Welcome to Bobcat Living. This site is written and produced by students in Cindy Royal's Fall 2007 Multimedia Journalism course at Texas State University in San Marcos. Students write their own stories, layout pages, and work with photos, audio, and video. Be sure to check out the multimedia page and subscribe to the Podcast RSS feed.

Life

LazyThe Texas State Tanner
By Cheryl Jones

September 20, 2007

Living in Texas doesn’t help when trying to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking, but there are helpful tips and informative data that can prolong your youthful look and still keep your body healthy with a vibrant glow. Many students are aware of the dangers ultraviolet rays can cause, but for many those dangers are not pressing when the effects do not show until later in life. full story...

Marcus Garland, aquatic biology sophomore, started a game in San Marcos involving water guns and assassins.A new group of assassins is running the town
By Emily Messer

September 20, 2007

At 30 years old, Marcus Garland has already been shot in the back twice. And he’s lived to tell each story.

The aquatic biology sophomore sits back at an upstairs table at the Showdown, a musty local bar, and recalls the incidents. The first happened as he was leaving a local Mexican food restaurant near the bar. The other occurred as he was purchasing a burrito just down the street. He doesn’t even fuss or flinch about the shootings, just sips his glass of Shiner and grins. “As long as it’s a water gun, it’s not too bad,” Garland said.
The two water guns used to shoot Garland were a part of a game played in cities like London and New York and Austin, where Garland first played it. full story...

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Sports

Photo of a trail at Ringtail RidgeBetter Way to Stay in Shape on Horizon
By Andrew McNeill

September 20, 2007

Students around campus are turning to different types of exercise this year. One option for students is mountain biking. In between stress-filled classes, low-paying jobs, and the San Marcos nightlife, students are staying in shape. One of the ways students are doing this is mountain biking. Specially designed bikes with tires suited to handles sticks, rocks, and dirt are the primary equipment needed. Also necessary is a sturdy helmet and some hydration. Other than that, anywhere you see undeveloped land is a possible workout. full story...

 

The Lunchtime Crunch
By Charlotte Almazan

September 20, 2007

For busy individuals not involved in a campus activity, the idea of finding time to workout along with working out with a group may seem far-fetched. Since lunchtime can be the only free time available in the day, the Student Recreation Center, located on West Campus at the corner of Sessoms Drive, has developed fitness classes that can work with a busy schedule. The fitness classes known as Cardio Xpress and Core Body Sculpt are two classes offered as part of the center's fitness and wellness program to help students remain active during the week. full story...

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Tech

Alkek Library in first lifeTexas State on forefront of instructional technologies with Second Life island
By Maira Garcia

September 20, 2007

Texas State is taking a new approach to online learning by moving it into a whole other world. Instructional technologies, which provide technology support for the university, have been experimenting with new media to give students and professors more interactive features, particularly for distance learning courses. Second Life is capable of that, according to Emin Saglamer, the lead programmer for instructional designs team. full story...

 

Picture of John Stark's PC towerMac vs. PC: Which Are You?
by Todd Schaaf

September 20, 2007

One of the most heated debates of the last 20 years has divided families, ended relationships, and changed the lives of those who switch sides. This debate of course is that of Macs vs. PCs. Many people frown upon Apple Macintosh computers, and often, those who use them. Meanwhile Mac people feel sorry for PC users.

Both sides of this conflict claim that their machines are superior and easier to use. Both sects have their qualms with each other’s computer of choice. But what happens if two roommates and childhood friends are on opposite sides of this divide? full story...

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