UT's Tower, September 28th, 2010

I woke up yesterday morning like I usually do.  I rolled out of bed at 8:15, threw on some clothes, and started cooking breakfast. But then I got a text. I figured it was my friend from class reminding me to print out our paper that was due at 9:30. But I click “Read” and instead I see “UT ALERT: Armed suspect reported last seen at Perry Castaneda Library on 09/28/2010. Details to follow.”

My immediate thought was of my friend Louise who was spending the night in the PCL to study for a test. I texted her to see what was up. I kept getting ready because we’ve had armed suspects who had been fleeing a crime scene come through campus. I wasn’t too worried by it. Until the next text arrived, “UT ALERT: armed subject reported last seen at Perry Castaneda Library. SHELTER IN PLACE. STAY WHERE YOU ARE AT. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW”

This is probably going to sound terrible, but it was 9am and I had class at 9:30 where a major paper was due. I checked the emergency page on the University of Texas’ website and it said the university was open, so I headed out the door to the bus stop. I figured the cops had the situation under control and that campus was OK as long as I didn’t go near the library, which I wasn’t planning on. But when I got to the bus stop, there was a gathering of people. Someone was telling everyone that the bus system to campus was shut down and that the university was closed.

I went back to my apartment, into my room and turned on the TV. I got on Facebook and Twitter to see what was going on. The news interrupted whatever show was on to start the coverage on campus. I was so lost. All I knew was that there was a guy with a gun seen at my school. I decided that being safe was more important than a paper. I crawled back into bed and watched the news. As the information was coming in, so were the calls and texts from all of my friends and family. Among those, the text saying classes were canceled and that UT was on lockdown.

So far, here is what we do know: Colton Tooley, a 19 year old mathematics major at UT brought an AK-47 to campus. He fired a few rounds outside then went into the Library where he took the stairs to the 6th floor. He then locked himself into a room where he took his own life.

What we don’t know, however, is why he did this. To me, the hardest thing to grasp is how someone so young, practically a kid, goes from being just your everyday student to being an armed gunman scaring thousands of people. One of my friends has known this guy since they went to middle school, then high school, and now college together. It’s truly heartbreaking to try to think of what happened to this guy to make him go and do something like this. My heart goes out to his friends and family for their loss.

There is, however, a good side that I’ve been focusing on. First of all, there wasn’t a single injury aside from the gunman who took his own life. I am so grateful that all of my friends and myself are OK. I also can’t believe how many people called, texted, and checked in on Facebook with me to be sure I was OK. A guy who I just started dating (who lives in a different city and attends another school) found out because his mom saw on the news and wanted to check on me. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that you are loved and cared for, or even just thought about in a time of crisis.

Today, I go back to school. I am happy to say that I feel perfectly safe because of how awesome UT police are. They were on things from the start making sure that students, faculty, and staff were safe and sound. Not many people know this, but the main reason for SWAT teams in the U.S. is because of the 1966 shootings at UT where Charles Whitman went to the tower and killed sixteen people while injuring almost three dozen with a sniper rifle. Fortunately, today’s events were nowhere near as disastrous, but Austin’s SWAT team was on the scene within minutes with an armored car, searching buildings and securing the area.

Today, I woke up very proud to be a Longhorn.

Needless to say, the past 6 weeks sans college football has been somewhat difficult. I wander aimlessly around my apartment on Saturdays, unsure what to do with all that time. I fill the void by hunting down the players on campus, but now that they’re not training as much as usual, they’re not so easy to find. And trust me, I’ve tried.

Thank god, then, that Bowl Season is upon us! I finally have a reason to drink before 11am on a Saturday! have some exciting burly-man-on-burly-man action to fill my Saturdays! Yes, ladies, it’s officially time for the best of the best in college football to duke it out in the BCS bowl games.

Confused on how the BCS works? Everyone is. But until the government sorts this shiz out, I’ve got you covered. This guide will give you a look at all of the upcoming BCS games, the teams, and who you (or more importantly, me) think deserves to win. So grab those wings, crack open a beer and get ready for some serious football showdowns.

The Rose Bowl presented by Citi:
No. 7 Oregon Ducks (10-2) vs. No. 8 Ohio State (10-2)
Pasadena, CA; January 1st at 5pm EST on ABC
I will try to put aside my personal feelings towards Ohio State (did Tressell win Big Ten Coach of the Year?) but my heart is still filled with bitter rage. OSU is heading to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997, and Oregon is trying to win its first Rose Bowl since 1917. The Ducks have one of the most aggressive and quickest offenses in the nation, while Ohio State is known for an impenetrable (hehe) defense, which should make the game an interesting one. One I might watch if the nausea from Andre on NYE doesn’t prove lethal when mixed with the nausea and rage from seeing a Buckeye fan.

Who Will Win?
Expert Says: Oregon: 28 Ohio State: 20
I Say: Oregon. I want to see Puddles wearing Tressell’s sweatervest. Or at least see LeGarrette Blount punch someone.
Hot Quarterback: Oregon’s Jeremiah Masoli vs. OSU’s Terrelle Pryor

All-State Sugar Bowl:
No. 5 Florida Gators (12-1) vs. No. 3 Cincinnati Bearcats (12-0)
New Orleans, LA; January 1st at 8:30pm EST on FOX
The Gators have been un.stop.able. this whole season and Cincinnati’s coach just peaced out for Notre Dame. The odds are def against the Bearcats, but I’m all about the underdogs. Plus, I think they are out to prove themselves since Brian Kelly left. Cinci is rightfully undefeated, but Florida has Tim Tebow, a proven uber-man-beast-machine. It will basically come down to Florida’s offensive line’s ability to keep those out-for-blood Bearcats away from their moneymaker.

Who Will Win?
Expert says: Flordia 34 Cincinnati 17
I say: Cincinatti. Tim Tebow makes me yawn. And I think he’s lying about being a virgin; his gf is HOT.
Hot Quarterback: Cinci’s Tony Pike vs. Florida’s  Timmy T

Tostito’s Fiesta Bowl:
No. 6 Boise State Broncos (13-0) vs. No. 4 TCU Horned Toads (12-0)
Glendale, AZ; January 4th at 8:00pm EST on FOX
Mmmm. I love Tostito’s. Wait. Where was I? Oh yeah, so the Broncos beat Oregon in the first game of the season to prove that, like WuTang, BSU ain’t nothing to fudge with. In my opinion, they have the upper hand in this game: their insane offense remains virtually the same since last season when they played TCU in the Poinsetta Bowl. But, the Horned Toads (Editor’s Note: Worst. Name. Ever?) have had a huge chunk of the spotlight lately with their equally as scary defense, which could make this THE game to watch. Through my fingers though, because high-intensity football gives me a heart/panic attack.

Who Will Win?
Experts Say: Boise State 24 TCU 21
I Say: Toughie – both teams deserve it. I’m just thankful they aren’t playing on Boise State’s vom-inducing blue field
Hot Quarterback: TCU’s Andy Dalton vs. Boise State’s Kellen Moore

Fed-Ex Orange Bowl:
No. 9 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-2) vs. No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2)
Miami, FL; January 5th at 8:00pm EST on FOX
Okay, I may or may not be biased (and my kitten may or may not be wearing a tiny black and gold cheerleader outfit), but Iowa has come from basically out of nowhere to being one of the best teams in the nation. Our (yes, I’m on the team) defense has, on average, allowed less than 200 yards per game, while Georgia Tech’s mind-boggling option-offense has averaged over 300 yards per game. The two teams have never played each other, so, unlike a Hugh Grant movie, the outcome is a mystery.

Who Will Win?
Experts Say: Georgia Tech 27 Iowa 17
I Say: Iowa. Our QB is nice and healthy again and I will be rooting them on (read: screaming at Tech fans) from the stands in Miami.
Hot Quarterback: Iowa’s Ricky Stanzi vs. Tech’s Josh Nesbitt

BCS Championship Game:
No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (13-0) vs. No. 2 Texas Longhorns (13-0)
Pasadena, CA; January 7th at 8:00pm EST on ABC
Thank goodness Texas won out against Nebraska, because not only would it have blown Iowa’s chance at a BCS bowl, but Texas has definitely proven itself to be one of the best teams in the nation this season. And thank goodness Alabama took down almighty Tebow, because they deserve this opportunity as well. Both teams have incredible offenses, Texas with Heisman nominee Colt McCoy and Bama has Heisman winner Mark Ingram, which will make this game a clash of the college football gods.

Who Will Win?
Experts Say: Alabama 28 Texas 24
I Say: Another toughie. I’m going to go with Texas because the Crimson Tide is already jinxing themselves
Hot Quarterback: Alabama’s Greg McElroy vs. Texas’ Colt McCoy

What do you guys think? Which teams deserve to win? Which do you hate with a passion? Or, if sport ain’t your thing, which football hottie do you want to see get his pants pulled down mid-game?

When you think of school spirit, it’s customary to think of stadiums awash in school colors, spine-tingling chants, and deep-seated hatred for the rival school’s (obviously) inferior traditions. But in Texas, “spirit” comprises all that and more. This week, while we examine the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University- College Station, we learn of traditions and campus lore as large as the Lone Star State itself.  In a world of hand signals, slang, and centuries-old cheering teams, the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry pervades all nuances of life.

1. Mascot Matchup

Texas- Bevo the Longhorn, a particularly menacing-looking brand of cattle, is the pride of UT. The school’s colors, white and burnt orange, are an homage to Bevo’s hide.  Bevo has made the rounds at several important functions, including the inauguration of President George W.  Bush. Should you ever find yourself in conversation with someone from UT, say “Hook ‘em, horns!” and flash the Longhorn hand signal.
Texas A&M- The Aggies–short for agriculture, as per the school’s name–also have a catchphrase and hand signal. It’s commonplace in College Station to sign off by saying “Gig ‘em!” and giving the thumbs-up.  Their official mascot is an American collie named Reveille, who is addressed by the student body as “Miss Reveille, ma’am,” since she is considered a Cadet General in the Aggie cadets.

Three credits to: Texas, where Bevo has the presidential seal of approval.

2. Terrific Traditions

Texas- The Hex Rally is held the week before the Texas-Texas A&M game, featuring performances by student organizations and a large candle-burning ceremony to unify the Longhorns before their most anticipated match up of the season.
Texas A&M- You’re not an Aggie unless you can sport your Aggie class ring. Awarded to seniors who have met certain degree requirements (and alumni upon graduation), the Aggie ring is the ultimate symbol of school pride and a networking device for life. Many believe the day an Aggie receives her ring is more sacred than commencement.

Three Credits to: Texas A&M, throw your (ring-adorned) hands up!

3. Lone Star Showdown Record

Texas - In the annual points-race competition between the two schools (where points are awarded for head-to-head match-ups or best Big 12 conference standing in each intercollegiate sport offered at both schools), Texas has taken home the title three times in the Showdown’s five-year history.
Texas A&M- The Aggies have won the Lone Star Showdown trophy for the past two years. However, despite an even tie last year between the schools, the title was awarded to A&M because Showdown rules dictate that in the event of a tie, the previous year’s winner retains the title.

Three credits to: Texas, for having three wins and a tie in the five-year event history.

4. Crowd-Rousing Cheers

Texas– Texas Fight, the official fight song of the Longhorns, is simple yet powerful. When the orange-and-white score, it’s time to throw up your horns and chant T-E-X-A-S TEXAS FIGHT!
Texas A&M- Instead of cheerleading, Aggies have Yell Leaders to pump up school spirit. The five-member Yell Leaders, a team since 1907, are comprised of three seniors and two juniors–traditionally all-male, because no females have yet been elected to the representative positions.

Three credits to: Texas, where the cheering is egalitarian (hey, this is a ladies’ website!).

5. Acceptance Rate Agony

Texas- 43.5% for the class of 2012
Texas A&M-  70.1% for the class of 2012.

Three credits to: Texas- the Longhorns by a long shot.

And the diploma goes to: Texas! They say everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, and when it comes to this Southern rivalry, the Longhorns win big.

Facebook is an addiction for some, well, most people I know (including myself). I am on there at least three times a day and I am an avid FB stalker. Yes, I admit it, a stalker. I stalk my friends, my boyfriend, people I haven’t seen in 10 years, I sometimes even stalk strangers.

Everyone has FB stalked at one point in their life, so why haven’t you learned? If you look at peoples’ pages you never met, do you actually think strangers are not looking at yours? It is all about the privacy ladies and gentlemen. Enable those privacy settings!

All of this Facebook talk stems from stories that have hit the news in the past two days. Maybe you have heard of the victims– Caitlin Davis, a cheerleader for the New England Patriots, and Buck Burnette, a center from the Texas Longhorns. Both Caitlin and Buck are under 22 years old and their lives have potentially been ruined because of our glorious Facebook. I couldn’t even imagine.

Caitlin was kicked off the cheerleading squad because of pictures posted on FB of her covering her passed-out-drunk friend in things like “Penis,” “I’m a Jew,” and a few swastikas. Buck was kicked off the Longhorn football team for updating his FB status with a racist remark shortly after Barack Obama won the presidency. Now, I have to wonder if these two FB idiots were punished for acting inappropriately and embarrassing their respective teams, or for making racist comments. Either way, I’m proud of the punishers for stepping up and making an example of these two youngsters.

The moral of the story: Don’t put anything on Facebook that you wouldn’t want someone to see. We have heard it SO many times, but here is yet another example to guard your FB page with your life…or you could be on the streets with Caitlin and Buck.