San Marcos Goes Green for St. Patrick's Day

When San Marcos residents get thirsty for some green beer, they bring the luck of the Irish for the local pubs and bars with a huge increase in alcohol sales.

St. Patrick’s Day was created to be a holiday that celebrates one of the most commonly recognized patron saints of Ireland, Saint Patrick. It started as a Catholic holiday and in the 1600s it transitioned into an official feast day. Now, St. Patrick’s Day is most commonly associated with shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold. People from all over wear green, drink green alcohol and celebrate the Irish on March 17.

Texas State University’s Spring Break landed the week before St. Patrick’s Day, so it gave students a chance to get back to San Marcos and still be ready to party. Some local businesses were very slow during Texas State’s Spring Break due to the fact that many students went out of town and on vacation. The Irish holiday gave these businesses a chance to make up for some of their slower, less profitable days.

San Marcos bars, pubs, and liquor stores had a huge increase in alcohol sales on St. Patrick’s Day. Even though the holiday fell on a Wednesday this year, it didn’t stop many people from coming out, spending some money and celebrating with friends. Many people not only enjoyed dressing up crazy and wearing as much green as possible, but they also enjoyed drinking the green beer. Although “the green beer tastes like normal beer, it’s something fun and different to drink,” said Erin Vincent, bartender at Barfish.

Many places also had specials on the green-colored beer to entice people to come out and drink. “We didn’t really need to have drink specials because we knew that we would be busy no matter what, but we offered some of the green beer for $2.50,” said Blake York, server and bartender at Sean Patrick’s Irish Pub and Grill. Sean Patrick’s was busy from the minute that the front doors opened that day. “It was chaos, elbow-to-elbow, people everywhere, but we still had a lot of fun. There was live music and everyone danced and celebrated,” said York. Sean Patrick’s was fully staffed and ready for action for the busy holiday. “We sold $24,000, which is as much as we would sell in a week, but in just one day. It was our highest sales record since we opened in 2006,” said York. Although it is not an Irish bar, “Barfish sold $11,000 in just seven hours of being opened,” said Vincent.

The liquor stores in San Marcos also profited from St. Patrick’s Day. Many people spent the extra money to buy some Irish alcohol such as Guinness and Bailey’s, but there were also those who just wanted to drink and not spend more than usual. As for the Irish whiskey, “We sold out of Jameson and even sold a lot of Bushmills, which is cheap and gross,” said Tripp Miller, cashier at MJ’s Liquor Store. Many people also seemed to be happier and excited to get out and celebrate. “The overall spirits were high, even my boss was in a really good mood,” said Miller.

Many local stores also benefitted from the hype of the holiday because so many people wanted to dress up and decorate. “We had an entire isle filled with St. Patrick’s Day costumes and decorations,” said Megan Purvis, cashier at Target. “It’s crazy to see how much money people will spend to celebrate one day of the year,” said Purvis.

Texas State bleeds orange too?

Embarking on your college career is considered a rite of passage for many people. This journey allows students to broaden their educational knowledge and their individualism. One way to express your individualism is in what you wear.

Many Texas State students don the maroon and gold school colors on a daily basis. However, many Texas State students tend to represent the university that resides a little ways up the interstate. Some Texas State students bleed burnt orange rather than maroon and gold.

Some students would question their school spirit and some just don’t care. Computer science major and Texas State student Devan Rodriguez feels school spirit runs deeper than what you wear.

“I feel school spirit is having pride in your school, attending sporting events, doing things for fraternities and just being involved in all sorts of activities," Rodriguez said. “It doesn’t really bother me when students wear shirts from other schools just as long as they aren’t trying to say Texas State sucks.”

Unlike Rodriguez, students who wear apparel from other universities bother Texas State student Ryan McLeod.

“I mean it kind of rubs me the wrong way that we have so many UT fans here but thinking about school spirit look at what the hook em’ horns sign has done for them,” said McLeod. “It is a nationally recognized symbol.”

Graduate student Riley Gosine has recently changed his opinions on the subject.

“It started to bother me after my freshman year. By then, I had established a connection with my school and felt thoroughly satisfied with my choice and progression," said Gosine. “As a graduate student, it does not bother me as much anymore. This is due to the fact that many of my classmates came from different institutions.”

Health administration major, Holly Hubbard, doesn’t seem to pay much attention to the students who do wear apparel from other universities.

“I notice it, but that’s all. I guess it could be a shirt or something from another school. Obviously, it doesn’t bother me too much, but I do notice it,” said Hubbard. “Maybe they have another connection to that school.”

Gosine shares the same view as Hubbard for reasons a student might wear something from another university.

“The student may have an affiliation with that school such as their parents but unless that student does have an affiliation I do not think that they should be wearing other schools apparel,” said Gosine.

Texas State gives students here an opportunity to relinquish their other university apparel for some Texas State apparel. The Texas State Alumni Association Student Chapter holds Trade Up Days in the spring semester according to Texas State’s website. All students have to do is bring an old shirt from another college or university and they receive a Texas State t-shirt.

Shortage of Bobcats but the Claws are Still Out

Only a few bobcats came out to play this year for the top positions in the Associated Student Government. Political science sophomore Samuel Hillhouse and public relations junior Melanie Ferrari were the only two candidates running for president this semester. Mass communications junior Colter Ray is running unopposed for ASG vice-president.

Students are making their opinions known about the lack of choices for the ASG and the candidates are also expressing concern.

“I wish there was more opposition,” said Ferrari. “I’m just glad that I do have an opponent.”

Ferrari’s running mate, Colter Ray, will become the next vice president whether or not she wins the presidential election.

Although both have little to no competition, they consider themselves overqualified for the positions. Taking a glance at their campaign website you’ll find yourself reading an essay long rap sheet about their accomplishments at Texas State, the organizations they’ve been a part of and led, and their school spirit.

Senator Jonny Riggs had nothing but good things to say about Ferrari and Ray. “They are the first people I’ve seen who are 100 percent for what students want.” Riggs said, “They have a point of view that is very genuine and they are very passionate about what they do.”

For some bobcats, the candidates’ abilities and pride are not enough to make up for the shortage of people running.

Texas State alumnus Michael Hufschmid commented on the “ASG Debate” facebook group. “Wow, two presidential candidates and an unopposed vice presidential candidate! The apathy of this university is getting worse every year,” said the former ASG senator. “I don’t see the point in having a debate at all if these three students out of our 30,000 are the only ones willing to be the ‘voice’ of the Texas State University student body.”

University Star web editor Scott Thomas shared Hufschmid’s view calling this year’s race “one of the most boring elections in years.”

Riggs said that there seems to be a big controversy over there not being enough candidates every election. “People don’t understand what an emotional and mental drain student government is. They [ASG] are in charge of taking care of so many problems while maintaining school.”

Despite the scarcity of candidates, the Ferrari-Ray campaign is pressing on at full force. One of their initiatives includes a “Be Proud Campaign” that will educate students, staff, faculty, and visitors through posters and media about how great our university is and barely known facts about Texas State.

Another initiative involves two changes for the Alkek library that will consist of engraving the alma mater into the steps and also lighting the building in maroon in conjunction to the lighting of the Victory Star.

Ray hopes to one day “come back to San Marcos and see the library lit up all the way from the highway with maroon lights.”

Elections will be held on March 30 and 31, 2010.

Ferrari engaging students in the Quad during her campaign.

New York Subway Camera Mishaps

by Clair Hugo

MANHATTAN - It's easier than ever for New Yorkers to get away with crime. No one is watching.

Uncertainty arose among New York when almost half of the newly installed subway security cameras failed to work, and an increase of crime has been a concern. Various software malfunctions have occurred within half of the 4,300 security cameras, and a preparation for downsizing station agents in May creates a high priority for surveillance, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said.

The MTA has installed cameras across Manhattan’s underground to limit crime. But nearly 1,000 cameras are not working, because they are merely for mock in 23 stations.

“More crime has been going on since this camera fiasco started,” said Brett Moses, a student from NYU. “There was a stabbing in Midtown in the 53^rd St. station, and a shooting in Uptown. People have been pretty shaken up. London has a good security system, and they have been successful with crime. We should follow their lead like we have always done.”

London officials have tracked down very dangerous criminals, such as a middle-aged man who met a teenage girl through Myspace, according to Moses. They followed her through the surveillance feedback, from what train she got on to the train she got off, and found the man within days.

Some New Yorkers disagree with the superfluous cameras and feel that the MTA should be using their money more wisely.

“I don’t understand why they would put up cameras that don’t work,” said Brooklyn resident, Stephanie Galvan. “But it’s not like crime will go away completely with more cameras. No matter how many they put up, someone will still be mugging or cheating someone else.”

Another reason why the cameras are off track is because MTA is in a dispute with their contractor, Lockheed Martin, who quit and is suing MTA, according to, Katherine Shanley, an MTA station manager. The MTA said it is doing what they can do about the cameras, but continues to cut the number of station agents on the platforms because they are $200 million over budget due to a $461 million subway security project.

“I don’t understand why they are laying off so many workers,” Chris Reyes, a student from Bergen Community College said. “Why don’t they just spend their budget on keeping the employees, instead of wasting it on these unnecessary or faulty cameras.

“I can understand that after 9/11 more surveillance was needed, but MTA could hire security guards instead of falling into legal mishaps with their contractor,” Galvan said.

“The New York subway is still safe,” Shanley said. “There has been 50% decrease in crime within the past couple of decades. I believe MTA is just trying to move forward with their technology in this day and age."

Spring Break...a week for students to go out and play

Written by: Connie Gonzalez

Tanning. Swimming. Partying. One week full of fun.

Spring Break is a fun-filled vacation for students across the world. Many go out of the state, or even out of the country.

Panama City Beach, Fla is a popular spot for college students to travel to during their Spring Break. From the beach to well-known clubs, Panama City Beach populates millions of students waiting to have a great time. Jonathan Agyare, student and Houston native, believes Spring Break is a time to break away from school when it’s at its most stressful time.

“I think Spring Break is a vacation for America’s youth to release the frustrations and tensions before midterms,” said Agyare.

Students enjoying time on the beach while playing beer pong.

` Many students like Agyare believe Spring Break is a vacation catered to students across the world like him. Miranda Jones, 19, is not currently a student but still found her way to Florida with a group of friends.

“Spring Break may just be a younger age group thing,” Jones said. “I think it should consist of fun and sun with good peop

le.”

When you think about Panama City Beach, Fla you think of a white sand beach, warm weather, and a variety of activities to experience while you are there.

The month of March is when the majority of Colleges and Universities give their students Spring Break vacations each lasting about a week, and these students can’t wait to see what Florida is all about.

Beachside of Club La Vela.

Panama City Beach is home to the largest day and nightclub in the nation. Club La Vela, a beachside club, is able to gather over 6000 people with about eleven different rooms inside.

Hosting a party during the day around their pool, and known for its nightclub experience, La Vela is known to be one of the most popular clubs.

The location of all the entertainment and activities are all on a strip, which seems to be accommodating for students who visit. La Vela, Spinnaker (another popular club next t

o La

Vela), restaurants, and the beach are all in walking distance by popular hotels.

Agyare wanted to experience a different lifestyle during his spring break.

“Spring break equals freedom,” Agyare said. “My expectations were to see stuff that I don’t see on a daily basis.”

Aris Oglesby, finance major senior, enjoyed his very first Spring Break in Panama City Beach.

The line to get into Club La Vela.

“I expected a nice environment, beautiful weather, nice beaches, and blue water,” Oglesby said. “People wise I expected to meet a lot of friendly people from the east coast.”

Clarkson Arala, graduate student at Texas State University, went to South Padre Island, Texas for Spring Break last year, and decided to go to Panama City Beach this year.

“Honestly I didn’t know what to expect,” Arala said. “I just expected it to be different from South Padre.

Even though he felt Panama City Beach was an improvement compared to South Padre Island, he feels it will be his last Spring Break vacation.

“It was different because there were more choices to do during the day and also more people from different parts of the country,” Arala said. “I’m going to graduate soon; Spring Break isn’t for me anymore.

Oglesby also declared this his last Spring Break because he is also set to graduate soon.

“I won’t go to Panama again because I’m getting older and I probably should slow down on the partying so I can focus on my career.” Oglesby said. “I think Spring Break at the popular locations is for college students.”

Cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to help out

By Natalie Bednorz

Kind-hearted is not a word frequently associated with tough cowboys and cowgirls, but that’s just what these trail riders are.

Every year for the past 22 years, cowboys and cowgirls saddle up their horses in March for the Children’s Hospital Trail Ride raising money for theChristus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital in San Antonio. The trail ride, which begins nine miles west of Falls City, Texas, has collected over $637, 500 in donations for the hospital, benefiting children in 90 South Texas counties.

The founders of the Children’s Hospital Trail Ride met through South Texas Trail Riders, Inc., though the two trail rides are not directly associated.

Pumpkin Culpepper, 2008 trail ride sweetheart and one of the original founders, is pleased to see donations increase every year.

“I believe the first year we got started we raised around $8, 000,” said Culpepper. “This year alone we have collected over $44,000 in donations. “

The trail riders begin raising money in October and continue through March when the trail ride takes place.

Lupe Valdez, vice president and trail boss of the trail ride, is in charge of the team-roping event in Adkins, Texas, which also raises money for the Children’s Hospital Trail Ride. He says team ropers compete for buckles, saddles and prize money.

"We saw a need and decided to fill it,” said Valdez. “This is a creative and fun way for all of us to chip in and be a part of something great.”

Most of the money raised comes from donations trail riders contribute when registering for the ride. Trail riders can also participate in a live auction after the trail ride where they can bid on donated items such as horses, saddles and feed supplies with all proceeds benefiting the Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital.

Vernon Blocker, president of the Children’s Hospital Trail Ride, says the event takes hard work and months of careful planning to be successful.

“This year we have about 150 volunteers donating their time to make this event happen,” said Blocker. “We want to make sure we raise as much money as we can and that all of it gets to those children who need it most.”

The Children’s Hospital Trail Ride is not all about hard work, these cowboys and cowgirls like to have a good time too. To relax after the long ride, the trail riders end the evening with a dance and an open bar.

Jarred Pollard, 25, has been participating in the trail ride with his family since he was three years old. The dance is his favorite part of the trail ride.

“I like to grab a beer, relax and listen to some good music,” said Pollard. “Do you know what it’s like to be stuck on a horse all day?”

The trail ride dance cost $6 to attend is open to the public. All the proceeds also benefit the Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital.

At 1:00 a.m. the lights at the Falls City Hall are turned off and the music goes silent. All the tired cowboys and cowgirls head home.

The Children’s Hospital Trail Ride has come to an end, but sadly, many South Texas children are only beginning their battles with life-threatening conditions. Fortunately, these children have some kind-hearted, but tough cowboys and cowgirls to help them win their fight against childhood illnesses.

Great Food, Amazing Location

With the stress of busy schedules, many people use Spring Break as a time to let loose and forget all their troubles. After floating the Guadalupe River, people suddenly realize there is

one trouble that needs some immediate attention.

The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar located in Gruene, Texas the solution to that.

According to history, the Gruene cotton gin processed crops raised by area farmers until the wooden structure burned to the ground in 1922 and the remains of the water-powered mill are the three-story brick boiler room- the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar.

The Gristmill overlooks the Guadalupe River and has seating for over 1,000 people at a time. Throughout Spring Break there were people from all over waiting in the hot sun for a table.

Recently back from Afghanistan, staff sergeant, Timothy Arnold, enjoyed a well-deserved bite to eat.

“As soon as I land in Texas, I give my girlfriend a big hug and kiss, then we head to Gristmill. You can’t find a chicken fried steak like this anywhere in Texas. I have been coming here for the past three years and haven’t had a complaint yet,” said Arnold.

Although Gruene is off in its own tiny corner of the world, the Gristmill brings in tons of revenue for the town. Surprisingly enough, people from across the world come in just for the atmosphere.

General manager, Larry Abel, said that Spring Break is the week that business begins to pick up after a slow winter.

“This Spring Break we sold about 250,000-300,000 dollars which is more than a lot of restaurants can say for a few months. The Gristmill is unique in that it accommodates to large parties up to 50 people, as well as, a couple coming in for an intimate dinner. We have fire places for when it is cold and outside seating when the weather is nice and sunny,” said Abel.

With a restaurant that seats that many people, it is critical that they have a staff to support it. The Gristmill employs about 160 servers, 25 hosts and over 70 kitchen staff. LoriBeth Taylor has worked at the Gristmill for five years and has been through the busiest days.

“If it wasn’t for the structure that the Gristmill has, we would all be going crazy. They have had a certain way to do things for the longest time and it works well, so we all fol

low the same pattern and help each other out as much as possible and somehow we all survive the shift,” Taylor said.

Coming from a smaller restaurant, Robby Galvan, has recently started managing at the Gristmill and was in for an eye opener.

“I started during the winter months and it was fairly slow for the most part, we had certain weekends that would get busy, but I was warned once the sun came out it was going to fill up quick and it did. I started seeing crowds and crowds of people coming in, but within a few hours they were all nice and full and on their way home. One of the employees sold over 1,000 dollars in a five hour shift, so that tells you how busy we were,” said Galvan.

The Gristmill serves all types of Americana food such as: chicken fried steaks, fried catfish, steaks, salads and burgers. A popular salad served is the beef tenderloin salad that is Texas sized in flavor and amount.

When traveling through New Braunfels, stop in at The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar for a dining experience you are sure to remember.

Girls enjoying the Gristmill