Texas State University - San Marvelous, TX

Not too many people from outside of Texas have heard about Texas State University formerly Southwest Texas State University. This state university is located on the I35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio.



San Marcos is a small town with a population of 47,000. It is essentially the gateway to the Texas Hill Country. It also sits on an inactive fault line, The Balcones Fault.

Texas State University at San Marcos is a doctoral degree granting university and is one of the top 75 largest schools in the United States. The University boast a student enrollment of more than 28,000 and continues to grow every year.

The school was founded almost 110 years ago in 1899 and was originally Southwest Texas Normal School. The recent name change was the fifth name change in the University's storied history.

Here is the campus' storied main building that was constructed in 1903:

1903


2007


Texas State has had some very notable alumni grace the halls of its hallowed buildings. The following is a list of our most notable:

- U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson
- Country singer George Strait
- Country singer Randy Rogers
- Film director Thomas Carter
- Actor/filmmaker Richard Jones
- Actor G.W. Bailey
- Actor Powers Boothe[1]
- Actress Tracy Scoggins
- Columnist Heloise
- NBA basketball player Jeff Foster
- Former NBA basketball player Torgeir Bryn
- Writer Tomás Rivera
- Professional wrestlers Shawn Michaels, Paul London, and Lance Hoyt
- NFL football player Frederick Evans and Ricky Sanders
- Former NFL football player Jeff Novak
- Charles Austin Gold Medalist High Jump 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. 1991 world champion. The 190 cm Austin cleared 2.39m (7 ft 10) on his final jump (an Olympic record at the time).

Texas State continues to honor its founding as a teachers' college by certifying more teachers than any other school in Texas. The Association of Teacher Educators has recognized Texas State as one of the top three teacher education programs in the country and is headquarters for the National Center for School Improvement, the Texas School Safety Center and other education initiatives to meet the challenges of public education today.

The Princeton Review named Texas State a 2008 “Best Western College” and a 2007 “America’s Best Value College.” Only three other premier Texas universities received the distinction.

The Geography department has been ranked as the largest and the best nationally for many years by the Association of American Geographers.

In 2008, for the third consecutive year, Texas State was ranked in the top tier of master's universities in the 15-state Western Region of the U.S. News ranking system.

Places to visit while in San Marcos attending Texas State University:

1. Herbert's Taco Hut -

2. Aquarena Springs -

3. Wonder World -

4. Sewell Park in Summer -

5. San Marcos River Pub -

6. San Marcos Outlets -

7. The Tavern -

8. The Square -

9. Don's Fish Camp/5 Mile -


10. PARTY -

What is your favorite thing about TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY or San MArvelous. Leave me a comment.

The Death of Heath Ledger

Hollywood's current state of affairs for its twenty-somethings is in chaos. Yesterday Heath Ledger was found dead from an apparent sleeping pill overdose or pneumonia. The 28 year old actor had recently separated from the mother of his child and fiance` Michelle Williams.

Whether or not Ledger's death is blamed on prescription drugs or of natural causes a talented individual has been lost. He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Brokeback Mountain. He also starred in such films as The Dark Knight, The Brothers Grimm, Monsters Ball and The Patriot.

With the implosion of young actors under the immense pressure the American media puts on actors it is no wonder that more actors have yet to face the same fate. Repulsive media outlets now have a death watch on Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan because of their destructive behavior.

Don't get me wrong this type of behavioral pattern is not a first. I am not suggesting that People should feel sorry for these young millionaires on the contrary people should loathe the fact that they feel like they can walk around as if invincible.

Although I do feel sorrow and remorse for the Ledger family as well as the bastard child he has left behind I do not feel sorrow for someone who had many experiences and gifts he could be happy about. What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment.

Bush's Tax Rebate - What to do what to do!

So have you heard? Bush and congress are going to give us some of our money back. Some of us will get it and some of us will not. More than likely the people that make more than 110K a year won't and people who do not pay taxes also will not get a check. Also this check is more like a loan and you will be required to report it as income on the 2009 taxes.

So what is going to happen is you will likely receive a check for 500 to 800 dollars. The government is hoping that by interjecting billions of dollars into consumers pockets is that they will spend it. So that of course brings up the question; What to do with this money? Well in the tradition of the internet and blogs here are a few suggestions in the form of a top ten list except the order will be provided by you the reader and the ranking will change as you vote! So here goes:

1. Pay off credit card debt - YAWN, boring whats next....

2. Buy that PS3 you have been waiting to buy so you can get the best system - A sure hit with gamers.

3. Take a vacation - You know actually get some sun on your pale posterior!

4. Put 800 on the Giants to win the Superbowl - I am in no way advocating gambling...err wait a second yes I am.

5. Upgrade your 20 year old CRT tube, analog TV to this jewel for a little more than $800


6. Get a new wardrobe - This will be popular with women I am sure but some of you guys out there should consider this option also because your Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt is starting to smell.

7. Invest for your future - Well if you think you are going to make it to retirement then go ahead and hedge your bets by investing this money. Now on what is up to you, no free investing advice sorry.

8. Lend your money - The innovative people at prosper.com and other P2P lending sights have created a way for you to become an instant loan shark. Make anywhere from 7% all the way to 28% and no Guidos needed they do all the collecting.

9. Give it to charity - no not the Charity down at the local Bada Bing club, the charity of your choice. If you are in a place right now where you do not need the money then give it to your church or your favorite save the rain forest organization.

10. Contribute to your lack of brain cells - Go out and have a good time on Bush or with or whatever. Buy some America's #1 cash crop or import your good time from Mexico. Or if you just want to partake in the norm and go out and get sloshed. Organize a get trashed on Bush bar hopping event.


Trust me I am sure I will get comments about how I should have included this or that on the list so if you have a good one then please comment. Oh yeah it you want to contribute your $800 bucks to a lowly blogger then that is ok too.

Superbowl Winner

I will not go into too much detail on this one but I think the Patriots from New England will beat the Giants of New York for their fourth Superbowl win. The score will be 21 to 17.

Enough said. But if you really want to know why the Patriots will win check this out.



If that doesn't convince you then check this out;

Tom Brady Highlights

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But if neither of those covince you then maybe this video will, it convinced me;



Go Giants....

NFL Playoff Predictions

NFL Playoffs are at the halfway point and it has been a great playoff season so far. The Cowboys lost to an inferior Giants team. San Diego went into Indianapolis and beat a far superior team with injured superstars. Green Bay spotted Seattle 14 points to go on to win in a snowy blowout and of course the undefeated Patriots beat the Jacksonville Jags at home.

So who wins this week and why?

Chargers vs. Patriots

First lets look at the Patriots vs the Chargers. This is a rematch of week two game where New England absolutely crushed the Chargers 38 to 14. Tom Brady threw for 3 touchdowns and the Pats defense only gave Tomlinson 43 yards on 18 carries.

The AFC championship game will be no different than the first meeting of these two teams. The three main offensive weapons for San Diego; Gates, Tomlinson and Rivers, are less than 100% and will not be able to run the ball effectively to keep the ball out of Brady's hands. The Chargers defense will be unable to do the things necessary to shut down the most prolific offense in NFL history. With that said my prediction is New England winning this game 28 - 10 with the majority of the scoring coming in the first half for New England.

Giants vs. Packers

With less than six hours to go before this game starts it is, I think, the most intriguing game of the 2007/2008 NFL playoffs and maybe the season. An aging Hall of Fame quarterback facing a young unproven talent. These two teams also faced each other in week two and the results were identical with Green Bay winning 35 - 14. Although the outcome was similar the reason was not. The Giants were missing some key elements in their defense and offense. Brett Farve was also going for the all time wins for an NFL QB.

All this being said Brett Farve has "it". What is "it"? "It" is the intangible characteristic that Vince Young had against USC. "It" is the reason why Joe Montana could lead teams back from insurmountable deficits to win. Brett Farve will impose his will at Lambeau field with temperatures reaching 5 degrees for a high with a wind chill of -9. The Giants defensive line will give Brett fits but Ryan Grant and the running game will put put things right. Eli Manning will have a poor day passing but with some big plays the Giants will hang around. In the end the Packers will pull ahead and win this game 31 to 21.

I know I know I am not going out on much of a limb by picking the two favorites but wait until next week when you see my Superbowl pick. Leave a comment and remember be as nasty as you want to be, it will get posted.

Everyone is a financial guru...

Tire of being broke? Feel inadequate because you are not a millionaire? Wish you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth? Well stop these feelings today! With my simple 942 step program I will guide you step by step on how to make me a million dollars and also send you to the poor house! Oh wait did I really say that out loud?

How many times a day do we hear this same type of advertisement on the radio/tv/internet? These self proclaimed profiteers claim that they have the next successful program that will provide you with financial security and they claim to do it faster than anyone else. I am not saying I know more than these people or that I have more financial wealth or assets, but I do have my opinions. Here is a short list of how you should view your money and financial security.

1. Make every dollar your employee - This easier said than done especially if those advertisers out there have anything to do with it. This really means putting your money to work for you. For example, if you make $50,000 a year after taxes and you spend half of that on essential living expenses the other $25,000 should be making money for you. How is the answer you need to come with on your own. Some people invest. Some people start their own loan portfolio. Some buy real estate. You need to find what works for you.

2. Stop paying interest on a depreciating assets - What this means is stop buying boats, cars and TVs on credit. This is easier said than done because of the emotions that go into buying products like a car or a boat. Also there is a sense of pride, I am too good to drive/captain/pilot that. The truth is that on a $20,000 loan at 10% APR over five years you pay back and extra $5,500 or 28% of the original loan value. This doesn't include any late payment interest or penalties. Pay cash or don't buy it.

3. Create a budget and stick to it - Why are multinational businesses successful? They budget. You should too. If you budget yourself to $200 bucks a month in entertainment expenses then stick to it. Budget for the unexpected and for vacations. NEVER take a vacation on credit.

4. Treat your financial security as a marathon not a sprint - This means don't try to get rich quick and expect to stay rich. A professor in college told me once that the he would retire a millionaire in two years. This was in 2000. He has retired from teaching but still operates his financial advising firm. His point was day traders can lose all of their money quickly and then like gambling they will borrow more to try and make up the difference. But it is the long haul investors such as myself that will retire rich, as long as they invest wisely, which brings me to my next point.

5. Invest with confidence - What I mean by invest with confidence is learn all you can about what you are investing in BEFORE a single dollar changes hands. If you are buying a strip mall and you want to attract businesses, if you don't know the history of the property it will be very hard for you to negotiate a fair lease price for both parties. If you are investing in a stock then know the history, know what they do and read the company's annual report. Warren Buffett is arguably the greatest investor of all time. He only invest in industries that he understands.

6. Learn how to effectively negotiate - Americans hate to negotiate. Compared to other cultures Americans are virtual infants. Being that America has only been around for 300 or 400 years our culture has developed a take it or leave it attitude in negotiations. In countries like Japan before negotiations even begin they will get to know you for a couple of days and then leave one day to negotiate the terms. Russians tend to leave lots of room for negotiating. For instance if you list your house for $300,000 their negotiations would start at $150,000. Americans would be insulted. Russians realize that by leaving more room to negotiate you tend to leave less money on the table.

7. Surround yourself with capable and reliable people - Some people are bargain shoppers. They are always trying to cut cost and they only worry about the bottom line. Many times they are doing more to hurt themselves then help. Automotive repair is an industry that it pays to develop a relationship with your mechanic. Over time the mechanic will get used to your car's quirks and be able to resolve a problem faster and with less effort and probably less money. Your accountant is another example. Having a capable tax accountant who knows your financial picture from year to year will fight to get you every penny possible, where a tax shack is only interested in herding the masses. Developing relationships with people is crucial from your lawyer all the way to your landscaper.

8. Go local - This goes along with the previous statement but in a different aspect. Go local means go with local banks and try to avoid the multinational companies. The local banks may charge you higher fees and rates but after years of seeing your deposits they will compete for your business and offer you better rates on loans and investments. They will also have a vested interest in making you more money. Offer you not only a good investment opportunities but offer you helpful advice. Consider this when you shop also.

9. Buy real estate - I know the mortgage industry is crashing down around our feet and people are being foreclosed upon left and right. Why in the world would you EVER want to buy real estate right now? Because buying the properties at a discounted price and then renting the house out to the very people that are being foreclosed on creates a line of revenue for you. Then when the market rebounds you sell it for a profit or continue to rent the property.

10. Create lines of revenue - You have probably heard this many times but has anyone told you what it means? Well this is how it works. You buy a business and you hire someone to run it and monthly the business pays you a salary. At the end of the year you reinvest the profit back into the business. So lets say you own a 10 unit apartment complex and the monthly payment on that is $10,000 dollars for your mortgage and the other expenses including your salary are $5,000 well you would need to find 10 lessees to rent the apartments at and average of $1,500 bucks or more a month. After you acquire more and more lines of revenue you can eventually quit your job and live of the salaries that each company pays you.

By doing these 10 things I guarantee you..... nothing, but I will say that it works for the wealthy and with a good game plan you can do it too. Motivating yourself is the hard part. If you want to add something please feel free to comment.

Why the Cowboys lose in the Playoffs!

Another year and another playoff loss! But you shouldn't be surprised because the Dallas Cowboys have not won a playoff game in since 1996. If you are a fan you may be asking yourself why and if you are an outsider it is probably clear why the Cowboys don't win when it counts. The owner.

Jerry Jones is a 65 year old native of Los Angeles, California. He was transplanted in Arkansas shortly after his birth. Jones was your typical high school football player who earned honors and became a scholarship to the University of Arkansas where played with both Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer. He was also in a fraternity.

After college Jones had many business opportunities that failed until he started oil exploration in Oklahoma. This company led to his millions today and in 1989 at 47 he purchased the Cowboys.

Jones went on to win three Superbowls with the Cowboys, two with Jimmy Johnson and one with Barry Switzer. Jones has stated to reporters that it didn't matter who he had coaching that they would have won those Superbowls because of the talent he recruited and drafted.

Jones is arrogant and lacks benevolence towards others. He instills in his players cockiness and degrades his coaches as merely figureheads willing to do his bidding. He does not grow his organization he simply recruits the best talent. Talent does not win Superbowls, playing as a team does.

On top of the obvious character flaws that Jones has he also allows his players to develop into players who hold their own needs higher than that of the team's. Tom Brady love him or hate him, he is a classy player who realizes that he is but one man and that without his teammates he would be nothing. He took a pay cut just to free up salary cap room. Cowboy's players are too busy counting the 25 million reasons not to commit suicide and taking young teenage strippers to motel rooms to do coke with.

I know what you are saying, how does that translate into playoff losses? Winning during the season is tough enough with injuries and distractions but in the playoffs your team has to have the mental focus and the ability to put TEAM above your own needs. Not taking vacations to Cabo during your week off.

Jerry Jones is to blame. It is his team and his decisions. He will point the finger somewhere else because he only likes to claim his successes but ultimately the blame is his. His greedy attitude and lack of benevolence leads him to worry about one thing, the bottom line. I mean look at the deal with the NFL network and cable television, nothing but greed there.

America's team is dead!

Why voting matters.

America, the land of the brave and the home of the free! What makes us free? Our freedom hinges on our right to change our government every 4 years through voting. Our very lives are affected by the way we vote. Simple things such as the price of milk can be affected by who we vote into office.

I know, I know you don't know who is running and it is hard for you to keep up with them because it doesn't interest you right? Well let me ask you something, who was the latest winner of American Idol? More Americans vote for American Idol then in a Presidential election and the numbers are staggering. More than 500 million votes were cast for American Idol in 2005 and a mere 122 million votes were cast in the 2004 election.

For a right that affects people on so many levels there seems to be a serious lack of interest especially in the elections that matter most, local elections.

Local elections matter most because policies and taxes levied are more greatly influenced by local politicians such as city council member, mayors and district judges. City council members and mayors can increase property taxes, create fines and issue tax bonds. Along with taxing the local politicians can create laws that directly affect your property of business. Zoning laws and restrictions.

Local judges interpret local laws and based on their interpretations they can severely affect your life or your neighbors. In Vermont a local judge sentenced a man who raped a child off with a 60 day sentence. Judges like that are elected of appointed by politicians that you elect.

Most of all people don't vote because they say their vote doesn't make a difference. In the case of the president it does make a difference somewhat. The electoral college is bound to vote along party lines for each state which means if more people vote for a republican then then the republican garners all the electoral college votes for that state. The population of each state determines the number of electoral college votes. California has the most and is a very important state because of it.

If you really think your vote is worthless then why vote for the American Idol where your vote is even more worthless? Furthermore, local elections have come down to a matter of 1% where the difference is a mere 20 or 30 votes. Every vote counts! To find out more about your local elections visit your County's website or the Secretary of State for the State you are registered to vote in.

This year marks another presidential election year and being that we are a nation at war, it is very important to make yourself aware of who is running locally and nationally. Politicians will not only affect your wallet but they will affect your lives. Stay abreast of who is running and what their stance is on the issues you care about most. For me that is taxes, immigration and the war in Iraq. Locally I am more concerned about taxes, obscene land grabs and local business support.

Voting is not easy and it shouldn't be. You should have to make tough decisions and vote for those who best represent your point of view. Don't let your neighbor make all the decisions for you! I mean seriously have you seen his yard lately?

Leave a comment.