10/12/10
Jessica Garcia
Justin Travis
they put their items in the recycling bins. Justin Travis has more in this Bobcat Update.
While many students on campus are eager to do their part to help the environment
by recycling, many don't know where those recyclables go, or some of the dangers
involved when processing those items.
(standup)
(sound bite Baker)
The water is used to water plants and clean tools at the center. There are some
dangers that the workers have to keep in mind, however. For example, lifting
heavy loads improperly can result in serious back injuries. Heat can be a
particularly dangerous factor, especially during the summertime. Also, some of
the items themselves carry a risk.
(sound bite Walker)
Transportation to and from the recycling center can also be dangerous, as the
work vans have to maneuver through pedestrian-heavy areas. But even with all of
the potential dangers, these students are still willing to work to protect the
environment. For Bobcat Update, I'm Justin Travis.
10/10/10
Rachel Nelson
State recently, then you may have noticed a curious-looking piece of equipment.
Rachel Nelson explains in this Bobcat Update.
The environmental service committee, the physics department and the university
honors program have worked on a joint project to show everyone at Texas State a
new way to go green. A renovated gas pump under two solar panels provided a
place for passers-by to power up.
**QUOTE**
**STAND UP**
**QUOTE** Bill Stapleton talking about charging cell phones, laptops, even his
electric wheelchair.
Some students took advantage of the pump's presence on campus by running
experiments to see how outside power sources interfere with solar energy.
It's possible that a permanent solar charging station will be constructed at
Texas State. It's a project that would cost ten to 25-thousand dollars to
implement. Funding options are being explored.
**QUOTE**
The physics department's website at Texas State invites comments from anyone
who's interested in the project.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Rachel Nelson.
10/8/10
Kyle Hinojosa
us more in this Bobcat Update.
A city task force composed of 15 members was recently formed to examine
environmental issues. Of particular concern is the San Marcos River. Members of
the task force say trash near the river and alcohol-related disturbances are
issues that must be addressed.
(STAND UP)
The task force is recommending a ban on alcohol consumption in the city's parks,
and it would only allow those who cookout in the park to use pits that are
provided by the city. Officials are worried that leftover coals and ash from the
pits can pollute the river. Many park visitors say they don't agree with the
direction the city is taking.
(SOUNDBITES, more than one)
These and other suggestions have been sent to park officials for consideration.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kyle Hinojosa.
Kate Gisi
this Bobcat Update.
The Texas State Twitter page recently posted a list of blogs written by students
and faculty. The university is urging students to express themselves. Just
last week a Facebook message was sent to students urging them to post links to
their blogs. It was a message that was well received.
(SOUNDBITE)
Many students use the internet as a journal, to talk about their interests or
promote their ideas.
(SOUNDBITES… more than one)
Besides authoring a blog, students are readers too. Blogs are great source for
learning about fashion, sports and news of the day. More people than you might
expect are expressing themselves via the World Wide Web.
(SOUNDBITES…more than one)
STANDUP…"Over the last decade, blogging has really taken off as a social medium.
It's even considered a news source. It seems these days, everyone has
something to say. So, Texas State wants to know what you're writing about. For
Bobcat Update, I'm Kate Gisi.
Hayley Balin
take advantage of every opportunity available. Hayley Balin has more in this
Bobcat Update.
Job and Internship Fairs provide an opportunity for students to visit with
employers to talk about potential careers. Employers are looking for a wide
variety of students with different majors. Some companies are looking for
students with specific majors, like A-A-F-E-S, the Army and Air Force Exchange
Service.
SB (Carter…10 sec…interview them.)
With any job and internship fair, students should always come prepared. They
should dress appropriately and have plenty of resumes handy. An important aspect
of job fairs is being able to network and get one's name out there.
Texas State offers a number of different job fairs each semester for students to
take advantage of.
SB (Schafer…15 sec…as well.)
For students, the job hunt is never easy, so job fairs, like this one, are
essential.
For Bobcat Update I'm Hayley Balin.
10/7/10
Natalie Pendergrass
with brochures, balloons and banners. Students could find information on
countries they might like to visit. One of the tables offered a taste of Tuscany
while another provided information on opera in Australia. Internship
opportunities are available in such exotic locations as New Zealand, the Czech
Republic, Cambodia and Scotland. Students can receive credit hours for their
excursions abroad.
Ashley Coke-Mendez
be sent during emergencies. The new system is called Rave Alert. The university
police department will ensure that it syncs up with student profiles during
registration. The Texas State homepage will also be included in the system.
U-P-D is confident that the system's efficiency will prevail and help guarantee
the safety of students. Rave Alert is set to begin in January for the spring
semester.
10/6/10
Haley Howle
student Jessica Ann Huntington has found a way to mix business, school and
pleasure. Huntington's business is called 'Hoop Hoop Hooray.' She has set up a
booth in the Quad to sell her handmade hula-hoops. The hoops come in different
shapes and sizes and can even be personalized with colors and designs. Students
are encouraged to try out the hoops and play for as long as they want.
Huntington says she hopes her efforts to make money using her creativity will
inspire other students to do the same.
Will McGinnis
helped save a river. Will McGinnis explains in this Bobcat Update.
The Wittliff Collection, stored on the seventh floor of Alkek Library, is
varied. The works of Larry McMurtrey, Willie Nelson and other Texas icons can
be found there. Among the literary treasures is a book that some say saved the
river life of the Hill Country. It's John Graves' Goodbye to a River, which was
published in 1960. The book is about a canoe trip made by the author down the
Brazos River. Graves' experience led him to oppose many of the dams that were
being proposed for several Hill Country rivers. His effort resulted in only
three dams being built out of the 13 that were planned.
SB – Steve Davis, asst. curator (impact of Graves' book)
Most Texas State students are aware of the Graves' book, because they've had to
read it for the university seminar class. Many Bobcats, like Graves, appreciate
the rivers in Central Texas.
SB– Bailey Cain, student – ab fun
Some literary critics regard Graves' book as among the best written about Texas.
SB – Steve Davis – ab john graves impact
SB – Will McGinnis
Tommy LeVrier
You've probably seen a lot of pink on campus lately. Whether it's a ribbon or a T-shirt, pink is a color used as a symbol for breast cancer prevention. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Student organizations are doing their part to bring attention to this ongoing health issue. Bra Night will be hosted by Fashion-Nation.
(SB)
Other organizations are helping as well. Event sponsors -- The Match -- is hosting a bone marrow drive at the L-B-J Student Center. The Breast Cancer Research organization in Austin recently opened a branch in
San Marcos. For Bobcat Update, Tommy LeVrier.
Jeremy Klaff
For those who love to participate in athletics, intramural sports can be the ticket at Texas State. The game offer a fast-paced level competition with a more relaxed feel. Trevon Walker, Campus Recreation Assistant Director, says the program has been expanded in recent years.
(Walker Interview: Rec Center expansion.)
Indoor soccer, flag football and volleyball are being offered in the fall. Each sport brings in a variety of players to diversify the intramurals program. Business Sophmore Jackson Upcheshaw says intramurals help keep his body physically and mentally in shape.
(Upcheshaw Interview)
There are also various tournaments each semester ranging from three-on-three tournaments to X-Box 360 Madden Challenges. Klaff Standup (Intramurals are still fresh from the pre-season. Anything can happen this early in the season. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jeremy Klaff. )
10/5/10
Karla Estrada
affecting those who suffer from allergies.
People living in Central Texas are feelings the symptoms of ragweed allergies.
Watery eyes, itchy throat, runny nose, and headaches are the most common
symptoms. One way to treat the symptoms is to take antihistamines like Claritin
or Zyrtec.
SOUNDBITE
SOUNDBITE
Although there is an allergy shot, it must be taken six months prior to allergy
season. Spending less time outdoors during the peak hours of the day, using an
air-conditioner instead of opening the windows, and controlling dust are other
ways to avoid itchy eyes. Agriculture Department Assistant Professor Alice
LeDuc
says there are several types of ragweed and their pollen can spread quickly and
over long distances.
SOUNDBITE
This year's ragweed season is expected to last into November, which is longer
than usual. For Bobcat Update, I'm Karla Estrada.
Carissa Maines
two years of college. Eating on the go, snacking late at night and seeking out
what is most affordable can lead to unwanted pounds. But on a positive note,
exercise can help burn off those extra calories and many popular fast-food
restaurants are offering healthier options. For example, Taco Bell's fresco menu
and Subway's fresh fit options offer a variety of convenient nutritional meals.
Michael Fallis
and using barbecue grills in the city's parks and by the river. The task force
members say they want to protect the parks, which are environmentally sensitive
areas. The task force also feels that alcohol use causes too many problems.
Mayor Susan Narvaiz says the task force recommendations will be sent to the
parks and recreation department for consideration.
Jen Nickell
Texas State. Vending machines are also stocked full of chips and candy. Healthy
food can be hard to find. Only the dining halls serve fruits and salads.
Processed foods, on the other hand, are abundant ...and cheaper.
-Soundbite
However, University Ambassador Cody Reynolds says it's the students who bring
fast food to Texas State.
-Soundbite
Some students are unaware of the high calorie count that can be found in certain
foods, so the L-B-J Student Center now includes a survey on its website to
assist students. Making healthier choices is what it's all about:
-Soundbite
-Standup
10/4/10
Jason Britsch
from home. And, as Jason Britsch tells us in this Bobcat Update, one of the
bigger challenges is trying to get along with a roommate.
Freshman year on campus is filled with many opportunities. It's a fresh start
with what seems to be endless possibilities, but it can also cause some
problems. For some freshmen, it's the first time on their own and living with
someone new. Making the transition isn't always easy.
(DOSS SB)
A lot is asked of those who serve as resident advisors. They bear a lot of
responsibility.
(MCLATCHER SB)
Freshmen have to learn about organizing themselves, which includes setting
schedules for eating, washing clothes and cleaning dishes. Even so, that first
year can also be a fun time.
(MCLATCHER SB)
STAND UP
Justin Travis
speak. The glass bottom boats at the Aquarena Center have been a popular
attraction since 1946. However, the cost to keep the boats running is greater
than the revenue they generate. The University Star reports that educational
tours at the Aquarena Center -- along with the boat tours -- provide some funds,
but not enough to cover the annual 60-thousand dollar cost to maintain the
boats. Glass bottom boat tours are nine dollars for adults, and students pay
only half price.
Denice Williams
their rough drafts.
Employees at the center participated in "You Are Loved Chalk Day," which is a
suicide prevention project. On the first Monday of October each year,
supporters of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans-gender individuals engage in
the chalk-writing project. Participants said that the "You Are Loved" theme is
especially poignant in light of the suicide of a Rutgers' freshman last week
after he was outed by his roommate.