The Houstonian

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University Vol 112 — Issue 20 Tuesday November 2, 2010

INDEX

Viewpoints...........page 2

Campus................page 3

Sports...................page 5

WHAT’S ON THE WEB CAMPUS CONTENDERSSam Houston State University ROTC and Debate teams take on competition and take home trophies.

SEE page 3

Visit our website to participate in our latest poll or post your comments on the stories in this issue at houstonianonline.com!

Election Day Polling Locations

By Stephen GreenSenior Reporter

Graphic by Jared Wolf | The HoustonianTHE RACE IS ON. Voters in Walker County will, among numerous state elections, decide the governor’s race along with the race for U.S. Representative of the 8th Congressional District.The governor’s race will be decided among Rick Perry (R-Incumbent), Bill White (D), Kathie Glass (L) and Deb Shafto (G). In addition the House seat will be decided amongst Kevin Brady (R-Incumbent) and Kent Hargett (D).

Party in the HouseBearkats urged to vote

on election day

— See POLLS, page 3

Polls open today for mid-term and gubernatorial elec-tions, and analysts are predict-ing that there will be a turnover of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Analysts are predicting that Democrats will maintain majority control of the Senate, but just barely.

Voters in Walker County will, among numerous state elections, decide the gover-nor’s race along with the race for U.S. Representative of the 8th Congressional District.

The governor’s race will be decided among current Gov. Rick Perry (R), Bill White (D), Libertarian Kathie Glass and Green Party candidate Deb Shafto. In addition the House seat will be decided between Kevin Brady (R-Incumbent) and Kent Hargett (D).

Currently, Democrats have a majority of seats in both the House and the Senate. That could change if Republicans are able to win 39 additional seats in the House and 10 additional seats in the Senate.

Kendall Scudder, vice-presi-dent of the Bearkat Democrats, said that he believes the Re-publicans will handily take the House but not the Senate.

“I think that the influx of the

Tea Party candidates will drasti-cally help Democrats,” Scudder said. “This is all because of the crazy people in the Tea Party. [Democrats] will win a seat in Delaware that we didn’t think we would win before. We also might win a seat in Alaska.”

David Frievalt, SHSU Col-lege Republicans public rela-tions officer, said he disagrees with Scudder about Republi-can chances, and said that Pres. Barack Obama’s administration will cause the downfall of the Democratic Party.

“The inability of Pres. Obama to reduce unemploy-ment by creating new jobs, his misguided focus on health care when he should have been completely focused on the economy and the financial stimulus bill, [caused anger towards the party in control],” Frievalt said. “[The stimulus bill] may have avoided an-other great depression, but left this country trillions more in debt.”

Perry goes into election day with a 12-point lead over White in the polls. Hargett challenged Brady for the 8th Congressional seat two years ago, getting only 24.8 percent of the vote.

101/102 Walker County Annex 1301 Sam Hous-ton Ave Ste 101, Huntsville 103 Crabbs Prairie Fire Dept.26 FM 1696W, Huntsville 104 Northside Baptist Church1207 FM 980, Huntsville 201 First Presbyterian Church1801 19th Street, Huntsville 203/204 Walker County Fairgrounds3925 SH 30 W, Huntsville 205 Elkins Lake Con-ference Center634 Cherry Hills Drive, Huntsville 206 Region VI Educa-tion Service Center3332 Montgomery Rd, Huntsville 301/302 Martin Luther King Center300 Avenue F, Huntsville

303 Dodge Fire Dept.28 Dodge/Oakhurst Rd, Dodge 304/305 Riverside Fire Dept.2341 FM 980, Huntsville 401 University Heights Baptist Church2400 Sycamore Ave, Huntsville 402/403 Phelps First Meth-odist ChurchDorrell Rd @ Watson Lake Rd, Phelps 404 New Waverly First Baptist Church460 Fisher at corner of Hardy St, New Waverly For Additional Elec-tion Information:Please contact the Voter Registration/Elections Department at (936) 436-4959 or contact the applicable Party ChairCaleb White, Democratic Party Chair - (936) 661-9691Russell Martinez, Republican Party Chair - (936) 295-1823

Precinct No.

Name/Address of Building

Photography courtesy of SHSU Communications

BUILDING FOUNDATION.The new University Center building, located in the Woodlands, will be a four-story, 144,164 sq. ft.-structure that will include classrooms, labs, enrollment counseling and advising and administrative services, as well as a parking lot and a five-story parking garage.

Sam Houston State University officials broke ground for its new University Center, which will be located in the Woodlands, Friday morning.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved the design development documents for

the University Center at the Woodlands and its project budget of $40.5 million dollars in August, according to a university press release.

The new University Center building will be a four-story, 144,164 sq. ft.-structure that will include classrooms, labs, enrollment counseling and advising and administrative services, as well as a parking lot and a five-story parking garage.

SHSU shares the current University Center with the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the Lone Star College System and the private sector.

“We have been teaching 70 percent of the classes at the existing campus,” Richard Elgsaer, Ph.D., associate provost, said.

— See CENTER, page 3

Breaking GroundConstruction of new Woodlands

University Center beginsBy Kolby FlowersSenior Reporter

Entertainment.......page 4

Sports...................page 6

By Stephen GreenSenior Reporter

FACING FELONIES. There have been at least eight reports of graffiti on numerous campus buildings in the last month and has also been seen around the Huntsville community. The “Kowboy” and smiley face vandalism is not believed to be gang-affiliated.

Students may be involved in a string of reported campus vandalisms, according to James Fitch, the University Police Department’s deputy chief.

Last month, UPD received seven or eight reports of graffiti on numerous buildings including Sorority Hill, the Sam Houston Parking Garage, the Visitor’s Center, the new Performing Arts Center, the University Theatre Center and the Smith-Hudson Academic Building, Fitch said.

“[Individuals] are spray-painting the letters KB, Kowboy and a smiley face with the tongue sticking out,” Fitch said.

Although graffiti may sometimes be affiliated with gangs, police do not believe this is the case.

“I don’t think it’s gang

activity, but it’s not a harmless prank,” Fitch said. “This has been seen over and over again. Personally, I believe that it is a student.”

Graffiti vandalism has also been seen in the Huntsville community, Huntsville police said. They, too, do not believe gangs are involved.

There are currently no suspects in the case, and,

if caught, the individual or group responsible could face felony charges, Fitch said.

“We are currently taking proactive steps to stop [the vandalism],” Fitch said.

Those who have any information regarding additional vandalism or possible suspects are encouraged e-mail [email protected].

Campus vandalismsee PAGE 2

NO SHAVE NOVEMBER Delta Tau Delta members prepare to show off the progress of their beards after a month without shaving for testicular cancer awareness. Starting from bottom right: Chris Pratt, Curtis Smith, Dallas Michael Deen to top right: Liam Vincent, Matt Garza, Lance Le Blanc, Jeff Pyle

E.Jay Miranda | The Houstonian

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alum-ni:

The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the con-tinued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Brandon ScottViewpoints [email protected]

The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tues-days and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Hous-ton State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.

No shave November

Letter to the Student Body

AdvertisingDeadlines

SECTION EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The housTonianEditorial

Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate EditorBrandon Scott..............................................................Viewpoints EditorMike Silva...........................................................................Sports EditorThomas Merka........................................................Entertainment EditorJared Wolf.......................................................................Graphic Designer

Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505

FACULTY ADVISORRobin Johnson.....................................................................936-294-1499

STAFFLotis Butchko.................................................................Sports ReporterStephen Green....................................................................Senior ReporterKolby Flowers................................................................. Senior ReporterJohn Rudolph.......................................................................PhotographerJessica Gomez......................................................................PhotographerErin Peterson.......................................................................Copy Editor

AdvertisingBUSINESS MANAGERBrittany Hampton...........................................................936-294-1500

ADVERTISING MANAGERBranden Price..................................................................936-294-1503

Tuesday’s Issue............... Friday at 2:00 p.m.Thursday’s Issue........... Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.

Chelsea Boyd............................................................................................Brittany Hamilton....................................................................................Kyle Mackey............................................................................................Stephanie Mashburn...............................................................................Chibuike “Chip” O..................................................................................Mark Smith..............................................................................................

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

The liberals are coming, rally around

Page 2Tuesday, November 2, 2010Viewpoints

houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

In preparing for today’s elections, political campaigns haven’t been the only ones sending messages driven by their own agendas.

The mainstream media conspiracy has taken over what is supposed to be objective journalism news stations and turned them into propaganda center stages.

Fox news is unbelievable. Some of the assertions of the personalities on this network are divisive and sometimes even ignorant.

But they’re reaching out to a specific audience and those people are listening.

Same is the situation with CNN, a network that my family has paid attention to for years.

In the rare instances where they have a guest who disagrees with the liberal and even borderline socialist ideas of President Obama, there’s always a more

passionate figure that is set up to make the conservative guest look foolish.

If we’re honest about it though, we can get ready to kiss journalism as we’ve known it (and as I’ve studied it) good-bye, or at least when it comes to politics.

No one cares about j o u r n a l i s t i c integrity, in s i t u a t i o n s where we appear to need it most.

The objective is to send the most provocative message to haters and supporters, to ensure the target audience is apparent.

According to the Nielsen Cable ratings, CNN and Fox News each have around 100

million viewers as of October of this year.

People are experiencing entertainment rather than gaining substantial

information about the most serious issues that affect our nation.

F o x personality Glenn Beck started the “Rally to R e s t o r e H o n o r ” s i n c e

according to

conservatives, there is nothing honorable going on in the White House.

Television hosts and comedians Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart countered with the Rally to Restore Sanity, since according

to liberals, conservative counterparts are delusional.

We should stop it, all of us. Let’s not allow the media

venue we favor most to influence, necessarily the way we look at issues.

At what point do we just become a reflection of the provocation we embrace, instead of independent thinkers on real issues?

Let’s stop calling the president names like Hitler and please people, he is NOT a Muslim. And even if he was, let’s be intelligent enough to not believe that every Muslim is a terrorist who wants to see you die.

With the same token, Tea Partiers are no more racists than the NAACP it combats with.

Calling out racism is like saying the sky is blue. What people want to know is, are you going to do something about it and vote?

Brandon ScottViewpoints Editor

Media influence, power underestiMated

Two whiskers appeared on my chin during eighth grade year. At that moment, I grew an attachment to the beard that eventually filled in by high school.

Some kids want to look older when they’re too im-mature to appreciate their youth. But that was never my problem.

The beard just became apart of me. It wasn’t any twisted love affair. It’s just after a while, the facial hair and I were exclusive.

This is going to have to change in light of my in-troduction to the recently established “no shave No-vember” tradition.

The initiative requires men to shave their facial hair on Oct. 31, and leave it alone until the end of November in honor of sur-vivors as well as victims of testicular cancer. And it makes perfect sense.

As a general public, we go the extra mile to cooper-ate with the happenings of AIDS awareness and breast cancer awareness, especial-ly. The entire month of Oc-tober is overwhelmed with pink ribbon paraphenalia to honor the millions who have struggled from the deadly disease.

This is a good thing, but we want to be conscious of other cancers that eat away at our society.

According to the Nation-al Cancer Institute, 2010 has seen more than 8,400 new cases of testicular can-cer and more than 350 peo-ple have died this year.

Men have to be proactive with these concerns. Cancer doesn’t show preferential treatment and tragedy can

strike on anyone. The exact causes of testicular cancer are unknown, so there isn’t a specific strategy for pre-vention.

That’s why I’m all for “no shave November.”

In a time when our coun-try seems so divided in ideas, a plotted statement against testicular cancer would show a refreshing motion to form the more perfect union that so many Americans preach about.

But what about my situ-ation, where my beard is apart of my identity?

The last time I shaved my face naked, my mother made me promise to never do it again, because it seri-ously takes away from my appearance.

That’s pretty serious.I would argue that it isn’t

close to as serious as testic-ular cancer and of course, growing the beard back is no problem.

It sounds like I’m lean-ing towards making a sacri-fice. Could I really be doing something that I don’t want to do, for a cause that is greater than my individual preferences? If so, it goes against what many of us have come to be about.

Why inconvenience our-selves for people we don’t know and a cause that may never apply to us?

The answer is because we’re Americans, thought-ful and light-hearted.

Grow a mean beard in the spirit of cancer awareness, even if all you have is two whiskers.

-- Brandon Scott, for the editorial board

This weekend, Jon Stew-art and Stephen Colbert hosted the first ever “Rally to restore Sanity and/or Fear” to the delight of millions of young liberals, including myself.While the event was meant

to symbolize the comedy that we can still find in our country, it really did have a deeper meaning. Stewart is a genius, a man who knows more about politics than

most of our senators. If you have ever seen him on his show, he stands toe to toe with any politician and typi-cally battles them evenly. There are going to be

several college newspapers around the nation that are going to talk about how funny it was, and it was funny. But I chose to take a different approach to the story. I watched the rally from my

hotel room in Clarksville, Ind. And in between com-mercials I would head to the business center of the hotel to send out e-mails. The hotel lobby was blaring Fox News, much to my dismay, and it seemed like every time I went in I heard a new “an-chor” – and I use that term loosely – bashing the people at the rally.That got to me after a while

and I became more angry than anything. Sure Stewart and Colbert are comedians

first, but both men mean more to the college demo-graphic. I am not insisting that people take these guys too seriously – we all know that – but so what if liber-als want to have a rally where we can laugh. Is that so wrong? Just because we don’t fall under the hate mongers like Glen Beck who insist on putting all Ameri-cans on a scared-for-their-life basis with his “Rally to Restore Honor.”All I heard was how all the

young people at the Rally and at home were smoking pot and drinking while they enjoyed this. What a joke. Fox News couldn’t come up with an honest problem with this rally because there was none. These were people who are growing up in one of the worst recessions in American history and just wanted to enjoy themselves for one Saturday. Excuse us for not wanting

to hide in our bomb shelters, which, by the way, Glenn Beck endorses on his show. Instead, we liberals choose to show up in the hundreds of thousands to an event, where we could hold signs like: “Homophobia is Gay;” “I masturbate and I vote;” and my personal favorite, “Glen Beck: Show us your high school diploma.”When the rally ended near

its 6 p.m. deadline, Stewart took the stage and rejected the idea that our country was on the brink of self destruc-tion because we could not work together. He said “we work together to get things done every damn day.”And with that the most

influential journalist in America left the stage, doing something Fox News could never do. Tell the story with-out a slant.

Lotis ButchkoSports Reporter

Have you noticed the “green” movement that is slowly beginning to grip our nation? We are a culture full of trends, and this trend is one that may have a long-lasting positive impact.

For the past few years, the media and modern science has brought to light the dire straits our consumer culture is cre-ating. We are all guilty of acquiring, consum-ing, and condemning products that are cool for a moment. The neg-ative influence of our bad habits is beginning to make a difference in our livelihood.

Most students agree with the “green move-ment” but aren’t quite sure how to get started. Moderation is key and starting slow is ok. Here are a few tips from the Sam Houston State Uni-versity’s “Green Kats” organization on how to make a difference at your own convenience.

1. Parking on Campus is Lame:

Until the 300:1 stu-dent-parking spot ratio is resolved, there are other options. Ride a bike. The bike racks on campus are never full to the max and everyone could use a little exer-cise. If this option isn’t for you, make sure to sign the SHSU shuttle petition.

2. It’s the Cool Thing to Do:The trendiness of green

products is completely undeniable. The recent influx of TOMS shoes is proof of this. This may be the one time in your life the cool thing to do is good for you and the environment.

3. It Can Save You Money:One thing that unites

college students every-where is that we are all short on funds. Man-aging your electricity consumption can benefit your pocketbook and the environment.

4. It Can Make You Money:Saving your “coke”

cans can make you money if you choose to recycle them. Instead of throwing away old clothes, take them to a resale shop. While you’re there, look around, you might find something cool and one of a kind.

5. It’s Getting Easier:Stores like Wal-Mart

are beginning to keep their shelves stocked with more “green” friendly products than ever before. The “Great Value” Wal Mart brand is even producing many environmental and con-sumer friendly products.

6. Health Benefits:While helping the

earth, you can also help yourself. Weather you choose to walk to school or buy organic products, your body will benefit.

7. Renew, Reuse, Re-cycle:When you’re finished

with this news paper, find a recycle bin. Give it to a friend. Use it to make a paper mache

project, so long as it doesn’t find its way to a land fill.

8. People Matter:Many of the “green”

products on the market are also “Fair Trade” certified. This simply means that no one was exploited to get you your morning coffee.

9. Support Local Com-merce:Shopping and dining

locally can benefit all of us. You’ll save money in gas and help create jobs in Huntsville.

10. Every Small Change Counts:Pick the low hanging

fruit. Start small and you can and will make a big difference.

If you interested in more information about how you can make a difference, find the “Green Kats” page on facebook. They meet once a month and host many environmentally friendly events.

Top 10 Reasons to ... “Go Green” & Love It

Column courtesy of Green Kats

Page 3Tuesday, November 2, 2010Campus

houstonianonline.com/campus-news

It’s a major decision...

Exploring Majors Fair Tuesday, November 2, 2010 LSC Ballroom 9 am - 3 pm

Sponsored by:

Student Success Initiatives www.shsu.edu/fye

936-294-3422 and Career Services

www.shsu.edu/careerservices 936-294-1713

Sam Houston State University Is A Member of The Texas State University System

The Sam Houston State University ROTC all-male team placed second in the Ranger Challenge Competition, despite stiff competition from Texas Tech University’s all-male team.

The Challenge, which took place at Camp Bullis on the weekend of Oct. 22-24, pitted SHSU against the following teams: Baylor, UMHB, Prairie View A&M, U of H, SFA, UNT, TAMU Central Texas and TCU.

The SHSU team had seven members: Colton Barber (freshman), Jared Gantt (junior), David Hernandez (junior), Holden McCord (freshman), Soniel Barbosa (sophomore), David Spicer (freshman) and Trey Withington (junior).

Over all, 26 contestants participated in the Challenge, including all-male, all-female and co-ed teams, according to 1st Lt. N. Scott Tyner.

The Ranger Challenge typically sparks fierce competition between universities’ ROTC programs by emphasizing physical

endurance, strength and speed. It also provides participants the opportunity to enhance their future military career, Tyner said.

“Events at the competition included an Army physical fitness test, [which includes] two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups and a timed two-mile run, a military general knowledge exam, a timed obstacle course, a timed hand grenade assault course, a timed disassemble/reassemble of an M-16 assault rifle, a day and night land navigation course and a 10K road march,” Tyner said in an email.

SHSU’s ROTC prepared for the challenge under the guidance of the team’s two cadet coaches Wayne Salazar and Austin Harms.

Their teammates geared up for the competition by participating in physical training in the morning and other practices in the afternoon for five days per week while maintaining their grades in other classes, according to Tyner.

“With that young of a team, I’m very, very proud of them,” said Tyner.

ROTC emerges triumphant in annual competition

Contributing ReporterBy Sonja Nitschke

SUBMIT AN EVENTE-mail Associate News Editor Jessica Priest at [email protected] to have your organization’s event included in the campus calendar. Deadline for Thursday’s issue is on Tuesday at 2 p.m.

EARTH SHATTERING. Pictured are David Payne, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Marie Hoke, WHR Architects; U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady; State Sen. Tommy Williams; Jim Gaertner, SHSU president emeritus and Texas State University System interim vice chancellor; SHSU President Dana Gibson; Ran Key, senior vice chancellor for Lone Star College; TSUS Regent Trisha Pollard; Dick Eglsaer, associate provost; and Mike Simpson, Vaughn Construction participating in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new University Center in the Woodlands last Friday.

Brian Blalock | SHSU Marketing

A special trainer will visit SHSU this Sunday to teach students, faculty and staff members with tips on self-protection.

The Self Defense Clinic will be led by Aaron Gillespie, who holds the title as

a Third Dan Black Belt Instructor, and will be held at 7 p.m. in Recreational Sports Center Multipurpose Room 2.

“Knowing how to protect one’s self is extremely important,” said Tina DeAses, of Rec Sports, who is hosting the event.

“Mr. Gillespie will provide self defense information that one would not want to miss, from basic information

to more advanced skills to helpful tips that can remembered for a lifetime,” she said.

The event is free for all SHSU students, faculty, and staff with a valid Bearkat OneCard.

For more information, visit the Recreational Sports web site at www.shsu.edu/recsports.

Protect yourself: ROTC to offer free self-defense courseAssociate News EditorBy Jessica Priest

CAMPUS CALENDARTUESDAY, NOV. 2

SCORE. The SHSU Debate Team visited LSU-Alexandria for a tournament this past weekend, and received second place overall.

The results are in ...The following is the outcome of this weekend’s competition:Game IProfessional DivisionQuarterfinalist: Addison ReedVarsity DivisionOctafinalist: Jerusha Rodgers, Adesuwa Omoruyi, and Sara Harrigan

Quarterfinalist: Clayton Goss4th place speaker: Adesuwa Omoruyi2nd place sweepstakesGame IIProfessional DivisionChampion: Adam KeySemifinalist: Jeremy CoffmanVarsity DivisionOctofinalist: Clayton Goss, Adesuwa Omoruyi, and

Heather LinderQuarterfinalist: Sara Harrigan2nd place speaker: Sara Harrigan1st place speaker: Heather LinderNovice Division Semifinalist: Ashley Olson 2nd place sweepstakes

Photo courtesy of Adam Key

From POLLS page 1

“This fall, we are teaching 90 percent of the classes. Basically, the existing campus has been our campus, but one in which we are spending a lot of money on rent.”

The university currently pays in excess of $1 million a year to rent the current space in the Woodlands, according to Elgsaer.

“The only difference [with the new building] will be that we will own this building,” Elgsaer said. “Our money will be spent on the debt reduction rather than on a lease agreement. Otherwise the center will be similar.”

University President Dana Gibson, Ph.D., was among those who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

“Based upon the dedicated efforts of Dr. Gaertner, President Emeritus, and others, Sam Houston State University

recognized the historic event when we broke ground on the second location in The Woodlands,” Gibson said. “The SHSU Center at The Woodlands provides strategic opportunity to better serve non-traditional undergraduates needing to complete a degree, as well as graduate students.”

Both the completion of the new University Center and its grand opening are scheduled for the spring or summer of 2012, Eglsaer said.

From CENTER page 1

Majors Fair: from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom

PC i love College “HaPPy Hour”: from 12-2 p.m. in the LSC 304

“I’m glad that people like Kent Hargett throw their hat in the ring,” Scudder said. “He was poorly funded, and he didn’t have the momentum in an area heavy with Republicans.”

Frievalt said that if Republicans were to take back the House, Obama would be forced to be bipartisan.

“[Obama] would not be able to push through legislation that is unpopular

with the majority of this country and he would be forced to work with Republicans for common sense solutions to our country's biggest problems,” Frievalt said.

Frievalt said that if the Republicans win back the House and the Senate, the scariest time will be between when the current Congress re-convenes and the new Congress is sworn in Jan. 3, 2011.

“Obama will attempt to push through all of his major spending packages and bills while the lame

duck House and Senate still have Democrat majorities,” Frievalt said. “I know Halloween just ended but that's scarier than any costumes I've seen.”

Scudder said that if Republicans were to take back Congress, individuals would see the return of failed policies that brought the United States into the economic crisis.

“You would see minorities muscled in Congress, and college students improperly represented in Congress,” Scudder said. “The Republican Party is the party that puts Wall Street ahead of Main Street. There has been significant job growth in the last nine months. If you hand it over to the Republicans, there would be dire consequences.”

Currently, Democrats hold 253 seats in the House, compared to 177 seats that are held by Republicans. In the Senate, Democrats hold 59 seats while Republicans hold 41.

Three siblings, with different musical talents and tastes and a knack for writing catchy country tunes, have made their mark in the music world. “The Band Perry” was nominated for the “Vocal Group of the Year” award for the 2010 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.

The band features a unique sound that pleasantly blends traditional country style with a rock-and-roll undertone. Achieving this sound comes naturally for the band as they draw off of each others’ unique musical qualities.

“The boys and I we really have different tastes in music, based around the instruments that we chose,” Kimberly Perry, vocalist for the band, said. “So it [the band’s sound] is sort of like the blend of all of our musical powers.”

“The three of us are brother and sister and, even though we do our m u s i c a l distinctions, we all grew up listening to the same stuff. Dad was a rock and roll lover and our mother was a country music fan. We’ve always been at the crossroads of those two roads.”

All musical artists have

other musicians that inspire them, but The Band Perry also draws inspiration from literary sources.

“In addition to musical influences, the three of us are really influenced by literature,” Kimberly said. “We’re pretty avid readers. One of our favorite literary genres is southern gothic. Flannery O’Connor is one of my very favorites. We try to write with a little bit of an antiquated language sometimes. We’re very much influenced by both literary and musical artists.”

The band’s literary influence is evident in their hit song “If I Die Young.” The song alludes to a poem entitled “The Lady of Shallott” by Lord Tennyson.

“I had read ‘The Lady of Shallott’ before I started writing the lyrics to “If I Die Young,” and a lot of imagery in that is so gorgeous and so

we wanted to include that,” Kimberly said. “It sort of added another level to the video.”

The song is on their debut album, which hit stores on October 12, and has landed

in the Top 10 on the country charts. The concept for “If I Die Young” began on “a cloudy day in eastern Tennessee” and

speaks of contentment with one’s life.

“ W e a c t u a l l y wrote it out of

contentment,” Kimberly said. “It was a moment in time when we were really beginning to get into our music, and we just looked at each other and said, ‘You know what? At this moment,

even if it all ended, really at our young ages, 27, 21, and 20, we have gotten to live life so completely because we’re getting to follow our dreams and we’re doing it together.’”

“And so for us, it’s always been just that, a statement of contentment which is why we wrote it over major chords and with a lullaby melody.”

The lullaby melody is accompanied by the haunting harmonies that the band believes can only be achieved by those who are closely related.

“We talked a lot about what makes family harmonies so

different,” Reid, bass player for the band, said. “I think it’s because we all grew up in the same regions and we all talk the same. We say our vowels and the consonants the same. And we kinda know where everyone else is going to go vocally.”

The three siblings are not the only family members making the magic happen. Behind the scenes, Mom and Dad Perry keep the trio trucking down the path of their musical career.

“They’ve been anything from chauffeurs to referees and roadies,” Kimberly said.

“They have supported us in every way since day one, whether it was literally doing the grunt work or whether it was supporting us emotionally, spiritually or financially when we needed it. Honestly they’re like the fourth and fifth silent members of The Band Perry. We’re so grateful for their council in our lives.”

Looking at the band, it’s easy to see that family is the key to their success, reminding us all to value and cherish the individuals in our own families. They may have what it takes to make all of your dreams come true.

Page 4Tuesday, November 2, 2010Arts & Entertainment

houstonianonline.com/entertainment

Veteran hip-hop talent Talib Kweli headlined the Red Bull Sound Clash at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas last Thursday. Kweli joined forces with the Rhythm Roots All Stars to battle Ozomatli, a versatile Latin band from Los Angeles, in an unparalleled musical dialogue amidst more than 2,100 screaming fans.

The Palladium was a scene fit for glamour. Six bars surrounded the club, with the VIP section conspicuously placed behind the stage and sound equipment. While the doors opened at 8 p.m., the show was set to start at 10 and the anticipation grew immensely.

Fans wanted to see Kweli, best known for his contribution to Kanye West’s hit single “Just to Get By” and his connection to longtime actor and emcee, Mos Def.

“I knew we were in for an all-time classic show with Talib,” said Kendra Murphy, a Sam Houston State student who attended the Sound Clash. “I read up a little on Ozomatli. They seem like the perfect style to sort of contrast what Talib’s going to

be doing.”Jake Crates of allhiphop.

com hosted the event, with DJ Sober spinning on the ones and two.

The battle consisted of four rounds: the Cover, the Takeover, the Clash and the Joker. Fans were closely so connected to the performances that they decided the winner of each round. The sounds of cheers were measured in loudness, relative to the MTV skit Wildin Out. Mere decibels decided Kweli’s victory over Ozomatli.

“I think it was the Dallas crowd that put me over the edge tonight,” said Kweli, following his win. “Hearing these guys chant my name…Wow! I wish more emcees had the chance to rock with cats like the Rhythm Roots Allstars and Ozomatli. It’s just a wonderful thing.”

The Dallas area has made waves in the hip-hop community recently, with catchy dance routines like the “dougie” and “stanky legg.” It had to have been refreshing for something more veritable act to grace the city.

In the first round, each band was given a song to cover, but they had to incorporate their own renditions. Kweli

used the Ozomatli’s Latin-tunes to his advantage, with crowd-friendly, hip rhymes.

The second round consisted of each act playing original pieces, where the opposition had to pick up the beat as it dropped, by far the most artistic aspect of the show.

“I think shows like this are really beneficial to all of us as artists because it forces you to think outside the box,” said Ulises Bella, saxophone player for Ozomatli. “It makes you think about not only your own music in a new way but someone else’s music as well, then throws in a competition element to top it off.”

What makes the Red Bull Sound Clash so luring is the fact that it puts the fans on the main stage. The bands play on podiums set up on opposite sides, while the crowd takes center stage to determine who reins supreme, if for one night only.

“It felt like I was a part of the performance,” Murphy added. “Being so close to the music, it seemed like they were genuinely playing for us as we were screaming for them. A sound clash makes beautiful music.”

When genres collideBy Thomas MerkaEntertainment Editor

“Daddy rocked us to sleep with the Rolling Stones; Mama woke us up with Loretta Lynn. So we get it honest.”

– Kimberly Perry

Photo Courtesy of Justin Nolan Key | The Band Perry

Red Bull Sound Clash

By Brandon ScottViewpoints Editor

WWW.UBSKI.COM 1-800-SKI-WILD • 1-800-754-9453

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Sibling trio blends country and rock

Photograph courtesy of Red Bull

Three siblings, with different musical talents and tastes and a knack for writing catchy country tunes, have made their mark in the music world. “The Band Perry” was nominated for the “Vocal Group of the Year” award for the 2010 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.

The band features a unique sound that pleasantly blends traditional country style with a rock-and-roll undertone. Achieving this sound comes naturally for the band as they draw off of each others’ unique musical qualities.

“The boys and I we really have different tastes in music, based around the instruments that we chose,” Kimberly Perry, vocalist for the band, said. “So it [the band’s sound] is sort of like the blend of all of our musical powers.”

“The three of us are brother and sister and, even though we do our m u s i c a l distinctions, we all grew up listening to the same stuff. Dad was a rock and roll lover and our mother was a country music fan. We’ve always been at the crossroads of those two roads.”

All musical artists have

other musicians that inspire them, but The Band Perry also draws inspiration from literary sources.

“In addition to musical influences, the three of us are really influenced by literature,” Kimberly said. “We’re pretty avid readers. One of our favorite literary genres is southern gothic. Flannery O’Connor is one of my very favorites. We try to write with a little bit of an antiquated language sometimes. We’re very much influenced by both literary and musical artists.”

The band’s literary influence is evident in their hit song “If I Die Young.” The song alludes to a poem entitled “The Lady of Shallott” by Lord Tennyson.

“I had read ‘The Lady of Shallott’ before I started writing the lyrics to “If I Die Young,” and a lot of imagery in that is so gorgeous and so

we wanted to include that,” Kimberly said. “It sort of added another level to the video.”

The song is on their debut album, which hit stores on October 12, and has landed

in the Top 10 on the country charts. The concept for “If I Die Young” began on “a cloudy day in eastern Tennessee” and

speaks of contentment with one’s life.

“ W e a c t u a l l y wrote it out of

contentment,” Kimberly said. “It was a moment in time when we were really beginning to get into our music, and we just looked at each other and said, ‘You know what? At this moment,

even if it all ended, really at our young ages, 27, 21, and 20, we have gotten to live life so completely because we’re getting to follow our dreams and we’re doing it together.’”

“And so for us, it’s always been just that, a statement of contentment which is why we wrote it over major chords and with a lullaby melody.”

The lullaby melody is accompanied by the haunting harmonies that the band believes can only be achieved by those who are closely related.

“We talked a lot about what makes family harmonies so

different,” Reid, bass player for the band, said. “I think it’s because we all grew up in the same regions and we all talk the same. We say our vowels and the consonants the same. And we kinda know where everyone else is going to go vocally.”

The three siblings are not the only family members making the magic happen. Behind the scenes, Mom and Dad Perry keep the trio trucking down the path of their musical career.

“They’ve been anything from chauffeurs to referees and roadies,” Kimberly said.

“They have supported us in every way since day one, whether it was literally doing the grunt work or whether it was supporting us emotionally, spiritually or financially when we needed it. Honestly they’re like the fourth and fifth silent members of The Band Perry. We’re so grateful for their council in our lives.”

Looking at the band, it’s easy to see that family is the key to their success, reminding us all to value and cherish the individuals in our own families. They may have what it takes to make all of your dreams come true.

Page 4Tuesday, November 2, 2010Arts & Entertainment

houstonianonline.com/entertainment

DALLAS, TX - Veteran hip-hop talent Talib Kweli headlined the Red Bull Sound Clash at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas last Thursday. Kweli joined forces with the Rhythm Roots All Stars to battle Ozomatli, a versatile Latin band from Los Angeles, in an unparalleled musical dialogue amidst more than 2,100 screaming fans.

The Palladium was a scene fit for glamour. Six bars surrounded the club, with the VIP section conspicuously placed behind the stage and sound equipment. While the doors opened at 8 p.m., the show was set to start at 10 and the anticipation grew immensely.

Fans wanted to see Kweli, best known for his contribution to Kanye West’s hit single “Just to Get By” and his connection to longtime actor and emcee, Mos Def.

“I knew we were in for an all-time classic show with Talib,” said Kendra Murphy, a Sam Houston State student who attended the Sound Clash. “I read up a little on Ozomatli. They seem like the perfect style to sort of

contrast what Talib’s going to be doing.”

Jake Crates of allhiphop.com hosted the event, with DJ Sober spinning on the ones and two.

The battle consisted of four rounds: the Cover, the Takeover, the Clash and the Joker. Fans were closely so connected to the performances that they decided the winner of each round. The sounds of cheers were measured in loudness, relative to the MTV skit Wildin Out. Mere decibels decided Kweli’s victory over Ozomatli.

“I think it was the Dallas crowd that put me over the edge tonight,” said Kweli, following his win. “Hearing these guys chant my name…Wow! I wish more emcees had the chance to rock with cats like the Rhythm Roots Allstars and Ozomatli. It’s just a wonderful thing.”

The Dallas area has made waves in the hip-hop community recently, with catchy dance routines like the “dougie” and “stanky legg.” It had to have been refreshing for something more veritable act to grace the city.

In the first round, each band was given a song to cover, but they had to incorporate

their own renditions. Kweli used the Ozomatli’s Latin-tunes to his advantage, with crowd-friendly, hip rhymes.

The second round consisted of each act playing original pieces, where the opposition had to pick up the beat as it dropped, by far the most artistic aspect of the show.

“I think shows like this are really beneficial to all of us as artists because it forces you to think outside the box,” said Ulises Bella, saxophone player for Ozomatli. “It makes you think about not only your own music in a new way but someone else’s music as well, then throws in a competition element to top it off.”

What makes the Red Bull Sound Clash so luring is the fact that it puts the fans on the main stage. The bands play on podiums set up on opposite sides, while the crowd takes center stage to determine who reins supreme, if for one night only.

“It felt like I was a part of the performance,” Murphy added. “Being so close to the music, it seemed like they were genuinely playing for us as we were screaming for them. A sound clash makes beautiful music.”

When genres collideBy Thomas MerkaEntertainment Editor

“Daddy rocked us to sleep with the Rolling Stones; Mama woke us up with Loretta Lynn. So we get it honest.”

– Kimberly Perry

Photo Courtesy of Justin Nolan Key | The Band Perry

Red Bull Sound Clash

By Brandon ScottViewpoints Editor

WWW.UBSKI.COM 1-800-SKI-WILD • 1-800-754-9453

COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK

Vail • Beaver Creek • Keystone • Arapahoe Basin

20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price.

breckenridge

plus t/s

FROMONLY

Sibling trio blends country and rock

Photograph courtesy of Red Bull

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