch Road 12.
Some local establishments, though, have been around for decades and enjoyed
great success. Café on the Square has been a long time fixture in downtown San
Marcos
(SB: Esther Williams Daytime Manager).
The San Marcos Center -- located at Sessom and North L-B-J -- receives a heavy
volume of business everyday. The Rose Garden has been around for ten years and
has had continued success at its location. Being close to campus helps, but
other factors come into play as well.
(SB: Teresa Chen, Manager of Rose Garden) –
Standup: "Good service and devoted customers have kept certain businesses around
for years—even decades. New businesses may come and go, but some will stick
around for years to come.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Hayley Balin.

11/8/10

Matthew Wyble

Martindale is now wet, meaning alcohol -- with certain restrictions -- can now
be sold there. Residents last week approved a proposition that legalizes the
sale of alcohol in the town, which is seven miles east of San Marcos. The town
needs an economic boost -- many of its businesses have closed in recent years,
and most voters apparently feel that alcohol sales will help generate needed
revenues. Licenses to sale alcohol could be issued as early as next year.

Will McGinnis

The Texas State football team has been struggling lately, but the Bobcats' woes on the field hasn't stopped the tailgaters. Will McGinnis has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State played its final home game of the football season last Saturday, and some Bobcat Tailgaters were left wondering why the university is now enforcing its rules on tailgating.  Not everyone agrees with the idea of shutting down all tailgating at game time.
Sound Bite.
Some have other ideas about how tailgating should be handled.
Sound Bites.
The university's rules on tailgating are expressed in a handbook and on the athletics' website. The rules say tailgates cannot start before 9 a-m on game days and they must be shut down at game-time.  Also, all items must be cleared no later than one hour after the game is over.
Sound Bite – BBQ
Will Stand Up

11/7/10

Jeremy Klaff

Texas State University is expected to be offered an invitation to the Western Athletic Conference in the near future. Jeremy Klaff has more in this Bobcat Update.

It has been reported that the WAC Conference is thinking about adding Texas State, U-T-S-A, Montana, Seattle and Denver.  The conference has lost several members in recent months, and it's getting ready to rebuild. There may soon be nine football teams added to the conference.
Associated Student Government Executive Assistant Cody DeSalvo says the A-S-G was the driving force behind the push to a new conference back in 2007.
"Under Reagan Pugh's administration…"
The change in conferences would likely bring an increase in scholarships, more sponsorships and greater name recognition for Texas State.  DeSalvo says funding is perhaps the main reason a conference change would be attractive.
"Funding will do an assortment of…"
A reporter for the San Marcos Daily Record, Tyler Mayforth, first uncovered the story about Texas State changing conferences. He says the city and its residents would benefit from the move.
"San Marcos locals…"
Plans are already underway for renovations to the football stadium and other athletic facilities. The Master Plan for the stadium includes adding more seats to increase its capacity.
"Klaff standup…With the upcoming move to the WAC conference…" 

Carissa Maines

Sometimes it's difficult to get motivated to exercise. But, as Carissa Maines tells us in this Bobcat Update, staying healthy ought to be reason enough for anyone.

Cold and flu season is upon us, and there are ways to prevent coming down with a bug.  For example, getting a good night's rest and using anti-bacterial soap can help. Another step to consider is exercise. According to a recent study at Appalachian State University, those who exercised more than five times a week had 43 percent fewer upper respiratory infections than those who were less active. Moderate exercise benefits the immune system by increasing the body's sentry immune cells. This, in turn, helps the body fight off or maybe even avoid colds or the flu. Exercise helps the immune system function more efficiently and get rid of all the toxins in the body.
-Soundbite Personal Trainer
Another benefit of exercising is that it can help you have milder symptoms and recover faster
-Collection of 4 soundbites
Exercise can come in a variety of ways. You can get a cardio workout using the elliptical and treadmill machines, and you can mix it up by playing basketball or racquetball.
-Soundbite ending the story.

Chase Birthisel

The Alcohol and Drug Resource Center no longer exists.  Chase Birthisel has more in this Bobcat Update.
The services offered by the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center have been split up and distributed among three departments — the Student Health Center, the Dean of Students, and the Counseling Center. 
STANDUP
Julie Eckert, once in charge of those services, is now the assistant director for Health Promotion Services.
SB
Eckert says the change did not result in any cuts to the staff. 
Ismael Amaya is in charge of the Alcohol and Drug Compliance Services, a new program that provides classes and community service to students.
SB
Students looking for counseling in the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center are now being sent to the counseling center. 
For Bobcat Update, I'm Chase Birthisel.

11/4/10

Kyle Hinojosa

Many Texas State students are left in the dark when it comes to their
familiarity with one of the university's coziest rest spots. Kyle Hinojosa joins
us live to shine some light on this little known hot spot.
(Live Kyle)
Thanks, __________. Yes, I am here in the L-B-J Student Center, in what's
called Boko's Living Room. It's a great place to hang out, but -- unfortunately
-- if you were to mention Boko's Living Room in conversation with most students,
you're likely to get a shrug and a "Huh?"
(Roll VO)
The dimly lit area is where students can go, check out a blanket and a pillow,
and drift away from the pressures of school. Boko's is loaded with comfy couches
and big screen T-V's. The area is also home to Click's Internet Café, for those
who cant get to a computer in the library. So if you're needing a place to kill
some time or if you just to rest for a while between classes, Boko's is a place
to check out.
(Back to Kyle)
Again, you can find Boko's Living Room here in the L-B-J Student Center. It
stays open until ____ o'clock most nights. Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm
Kyle Hinojosa. Back to you at the studio.

Robert Fisher

It has always been a given for students and faculty at Texas State to get the
student newspaper for free. However, there is now a limit on the number of
copies a person can get in a bundle. If want more than five copies of one
edition of The University Star, you're now going to have to pay 50-cents per
additional copy. The new limit was implemented because other Texas Universities
have had problems with their papers being taken out of circulation by
individuals who didn't like what was being reported. The Star's editor-in-chief
Allen Reed says the limit also protects the newspaper's integrity with its
advertisers.

Christina Salazar

San Marcos will soon have a new mayor. The contest between Daniel Guerrero and
John Thomaides was extremely close -- a mere 41 votes made the difference for
Guerrero who will succeed Susan Narvais as city mayor. The 33-year-old Guerrero
will be the youngest mayor in San Marcos history, and he will also be the first
Hispanic to have the job.

11/3/10

Monte Ashqar

The voters' movement against Democrats also swept through Hays County last
night. Democrat incumbent Patrick Rose, who had served for three terms as a
state representative for Hays County, lost to Republican Jason Isaac. In the
mayoral race Daniel Guerrero defeated city council member John Thomaides
(toe-my-dus). And in the city council races, Jude Prather, Kim Porterfield and
Shane Scott were the winners. Officials say 36 percent of the 98-thousand
eligible voters in Hays County participated in the election.

Justin Travis

The Texas State Fencing Club offers a unique way to exercise and perhaps vent
some of your frustrations. The club gives students an opportunity to practice
fencing in a safe environment. It has something to offer for beginners and the
experienced alike. The Fencing Club provides all of the gear for practicing with
foil, saber or epee. Meetings take place Monday through Thursday from seven P-M
to ten P-M at Jowers.

Matt Wyble

Cooler weather has arrived in Central Texas. It's finally sweater weather
again. Maybe you've noticed the different attire that people are wearing
today. Matt Wyble joins us live now to tell us what he's seen on campus:
November has brought us a change in the weather.
We can feel the autumn temperatures at last.
In the interest of staying warm, many Texas State students are
bundled up today -- wrapped in their best sweaters, scarves and boots for the
occasion. Some tried to warm up by drinking coffee or hot chocolate. While
others, still wearing shorts and t-shirts, seem unaffected by the abrupt drop
in temperatures.
Wind gusts are also a factor today. It's blustery out here this
afternoon. So get those jackets out, folks, wintery weather is on its way!
Back to you at the studio.

Tommy LeVrier

The L-B-J Museum is celebrating Dia de los Muertos throughout this week by
placing an altar on display. This Latino holiday celebrates the lives of those
who have passed before. Special emphasis is placed on the life of Private Felix
Longoria who was killed in World War Two. Longoria's body was denied burial at a
community cemetery in his hometown of Three Rivers because he was Hispanic.
Lyndon Johnson, who was a U-S Senator at the time, intervened to allow Longoria
to be buried at the Arlington Cemetery.

Jason Britsch

Mixed martial arts is a sport that has gained a following in central Texas. Jason Britsch has more in this Bobcat Update.

Brock Lesnar, George St. Pierre, and B.J. Penn. These names are probably unfamiliar to most sports fans; but to the die-hard fans of mixed martial arts, they're legends. In recent years, mixed martial arts or m-m-a, has increased in popularity. The San Marcos bar Sean Patricks holds pay-per-view showings of m-m-a contests and has to provide extra space to accommodate viewers.
(SB)
Mixed martial arts captures all aspects of fighting. Everything from wrestling to boxing to brazilian jiu-jitsu. Eddie Diaz, head instructor at Diaz Martial Arts in San Marcos, says that newcomers are often caught off guard by the diversity of the sport.
(SB)
(STAND UP)

11/2/10

Jen Nickell

With almost everything going online, it's possible for rumors to spread that can cause significant damage to one's reputation. Jennifer Nickell tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

When people want to read gossip about celebrities, they can find plenty of it online.  There are dozens of websites that offer it.  But celebrities aren't the only ones who run the risk of being defamed.  The-Dirty-dot-com is a controversial gossip website run by Nik Richie-Lamas, who calls himself the first reality blogger. The website allows anyone to submit pictures and stories about ordinary people. Most of the stories are graphic and demeaning and make claims that are often untrue. Some Texas State students have been put on the website and feel hurt by what the site says about them.
-Soundbite
Some students wonder if the website and its stories can be subject to libel, since many of the claims are damaging and untrue. Texas State media law professor Gilbert Martinez says since the website is for entertainment, it would be difficult to have a winning case against the site.
-Soundbite
The website may be satire and protected by the First Amendment, but some students feel it's not fair to make fun of others for everyone to see online.
-Soundbite
-Standup

Michael Fallis

Officials who run the Texas State co-generation plant are taking a closer look at materials stored at the plant. They've implemented increased inspection and maintenance of storage containers, because two months ago a leak contaminated the San Marcos River and local sewage system. Approximately 446 gallons of sulfuric acid leaked into the system but was contained and cleaned within 24 hours.  Plant officials say they're also improving their training of new employees.

11/1/10

Hayley Balin

The sounds of jack hammering and heavy machinery can be heard near the Evans Liberal Arts building as
Texas State students walk to and from class. Construction for the Undergraduate Academic Center has been
underway since June of this year. The four-story building will cover a little more than 130-thousand
square feet. The estimated cost to build the structureÑalmost 48 million dollars. The building should be
finished in 2012.