On the Ninth day of Christmas my true love gave me sleet.

Yesterday the weather reminded of this year's election in that there was an unexpected change.







When I went to campus around 10 a.m. I was wearing athletic shorts and a T-shirt. However, when it came time for me to leave for the day the weather had changed so much that I had to call a friend for a ride home. There was no way I could walk two miles in 40 degree weather with the wind howling at my summer clothed body.

It was good to get home, change into my cozy, wool robe and sit down by a nice fire, roaring in the hearth, while enjoying some hot cocoa and leftover gingerbread cookies. Oh, and did I mention I was reading a few chapters of the new Alec Greven novel, How To Talk To Girls?

Anyway, as the weather got slightly more wet and cold, I began to notice a sound, on the window panes, that was out of the ordinary. It caught my attention because, it began to sound like a visitor was tapping at the window. I immediately thought, "Santa?!"

I mean, let's face it, I've been a good boy this year. I thought maybe he had come to visit and bring my presents early. Alas, no jolly friend in red. As I opened the door, I saw a sight just as rare!

The precipitation wasn't rain, but SNOW! In Texas? Yes!

Well, it wasn't snow, but something pretty similar. It was mini hail. Also known as sleet.

What's the difference you may ask? Although both need freezing temperatures, snow crystallizes as it falls, where as, sleet gets circulated up in the clouds, by high winds, until it freezes. Thus, the 'drops' are too heavy to stay with superman, so they fall to the earth. Oh, those guys suffer the same fate as Icarus.

I braved the elements, because I couldn't resist the temptation to capture this novelty, and I took a few pictures from a few spots in San Marcos and on campus.

Later when I got back to my apartment I challenged my roommate to a brief sleet-ball fight. We had a laugh and then quickly ran into the warmth of our apartment.




The next morning, as I walked to school, little evidence was to be found of the night before. Save for a few spots in the corners of buildings on campus.

Oh, and there was this guy too.



Hope you all do well on finals and have a Happy Holiday!

Oh, by the way, I made up the part about the book I was reading. I have a girlfriend.

Last Supper with a group of good friends.

No sappy speeches are given, and no tears are shed at the Fall 2008 KTSW News Banquet. The only thing to be found here is a group of student colleagues who share a bond through their passion for news.

Tuesday, December 2nd the KTSW news staff gathered to wish graduating staff members the best as they transition to their careers. It was also a time to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication, throughout the semester, while having fun and sharing a few laughs.




















Award Recipients:
Andrew Russell,
Hillary Till, Louise Armstrong,
Chase Rodgers and Kaitlin Walsh






The KTSW news department normally conducts frequent newscasts and produces, on a regular basis, an in depth public interest documentary show called 'In The Public Interest,' or IPI.


As a long term member of the Exec staff, it is a humbling experience to see such eager, creative and passionate minds pass through the office over the semesters that I have been involved with this station. It is also inspiring to forge such strong friendships and see others do the same with each other each semester.










Cheers to the former, current, and future KTSW news staff, as well as the rest of this great college station.

Christmas with the Celts.

I stepped into a time machine the Friday after Thanksgiving and took a trip back to the 16th century. However, I did not use a Delorian or a flux capacitor, but something closer to a time portal. I simply traversed to Plantersville, Texas and took a step…well, more of a leap…back in time at the Texas Renaissance Festival.

The Texas Renaissance Festival is in its 34th year and is open for eight themed weekends in October and November. King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon reign over the festival features sights, sounds and tastes, from the Renaissance period, with over 300 arts and crafts shops, 150 live acts and over 60 food shops. Normally gates open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to dusk, but this year, the Festival has added an extra day - Thanksgiving Friday.

I traveled on this new day to enjoy the first day of the Celtic Christmas weekend. I arrived around noon just in time to catch the daily parade! Take note of the Gutenberg Press flag going by. Where would we be without it. See video 1.

I next tried my hand at a few of the activities and saw a few of the exotic sights around the festival. My axe throwing skills were not up to par with last year's throws, but at least I was able to ring the bell! See video 2.

Elephants and Camels that you can ride? They were there. I have never been that close to these animals, so it was definitely a neat experience to see them. Notice, if you can, the bell tune in the background. The king also has a carousel and the Brachiator made a few dizzy! Other guests enjoyed a relaxing swing on the King's Swing. See video 3.

I caught a few Performers' shows as well. Ded Bob had the crowd involved with a humorous routine and The Sturdy Beggars...well...cleaned up nicely. See video 4.

Many costumed attendees filled the park, and I approached two fellow scullywags before they could parlay. See video 5.

All in all the day was spent enjoying the alluring sights and relaxing with the ancient sounds, and tastes of the Texas Renaissance Festival. See video 6.

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Lose that gut!

Students find it easier to contract their waistbands as the SRC expands and opens its doors. Texas State’s 31 million dollar project has added a variety of activity centers for Bobcats who seek to get fit.

This new expansion adds to the existing recreation center with four additional basketball/volleyball courts, two indoor soccer courts and a new aerobic multipurpose room.

The weight room is in a new location and has received an upgrade of machinery and size. It is now 18, 000 square feet and is surrounded by over one hundred cardiovascular machines. What about the old weight room? Well, plans are to install a golf simulator in its place.



Is that chewing gum on the wall? No, those are just the colorful climbing holds on the new rock wall. Yes, two rock walls have been constructed for students to climb on! These two 52 foot formations, along with the bouldering(practice wall) area consist of 2,200 square feet of climbing surface. The wall will be free for the rest of the semester. Starting in January, students will have to pay a fee each time they use the rock wall.



Aaron Velasquez, industrial engineering and mathematics double major, found the wall exciting and a bit of a challenge.



There will also be a new natatorium center opening in December. It will include a 6 lane lap pool and a leisure pool complete with underwater benches.

The SRC has a new entrance location off of Academy street. Access into the center is made easier with new card readers that activate when the student’s ID is placed within inches of the reader. Forget your ID at home? No problem! Students can register the back of their hands to be scanned upon each visit instead of using their ID for entrance.

Quick and easy access coupled with all the new various activities should leave students with no excuse to staying fit during their college careers.

What's your excuse? You have none? Well, get out there then!

Hello, avid fans, listeners, family, former and current employees/volunteers, friends, and fiends of KTSW-FM 89.9.

This blog will be used for any and everything related to KTSW.

Some posts will be short. Some posts will be updates on KTSW happenings or informational blurbs. Some may even be news stories or staff top-ten lists.

The point is, this blog page will be a lot of fun to post on, but will also be a lot of fun to read!

So, without further ado, it's time to get bloggin'!

Thanks,

Your Current Station Manager(Ray Nicholas Kukowski MMVIII)