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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Mellows, Page 2

Photos by Rae Thompson/The Pine Log

Courtesy Photo

Talented trio

The Mellows, a jazz-rock band based in Nacogdoches that started about a year ago, is quickly finding its fan base growing. The members, coming together over time, have created a relaxed sound that still gets a crowd going.

“I recruited the fellas, to be completely honest,” Hance said. “I had a couple of songs under my belt and, basically, I knew they played the individual instruments they did. Jacob and I actually met when I moved back to Nacogdoches in 2012. A friend of mine had formed a group. He was the drummer, so that’s how I met him.”

The group, which only lasted a short period of time, was only a part of the beginning to The Mellows.

“We didn’t last too long. We were just a summer jam band, but I stayed in contact with Jacob,” Hance said. “But I didn’t actually initially approach [Flynn] until Stone House.”

Stone House was a band that both Hance and Flynn were in a while back.

“Yeah, Stone House happened and that’s how I met Will. I played bass for [Stone House] for a while,” Hance said.

The guys met separately and in different bands, but then decided it was best to bring it all together.

“We basically took two early bands that weren’t right yet, and then we morphed them into one,” Barnhill said.

“[Hance and I] started out ourselves,

and then we brought in a lot of his own material. Then we wrote some new stuff, and we just kind of picked [Barnhill] up,” Flynn said.

Their particular genre of music is unique, and The Mellows bring a new twist to jazz and rock. The guys incorporate a saxophone and keyboard to produce their intriguing sound.

“I would really call it jazz rock,” Hance said. “I would say that because, I mean, it’s rocky, but now full-on jazz. We just play a lot of jazz and blues chords.”

They credit their inspiration to multiple things.

“Well, I think for Marshall, it’s women,” Flynn said.

Hance looks around, slightly embarrassed, and takes a shot at his defense.

“Life events in general! Some of the better ones are about women. Women are very emotional topics, a song is very emotional, and so they go hand in hand. You can relate all songs, I guess, to a female presence, but some of them aren’t. ‘The Devil On My Shoulder,’ that’s not about women! That’s about choosing a path of right and wrong. It’s the classic scenario, the devil and an angel. Which one do you follow? So I mean, it’s not all women,” Hance said.

The name The Mellows, one might think, was chosen because the band

plays “mellow” music, but this is not the only reason why they chose this title. This name has been around for quite a while.

“My nickname in high school was ‘Marshmallow,’ so I came up with ‘Marshall and The Mellows,’ but then we were battling with either that or just ‘The Mellows.’ So we went with that,” Hance said.

The band currently has an album out titled “The Devil On My Shoulder,” which has seven original songs. The jazz incorporation is definitely apparent.

“I was with the SFA jazz band and really got into jazz that way, so when they approached me, I really wanted to add some more jazz kind of stuff into it. It already was pretty jazzy, but adding the saxophone just amplified it a bit,” Barnhill said.

Making their name known is proving to be easy because of their easy-listening sound. After being asked about their dream venue, the band replied with places like Madison Square Garden, Shea Stadium and The White House.

With that settled, they described those who inspire them.

“Well for me, for this band, it’s really just jazz drummers. Kind of like old Maroon 5, with the pop but bluesy

JaCob baRNHILL, WILL FLYNN aNd MaRsHaLL HaNCe prepare for their upcoming show on May 23 at The Liberty Bell in Nacogdoches. Barnhill, the band’s saxophonist, Flynn, the drummer, and Hance, the guitarist and vocalist, describe their music as jazz-rock and draw inspiration from life events. The band was formed in 2014 when the group melded two previous bands.

The Mellows jazz up local music scene with unique sound

SFA student arrested on felony drug charges

By Anna Clarke

Contributing Writer

Th e dimly-lit restaurant was filling up with people as instruments were being set up toward the back. The brick walls bounced dinner conversation off of them as three young men— Marshall Hance, Jacob Barnhill and Will Flynn— sat at the dark hardwood bar drinking

Miller Lite and something just a little stronger. The three, all dressed differently and each owning a unique style that expressed their personalities, laughed with one another while the stage was set up for a soundcheck.

Denzel Deshaun Mitchell, 24, has been arrested on felony marijuana charges after a suspicious package was discovered in the Nacogdoches Post Office, according to a Nacogdoches Police Department news release.

Mitchell, a junior health science major, remains in the Nacogdoches County Jail.

During a routine inspection of incoming parcels, a suspicious package was located by postal employees. The Nacogdoches Police Department was notified and responded with the K-9 unit.

A police K-9 alerted on the package as containing marijuana, the release said.

Officers conducted a controlled delivery of the package to the addressee. Mitchell was arrested upon taking delivery of the package. The package was found to contain 4.2 pounds of marijuana.

Officers obtained a search warrant for Mitchell’s residence in the 5200 block of Northway Street. The search revealed items consistent with the packaging and distribution of marijuana.

The case was investigated by NPD Street Crimes, K-9, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

4.2 lbs of marijuana found in package

Bright Ideas Conference comes to SFA

The 2015 SFA Bright Ideas Conference, highlighting faculty research, scholarship and artistry, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

More than 100 research posters and scholarly exhibits, including seven individual spotlight exhibits, will be on display from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom. An Authors and Artists Reception at 1:30 p.m. and a High-Impact Practices and Certified Online Instructor recognition ceremony at 2:30 p.m. will culminate the conference in the Twilight Ballroom.

The annual Bright Ideas Conference is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the Office of High-Impact Practices.

“This conference not only showcases discipline-specific research but also research on the scholarship of teaching and learning,” said Dr. Richard Berry, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Conference, Page 2

IF YOU GO

Research posters and scholarly exhibits: 10 to 11 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom

Authors and Artists Reception: 1:30 p.m. in the Twilight Ballroom

Recognition ceremony: 2:30 p.m. in the Twilight Ballroom

CMYK

By Sara JonesStaff Writer

Does an undergraduate’s major dictate his or her future career path? The evidence suggests that this is not the case.

In a recent article by Business Insider, 32 percent of the world’s wealthiest people have no college degree. The second most profitable degree was engineering, at 22 percent. This information portrays that one particular degree will not determine your future. Various individuals have created successful careers with no degrees.

According to a November 2013 study by the website CareerBuilder, about one-third (31 percent) of college-educated American workers over 35 are never employed within their degree field. These statistics are further proof that a career often does not reflect an individual’s

undergraduate studies.

“I was a journalism major. I worked in insurance for 11 years, and that had nothing to do with my major. Now I work in the Alumni office, and I am able to use the English side of my degree. It does not dictate your career path, but a degree shows that you have commitment,” SFA Alumni Association staff member Heather Hawkins said.

Planning a career path is often daunting for college students. The age old questions, “What are you studying?” and, “What are you going to do with that?”

are often asked of students on a daily basis. The simple questions are often the hardest to answer, because many students do not know how their degrees will transfer into careers in the future. Instead of worrying about using a degree, students can learn to hone their skills into advantages in any field.

“A degree is transferable.

A skill set, confidence and direction are not. These are the things employers are looking for,” SFA Career Services director Binta Brown said.

“But the proof is in the pudding. Anyone can say that they possess a certain skill. Employers are looking for you to provide examples that you have these skills,” Brown said.

English degrees are often considered the “kiss of death” in the job market. However, graduates with English

degrees not limited to simply teaching. The employment opportunities range from newspapers and magazines to technical industries and law firms. A degree is not designed to limit a student’s opportunities, but advance them.

“Students that know how to use the skills they obtained while earning their degrees have a better chance

of enhancing their career paths,” Brown said.

SFA students seeking advice on advancing their career paths should begin their research as early as possible. There are resources and tools available to SFA students regarding preparing for a career. The Career Services department, located on the third floor of the Rusk Building, offers free services to students such as mock interviews, resume critiques and business fashion advice.

The SFA Alumni Association, located next to the Baker Pattillo Student Center, is a valuable resource for students who are about to

graduate. Networking is a powerful tool that has helped many students obtain dream jobs. SFA alumni are waiting to be a part of students’ professional networks upon graduation.

“Beginning freshman year, get your core classes out of the way. This will teach you what you do not want to do. Have fun in college, but not too much. Be yourself. Make friends,” SFA Alumni Association staff member Derek Hall said.

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From Page 1

“For many of our faculty, the dedication to the pursuit of research and creative work has resulted in publication, exhibitions or performances. One new aspect of this year’s conference is the Authors and Artists Reception, which provides the university with the opportunity to offer our thanks and support for these efforts.”

This addition will honor faculty members who have published scholarly works or performed or exhibited creative works during the 2014 calendar year.

A spotlight exhibit was chosen to represent each of the six SFA colleges, as well as the Ralph W. Steen Library. This year’s presenters include:

Dr. Justin Blount, Nelson Rusche College of Business, “Social Enterprise and Corporate Governance;”

Drs. Christina Sinclair and Jay Thornton, James I. Perkins College of Education, “This is a Picture of…Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences

Living in a Hybrid Curriculum;”Dr. Jamie Weaver, College of Fine Arts, “Blind

Woman’s Bluff;”Drs. Daniel Unger, David Kulhavy, I-Kuai Hung

and Yanli Zhang, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, “Using Field-Based Instruction and Hands-On Applications to Quantify Natural Resources;”

Jonathon Quam, College of Liberal and Applied Arts, “Forward: Racial Disparities and the Changing Power Structure of Madison, Wisconsin;”

Drs. Della Conner and Janice Hensarling, College of Sciences and Mathematics, “A Shot in the Dark: Innovation Community Outreach to Save Lives;” and Kyle Ainsworth and Shaun Roberts, Ralph W. Steen Library, “Portraits of Freedom.”

The public is invited, and admission is free. For additional information about the Bright Ideas Conference, contact the SFA Center for Teaching and Learning at (936) 468-1735, or email Megan Weatherly at msweatherly@sfasu.edu, or visit ctl.sfasu.edu.

Conference: New authors, artists reception to honor faculty, staff

Mellows: Creative sound rocks small town

Photo by Rae Thompson/The Pine LogFrom left, Mellows band members Will Flynn, Marshall Hance and Jacob Barnhill. See them play live at The Liberty Bell at 9 p.m. May 23 and keep up to date with the band on Facebook.

feel,” Flynn said. Hance spoke up, sitting in the middle of the three. “My primary influence is Eric Johnson out of

Austin, Texas. He’s a guitar player and probably the best one that’s ever lived. I really do try to write most of my songs around the way he sounds. People say I sound like John Mayer, and I do pull a lot of inspiration from him, but Eric Johnson more so,” Hance said.

Lastly, Barnhill.“I’d probably say…Snarky Puppy is a new and

upcoming jazz fusion band. They are really creative

in their song writing, and they do a lot of good stuff with saxophone and keyboard and those are my main two [instruments]. But then also old classic rock and jazz,” Barnhill said.

They aren’t country, and that might create hardships in Nacogdoches, but the band is taking this town by storm.

“We don’t lack for shows, and I feel like we give the audience some variety,” Hance said.

The Mellows can be found on http://www.reverbnation.com/andthemellows. You can buy their EP at their shows around Nacogdoches.

CMYK

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By Christine RitterContributing Writer

Most students know about “Dead Week.” The name itself is self-explanatory—it is a week when students believe there are no classes or assignments due. However, some students said they still had classes or assignments due during that week.

Dead week on university campuses is the week before final exams. Many students believe that all classes and club activities are supposed to be canceled to give them extra time to focus on the final exams. However, at SFA, there is an exemption that allows most classes to meet. Professors can still hold classes during dead week and can require students to turn in assignments as long as

they are written in the syllabus.“In some courses, there might not be a final

exam, so it’s logical that students would have a major project due at the end of the semester. I often will require these assignments be turned in during Dead Week rather than Finals Week,” Professor Perry Moon said.

Whether students have classes or assignments due during Dead Week depends on their professors. Each student will experience Dead Week differently. Some students could have no classes during that week, while others could still have their regular schedule.

The best way to approach Dead Week is to reread the syllabus to check if classes are still going on and to see if anything is due, then plan for that week accordingly.

University’s Dead Week alive with classes, projects

Photo illustration by Hannah Russell/The Pine Log

study Tips from The Pine Log

1. Don’t stay up too late. It’s important to get enough

sleep before the big test.

2. Do not wait to start studying until the night before

the test. Give yourself adequate time to study.

3. Make flash cards.

4. Prioritize your studies.

5. Know your professors’ office hours in case you

have questions or need to review a concept.

6. Take study breaks every 30 minutes.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015entertainment

By Christin EdwardsWebmaster

The week before dead week is a strange week for everyone, because most of us are in the midst of making many decisions. From trying to figure out the next step after graduation to deciding classes for the fall semester or finding a topic for the last English paper, there is simply too much uncertainty and lack of direction for the amount of big or small decisions that have to be made. However, with the help of the Unstuck app, you can get a fresh perspective to help guide you through sticky situations.

Calling themselves your “in-the-moment digital coach,” Unstuck is a free app that helps users who are feeling stuck about a life situation think differently about a stuck moment so they can move forward. Unstuck does not solve problems for you (wouldn’t that be great if it did?). The app simply deciphers what users are feeling, thinking and doing to solve their problem and offers users insight on a new way to approach their problem and some tools to help them put their advice into action.

What is great about Unstuck is that it understands that people get stuck in different ways. For example, one can be stuck due to a lack of motivation or because they do not know how to start the task. So, Unstuck created 11 types

of “stuck” that aren’t “permanent labels,” but are a starting point that can push users in the direction of a solution.

With its whimsical layout, Unstuck begins by asking users to pick three emotions they are feeling, such as “lost,” “hesitant” or “tired.” Then it will ask if the user’s problem lies in the user’s professional or personal life and if there are other people involved. Next, the user will be forced to type out their exact problem, then to check off what they are doing at the moment to solve the problem. From there, Unstuck provides the user with a “diagnosis” for what type of “stuck” they are and gives tips on how to get “unstuck,” such as how to make better to-do lists or how to discover their productivity sweet spot. Finally, users are given the option to keep the solution for future reference or start over for a new diagnosis.

Overall, Unstuck is admirable in believing everyone is capable of solving their own problems. With the amount of tips they provide, it’s like a motivational road map out of the darkness that is uncertainty and doubt, making it a definite keeper for when it’s time to make decisions or find inspiration.

Unstuck can be downloaded on all Apple and Android devices for free. It can also be used on desktop computers for free.

By Evie SweetenStaff Writer

A collection of paintings characterized by bold colors contrasted with darker backgrounds that capture scenes from everyday life help to tell the story of Arely Morales’ life.

Morales is a senior art major graduating this May. Recently, she won an honorable mention at the Texas National Art Competition and Exhibition.

The competition is in its 21st year. It features paintings, sculptures and photography. This year there were over 800 submissions from 26 states. Three artists placed, and 10 received honorable mentions.

“I wanted to challenge myself. I try to enter this competition every year, but this year I felt prepared. I took a technical approach with lots of layers. I’m so happy. This was a great experience,” Morales said.

Many artists enter because of the wide range of art being shown, which allows for

people across the country to see the work. Each year, SFA finds someone important in the art world to judge all of the submissions.

“This show helps to put us on the map. It’s become really famous. People flew in from Los Angeles. We’re fortunate to find art critics to jury and attend the event. It brings a great cross section of art to East Texas,” said John Handley, director of SFA Art Galleries.

Morales’ award-winning piece was a painting called “Fearless.” It shows a serious-faced woman from the Mexican Revolution with bullets over her shoulder and wearing a colorful dress.

“I’m influenced by my Mexican heritage—the traditions and my childhood. I grew up with parades and everything. My parents are huge in traditions, too—the dancing and everything. Also, Baroque artists influence me. The paintings are so lifelike,” Morales said.

While Morales is talented and passionate about her

art, this was never a part of her original life plan until a few years ago. When she came to SFA, Morales was a photography major.

“I took a painting class and really got into it. I’ve learned how just to become an artist. It’s so many steps—entering shows, presenting work in a professional way and understanding the art world,” Morales said.

During her time in Nacogdoches, Morales has become inspired to find what she wants to do after graduation.

“All of the professors are very experienced. They are so good and always willing to help. I want to get my master’s degree so I can teach art. We had art students over from Chihuahua, Mexico and, when I talked to them, they said there wasn’t much support for them. I want to do something in both America and Mexico,” Morales said.

“Fearless” will be on display at the Cole Art Center. For additional information, call (936) 468-1131.

By Marina DonLevyEntertainment Editor

SFA’s own Rockin’ Axes will present “The Fathers of Rock and Roll” in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, in the Cole Concert Hall.

The Rockin’ Axes ensemble comprises sound recording technology majors enrolled in a music performance course of the same name. This spring, the course was taught by Andrew Sperandeo, who also directs the ensemble.

In class, the musicians focused on “influential, popular music of the 20th and 21st centuries,” according to the syllabus. At the capstone concert, the group will perform classic rock n’ roll hits by Elvis Presley, Ray Charles and others.

According to Sperandeo, “The Fathers of Rock and Roll” theme of this year’s concert was selected so that students could learn about the origins of rock while focusing on technical traits of the still-popular tunes such as style

and form. Students were also expected to learn the “skills necessary to transcribe, rehearse, arrange and perform in an ensemble setting.” In addition to rehearsing together, the group also studied how race and other social factors influenced rock n’ roll music in the late 20th century. Combining the predominantly African American genres of the 1940s such as blues, jazz and gospel into an entirely new form we still appreciate today, rock n’ roll has a rich history the class explored.

“Focusing on primarily the positive side, we looked at how artists like Ray Charles were able to cross racial boundaries through their music,” Sperandeo said.

Rock n’ roll created new opportunities for marginalized groups to participate in popular music, and is a “prime example of how music can truly be colorblind,” Sperandeo said.

Audience members can expect to recognize such well-

known tunes as “Jailhouse Rock,” “What’d I Say” and “La Bamba.”

This concert is a presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Tickets are $8

for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

By Marina DonLevyEntertainment Editor

The SFA School of Art and the Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of “Finding Vivian Maier” at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, in The Cole Art Center in downtown Nacogdoches.

“Finding Vivian Maier” is a critically acclaimed 2013 documentary about a mysterious nanny whose photos were discovered after decades of secrecy when a storage locker full of her negatives was discovered in a thrift auction house in 2007. According to vivianmaier.com, she “recorded some of the most interesting marvels and peculiarities of Urban America in the second half of the 20th century” by capturing them in her street photography. She would eventually leave behind a mysteriously guarded body of over 100,000 negatives documenting the people and places she saw during her life in New York and Chicago.

She is now considered to be among the 20th century’s greatest photographers, and her work is being archived by John Maloof, who brought her work to the public eye and directed the documentary “Finding Vivian Maier” with Charlie Siskel, according to information at findingvivianmaier.com.

The film brings together never-before-seen photographs, films and interviews with dozens who thought they knew the secretive artist, revealing her strange life and art. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary feature in 2015.

This screening is part of the School of Art’s monthly First Friday Film Series and is sponsored in part by the Nacogdoches Junior Forum, The Liberty Bell, Main Street Nacogdoches, Bill Arscott, Jill Carrington, Karon Gillespie, John Heath, David Kulhavy and Brad Maule.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.

App of the weekGet some direction with Unstuck

‘Fearless’ in competitionArely Morales’ painting earns honorable mention in annual Texas National Art show

Courtesy of arely Morales

Rockin’ Axes course to culminate in ‘Fathers of Rock and Roll’ performance

School of Art to present a free screening of photography documentary ‘Finding Vivian Maier’

Friday Film Series to feature story of mysterious street photographer

Courtesy photo

Concert to feature tunes by Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Ritchie Valens

Courtesy photo

students in andrew sperandeo’s class of Sound Recording

Technology majors strike a pose outside SFA’s theatre building.

The group will present a rock n’ roll tribute concert Friday, May 1,

featuring hits from well-known musicians.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BELEN CASILLAS

NEWS EDITORMORGAN MCGRATH

OPINIONS EDITORJOSEPH STEPNIEWSKI

SPORTS EDITORJORDAN MOSS

ADVERTISING MANAGER BETSY FOREMAN

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERCHRISTIAN MILANA DAVIS

PHOTO EDITORHAREI WAJA

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORMARINA DONLEVY

COPY EDITORTAYLOR RAGLIN

WEB MASTERCHRISTIN EDWARDS

DESIGN EDITOR KASI DICKERSON

Spring 2015 Editorial BoardOpinions

Policy

✓ Write a letter to Grinding the Ax. Follow the guidelines on the left. Sign your name, and your letter will likely appear on this very page.

✓ Or use our website to submit a letter to Grinding the Ax. It’ll save you a trip to the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

✓ Post feedback to our stories online. Hit the “Comments” button at the end of a story, and let us have it. We can take it.

We’re lookingfor your

FEEDBACKOpinions expressed in this section of The Pine Log are those of the individual writer or cartoonist and do not necessarily reflect those of the University, its administrative officers or Board of Regents.

Letters should be typed and should include the student’s hometown, classification, campus identification number and phone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit letters for space, spelling, grammar and potentially libelous material. Letters should not be longer than 300 words. Any letter that does not follow this criteria will not be published.

MANAGING EDITOR DAVID FLETCHER

The most dread-ed questions for all college

students are, “What’s your major, and what do you want to do with it?” This ques-tion starts the long conversation that in-volves you trying to explain to the person what you think you would like to do with-out hinting to them that you actually have no idea what you want to do with your major.

I know I have had this conver-sation with many people during my time here at SFA, and at times I would honestly rather just talk

about the weather or politics than dis-cuss my future plans.

Earlier this year, someone very close to me made a comment about my major that hurt me very deeply. I would like to share this story because I know everyone has had someone take a jab at their choice of

major or career at least once.This person was asking me my

major and plans for the future. When I told them I was a mass com-munication major with a focus on journalism, they simply laughed out loud and said, “Oh, how I

wish I could’ve been an athlete.” “What?” I thought. Her com-

ment took me back a little. This person, who I loved deeply and who I thought cared a lot for me, had not only laughed at my major, but also laughed at my passion. I was so confused, and her comment didn’t make sense to me. Did this person think that being a collegiate student-athlete was easy? Did this person believe that my major is a walk in the park, and professors hand me As just for running for the cross-countr y and track program?

This comment plagued me in the months to come and left me thinking that I was taking an

easier route through college by picking a major that would be worth nothing in the long run.

However, it was on a run one day when I realized that this per-son didn’t make that comment because they thought I was tak-ing the easy way out in college—it was because they were not sat-isfied with their career and life choices. As I kept running and throwing this thought around in my head, it became clearer. The only explanation I have is that this person obviously didn’t like what she chose to do, so she felt the need to bring others down as well. Because if you truly love what you do, then you will en-courage others to strive for their

passions and dreams as well.My best advice when dealing

with people who laugh at your plans or dreams is to smile and trust in the gift God has given to you. Remember that everyone is different and is blessed with unique abilities. One of my favorite quotes through this has been, “Let the beauty you love be what you do.”

Understand there is noth-ing wrong in with being unsure or not knowing your life plan at the moment. Take life day by day and work hard in everything you do. Encourage others through hard times, and build them up with kind words when they are knocked down. Be a light, and keep fighting the good fight.

Am e r i c a is no dif-f e r e n t

from the rest of the world when it comes to having difficulty man-aging the differ-ences between its inhabitants, whether they be ethical, racial or whatever other problems a country might endure. However, I want to dedicate this col-umn to the current racial problems in our country.

The amount of reported “white” police officers kill-ing unarmed “black” men in this country is at an ex-tremely high rate, and I put the quotation marks around the ethnicities be-cause that is how the in-cidents are being report-ed. This is especially baf-fling considering it’s 2015, you know, the supposed era of social progression.

There have been too many incidents to name them all, but a couple of high-profile cases that come to mind when I think of the prob-lem at hand are the cases of Michael Brown, Walter Scott, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner and, now, Freddie Gray.

These incidents, from my perspective, seemingly split the country right down the middle. You have people of all colors believing that the officers shouldn’t be repri-manded for their actions, because if the deceased had complied, they wouldn’t have happened. Then you have those who believe that running from the cops or giving them a difficult time outside of violence does not warrant death.

I side with the latter group, especially considering the fact that James Holmes, the Colorado movie theater shooter, was captured alive.

People have speculat-ed that the deaths by the hands of the police are due to officers’ fear of the black male. I don’t know what to attribute it to directly, but I’m not buying that at all. How do people fear a man running from them more than one yielding an AR-15 riffle? The problem is much more complex than that, and I’m uncomfort-able when discussing it.

This unaddressed prob-lem in our country has led

to very violent rioting and loot-ing, which fur-ther elevates the problem at hand. We had the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, New York and now the ongoing riots in Baltimore.

Still, no produc-tive conversation

has come about. Instead, ev-eryone is calling the people involved hooligans, thugs, idiots and other things.

My question to those people is, what do you sug-gest? Everyone is quick to criticize what someone else does to address a prob-lem, but they never con-tribute to a solution them-selves. Instead, they sit around watching their TVs and shaking their heads. Another thing I hear a lot is that violence is not the an-swer. I’m not suggesting an eye for an eye, but at what point is enough enough?

The longer Americans sit around and turn a blind eye to what is happening around the country, the further we will slide back.

Now, you might think I’m being a little dramatic, and if you do, then this column was for you. The people who sit around and think the problem will fix itself or will just magically become a distant memory tomorrow are the ones I am targeting.

Arrogance and igno-rance have ruined many great nations. Don’t be fooled into thinking that America can’t join that list.

Another problem con-tributing to the growing madness is the media. I feel America’s media machine is a joke. No longer are people seeking to shed light on the truth, but instead to build their reputation and get enjoyment out of spewing lies and political vitriol as a talking head on TV. Please do tell us more about how you saved puppies from a fire, Brian Williams. The media feeds the fire that is racial tension in this coun-try with unnecessary labels and selective reporting.

All in all, don’t let the comfort of your world blind you from the real-ity of the world we live in. There is a war outside that requires our attention as a whole. Wake up America.

According to the Texas Tribune, Senate bill 1735

was passed 5-1 by the Senate Higher Education Committee. It wil l in-crea se requ i rement s for the Hazlewood Act, an act which a l lows militar y personnel to attend college for re-duced cost or for free.

Under the new act, a vet-eran must serve six years before being able to pass tuition and fee benefits for up to 60 hours of college credit in the Hazlewood Act on to a dependent. Before Senate Bill 1735 was passed, a veteran only needed to serve 180 days for up to 150 hours of free tuition. Sen. Brian Birdwell explained that, without such reform, it would be-come impossible to con-tinue honoring veterans through the Hazlewood Act given the cost to uni-versities. State universities spent $169 million on the program in the last year, and that number was ex-pected to balloon to $379 million by 2019, according to the Legislative Budget Board. Those receiving free tuition benefits would be required to main-tain a GPA of at least 2.5.

While Birdwell’s bill has been criticized by veterans’

groups who do not believe benefits should be lessened, universities say payments related to the Hazlewood Act cannot be sustained without such adjustments. The bill will be voted on in the full Senate, and the House Higher Education Committee is consid-ering two similar bills.

This proposal to reel back Hazlewood Act ben-efits does not seem in-tended as a slap in the face to veterans, but as a way of being able to maintain some of the benefits within a realistic and responsible budget. However, it begs the ques-tion: where else might money come from to pay for the plan? It seems as though honoring our vet-erans is too important not to look for other ways the Hazlewood Act might be extended. The 2.5 GPA re-quirement seems fair, but is six years too long to re-quire a military member to serve in order to receive benefits? Yes, 180 days seems like too small of a time frame, but six years seems like too long of one.

With benefits for mili-tary men and women being lessened by those who do not serve, it becomes un-clear if this will prevent new recruits from joining

the military. While most military members, as vol-untary personnel, are serv-ing out of love for their country, it seems unfair to continue testing their loyalty by reducing their benefits. Given how many men and women come back homeless or struggle to find jobs after coming home from military tours, joining the military looks increasingly less attractive.

Perhaps these changes to the Hazlewood Act are the only realistic solution, as callous as it sounds. But it brings up the question of what else might be cut in order to better serve military members. Are there points of waste and excess in university bud-gets? Most likely, yes. This is a point of contention not only when discussing benefits to former military students, but also profes-sor salaries. How much in administrative and other costs would Texas uni-versities be willing—or able—to cut while still maintaining successful operations campus-wide?

The problem, just as in last week’s editorial in this paper about SFA’s market-ing campaign extension, is that it’s hard to know where money comes from and where money goes

in such a way that these questions can adequate-ly be answered. Beyond seeking where to cut and where to expand univer-sity budgets, there might be a happy medium be-tween the current 180-day requirement for passing on tuition benefits and the proposed six-year require-ment in Senate Bill 1735.

In any case, we ought to seek ways to benefit our servicemen and women as best we can. The Hazlewood Act may not be able to be sustained in its current form, but veter-ans will always deserve as much as we can give them. Bill 1735 must be voted on by the Texas Senate, House and governor before it becomes law. Students who received exemptions under the Hazlewood Act prior to the Spring 2016 semester would continue to be eligible for exemp-tions as they existed Jan. 1, 2015, according to the bill. Hopefully, some changes will be made before then. According to language in the bill, it could go into ef-fect Sept. 1, 2015, or sooner, depending on how it gets voted on in these next stages. If you have any sug-gestions, Sen. Birdwell can be contacted online via brianbirdwell.net/contact.

Senate committee revises Hazlewood Act

Managing Editor

David Fletcher

Shelby Pesek

Contributing Writer

Arrogance, ignorance

concerning racial issues

putting country at risk

What other people think no reason to give up on your dreams

TuitionTuition under fire

• Senate Bill 1735 passed Texas Senate Committee with 5-1 vote

• Bill would mean veterans would have to serve six years before passing on 60 hours of college credits to dependents; formerly only had to serve 180 hours to pass on 150 hours of free tuition

• Estimated $169 million spent by Texas universities in the last year to satisfy Hazlewood Act benefits; $369 million estimated in spending by 2019 prior to Bill 1735 adjustments

• GPA of 2.5 or higher required to receive Hazlewood benefits

• Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell authored bill

Senate Bill 1735 Facts

Illustration by Julianne James/The Pine Log

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L A U N C H I N G

MAY 5

By Jordan MossSports Editor

The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association honored an SFA track and field star for the fourth time this year on Tuesday.

Junior pole vaulter Demi Payne received the Athlete of the Week honor following her performance at the 106th annual Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, last week. The event featured some of the best athletes from around the world coming together for the competition.

Payne continued her record-setting year by breaking the collegiate outdoor record set in the Beijing World Championship Preview Pole Vault competition by

clearing a height of 15-3.5 (4.66m).Sandy Morris of the University of Arkansas held the

record for three weeks with a mark of 15-1.75 (4.62m). It was the second record belonging to Morris that Payne has broken this year.

Back in January, Payne took down Morris’ indoor record. She now holds both the indoor and outdoor competitions’ top marks.

Earlier in the week, Payne finished in first place in the women’s professional street vault competition. The event was held on Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines. Payne set a mark of 15-1.5 (4.61m) to record her ninth individual title of 2015.

Payne will compete on Saturday at the Longhorn Invitational at the University of Texas.

By David FletcherManaging Editor

The seniors of the Lumberjack baseball team played their last game at Jaycees field Sunday, sealing a series victory against Abilene Christian with a 3-0 win.

Jarred Greene picked up the win and moved to 2-4 on the season. Greene pitched five innings in the shutout and had three strikeouts on the evening.

Four other Lumberjacks took the mound, and senior Tyler Wiendenfeld was credited with the save.

Tyler Boxwell went 2-3 at the plate in the game and helped earn two of the Jacks’ three runs. Boxwell got base hits in the second

and sixth innings that gave the Jacks a 2-0 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

The Lumberjack fan base bid farewell to seniors Wiedenfeld, Josh Keith, Cameron Gann, Dillon Mangham and Dan O’Neill with a pre-game ceremony that honored their time as Lumberjacks.

The Lumberjacks won the first game of the series 7-6 Saturday at Jaycees field.

Josh Keith picked up the win for the Lumberjack pitching staff. He pitched one inning and allowed two hits and one run.

Gann started, pitching six innings and allowing six hits and five runs before being pulled.

Wiedenfeld picked up the save, his first of two on the weekend.

The Lumberjacks got off to a slow start by not scoring anything in the first six innings. However, the bats exploded in the seventh and eighth innings to help the Jacks pull off the comeback victory.

Zach Valenzuela and Boxwell were instrumental in the seventh, bringing runners in with their work at the plate. Connor Fikes also brought a runner in after being walked with the bases loaded before the Jacks were retired.

The Jacks continued their hot hitting in the eighth to add another three runs to the board and take a 7-6 lead.

Wiedenfeld did the rest in the top of the ninth, replacing Keith to seal the victory.

The Jacks’ lone loss on the weekend came

on the back end of a back-to-back Saturday by a score of 6-2.

Abilene pitcher Thomas Altimont picked up the win for Abilene, pitching all nine innings and earning 10 strike outs. With the win, Altimont moved to 2-7 on the season.

Mangham was credited with the loss for the Jacks and allowed all six runs. Mangham is now 3-7 on the season.

The Lumberjacks are now 15-29 overall and 9-14 in conference play with only three weeks remaining before the conference tournament.

First up down the stretch for the Jacks is a matchup with Louisiana Tech at 6 p.m. Saturday in Louisiana.

Seniors

finish

with ‘W’SFA baseball team takes down ACU

Demi Payne continues to breakrecords in pole vault competition

Photos by Rae Thompson/The Pine LogTyler boxwell had three RbI, and Jarred Greene pitched five shutout innings.

Courtesy photo

2015 Wins/Records

NCAA Women’s Indoor Record Holder

2015 USA Track and Field Indoor Champion

2015 NCAA Indoor All-American Honorable

MentionSFA Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Record Holder

2015 Southland Conference Indoor Champion

2015 Texas A&M Team Invitational Champion

2015 New Mexico Lobo Collegiate Open Champion

2015 Howie Ryan Invitational Champion

2015 New Mexico Collegiate Classic Champion

2015 Skechers Carl Kight Invitational Champion