11/30/11

Bobcat Update - Nov. 30, 2011

Ashley Flores

Most shoppers may be looking for bargains this time of year as they prepare for the gift-giving season, but they may not realize how some retailers are also making it easy to donate to worthy causes. Ashley Flores tells us how small change can make a big difference.

Through December 12th, J-C-Penney stores across the United States are taking part in a campaign called Pennies from Heaven. Customers can donate directly to the local Boys and Girls Club, just by rounding up their store purchases at the San Marcos and Seguin store locations.
SB: Scott Pierce, Store Manager 
[Standup: JCPenney's fundraiser will support the 100 students involved in the Clubs' after school program. (6sec)]
SB: Daphne McDole, BGCSM Coordinator
Funding will go toward items like food or perhaps to devices for the classroom, like this smart board, to help further the children's learning process. 
And every cent counts. About 85-hundred dollars was donated from this campaign last year alone.
SB: McDole 
McDole says a big plus from the campaign is that some of the money will help keep children enrolled in the program.
SB: McDole 
McDole says the children are her motivation for fundraising.
SB: McDole 
Children enrolled in the program say it's enriched their social and learning abilities.
SB: Child (6)
SB: Child (5)
SB: Child (6)
And the reward for McDole…
SB: McDole
For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Flores. 

Kendra Davidson

Another semester is coming to a close, and some Bobcats are taking a stroll down memory lane.  Kendra Omega Davidson has more on this Bobcat Update.

Texas State University offers a unique world, and it's no secret that there are certain things graduating seniors will miss.
sb
Texas State University is climbing the ranks, striving to become one of the top schools in the nation. To some graduates, the academic environment on campus, is one of a kind.
sb
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Some seniors say they have met some unforgettable people at Texas State. Saying goodbye will be hard.
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And let's not forget the antics that caught the attention of many.
sb
Stand Up: Whether it be the nightlife of the square or the enchantment of the river, one thing is for sure: there is no place like home and there is no place like Bobcat Country.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kendra Omega Davidson.

Beth Brinkman

For many students at Texas State, the holiday season means it's a chance to earn some money. Beth Brinkman has more in this Bobcat Update.

Thanksgiving is just the start of the holiday season. Retailers hope Christmas will bring a lot of shoppers into their stores, which means more workers may be needed to keep up with the demand. Some students prefer to work during the winter break.
(SB: Doug Garrett-"For me a seasonal job where I didn't really have to work during the school year, gave me a chance to just save up money, and just have fun in school and get my studying done.") 
Sean Cotter works at Papa Noel Christmas tree lot during the winter break, and he says it helps him get into the holiday spirit. 
(SB: Sean Cotter-"It's always good to see the little kids running around and they're happy to get their Christmas tree and like pick their perfect tree and everything."
As finals draw near, students are busy looking for seasonal jobs -- whether it be at a Christmas shop or here at the Outlets. For Bobcat Update, I'm Beth Brinkman.

Amanda Pena

Sometimes it takes the ringing of a bell to make us realize that the Christmas season has finally arrived! The Salvation Army is already collecting donations at local grocery stores and pharmacies in San Marcos. Throughout the year. the group helps those who are in need, but its efforts are most apparent during the holiday season. The Salvation Army -- in existence for more than 100 years -- provides basic necessities. Its efforts ensure that people can find food, clothes, OR perhaps a warm blanket if it's needed. Visit the Salvation Army's website if you'd like to help.

11/29/11

Caroline Cook

Students on campus were asked how they felt when asked the question: what are you going to do when you graduate?

Kenn Zuniga

How prepared are you for an emergency? Do you have extra water, a flashlight and battery-operated radio? These are questions worth asking. Last month, the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System was conducted, and it seems that not everyone was prepared. Kenn Zuniga has more in this Bobcat Update. 

This is a test. (Stand-up)
No, it's not another nationwide test of the emergency alert system, but a test to see if you're prepared for a nationwide emergency. (Stand-up)
SB 
SB 
So what will it take to finally cross your mind?
SB
Maybe those examples were a bit extreme, but San Marcos Emergency Management Coordinator Kenneth Bell says that it's never too early to think about being prepared. 
SB
Items such as water and non-perishable food should be included in your preparedness kit. FEMA's website also recommends a can opener, a first aid kit, batteries, and personal sanitation items. Still, not everyone is convinced.
SB
Bell says that it's his job to remind you to be prepared. 
SB
Now there's no excuse for you to fail any emergency preparedness test. Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm Kenn Zuniga.

11/28/11

Aspen Streety

The Texas State campus can seem a little ominous when you have to walk back to your car at night, but there is an option for students to stay safe. Aspen Streety has more in this Bobcat Update. 
For some Texas State students, night classes just fit their schedules better. But with the campus dimly lit in places and with some students being forced to park a long way from where their classes are, they may find it daunting when they walk back to their cars alone. One option to make it safer is to use Bobcat Bobbies.
(Fuller…10 sec…and staff)
The Bobbies are on campus seven days a week.
Standup: Since the 1980s the Bobcat Bobbies have been a safety escort service for Texas State students who are unsure about walking back to their cars at night alone. If you need an escort, contact the University police department. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aspen Streety.

Emilie Hernandez

Don't fret if you haven't gotten the chance to shop for holiday gifts yet. For many Texas State students, online shopping is the best option for purchasing gifts this holiday season. With end-of-the-year projects and finals coming up, it's easier for students to use the internet to shop. Cyber Monday has become an annual ritual for the holiday season. Whether you're looking for digital cameras, furniture or anything else, the internet is a great place to find the perfect gift for that special someone.

11/22/11

Kelsey Manning

For dedicated fans of Harry Potter at Texas State, what's described on the pages of the books has come to life! Kelsey Manning has more in this Bobcat Update.

While it may seem completely out-of-place, carrying broomsticks and waving wands is the norm for these students-- members of the Quidditch team here at Texas State. Quidditch is a sport created by J.K. Rowling in the bestselling Harry Potter series and now exists on a national level with many colleges competing in different leagues. The game rules can be complex, but Quidditch is often described as combination of many other well-known sports.
(Parisher…7 sec…cross country.)
Many players came to the sport by hearing about it on other college campuses.
(Parisher…8 sec…and joined.)
For these students, the impact the Harry Potter books have had on their lives is massive.
(Sierra…15 sec…this generation.)
The Quidditch team practices weekly and draws a crowd every time they compete. Quidditch players are dedicated to their games- playing through sprinklers and well into the evening. Games only end when players have caught the "snitch", or player dressed in yellow, who runs all through campus the whole game.
As far as future plans, the team has high aspirations-
(Sierra…13 sec…wildest dreams.)
But ultimately, for the players, the best part of the whole experience is simple - bonding as a team over their love for the Potter universe.
(Sierra…15 sec…really cool.)
(Parisher….6 sec… hang out.)
For more information on the Quidditch team and how to join, you can visit their Facebook page. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kelsey Manning.

Leocadia O'Brien

The semester is winding down at Texas State, and soon many students who live in dorms will have to move elsewhere for the holiday break. Leocadia O'Brien has more in this Bobcat Update…

Most students will go home and spend time with their families, but a few will remain in San Marcos. And those who live in dorms may have to move
temporarily.
(Dorm guy holiday plans)
The policy for most campuses is to only keep a couple of dorms open during the break and charge students on a per-night basis. That's the policy at Texas State, and officials say it seems to work well.
(Assistant Director about benefit)
(Dorm guy about international friend)
But some students find it objectionable that they have to pay extra during the break, because they already pay rates ranging from 14-hundred-dollars to 34-hundred-dollars per semester.
(Dorm resident about feeling forced)
(Assistant Director about most
students leaving)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Leocadia O'Brien.

Chase Hunter

The Men's basketball team is gearing up for its 13th consecutive home victory after beating Howard Payne University. The Bobcats led all offensive categories against the Yellow Jackets, including points in the paint and second-chance points. Senior Brooks Ybarra led the Bobcats in scoring with 12 points, including three-for-five from behind the three-point arc. Five Bobcats scored in double digits against the Yellow Jackets defense. The final score, Texas State 96, Howard Payne 55. Texas State will battle Houston Baptist University at home this Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled at four.

11/17/11

Bobcat Update - Nov. 17, 2011

Jordan Hughes

Texas State University has been recognized for its environmental efforts. The Arbor Day Foundation rewards schools that promote awareness and protection of trees on campus. In the spirit of receiving the designation, the university will have a tree planting ceremony later this month. Seventy-one trees will be planted on campus on November 30th.

Kaitlin Heaney

Today is National Take-a-Hike Day. The San Marcos area has hiking trails for those who want to take to the woods. There are several parks within a few miles to enjoy the out-of-doors . Hiking benefits your mind and body through exercise. An additional benefit is the opportunity to behold the natural scenery of Texas Hill Country. San Marcos has five hiking trails ....

Chase Joliet

Students at Texas State are looking forward to the holiday break next week. We asked several of them today what they enjoy most about Thanksgiving.

Caroline Cook

The planet Mars makes contact with Texas State this week. Caroline Cook explains, in this Bobcat Update.

Mars is the name of a movie, and it was the final film offered in the fall series of the Texas Independent Film Network.
The film's director Geoff Marslett attended last night's screening and took questions from students who attended.
(SB)
Mars is a romantic comedy that follows three astronauts as they visit the red planet.
(SB)
Students were intrigued.
(SB)
The College of Fine Arts and Communication hosted last night's screening at the Texas State Theater Center.
Stand-up

11/16/11

Bobcat Update - Nov. 16, 2011

Emilie Hernandez

While you may think the wings you get from drinking Red Bull will help you soar through your finals, it could actually be doing more harm than good. Most energy drinks have high amounts of caffeine and sugar. According to medical experts, the boost they give you has a higher likelihood of that crash-and-burn effect and causes high blood pressure and extreme dehydration. So, instead of gulping down another energy drink, experts recommend a healthy diet, physical activity and a good night's sleep.

Cambrian Pichon

Local retailers are eagerly awaiting the holiday rush. Many businesses in downtown San Marcos are already in the holiday spirit. You can see it with the window decorations they have put up and the wide array of holiday gifts they hope you'll buy. Thanksgiving and Christmas create a festive spirit, and most Texas State students are looking forward to taking some time off to enjoy the holidays. And if you're in the mood to shop, you'll find many stores extending their welcome.