The Federal Trade Commission has made a proposal that would force Internet bloggers to disclose any freebies they receive from companies or products they choose to endorse.

Therefore, if a company sends mom a free vacuum to try out, and she blogs about how well it sucks the dirt from her rug, she would be required by federal law to disclose that in the same post. The proposal was mentioned in hopes to prevent bloggers from writing false rave reviews after getting free products.

Stacie Andrews/Star photo

Oddities like Ralph the Swimming Pig and The Aquamaids were part of what brought tourists to Aquarena Springs, and San Marcos resident Doni Weber’s interest in writing stems from her family ties to the old attraction.

Tony Hoagland has found a niche as America’s mocking-bird poet because his “imagination ranges thrillingly across manners, morals, sexual doings, kinds of speech both lyrical and candid, intimate as well as wild,” according to poetry.org.

Hoagland has built his poetry career through sardonic and unyielding commentary on the afflictions that shape popular American culture. His interpretations have garnered him praise from literary journals and institutions, including the Poetry Foundation’s 2005 Mark Twain Award.

Local music junkies from the area, along with those looking for a good time, found themselves at Bar One-41 Saturday night for the highly anticipated and overly promoted 3D light show.

The bar opened its doors at 8 p.m., bringing the space above Barfish back to life by filling it with a source of entertainment and, subsequently, a crowd. Rest in peace, Lucy’s.

The show kicked off with plunging, hardcore sounds from Austin-based band, Newlywed, which was followed by Zlam Dunk, a San Marcos favorite.

Belinda Nettleton was diagnosed five years ago with stage II breast cancer during a routine examination.

Nettleton, administrative assistant in the LBJ Student Center, said she was lucky the doctor detected her cancer early.

“I never checked myself,” Nettleton said. “I think people don’t realize they should be (checking).”

Nettleton underwent two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

“I was scared,” Nettleton said.

Mitchell Soukup, pre-geography freshman, takes a seat every Monday and Wednesday in The Quad holding a sign that says two words: Free Hugs.

The idea stemmed from the Free Hugs Campaign, but Soukup is not part of that or any similar organization. Soukup spotted a “free hug” sign on campus his first year at Texas State and never saw it again.

“I thought it was a great idea, so after a month of not seeing the sign again, I made my own,” Soukup said.

Zombieland is the best and first zom-rom-com (zombie-romantic-comedy) since Shaun of the Dead.

Nevertheless, it delivers. The film is packed with tons of unique new ways to kill zombies, lots of laughs and plenty of survival tips on how to make it through the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Zombieland brings fun cinema back in a bloody good way.

The moment Lamba of Texas State assembled their closet door on The Quad last Monday, members said they heard negative comments and threats of vandalism.

Comments like these are not new to members of Texas State’s LGBTQ group, and pessimism did not stop the members from celebrating National Coming Out Week.

National Coming Out Day,  was held Sunday. Institutions tend to celebrate it throughout the entire week, Texas State included.

Lindsey Goldstein/Star Photo

A chorus of yips and barks rang from San Marcos park plaza, signaling the beginning of the seventh annual Pet Fest. Dogs of all sizes and ages anxiously greeted one another Saturday while their owners attempted to untangle the leashes.

Hosted by Prevent a Litter of Central Texas, Pet Fest offered moon bounces, photo souvenirs and magic acts.

Sights and Sounds of San Marcos, an event that draws nearly 50,000 people each year, will charge admission for the first time in its 23 years.

According to a press release, the organization members decided to charge admission because of declining sponsorships and rising costs.

Entrance fees are $1 for children ages 2 to 11 and $2 for guests 11 or older during the Dec. 3 to Dec. 5 event at San Marcos Plaza Park. A limited number of three-day advance passes will be sold for $4. Volunteers will not have to pay the admission fee for the days they work.