Bobcat Update, a student-produced newscast recapping events at Texas State University, and is available for viewing on YouTube.
10/12/09
Timothy Ladusky
The city of San Marcos has improved its meter readings. Homeowners last spring started seeing new meters being installed. The meters are supposed to improve accuracy and give residents better online access to their monthly usage. City officials say the meters will also help identify power outages and water main breaks. The city expects to have all new meters installed by next May.
Rena Iglehart
Texas State can expect to see a lot more visitors this fall as high school students and their parents scope out the place. Campus tours are offered by the university's visitors center Monday through Friday. The tours emphasize student life, Bobcat traditions and university history. Officials say applications for enrollment are up at Texas State, where fall numbers were the highest ever at 30-thousand plus.
10/11/09
Lianne Thomas
The middle of October brings in cooler weather, Halloween costumes and just what every student fears -- midterms. Lianne Thomas has more in this Bobcat Update.
Students across campus will soon be the hitting the books and preparing for midterms. Late-night cramming and last-minute paper writing may be the norm for some students, but there are other ways to prepare for those dreaded midterms.
One source of comfort that provides many resources is none other than Alkek Library. The doors will be open around the clock during midterms. The library offers quiet corners for cramming and larger rooms for study groups. SLAC, the Student Learning Advancement Center, is a place where students can go and get the tutoring they need in order to ace their midterms. SLAC has more than 100 tutors and provides help in science, math, business and writing. SLAC tutor Amanda Barney says the midterm is a busy time.
SB "If you have ......from tutors"
As we approach the time when it's wise to stop texting and start typing, students should know that the computer labs are also accessible late into the night. Some students, like junior Danielle Heredia, look for a quiet atmosphere when studying for exams.
SB "If I try to go…place for me"
When getting ready for midterms, it may help to get a few classmates together for a study group session. Both group and individual study rooms are available on the fifth, sixth and seventh floors of the library.
SB (Reporter Sign off)
Students across campus will soon be the hitting the books and preparing for midterms. Late-night cramming and last-minute paper writing may be the norm for some students, but there are other ways to prepare for those dreaded midterms.
One source of comfort that provides many resources is none other than Alkek Library. The doors will be open around the clock during midterms. The library offers quiet corners for cramming and larger rooms for study groups. SLAC, the Student Learning Advancement Center, is a place where students can go and get the tutoring they need in order to ace their midterms. SLAC has more than 100 tutors and provides help in science, math, business and writing. SLAC tutor Amanda Barney says the midterm is a busy time.
SB "If you have ......from tutors"
As we approach the time when it's wise to stop texting and start typing, students should know that the computer labs are also accessible late into the night. Some students, like junior Danielle Heredia, look for a quiet atmosphere when studying for exams.
SB "If I try to go…place for me"
When getting ready for midterms, it may help to get a few classmates together for a study group session. Both group and individual study rooms are available on the fifth, sixth and seventh floors of the library.
SB (Reporter Sign off)
Selina Affram
Facebook is a great way for students to keep up with friends, but some people spend may be spending too much time online. And, as Selina Affram tells us in this Bobcat Update, it's often at the expense of studying.
Students, parents, professors…it seems as though everyone is connected to the popular social network Facebook.According to Facebook-dot-com, there are more than 300-million active users.
But a recent Ohio University study suggested that Facebook contributes to lower grades among heavy users. The study found that students who used Facebook had G-P-A's between three-point-zero and three-point-five and they studied one to five hours per week. Non-users, on the other hand, maintained G-P-A'a between three-point-five and four-point-zero. Using Facebook in the college classroom can be a distraction.
Sociology professor, Dr. Bob Price, allows students to bring laptops to class as long as they sit in the front half of the room.
Students, parents, professors…it seems as though everyone is connected to the popular social network Facebook.According to Facebook-dot-com, there are more than 300-million active users.
But a recent Ohio University study suggested that Facebook contributes to lower grades among heavy users. The study found that students who used Facebook had G-P-A's between three-point-zero and three-point-five and they studied one to five hours per week. Non-users, on the other hand, maintained G-P-A'a between three-point-five and four-point-zero. Using Facebook in the college classroom can be a distraction.
Sociology professor, Dr. Bob Price, allows students to bring laptops to class as long as they sit in the front half of the room.
SB: Price "If they get on facebook all the people behind them can see that, so I would tell them if you see somebody fooling around on facebook make fun of them."
Senior Selina Smith says she learned the hard way that spending too much time online can be detrimental.
SB: Smith "Facebook is addicting sometimes, but personally, in my opinion it depends on how you use it and umm you know when you use it."
Jenny Jarrard cancelled her Facebook account because she wanted to present a more positive image:
SB: Jarrard-"It was a liberating experience."
Standup:
Computers aren't the only way you can get on Facebook. You can be distracted by Facebook right by your cell phone. For Bobcat Update, I'm Selina Affram.
10/8/09
Claudia Mickle
Texas State's Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization has an interesting way of raising money.
A board game called Bobcat-Opoly which is similar to Milton Bradley's Monopoly was sold in the Quad today.
The game was created by five Business students in the Spring of 2008 as part of a class project.
Twenty-five hundred games were produced and there are only one-thousand left to sell. Pieces include many local and popular sites of San Marcos. Bobcat-Opoly can be purchased at Hastings and the University Bookstore.
A board game called Bobcat-Opoly which is similar to Milton Bradley's Monopoly was sold in the Quad today.
The game was created by five Business students in the Spring of 2008 as part of a class project.
Twenty-five hundred games were produced and there are only one-thousand left to sell. Pieces include many local and popular sites of San Marcos. Bobcat-Opoly can be purchased at Hastings and the University Bookstore.
Kristy Hoerig
The San Marcos economy appears to be rebounding. A shopping center at Stonecreek-Crossing has several new shops opening soon, which means hundreds of jobs will be filled in the near future. Academy, AT&T, and Panda Express are all hiring now. Target and J-C Penny are already open for business. The businesses are located southbound off of I-35 across the highway from Embassy Suites, making them easily accessible to people traveling through the area.
10/7/09
Ashley Flores
Anchor Lead in: A petition is circulating at Texas State, aimed at stopping smokers from lighting up on campus. Ashley Flores has more.
They're everywhere. Non-smoking signs are posted outside most buildings and walls, yet we still see students smoking throughout campus. A group of non-smokers has decided to fight by creating a petition that would make Texas State smoke-free. The idea has gotten some attention.
The petition lists several reasons a smoke-free campus would be to everyone's advantage. Avoiding health risks is one such reason.
SB "I think the campus should be smoke free, just walking by it is detrimental to me.
Other grievances include higher clean-up costs on campus, unsafe levels of second-hand smoke and illness. Texas State senior Paul Moreno says he finds smokers to be intrusive.
SB "Walking by somebody and their smoke is in your face and it's not a fun time on campus."
But those who do light up seem to enjoy it. Austin Nichols says it's a social activity for him.
SB "It's a sense of community, I come to this specific location in front of flowers hall specifically because I can meet people and share an activity, and one of those activities happens to be smoking."
Smoker Eric Hibbs says he doesn't believe the correlations that have linked smoking to bad health:
SB "Smoking areas will not impact health hazards…"
According to the petition, about 25 percent of the student body regularly lights up. Organizers of the petition drive are hoping their efforts will end the habit -- at least at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Flores.
They're everywhere. Non-smoking signs are posted outside most buildings and walls, yet we still see students smoking throughout campus. A group of non-smokers has decided to fight by creating a petition that would make Texas State smoke-free. The idea has gotten some attention.
The petition lists several reasons a smoke-free campus would be to everyone's advantage. Avoiding health risks is one such reason.
SB "I think the campus should be smoke free, just walking by it is detrimental to me.
Other grievances include higher clean-up costs on campus, unsafe levels of second-hand smoke and illness. Texas State senior Paul Moreno says he finds smokers to be intrusive.
SB "Walking by somebody and their smoke is in your face and it's not a fun time on campus."
But those who do light up seem to enjoy it. Austin Nichols says it's a social activity for him.
SB "It's a sense of community, I come to this specific location in front of flowers hall specifically because I can meet people and share an activity, and one of those activities happens to be smoking."
Smoker Eric Hibbs says he doesn't believe the correlations that have linked smoking to bad health:
SB "Smoking areas will not impact health hazards…"
According to the petition, about 25 percent of the student body regularly lights up. Organizers of the petition drive are hoping their efforts will end the habit -- at least at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Flores.
Colby Howell
At Texas State, you can find a wide variety of food choices. You're not limited to what you gobble up at the dining halls or snack on from the vending machines. As Colby Howell tells us in this Bobcat Update, you can find variety and stay on a budget.
STANDUP- "Seven dollars. That's how much a meal costs at a Texas State cafeteria. But I'm in the quad today to figure out just how much food I can eat for the same price."
There are many student-run organizations that prepare food for fundraisers. Under the College Republicans' tent they were serving fajitas and chicken sandwhiches for just two dollars. President XOXOXOXOXO says the money directly supports the association.
SB- "The money is used to supply fliers, banners and social networking...."
Don't want to support the conservatives? No problem! The College Democrats have you covered with hamburgers for two dollars as well. Club President Amanda XOXOXO says there are steps to take in order to serve the public food.
SB- "You have to ba student organization and file for a permit...."
Beef? Got it! Chicken? Check! But what about the other white meat? The Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization offers a variety of sausage wraps for just two dollars and fifty cents. C-E-O member XOXOXOXOXO says the food is a great substitute for what you can find at Chartwells, Texas State's official food supplier.
SB- "Here you get fresh, wholesome food. There, you have to eat food that sits around all day."
One thing all these places have in common: Apparently, they're all the best.
3SB COMBO- "We're the best/We have the best food/They don't know what they are talking about, we've got the best food."
With only fifty cents left, I bought a Diet Coke from the Japanese Club to wash down all that good grub down.
STANDUP- "With a full stomach, and for Bobcat Update. I'm Colby Howell."
(I like your reporting style. I'm looking forward to seeing your report.)
STANDUP- "Seven dollars. That's how much a meal costs at a Texas State cafeteria. But I'm in the quad today to figure out just how much food I can eat for the same price."
There are many student-run organizations that prepare food for fundraisers. Under the College Republicans' tent they were serving fajitas and chicken sandwhiches for just two dollars. President XOXOXOXOXO says the money directly supports the association.
SB- "The money is used to supply fliers, banners and social networking...."
Don't want to support the conservatives? No problem! The College Democrats have you covered with hamburgers for two dollars as well. Club President Amanda XOXOXO says there are steps to take in order to serve the public food.
SB- "You have to ba student organization and file for a permit...."
Beef? Got it! Chicken? Check! But what about the other white meat? The Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization offers a variety of sausage wraps for just two dollars and fifty cents. C-E-O member XOXOXOXOXO says the food is a great substitute for what you can find at Chartwells, Texas State's official food supplier.
SB- "Here you get fresh, wholesome food. There, you have to eat food that sits around all day."
One thing all these places have in common: Apparently, they're all the best.
3SB COMBO- "We're the best/We have the best food/They don't know what they are talking about, we've got the best food."
With only fifty cents left, I bought a Diet Coke from the Japanese Club to wash down all that good grub down.
STANDUP- "With a full stomach, and for Bobcat Update. I'm Colby Howell."
(I like your reporting style. I'm looking forward to seeing your report.)
Timothy Ladusky
The Wonder World Extension Project is underway. The project which began October 21st of last year is slated to be finished in the fall of 2010. The extension when it is completed will be a four-lane road that will connect Interstate-35 to Ranch Road 12. The San Marcos City Council awarded a 26-million dollar contract to J-C Evans Construction. The road will improve traffic through downtown San Marcos and western Hays County. The says the project is ahead of schedule.
(Your slug was/is WWORLD. Use it consistently on scripts, the video clip, etc.)
(Your slug was/is WWORLD. Use it consistently on scripts, the video clip, etc.)
10/6/09
Summer Ratliff
Texas State officials say they're seeing too many students ignoring warning signs at constructions sites. And, as Bobcat Update's Summer Ratliff tells us, there's growing concern that somebody might get hurt.
SU: Ratliff - Students have been avoiding warning signs like these and are entering gated construction areas.
A Director for Campus Construction Michael Petty says the best safety tip for students is to be aware of fences and caution signs.
SB-PETTY: Just bare with us and go around… we put a fence up …the fence typically represents the limits of construction we put the fence up for a reason….
Petty says there are no reports of injuries on construction zones but he fears students fail to acknowledge how hazardous these site can be.
SB: Petty - It's potential somebody could step into a 60 feet deep hole, that's pretty frightening if you stop and think about it.
English Major Lance Jones says he has never walked through closed gates, but he would not rule out the possibility.
SB: Jones – if I really need to be at this class and a professor that's going to ding me on my attendance if I don't get there right on time then I might consider going behind a gate that's a little bit open or something
In some areas construction fences are knocked down and could cause confusion to students about site boundaries. But ditches within the site could cause injury to students who try and enter the zoned area.
SU: Ratliff – Petty says entering a construction site without proper safety protection can be very dangerous for Bobcat Update I'm Summer Ratliff.
SU: Ratliff - Students have been avoiding warning signs like these and are entering gated construction areas.
A Director for Campus Construction Michael Petty says the best safety tip for students is to be aware of fences and caution signs.
SB-PETTY: Just bare with us and go around… we put a fence up …the fence typically represents the limits of construction we put the fence up for a reason….
Petty says there are no reports of injuries on construction zones but he fears students fail to acknowledge how hazardous these site can be.
SB: Petty - It's potential somebody could step into a 60 feet deep hole, that's pretty frightening if you stop and think about it.
English Major Lance Jones says he has never walked through closed gates, but he would not rule out the possibility.
SB: Jones – if I really need to be at this class and a professor that's going to ding me on my attendance if I don't get there right on time then I might consider going behind a gate that's a little bit open or something
In some areas construction fences are knocked down and could cause confusion to students about site boundaries. But ditches within the site could cause injury to students who try and enter the zoned area.
SU: Ratliff – Petty says entering a construction site without proper safety protection can be very dangerous for Bobcat Update I'm Summer Ratliff.
Jessica Elmore
Texas State offers assistance to students who are having trouble choosing a major. Jessica Elmore has more in this Bobcat Update.
The University College Advising Center hosted a Majors Fair this past Tuesday at L-B-J Student Center. The event gave students an opportunity to explore majors, minors and certificate programs offered at Texas State.
Freshmen Hope Braley says she was apprehensive about attending but changed her mind soon after arriving.
SB: I had to come for my seminar class….
Academic advisors and departmental representatives were available to interact with students and provide information intended to help select a major. Academic Advisor Ashley Ransom offered advice to the attendees.
SB: The one thing….
Ransom said internships and job shadowing are very important.
SB: Anything where you can learn more….
Whether they're indecisive or just lack of knowledge about what the university has to offer, students can turn to Career Services and the University College Advising Center for help.
SU: For students....
For more information regarding career services, you can visit the Career Services website at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jessica Elmore.
The University College Advising Center hosted a Majors Fair this past Tuesday at L-B-J Student Center. The event gave students an opportunity to explore majors, minors and certificate programs offered at Texas State.
Freshmen Hope Braley says she was apprehensive about attending but changed her mind soon after arriving.
SB: I had to come for my seminar class….
Academic advisors and departmental representatives were available to interact with students and provide information intended to help select a major. Academic Advisor Ashley Ransom offered advice to the attendees.
SB: The one thing….
Ransom said internships and job shadowing are very important.
SB: Anything where you can learn more….
Whether they're indecisive or just lack of knowledge about what the university has to offer, students can turn to Career Services and the University College Advising Center for help.
SU: For students....
For more information regarding career services, you can visit the Career Services website at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jessica Elmore.
Nathan Estrada
Texas State will soon be hosting a food drive. Students and faculty alike can donate non-perishable food items to help feed the hungry in Hays County. Bins will be set up at Old Main, The University Star and the Alumni House. Donations may include canned items such as beans, fruit, soup or tuna fish. Also, cereal, dried pasta, rice and peanut butter will be accepted. The drive starts on October 14th and will end on Halloween. The items that are collected will go to the Hays County Food Bank.
Joyce Flores
Creating a resume can be a daunting task for many college seniors. Fortunately, students can get help from Career Services. For example, on Tuesday, an event called Rock Yo' Resume was held, at which counselors gave students advice on how to make their resumes stand out.
One important bit of information to include is showing employers how skills you've learned in college can transfer to real world jobs.
Careers Services offers resume critiques on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 to 3 and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5.
One important bit of information to include is showing employers how skills you've learned in college can transfer to real world jobs.
Careers Services offers resume critiques on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 to 3 and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5.
Adam Swank
A bit of San Marcos history is being recognized in a new book. Adam Swank has more in this Bobcat Update.
It's right on their doorstep, but many students seem to overlook the university's Aquarena Center. The aquatic nature preserve is the site of an aquarium, a wetlands board walk and, of course, the antique glass bottom boats. Aquatic Studies Junior Violeta Avina is a captain and tour guide.
AMBIENT
SB: Violeta Avina
A new book written by the founder's great-granddaughter will be released next month when a reunion of former center employees is scheduled. Royalties from book sales will help fund the more than 60-thousand dollars a year required for upkeep of the boats.
SB: Ron Coley, Director of Aquarena Center
Many attractions at the center, including a sky ride and the submarine theater where the famous Ralph the Swimming Pig performed, have been abandoned for more than a decade. Remnants of the amusement park will eventually be removed as the university seeks to enhance its mission of river preservation and education.
SB: Ron Coley
STANDUP: " While, the summer drought actually saw an increase of visitors to the Aquarena Center, Coley says what's good for the center, isn't always good for the preservation of the river and the recent rainfall has been long overdue. For Bobcat Update, I'm Adam Swank."
It's right on their doorstep, but many students seem to overlook the university's Aquarena Center. The aquatic nature preserve is the site of an aquarium, a wetlands board walk and, of course, the antique glass bottom boats. Aquatic Studies Junior Violeta Avina is a captain and tour guide.
AMBIENT
SB: Violeta Avina
A new book written by the founder's great-granddaughter will be released next month when a reunion of former center employees is scheduled. Royalties from book sales will help fund the more than 60-thousand dollars a year required for upkeep of the boats.
SB: Ron Coley, Director of Aquarena Center
Many attractions at the center, including a sky ride and the submarine theater where the famous Ralph the Swimming Pig performed, have been abandoned for more than a decade. Remnants of the amusement park will eventually be removed as the university seeks to enhance its mission of river preservation and education.
SB: Ron Coley
STANDUP: " While, the summer drought actually saw an increase of visitors to the Aquarena Center, Coley says what's good for the center, isn't always good for the preservation of the river and the recent rainfall has been long overdue. For Bobcat Update, I'm Adam Swank."
10/5/09
Amanda Dugan
More than eleven-hundred veterans are enrolled at Texas State. Many of these service men and women have had oversea tours. The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult for many. Amanda Dugan has more in this Bobcat Update.
You may have noticed the yellow ribbons that have decorated the campus this fall. They serve as a reminder of those who have chosen to serve in the military. After completing their enlistments, many of the veterans go to college where they find a very different lifestyle. Texas State has programs to help make the adjustment easier.
SB
The recently established Veterans Alliance is an organization that provides former servicemen an opportunity to share their life experiences. The group also serves as a tool to make veterans aware of available resources on campus.
SB
STANDUP
The United States Veterans Office has been received more than 250-thousand applications for the funds, but only about ten percent of them have been processed -- leading to a lot of frustration.
SB
About one-third of the eleven thousand veterans on campus have applied for the funds. For Bobcat Update, I'm Amanda Dugan.
You may have noticed the yellow ribbons that have decorated the campus this fall. They serve as a reminder of those who have chosen to serve in the military. After completing their enlistments, many of the veterans go to college where they find a very different lifestyle. Texas State has programs to help make the adjustment easier.
SB
The recently established Veterans Alliance is an organization that provides former servicemen an opportunity to share their life experiences. The group also serves as a tool to make veterans aware of available resources on campus.
SB
STANDUP
The United States Veterans Office has been received more than 250-thousand applications for the funds, but only about ten percent of them have been processed -- leading to a lot of frustration.
SB
About one-third of the eleven thousand veterans on campus have applied for the funds. For Bobcat Update, I'm Amanda Dugan.
Hannah Miller
National Coming Out Day will be observed this Sunday. But members of Lambda Texas State are starting early. Students are wearing name-tags, decorating the quad with drawings and flags and carrying signs to spread the word about this week's events. People with questions can visit Lambda's tent, in the quad every day this week. A speaker from Equality Texas will be on campus Thursday evening. Tonight a Guess Who's Gay Panel in the L-B-J Student Center will poke fun at sexual stereotypes. Amid all the fun and celebration, though, is a serious message aimed at fostering a safe environment at Texas State.
Ansel Hildebrand
The San Marcos River is noticeably higher from heavy rains that fell over central Texas last weekend. Small creeks and streams swelled from the rainfall and left behind debris on roads around San Marcos. Some areas of the Hill Country saw more than five inches over the last week. Climatologists say the storms are a result of the El Nino weather pattern, which is expected to bring more rainfall to the drought stricken area this fall and winter.
10/1/09
Kristy Hoerig
Gruene, Texas, will be hosting its 23rd Annual Gruene Music and Wine Festival this weekend. There will be 25 wineries participating in the event, so plan ahead since it's hard to find parking at events like this in Gruene. You don't have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy the festival. It will be a great opportunity for people to come out, socialize and enjoy live music performed by a variety of artists at historic Gruene Hall.
Summer Ratliff
The Office of University Marketing is sponsoring the first-ever Bobcat Tube Video Contest. Students have the opportunity to produce a short video following the theme "A slice of My life at Texas State." Whether it's eating with friends at a dining hall, participating in a student organization or working out at the recreation center, students are asked to show what being a Bobcat means to them. Prizes include an i-Pod Shuffle, an i-Touch, OR the grand prize, which is a video camera. Deadline for entries is November 22nd.
Jessica Elmore
Jones Dining Hall at Texas State will soon have a new addition that many students are sure to enjoy. The food court will have a Chinese restaurant, called Panda Express, later this fall. Originally the restaurant was scheduled to be up and running by October 19th but the opening has been delayed. The university has not announced a revised schedule for completion.
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