The Zapata Times 8/8/2009

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EDUCATION

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Exemplary

County considers pay issue

ZCISD school earns top ranking from state

By NICK GEORGIOU THE ZAPATA TIMES

For the first time in its history, a Zapata County ISD campus earned an exemplary rating by the state.

That campus is Benavides Elementary, where the school’s approximately 50 students had at least a 90 percent passing rate in all areas of the 2009 Texas Assessment

of Knowledge and Skills.

“I attribute that to the fact that they have a very and RODRIGUEZ tenured dedicated staff,” said ZCISD Superintendent Romero Rodriguez.

“Therefore, there’s been a lot of consistency.”

The Texas Education Agency rated the rest of ZCISD’s schools as academically acceptable. But one of the campuses test scores did not meet the federally mandated and ever-increasing Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards.

According to official AYP ratings released Thursday, Zapata County Middle will undergo Stage 2 sanctions in

2009-2010 because its Limited English Proficiency students did not meet required improvement on the TAKS math exam for the third consecutive year.

Meanwhile, even though students at Zapata County High made required improvement on the math portion of the 2009 TAKS, the

See ZCISD | PAGE 10A

By ZACH LINDSEY THE ZAPATA TIMES

Some employees of the Zapata County Medical Clinic who lost wages because of a recent cut to their salaries want to see action from the Zapata County Commissioners Court at Monday’s meeting.

Also at the meeting, some management details of the new San Ygnacio Municipal Landfill will be clarified.

In regard to employees of the Zapata County Medical Clinic, it’s unclear exactly what the county can do to help. Last week, the non-profit clinic reduced the salaries of many of its 20 employees and cut health insurance altogether, citing financial difficulties. But the clinic’s employees do not work for the county.

According to the Commissioners Court agenda, former employees of the clinic want disVELA cussion regarding unpaid wages.

While the Zapata Medical Group, which runs the clinic, has a contract with the county to provide indigent health care at the facility, paying the clinic’s employees is the responsibility of the group, not the county.

The clinic also provides services for those with insurance and those who pay cash.

Many of the clinic’s employees saw their salaries reduced to minimum wage, $7.25 per hour; for some, it

See COUNTY | PAGE 10A

RECREATION

Photos by Ricardo Segovia | The Zapata Times Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

CAN YOU SPARE A LANE? LEAGUES ROLL STRIKES FOR MANY BOWLERS

B

owlers from Zapata County and beyond flock to Falcon Lanes, 2604 U.S. 83 North, for family-oriented recreation. The facility, which opened in April 2006 with 12 lanes, is sanctioned by the U.S. Bowling Congress. Participation in leagues

is a popular pasttime for many. ABOVE: Ricky Ramirez Jr. takes aim at pins on lane two for his Hawks team on a recent Saturday.

BELOW: Ricky Ramirez Jr., left, and Amanda Garcia, holding ball, are members of a children’s league at Falcon Lanes.

Joey Zuniga fishes during last the 2nd Annual Whiskers and Tails Children Fishing Tournament at the Zapata Public Boat Ramp last Saturday morning.

Tourney reels in 200 kids

By JULIETA CHIQUILLO THE ZAPATA TIMES

Sitting on a folding chair on the Falcon Lake shore, 11-year-old Eddie Hurtado reeled in the line in his fishing pole.

It had become entangled with the line of another child.

“No wonder!” he said.

Eddie’s cousins, 11-yearold Monique Hurtado and 8-year-old Carlos Hurtado, also were sitting by the lake waiting for a tug on their lines.

‘Until they bite’ “You wait until they bite,” Monique said about the catfish the children were hoping to catch.

The kids were enjoying the second annual Whiskers & Tails Kids Fishing Tournament at the Zapata County boat ramp, which proved to be a rousing success.

About 200 children

showed up at Falcon Lake on Saturday, Aug. 1, for the event, nearly doubling the number who showed up for it last year.

Participating Children between ages 5 and 13 participated in the tournament at no charge.

Fred Calderas, one of the event organizers, said children were divided in three age groups.

The goal is for children to catch three fish, and the child in each group whose total catch is the heaviest wins a bicycle and a trophy.

Other prizes included fishing rods, sleeping bags and water guns.

“Everyone is going to walk away with a prize,” Calderas said, noting that several local sponsors contributed about $6,000 for the prizes.

Last year, 113 children showed up for the tournament, Calderas said.

PAGE 2A

Zin brief

CALENDAR

SATURDAY,AUGUST8,2009

TODAY IN HISTORY

AROUND MEXICO

ASSOCIATED PRESS

SATURDAY,AUGUST 8 The Seventh Annual Zapata Health Fair will be held today from 8 a.m. until noon at the Zapata County Pavilion. Free health screenings will be provided. Other agencies will also be available with general information. The fair is being sponsored

by The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy.

For more information, or to become a provider, call Rosie Rodriguez at 723-2911, extension 5.

The Laredo Chess Club will have an open, nonrated chess tournament for students K-12 and adults today at the St. John Neumann Church Parish Hall, 102 W. Hillside Road. Registration is from 11 a.m. to noon, with the first round at 12:30 p.m.The entry fee $7 at the door.For more information, contact tournament director Dan Navarro at 7224600 or dan209@stx.rr.com or visit the club Web site.

WEDNESDAY,AUG.12 The Friends of the Library will host their first monthly meeting to introduce officers, provide the president’s and treasurer’s reports and plan activities for the upcoming year.

The meeting will be held today from 5:30–7 p.m. in the Laredo Public Library First Floor Conference Room.

Anyone who would like to become a Friend of the Library should attend this meeting. For more information, call the Laredo Public Library at 7952400.

SATURDAY,AUGUST 15 The Aztec District of Boy Scouts of America invites the public to participate in their first-ever Don Murphy Memorial Pinewood Derby Invitational. Registration and inspection of cars will take place on Friday, Aug. 14, at the Imaginarium.

Limited spaces are available. For a complete schedule of events, contact the BSA Aztec Office at 7444499 or Toni Ruiz at 763-9325 for applications and further information.

The first One City, One Book group discussion of “Enrique’s Journey,” by Sonia Nazario, will be held today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Texas A&M International University Killam Library Great Room, third floor. The group discussion, to be held in English and Spanish,will be in an informal setting that will allow for full exploration of messages,themes and ideas related to immigration.For more information, contact Pam Burrell at the Laredo Public Library at 795-2400, extension 2268.

WEDNESDAY,SEPT.2 The USS Missouri (BB-63) Association is a nonprofit organization made up of sailors, marines, officers and midshipman that have served aboard this famous battleship. Shipmates that served aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB63) will hold their annual reunion in Norfolk, Va. starting today,and lasting until Sept.

8. All veterans and interested parties, along with their family and friends are invited. For more information, call Bill Morton, vice president of the association, at (803) 469-3579 or e-mail him at Mo63@ftc-i.net.

THURSDAY,SEPT.10 The Texas A&M International Universitypresents drawings and sculptures by Brian Row.An opening reception will be held todayfrom 5- 7:30 p.m. at the Art gallery located inside the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

The exhibit will be on display through October 8th.For more information call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (956) 326-2654.

WEDNESDAY,SEPT.16 The 16th Annual Manufacturing and Logistics Symposium “South Texas and Northern Mexico’s Global Positioning in Today’s Economy”will be held at the TAMIU Student Center in Laredo from 6 to 8 p.m. The symposium is a comprehensive threeday agenda crucial for companies seeking new markets, developing logistic platforms or expanding operations. For more information, contact the Laredo Development Foundation at 722-0563 or visit www.ldfonline.org.

THURSDAY,SEPT.17 n The 16th Annual Manufacturing and Logistics Symposium “South Texas and Northern Mexico’s Global Positioning in Today’s Economy continues today at the TAMIU Student Center in Laredo from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at 326-2654.

To submit an item for the daily calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and a contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com

Photo by Carlos Jasso | AP

Security officers use explosive-sniffing dogs at the Cabanas Cultural Institute in Guadalajara, Mexico, where the North American Leaders Summit is taking place. President Barack Obama will meet with leaders of Mexico and Canada on Sunday and Monday.

US to discuss trade, drugs with Mexico and Canada

By MARTHA MENDOZA ASSOCIATED PRESS

MEXICO CITY — President Barack Obama meets this weekend with leaders of Mexico and Canada at a time when drug-related violence, swine flu and the economic crisis are slipping across North America’s borders like never before.

Obama, along with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, are expected to work on trade and immigration, drug trafficking and security, and clean energy during their first summit Sunday and Monday in the western colonial city of Guadalajara.

“The bottom line is that what affects our bordering neighbors has the potential to affect us all, so we want to be certain that we have the tightest and best possible cooperation,” said National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones during a White House briefing with the news media.

For Mexico, the North American Leaders

Summit comes at a crucial time: Washington is debating whether to withhold money to help fight Mexico’s powerful drug cartels due to allegations of human rights abuses by the Mexican military. International human rights groups, including the World Organization Against Torture, want Mexico to try soldiers in civil courts, something Calderon so far has appeared reluctant to do.

Complaints against the army have increased dramatically since 2006 when Calderon launched his anti-drug campaign, sending more than 45,000 soldiers to drug hotspots. This week, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, delayed the release of $100 million of the $1.4 billion Merida Initiative, a three-year package.

Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa said her government is confident Mexico will still receive the full funding, saying officials have sent the State Department information about steps taken to ensure the protection of human rights.

Shootouts leave at least 12 dead

Mexico accepts UN paper on pyramid site

Commission slams death report

PACHUCA, Mexico — A running battle between police and gunmen has left 12 people dead.

The dead included three police officers and nine gunmen. Two state police officers and one city officer remained hospitalized Friday after suffering gunshot wounds in the attacks late Thursday on the outskirts of Pachuca.

A state officer, who was also wounded, died Friday at the hospital.

MEXICO CITY — Mexico said Friday it accepts the recommendations of a U.N. committee that criticized a now-suspended plan to install lights on the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids to make it accessible for nighttime visits.

A spokesman for the National Institute of Anthropology and History said while it “totally accepts” the findings, officials like the idea to encourage more tourism and boost local economies.

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission on Thursday criticized a report commissioned by federal prosecutors that supports the official assertion that U.S. journalist Bradley Will was fatally shot at close range during a protest three years ago.

The Commission contended the report’s finding “is not based on expertise, it’s based on opinion.”

— Compiled from AP reports

AROUND TEXAS Number of active rigs up by 18 HOUSTON — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States went up by 18 this week to 966.

Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday that of the rigs running nationwide, 681 were exploring for natural gas and 277 for oil. Eight were listed as miscellaneous.

A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,967.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Louisiana lost five rigs, New Mexico lost two and California and North Dakota each lost one. Texas gained 14 rigs, Oklahoma gained four, Alaska gained two and Arkansas and Colorado each gained one. Wyoming was unchanged.

Woman aimed to steal baby,kill mom AUSTIN — A Texas woman remained jailed Friday after falsely claiming she was pregnant and trying to kidnap a baby and kill the child’s mother, police said.

Forty-year-old Margarita Nino’s plan was foiled by a Zavala County sheriff ’s deputy who pulled her over for speeding as she fled toward Mexico with the baby and his mother in the car.

July temps 13th hottest LUBBOCK — Rainfall in typically dry West Texas last month held down the state’s temperature

Today is Saturday, Aug. 8, the 220th day of 2009. There are 145 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Aug. 8, 1974, in the wake of damaging new revelations in the Watergate scandal, President Richard M. Nixon announced during a prime-time address that he would resign at noon the following day, and that Vice President Gerald R. Ford would succeed him.

On this date: In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte set sail for St. Helena to spend the remainder of his days in exile.

In 1876, Thomas A. Edison received a patent for his mimeograph.

In 1942, six convicted Nazi saboteurs who’d landed in the U.S. were executed in Washington, D.C.; two others were spared.

In 1953, the United States and South Korea initialed a mutual security pact.

In 1963, Britain’s “Great Train Robbery” took place as thieves made off with 2.6 million pounds in banknotes.

In 1968, the Republican national convention in Miami Beach, Fla., nominated Richard M. Nixon for president on the first ballot.

In 1973, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew branded as “damned lies” reports he had taken kickbacks from government contracts in Maryland, and vowed not to resign — which he ended up doing.

In 1978, the U.S. launched Pioneer Venus 2, which carried scientific probes to study the atmosphere of Venus.

Ten years ago: Opening a new attack on the Republican tax-cut measure, President Bill Clinton warned the nation’s governors at their meeting in St. Louis that the $792 billion package would trigger “huge cuts” in Medicare, farm programs and other spending critical to their voters.

Five years ago: Alan Keyes, the Republican two-time presidential hopeful, threw his hat into Illinois’ U.S. Senate race. (He ended up losing in a landslide to Democrat Barack Obama.) Actress Fay Wray, the damsel held atop the Empire State Building by the giant ape in “King Kong,” died in New York City at age 96.

One year ago: China opened the Summer Olympic Games with an extravaganza of fireworks and pageantry. A charter bus crashed near Sherman, Texas, killing 17 members of a Vietnamese-American Catholic group en route to Missouri. Former Democratic presidential candidate and vice-presidential nominee John Edwards admitted having an extramarital affair. Russia sent an armored column into the breakaway enclave of South Ossetia after Georgia launched an offensive to crush separatists there.

Today’s Birthdays: Producer Dino DeLaurentiis is 90. Actress Esther Williams is 88. Actor Richard Anderson is 83. Joan Mondale, wife of former Vice President Walter F. Mondale, is 79. Actress Nita Talbot is 79. Country singer Jamie O’Hara is 59. Movie director Martin Brest is 58. Radio-TV personality Robin Quivers is 57. Actor Donny Most is 56. Rock musician Dennis Drew (10,000 Maniacs) is 52. TV personality Deborah Norville is 51. Actorsinger Harry Crosby is 51. Rock musician The Edge (U2) is 48. Rock musician Tom Linton (Jimmy Eat World) is 34. Singer JC Chasez (‘N Sync) is 33. Actress Tawny Cypress is 33. R&B singer Drew Lachey (98 Degrees) is 33. R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius (Floetry) is 32. Actress Countess Vaughn is 31. Actor Michael Urie is 29. Tennis player Roger Federer is 28. Actress Meagan Good is 28. Britain’s Princess Beatrice of York is 21.

Thought for Today: “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” — Sydney J. Harris, American journalist (1917-1986).

CONTACT US Publisher, William B. Green . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2501

Photo by Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle | AP

James Giles, of Dallas, who was released from a Dallas jail in 2007, right, jokes with Ernest Sonnier as he is released from jail outside of the Harris County Jail, on Friday, in Houston, Sonnier who spent 23 years in prison for a kidnapping and rape that DNA tests show he may not have committed, was released on bond. average while other parts of the Lone Star State baked.

National Weather Service meteorologist Victor Murphy in Fort Worth said Friday that last month was the state’s 13th hottest July.

The average temperature was 84.1 degrees, 1.7 degrees above the 82.4-degree normal.

Feds to keep better conditions at facility WASHINGTON — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agreed Friday to continue improvements to a central Texas detention center until all immigrant families held there have left.

The agreement reached with the American Civil Liberties Union continues requirements of

the settlement of a 2007 lawsuit over conditions at T. Don Hutto Family Detention Center in Taylor.

1 infant dies,5 in intensive care HOUSTON — Five Texas sextuplets were hospitalized Friday one day after a sibling died.

A spokeswoman at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas in Houston said the surviving Stansel infants were in intensive care.

She declined to release further details on the status of the four girls and one boy born Tuesday night to Amanda and Thomas Stansel of Humble.

— Compiled from AP reports

Business Manager Dora Martinez. . (956) 324-1226 Chief Accountant,Thelma Aguero . . . . . . .728-2553 General Manager,Adriana Devally . . . . . . .728-2510 Retail Adv. Manager,Alice Arce . . . . . . . . . .728-2511 Classified Manager, Sandra Valderrama . .728-2525 Adv. Billing Inquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2531 Circulation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2550 Creative/Production Director, Raul Cruz .728-2528 MIS Director, Michael Castillo . . . . . . . . . . .728-2505 Editor, Diana Fuentes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2581 City Editor,Julie Daffern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2565 Sports Editor, Dennis Silva II . . . . . . . . . . .728-2579 Business Journal Editor,Joe Rutland . . . .728-2529 A&E Editor, Kirsten Crow . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728-2543

SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of Laredo Morning Times and those who buy LMT at newstands.The Zapata Times is inserted inside.

The Zapata Times is free.

The Zapata Times is published by Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956)728-2500 The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Highway 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2; Zapata, TX, 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes@att.net

The Zapata Times

PAGE 3A

Zlocal

SATURDAY,AUGUST8,2009

Torres has made many contributions to Zapata

BY DORA MARTINEZ

Cruz Torres, Ph.D., is a Zapata native who has accomplished various undertakings in her professional life.

Torres was recently the keynote speaker for American Cancer Society in Albuquerque, N.M. She is a retired associate professor emeritus from Texas A&M University.

She educates and prepares people for future economic conditions and changes and has lectured often about Latino demographic trends and issues related to shifts in those trends.

This helps the people to make the necessary adjustments in planning to help reduce the incidence and mor-

COLUMN tality rates from cancer and improve those who are diagnosed with it.

Several officials have stated that Torres is a brilliant individual.

According to the Texas A&M University Web site, Torres’ major areas of research included access to education, health and other services for underrepresented populations, focusing on U.S. Latinos.

She has had more than a dozen research-based works, including book reviews and book chapters, published in scholarly press and professional journals.

She and her husband,

Ramiro, own the Holiday Restaurant and have two boys together, Ramiro Jr. and Eduardo Javier. The Torres family has resided in Zapata County all of their lives.

Torres loves cross-stitching in her spare time and also likes to do gardening and plays Scrabble. At times, she likes to do some fishing and hunting. She finds it to be good relaxation.

For a job well done, we thank Torres for all her contributions to the County of Zapata.

(Dora Martinez is a native of Zapata who was publisher of Hispanic News in San Antonio for 21 years. She can be reached at thezapatatimes@att.net)

LAW ENFORCEMENTAID

Photo by Eddie Zavala | Special to the Times

Congressman Henry Cuellar, center, talks with Zapata Fire Chief J.J. Meza, left, and Zapata County Commissioner Jose Vela about Zapata County’s recently acquired Mobile Command Center during the congressman’s visit to Zapata on Tuesday.

ZISD seeks donations for teachers

Man in rollover after pumping gas

By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES

A Zapata man speeding away from a gas station Wednesday without paying for gas lost control of his vehicle and rolled over at 20th and Alamo streets.

Carlos Javier Sanchez Jr., 19, had driven off without paying for $5 worth of gas, according to Zapata County Sheriff ’s Office

Capt. Aaron Sanchez.

Driving at a high rate of speed, the 19-yearold lost control of the vehicle and hit a dumpster, causing his the van he was driving to turn onto its right side, the sheriff ’s report stated.

He was arrested and charged with no driver’s license and no liability insurance.

Sanchez did not require medical attention and the owner of the gas station did not file charges.

THE BLOTTER DECEASED PERSON

ROLLOVER

Game wardens Saturday found a body floating in the river near Ruiz’s Boat Ramp in San Ygnacio at about 9 p.m.The body was later identified as Melecio Bautista-Lopez through various identification cards, including a Tennessee driver’s license. Autopsy results are pending.

Adalberto Garcia Jr., 37,was in a rollover accident Thursday around noon when he lost control of his vehicle on Texas 16. The vehicle rolled over three times before landing on his top. Garcia was taken to Laredo Medical Center and complained of back pains, according to Zapata County Sheriff’s Deputy Obed Luera.

Friday,he had been released from the hospital.

THEFT A complainant filed a report

Friday at around 5 p.m. that an unknown person took a rake,garden hoe and a pitchfork from a residence in the 1400 block of Jackson Street.

A complainant filed a police report Saturday after 10 a.m. that someone had taken John Deere equipment from his residence in the 200 block of Serna St. A complainant reported to authorities Wednesday at 12:25 p.m. that a 9mm Glock pistol had been taken from his truck. He was not sure if it happened in San Antonio or Zapata.

THE ZAPATA TIMES

There are about 675 employees of the Zapata County Independent School District, and local businesses have the opportunity to help welcome them back for a new school year.

The ZCISD general session is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The district is accepting donations of promotional items from businesses such as pencils, pens, brochures, gift certificates and discount coupons, among other things, which will be given to the employees at the general session.

Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.

“Let your smile be a sign of happiness & good health”

1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160

This is a great opportunity to advertise and help the educational community at the same time.

Donations can be delivered to the district’s Curriculum Department at 17th

and Carla Street.

For more information, call Mari Guzman at 7656546, ext. 2030; Martha Rodriguez at 765-6439, ext. 2020 or Minnie Quintanilla at 765-5855.

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Zopinion

SATURDAY,AUGUST 8,2009

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM COLUMN

OTHER VIEWS

Sotomayor’s not good choice for high court T

he Senate’s decision to confirm or reject a Supreme Court nominee is one of its most important duties. I voted against the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

Texans deserve to know why.

Supreme Court Justices have tremendous power. It takes five votes on the Supreme Court to invent new “rights” that aren’t found in the Constitution or to narrow or scrap the constitutional rights we treasure.

Each justice serves for life. As a result, the Senate’s power to confirm or reject nominees must be exercised with great care. The question is this: Has the nominee shown that she will exercise the power of the Supreme Court responsibly?

As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have carefully studied Judge Sotomayor’s record. I also had the opportunity to question Judge Sotomayor at the hearing.

Going into the hearings, my views were decidedly mixed. On one hand, I found much to admire in Judge Sotomayor. Her career is the embodiment of the American dream.

Mostly mainstream She is an experienced judge with an excellent academic background. And based on a careful review of her past decisions, I agree with others that her lower court decisions have been, for the most part, in the mainstream of American law.

At the same time, I have remained deeply troubled by her testimony, her speeches on the nature of judging, and her views in some areas such as the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Judge Sotomayor’s speeches suggest a surprisingly radical view of the law. It’s a view she couldn’t follow as a lower court judge because she was bound by precedent, but which she would be free to embrace if confirmed to the Supreme Court.

In her speeches, she argued that there is no such thing as “law”; that there is no objectivity in law; that courts should change the law to make new policy; and that ethnicity and gender can and even should impact a judge’s decisionmaking. I strongly disagree.

Objective and fair In my view, the rule of law requires objectivity and fairness.

I was also concerned by a number of Judge Sotomayor’s cases, such as her decisions on the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms and her decision in the New Haven firefighter case, Ricci v.

JOHN CORNYN DeStefano, that the Supreme Court reversed just last month.

Unfortunately, some on the left and some on the right have tried to make this nomination about ethnicity. I strongly reject that view. The only question is Judge Sotomayor’s judicial philosophy.

No clear answers My hope was that Judge Sotomayor could clear up her statements and address my concerns in her testimony. I made sure that she would have a full and fair hearing in which to voice her views. But I regret to say that Judge Sotomayor’s testimony only added to my concerns.

Instead of offering explanations for her speeches, Judge Sotomayor offered evasions and denials.

And she declined to take a position on the merits of her past decisions.

For example, Judge Sotomayor repeatedly stated at the hearing that it is the role of courts to interpret the law rather than make law. Initially I was pleased, as this sounded like a rejection of judicial activism.

But eventually it became clear that this was a play on labels, not a commitment to judicial restraint. In her view, everything a court does is by definition an “interpretation” of the law that doesn’t “make” law.

That’s an invitation to engage in judicial lawlessness.

Judge Sotomayor also was unable to explain her most controversial rulings in important areas such as the Second Amendment and the right against government takings of private property.

Get rid of ethnicity check boxes on federal forms to help reduce racial tension To the editor: Though I have been a legal resident for the last four years, I look forward with great expectation to the day I’ll become an American citizen. My wife and I are very proud because Melinda, our 2-year-old granddaughter, is the first “Texanita” in our family, and I bear witness myself as one of those whose dreams have come true in America.

However, every time I have to fill out an application and check an ethnicity box, I wonder: Am I a Latino? Even though Latin is no longer spoken in America Latina? Am I a Hispanic?

Though I was not born in Spain? Am I a hyphenated Mexican-American? Meaning a part of me is Mexican and another is American?

Which is which? Which is more and which is less?

In one state application form, I even had to fill in the “skin tone” blank.

Frankly, I consider myself an American because I was born in the American continent. But as long as I keep checking the Mexican-American/Latino/Hispanic box, I will most likely be classified

She testified that her vote against New Haven firefighters who had been discriminated against on the basis of their race was required by past cases, and that she had just been following the law. I reviewed those past cases, and I just can’t agree. Neither could the Supreme Court, which recently reversed Judge Sotomayor’s decision in that case.

As a member of the Senate, I cannot vote for a nominee if I have real doubts as to how that person would exercise the power of being a Supreme Court justice.

For that reason, I voted against Judge Sotomayor’s confirmation.

(John Cornyn is a U.S. senator representing the state of Texas. He was previously Texas Attorney General and a state district judge in San Antonio.)

readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the letter; The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms.

Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

This space allows for public debate of the issues of the day.

We do publish “thank you” letters, but due to limited space, we ask writers to list no more than 10 names in such letters.

Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo, TX 78041.

as all of them — except an American — forever, and so will the children of my children.

I have a proposal for President Obama, a way to really become “ E Pluribus Unum” in America: Remove all the ethnic background boxes from all federal forms.

A teacher once asked me, “then how’s the federal government going to know whom to allot funds to?”

“By analyzing the socioeconomic data gathered by states or regions, “ I replied.

I think there must be a more effective way to distribute money than racial background.

One of the things I’ve noticed is that there is what I call a widespread sense of “ethnic hyper-sensibility.”

We look for the look “alikes” and tend to avoid the “unlikes.” Discrimination now is more subtle, many times unconscious and usually spontaneous.

“I think we are a nation of people deeply influenced by the stereotypes endlessly perpetuated in our culture,” acknowledges Raina Kelley in “The Roots of Racism” (Newsweek, July 13, 2009:

27). “We’re all racists.”

Mexico was not the exception. During the 18th century, New Spain’s colonial government established a caste system. Thus, the offspring of Spaniards, Indians, Blacks and Chinese were classified into different “castes” whose names were clear in the beginning, somewhat bizarre later, — like “Salta pa’ Tras” (Jump Backwards) who were the descendants of “Albino” and “White”— and wound up in absolute confusion as the name of the children between a “Tente en el aire” (Held in the air) and a Chinese woman: “No te entiendo” (I do not understand you). With fourteen castes to distinguish from, no wonder New Spain’s government got so confused and ended up not understanding its own caste system. After Mexico became independent, slavery and the caste system were abolished.

In 1990, my friend Denise Jean, a communications officer for a human rights organization in Boston, didn’t know what to answer her little son when he asked her when an African American

would become president.

Denise and I knew it would take ages before this could happen. Then President Obama was elected. It was a once inconceivable dream come true.

Now I dream of the day when my granddaughter Melinda won’t have to check an ethnicity box because she will feel she’s an American, not a hyphenated one. I dream of the day when people won’t have to spend weeks and hundreds of newscast hours watching and hearing experts deciphering and interpreting whether a phrase someone famous said had a particular racial connotation — what’s evident needs no further explanation.

I dream of the day when “E Pluribus Unum” can be translated as “Out of Many, We are One” — regardless of our ethnic backgrounds.

Thus, eliminating the ethnicity background boxes in federal forms, I believe, would be not just the first step, but a stride toward a more just and equal society.

Signed, Marco Franco ESL high school teacher

EDITORIAL

Real doubts

SENDING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Zapata Times does not publish anonymous letters.

To be published, letters must include the writer’s first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity.

The phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary.

The identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication.

The Zapata Times does not publish letters with just an initial and a last name.

People who want to air their opinions publicly must do so openly.

We want to assure our

YOUR OPINION

There’s trouble in the Oil Patch HOUSTON CHRONICLE

F

orget windfall profits.

They’re so 2008. These are tough times for Big Oil and all across the Oil Patch.

Believe it: Second-quarter earnings in the industry are down sharply from a year ago, and the future doesn’t look much more promising.

The latest earnings scorecard for the majors reads abysmally: ConocoPhillips down 76 percent from 2008, BP down 53 percent, Exxon Mobil off 66 percent, and Shell down by 67 percent.

These weak numbers aren’t making headlines in places like Washington, D.C., and New York City — unlike the news coverage of mid2008’s record-setting profit results . A year ago, in the middle of a presidential campaign, reports of chartbusting earnings in the oil industry amid $4-a-gallon pump prices fueled feverish calls to bring back a windfall-profits tax. Fortunately,

more reasonable views prevailed.

In Houston, on the other hand, the earnings numbers for oil companies make headlines whether they are good, bad or somewhere in between — and no matter the current prices at the gas pump. That’s because the numbers don’t just lie flat on a page here. They have a human dimension, the way numbers for the automobile industry do in Detroit. In early 2009, for example, sagging profits translated into 4 percent work force cutbacks for Houston-headquartered ConocoPhillips. Those were neighbors being laid off.

Which makes this is a ripe moment to repeat what may be a uniquely Houston energy mantra: Energy is a cyclical industry — a roller coaster.

We’re strapped in for that ride right now. As reported last Sunday in the Chronicle’s Business section by L.M. Sixel (“The Quarterly: Energy, once a shield for the

city, may take a while to rally its strength”), dips in oil and natural gas prices have indeed pierced the economic shield that has so often protected this area in other times of national downturn.

Oil prices at $140 per barrel in 2008 are at half that today.

Natural gas prices have slumped from $13.50 per million British thermal units to about $3.80.

Why should those declining numbers be cause for anything but celebration outside of the oil patch?

Here’s why: A boom-andbust cycle in energy isn’t just a Houston problem. It tends to be self-perpetuating, and that creates problems for all energy-consuming Americans. Wildly fluctuating oil prices mean fewer dollars available for exploration for new resources when prices are low. Less exploration during lean times in turn means tighter supplies when demand goes up. And this typically leads to higher pump prices, usually with at-

DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

tendant spikes in oil profits.

Invariably, that brings loud cries to rein in the oil profiteers.

That’s an oversimplification, of course, but not by much. It leads us to a not-soobvious point: Over the long haul, averaging together boom years and bust, the oil and gas industry turns out to be a middling performer for investors.

Year in and year out, oil company profits average right around 8 percent, according to academic and industry studies. It’s just that the earnings numbers in the energy industry do not march out in an orderly fashion from year to year — and that offers a field day for those looking to demonize the energy industry when they shoot skyward. The demonizing serves no one well.

We speak up about this with some frequency because it’s true and important. And because others outside of Houston mostly don’t.

PAGE 5A

Zsalud

SATURDAY,AUGUST8,2009

Women, take time for these major health tests

By Dr. CELSO RODRIGUEZ SPECIAL TO THE TIMES Regular check-ups and routine tests are important.

They provide a road map for managing your health and help you make informed decisions about the necessary nutrients, activity level, and any medications or medical treatment you may need to maintain your best health.

Certain health issues are a matter of individual health and heredity. If a specific condition runs in your family — from high cholesterol to cancer — your doctor may recommend earlier and more frequent tests to stay well ahead of, and reduce the likelihood of developing, various health conditions.

At the various stages of your life, staying on top of your health promotes peace of mind, as well as identifies

Dr. CELSO RODRIGUEZ: Lists major check-ups for women to take.

any potential health issues early, when they are easier to treat.

Besides the basic vision check and dental exam, your primer to preventive care should include the following tests:

Pap test Why: All women should have an annual pap test to screen for cervical cancer.

The test collects cells from the cervix and examines them for any changes that may indicate the possibility of cancer.

When: Beginning at age

21 or three years after sexual activity, and continuing after menopause until age 65 to 70.

Pap tests should be repeated at least every three years — or annually, if recommended by your doctor based on your age, lifestyle, reproductive health and heredity.

Cholesterol screening Why: High cholesterol has no symptoms — but can have serious health consequences, from heart attack to stroke. Your reading will include LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol.

When: Schedule your first cholesterol test at age 20 and repeat the test at least every five years. If you are 45 or older, have a family history

of heart disease, or have a total cholesterol level of over 200, get an annual screening.

Clinical breast exam and mammogram Why: A clinical breast exam monitors your breast tissue for lumps, thickening or any other changes that warrant follow-up. A mammogram is an X-ray that shows a detailed picture of the breast tissue – and it can detect breast cancer one to three years before you actually feel a lump in your breast, according to the Mayo Clinic.

When: Annual clinical breast exams should begin by age 30 and be performed at least every three years.

Schedule your first mammogram by age 40, thereafter

schedule a mammogram every 1-2 years until 50 years old. After 50 years of age, have an annual mammogram.

Skin cancer screening Why: Because skin cancer is the second most common cancer in women behind breast cancer, and nearly 100 percent curable if caught early. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, in both women and men, accounting for nearly half of all cancers in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

When: Schedule first head-to-toe screening with your dermatologist, or primary care provider, by age 30, and annually thereafter — or more frequently if you are at high risk: fair skin, repeated

sunburns, many moles, or a family history.

Thyroid screening Why: The thyroid is a tiny, but important gland that produces hormones which regulate the way your body uses energy. Symptoms include rapid weight gain or loss, excessive fatigue or insomnia and anxiety, hair loss, and memory problems. A simple blood test can assure your thyroid is working properly.

When: Beginning at age 35, and every five years, or more often if you have thyroid symptoms or risk factors, such as family history.

For more information on women’s health issues, contact LMC at (956) 796-3223 or visit www.laredomedical.com.

Doctors Hospital hosts seminar for nurses HEALTH AWARENESS SCREENING sponsored by:

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES Doctors Hospital will be hosting a free seminar for nurses from 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday at Providence Health Center, located at 230 Calle del Norte.

The seminar, titled “Nursing Considerations for Maintaining Optimal Vitamin D levels in the Prevention of

Dr. GUSTAVO VILLARREAL: Teaching about Vitamin D levels.

Cancer,” will be presented by Dr. Gustavo Villarreal.

This activity is intended to give registered nurses a clear understanding of how Vitamin D deficiency

affects nursing practice in the oncology setting by outlining the importance of maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels and recommendations for maintenance and deficiency treatment.

Nurses will receive 1½ contact hours.

Nursing contact hours have been applied through

the Texas Nurses Association, an accredited approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s commission on Accreditation.

Refreshments will be provided.

For registration or further information, call (956) 523-2132 or (956) 523-2658.

Doctors will open new maternity clinic SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Doctors Hospital, celebrating 35 years of service excellence in the community, is opening a new maternity clinic in central Laredo on Monday.

The Nueva Vida Maternity Clinic is located at 801 Corpus Christi St. The clinic

will offer a variety of services for expecting mothers, including expectant mother care, ultrasound, pap smear, fetal monitoring and lab tests.

Free pregnancy services will be offered at this new clinic.

“Women’s services continue to expand at Doctors

Hospital,” says chief executive officer Elmo Lopez Jr. “We want to continue to grow with the community and reach out to our patients through service and convenience.”

Obstetricians and gynecologists Drs. Wlfrano Sanchez and Johol Chan will be gin seeing pa-

tients at this clinic beginning Monday. A grand opening is planned for September.

Medicaid, Medicare and all major insurances are accepted.

For more information on the new Doctors Hospital Nueva Vida Maternity Clinic, call (956) 727-0722.

Be Safe Be Well Be Smart!!

J&A Pharmacy 717-3839

Laredo-Store Saturday & Sunday - August 15th & 16th 6703 McPherson Ave. Screening and registration will take place inside the pharmacy from 8 am to 1 pm

Test Panels

Other Test

Heart-Check* ________________$45.00 Mega-Check M* ______________________$80.00 Includes Total Cholesterol, LDL (Bad), HDL, Includes Super-Check, Prostate cancer (Good), Triglycerides, Coronary Risk Factor. test (PSA), Valued up to $250.00 PSA (prostate cancer test) ______________$45.00 Valued up to $100.00 Master-Check* ________________$50.00 TSH/T7______________________________$50.00 Includes Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Includes Heart-Check, Liver/Kidney T3, T4 & T7 Function Bone/Joint Disease, Diabetes, Hemoglobin A1C ____________________ $40.00 Electrolytes. A Total of 22 Blood Tests. (glucose average over three months) Valued up to $150.00 Homocystein ________________________ $65.00 Super-Check* ________________$55.00 (Assess risk of stroke) Includes Master-Check & CBC Valued up to Cardio CRP ________________________ $50.00 $180.00 (A strong predictor of increased cardiovascular risk in both men and woman and also a predictor of Mega-Check* ________________$75.00 diabetes ) Includes Super-Check & TSH. Valued up to Next Visit $200.00 December-November 14 & 15 (*) 8-10 hour fasting required Results are sent within 3 to 4 days and include an easy to read explanation sheet.

Offices In: Harlingen (956-423-4744). Edinburg (956-631-3170).

Brownsville (956) 982-4438. Corpus Christi (361-882-8833). Weslaco (956) 969-0301

For the best in your local news read The Zapata Times every Saturday.

6A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009

ZSalud

McDonald’s House Family Room opens at DH SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio and Doctors Hospital of Laredo held a Grand Opening event for the first Ronald McDonald House Family Room.

The grand opening ceremonies took place on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

The Ronald McDonald House Family Room extends the comfort of a Ronald McDonald House to a hospital setting.

Located on the second floor of the Women’s Center just steps from neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, the Family Room provides the families of critically ill or injured children a place to rest, take showers, grab a bite to eat and even do laundry.

The RMH Family Room operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Room is decorated in cool contemporary colors giving it a homely environment.

The Family Room is furnished with a living area with a wide-screen TV, dining area, kitchen, computer and washer/dryer.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization which creates, finds and supports programs which directly improve the health and well-being of children.

Ronald McDonald House Charities organization has a wish list seeking donations for the RMH Family Room.

For more information, call Doctors Hospital at (956) 523-2020.

Courtesy photo | Doctors Hospital of Laredo

Elmo Lopez Jr., CEO of Doctors Hospital, joins Ronald McDonald, Danielle Dobski, president of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Miguel Conchas of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, District Attorney Isidro “Chilo”Alaniz, Pat Bivins, executive director of RMHC of San Antonio, Mark Van Es, Laredo McDonald’s owner-operator, and Sandra Hernandez, RN of Doctors Hospital Cancer Center, are shown at the grand opening of RMHC Family Room.

Oncologists will speak on LMC celebrates five years ovarian cancer at LMC forum of Healthy Woman SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Dr. Andres Soriano, hematologist oncologist, and Dr. Sylvia Gutierrez, radiation oncologist, will both headline Laredo Medical Center’s September Cancer Forum highlighting ovarian cancer.

The Cancer Forum is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Laredo Medical Center’s Private Dining Room in the McAuly Café located in the hospital’s main area.

Soriano and Gutierrez will speak on the latest advancements being made in detecting and treating ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant or cancerous cells are found in the ovaries. An ovary is one of two small, almond-shaped organs located on each side of

GUTIERREZ

SORIANO

the uterus w h i c h store eggs or germ cells and produce female hormones estrogen and

progesterone.

It is estimated there will be 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer and 14,600 deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States in 2009.

Soriano and Gutierrez practice oncology at the Sanchez Cancer Treatment Center at LMC. To reserve your space, or for more information, call (956) 796-3222. Light refreshments will be served.

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Laredo Medical Center will celebrate five years of offering women in Laredo a healthier lifestyle through its Healthy Woman program.

To celebrate the occasion, LMC will host a wellness fair featuring a variety of booths and services offering health tips for the mind and body.

The celebration The celebration will take place Thursday, Aug. 27, in the Community Center of Tower B, first floor, at Laredo Medical Center.

Five years ago, LMC launched its Healthy Woman program in an effort to help women take care of their health. Women are prima-

rily responsible for taking care of health matters in the home — whether it be for the children or the spouse — but most times ignore their own health because they’re usually too busy caring for everyone else. At LMC, women’s health is valued and a priority.

Women who join the Healthy Woman program say they find comfort in numbers with enrollment having grown over the last four years to more than 1,000 members.

Healthy Woman offers monthly events featuring presenters who discuss health, financial and spiritual topics. Membership in the program is free for women between the ages of 21 and 54.

To join Healthy Woman, call (956) 7963222 or visit our Web site at www.laredomedical.com.

Welcome to the family!

Welcome UnitedHealthcare and Aetna members.

Now you, too, have a choice!

Laredo Medical Center believes that you should be able to choose your hospital. We’ve partnered with all of these health plans – most recently UnitedHealthcare and Aetna – so members have the option to choose our network of skilled physicians, hospital services and health programs.

We offer a full range of advanced services, from maternity care to orthopedics to surgical weight loss. And we are this area’s preferred choice for cardiac and emergency services.* So, for quality care, choose Laredo Medical Center. To learn more, visit laredomedical.com.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Mercy Health Plans Aetna UnitedHealthcare CIGNA PPO Healthnet Humana PPO Mutual of Omaha PPO Texas True Choice Great West PPO Principal Financial Mail Handlers PPO Beech Street PPO Unicare PPO Healthsmart PPO

Humana Gold GEHA Benefit Plan PPO Multiplan PPO First Health PacifiCare Humana HMO Unicare Not PPO Universal Healthcare Co. CIGNA Healthcare Bakers Benefit Adm PPO Prudential PPO Texas Municipal League PPO The Guardian/PHCS Fortis PPO Aetna TRS Care PPO

Quality Care. Close to Home. *Strategic Marketing Concepts’ Service Area Consumer Survey, July 2007.

PAGE 7A

Zlifestyle

SATURDAY,AUGUST8,2009

The art of altruism

By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Representatives from the South Texas Food Bank are fond of saying it’s the best bank in town — the only one, they say, that services the community “from the womb to the tomb.”

And for philanthropic Laredoans, the perfect opportunity to make a deposit to the bank is just around the corner.

The third annual Laredo Entertainment Center-South Texas Food Bank Empty Bowls fundraiser is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday at the LEC, where the altruistic, art enthusiasts and folk rock aficionados can partake in an evening of wholesome entertainment taking in a dinner, bidding in a silent auction of beautifully decorated plates and soaking in the tunes of the GrammyAward-winning America, all while ensuring that their hard-earned money is invested right back in to the community.

The event will also serve to honor Arturo N. Benavides, who has made significant contributions to the food bank, and more specifically, to area Kids Cafés, according to a press release issued by the nonprofit.

A growing fast The recession has, no

doubt, affected families across the board — and for the food bank, that means not only more families in need, but also fewer donations with which to feed them.

According to the press release, the organization served 20,000 families, including 6,300 children and 6,400 elderly, during May and June of this year.

“We’re seeing more and more people in need, especially children,” said Gloria Jackson, director of special programs and events and director of Kids Cafés. “The findings (in recent research) were urgent — (they show) that children are not developing or growing because of lack of food... (they) are living below the poverty level or not having dinner.”

The news is more urgent than the immediate problem of hunger, she added. Malnourishment can be a catalyst for growth stunts, health problems and delinquency, she said.

But funds raised during the Empty Bowl event will go directly toward fulfilling that need — about 50 percent of the profits would go to supplying Kids Cafés with nutritional food for the 700 children the centers serve Monday through Friday, Jackson said.

“We need to give them fresh meat, protein, fresh vegetables … so they can

have the nutrients they need to grow and play,” she said.

Another high-risk group which benefits from the food bank are the elderly, Jackson added. Between medication costs and juggling finances on a fixed income, many of the elderly cut back on health care and food.

“They are our roots; they are the founders of this community,” Jackson said. “Why should we not treat them with respect?”

Dishing about art Although the Empty Bowls event includes dinner and a concert, the signature of the event — bidding on dozens of beautifully painted and decorated plates — is certainly the cornerstone.

This year, Jackson said many of the bowls were given to local artists Malu Portillo and Francisca “Paquita” Palacios, who then distributed them to artists in the community to decorate. Many went to members of the Laredo Art League.

Also, several bowls were given to “celebrity” designers, such as Pro 8 News anchors Ann Hutyra and Tim Gutierrez, Hot 106.1 DJ David “Kash Kasanova” Vasquez and state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, among many others, to decorate with their own

Courtesy photo

The centerpiece of the Laredo Entertainment Center-South Texas Food Bank Empty Bowls fundraiser has always been the beautifully decorated plates up for auction. This year, there are about 55 that will be available to bidders. Pictured above is a plate by Pancho Farias. unique touch.

One standout, she added, was Pancho Farias’ plate depicting Robert Duvall in the Laredo-set “Lonesome Dove.”

“We have a beautiful variety,” Jackson said. “I’m very grateful to (the artists) volunteering.”

Returning for her third year as a volunteer artist for the Empty Bowls fundraiser is Rosario Azios, who has been charged with painting the bowls bearing the signatures of big-name celebrities such as Enrique Iglesias, Julieta Venegas and Cheech and Chong.

Free tickets Empty Bowls kicks off at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner and the silent auction being held through 7:30 p.m.

The floor table seating for Empty Bowls, which includes a meal, has already sold out, but tickets to the America concert are still available.

Tickets for the America concert, set to begin at 8 p.m., are available for $12 and $17 at the LEC box office and Ticketmaster locations. You may also receive a free pair of tickets when you bring this

article to the Laredo Morning Times offices during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The promotion is on a first-come, first-serve basis, while the tickets last.

All proceeds benefit the South Texas Food Bank’s programs to feed the disadvantaged, including Kids Cafes and food stamp outreach.

For more information, call the South Texas Food Bank at call726-3120 or visit the Web site at www.southtexasfoodbank.org.

(Kirsten Crow may be reached at 728-2543 or by e-mail at kirsten@lmtonline.com)

Zapata native Claudia Villarreal pens children’s book

By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES Claudia Villarreal didn’t purposely sit down and write a children’s book — the words, she said, just came to her.

She was reading a book, she said, when she “started getting the words.”

“It wasn’t anything I really thought about,” Villarreal said.

“The sentences just started pouring into my head… I stopped what I was doing, went to the computer and wrote down the words that were coming to me.”

As a special education teacher, the Zapata High School and Texas

A&M International University graduate had considered writing a children’s book before. In that first session, she wrote about one-third of what would later be called “The Alphabet Thief.” The rest was written over the course of the next two weeks.

The story, aimed at pre-K and

kindergarten-age children, follows the wily Alphabet Thief, who convinces all the vowels to run away from the alphabet — leaving plenty of words without meaning.

Once Villarreal completed the story, she went in search of a freelance illustrator to bring it to life visually.

“The first thing that came to mind when I read it … was to imagine this Inspector Gadget kind of person, but a short one,” she said. “I thought that would appeal to 4- to 6-year-olds. They have a tendency to gravitate toward animals that don’t make any sense, like Elmo.”

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Zentertainment

SATURDAY,AUGUST8,2009

Arjona to make music at the LEC SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Photos by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

Cast members, from left,Albert Perez, Ricardo Holguin and Victor Vedia perform the opening act of “Cabaret” on Monday at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

Come to ‘Cabaret’ tonight

By KIRSTEN CROW LAREDO MORNING TIMES

Life at the cabaret is decadent: Sex, alcohol and the generous, glorious revelation in the freedom to indulge is served day-in, day-out. In fact, it’s more than served — it’s encouraged.

The Kit Kat Klub in Berlin is a dive that is a haven for it all — the staff encourages its clientele to leave all worldly troubles outside its doors — and enter a world cast with a beautiful set of scantily clad women and men on hand to help its patrons make all their desires come true, led by the scandalously sensational Emcee.

But in 1931 Germany, what’s stirring, rising, outside the Kit Kat Klub is as much the story, if not more, than the tales that unfold within.

Tackling one of Broadway’s most popular and longest-running shows, the Laredo Institute of Theatrical Education — having previously staged “Mulan Jr.” earlier this season — takes on a decidedly more adult tone in its production, being staged this weekend and next, at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

The story At the center of “Cabaret” is the unusual romance between American Cliff Bradford, played by Armando Lopez, who has come to Berlin in search of inspiration for his novel, and the 19year-old Kit Kat girl and Epicurean extraordinaire, Sally Bowles, portrayed by Cassandra Canales.

Playing out in the smokyroomed pleasures of the Kit Kat Klub and the hallways of Fräulein Schneider’s boardinghouse, the story follows the lives of not only Bradford

and Bowles, but the occupants of those haunts.

Kicking off with the opening number “Wilkommen,” showcasing the talents of the club’s enthusiastic crew, it’s all ecstatic glee and excess as the Emcee, directing the action, serves as the ringmaster for a circus of pleasure.

As Sally and her newest (and possible most respectable beau) begin their relationship, another, and one just as ill-fated, between the elderly Herr Schultz, played by Rick Villarreal and Fräulein Schneider, played

by Marla Perez, blossoms.

Throwing a monkey wrench between the two — and also, ironically, bringing them together — is Erica Salinas, who plays the salaciously saucy Fräulein Kost, who has a distinct predilection for sailors.

But as Germany — and the lives of the principal players — deteriorates, unraveling bit by bit by intertwined horrors, shining exaltation shifts to a much darker tone as the Nazis rise to power.

Growing up “Cabaret” has more than a few versions, noted Danny Villarreal, director. And some, such as the 1972 film starring Liza Minnelli, take more liberties than others.

The idea of staging a version in Laredo was sparked by the first-time director watching a production of “Cabaret” at the University of Texas at Austin while he was a light operator.

“I felt (that version) was missing a lot of things — we’re pushing a lot more,” he said. “There are several different versions, but this one seemed right on.

“It’s very dramatic, it’s very, very funny and it will

make you cry. I love to take the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions.”

For instance, while some productions downplay the role of the Emcee, who is often considered the lead of “Cabaret,” Villarreal gave the character a larger part in the show — when he is not center stage, he essentially appears on the periphery, reflecting emotion to the scenes he witnesses.

Played by Ricardo Holguin, the Emcee isn’t just the helmer — sitting atop the scaffolding, he surveys the action below throughout the two acts, conveying conscience.

The cast With a cast of 20 composed of primarily LITE veterans, the “kids” have grown up, both in their stage skill and in their material.

Holguin, who has performed in various Laredo Musical Theatre International and LITE productions during the last six years, said he was ready to take on more adult, less family-friendly material — “I’m shirtless in this one,” he joked — in a role he summed up as “controversial.”

He researched his role carefully — “the emcee has to know everything” — meaning that not only does he need to know his own lines and emotions for any given scene, but must also know each of the given character’s lines, backgrounds and emotions in order to react to them accordingly – essentially acting as something of a one-man Greek chorus.

“I believe there’s going to be a lot of different reviews than in the past,” Holguin said. “Laredo has to see we’re not in that era anymore … they’ll have to be more open-minded.”

Laredo Entertainment Center’s “Awesome August,” packed with various musical and live action acts, kicks off with the sizzling Guatemalan singer and songwriter Ricardo Arjona at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Known as Latin America’s Bob Dylan, Guatemalan singer and songwriter Arjona, like his famous American counterpart, is known around the world for his socially conscious and heartfelt folk ballads and rock tunes.

Playing in a variety of styles that combine traditional South American folk music with rock, hip-hop and classical music, Arjona sings about subjects ranging from faded love to social inequities.

Arjona grew up in Antigua, Guatemala, where he first heard the music of the Beatles, Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Armando Manzanero. This broad range of musical styles greatly informed the work of his later career. Arjona’s father taught him to play guitar when he was 7 years old; by the time he was 8, Arjona was writing his own songs, because

Photo by Sony BMG | AP

In this photo provided by Sony BMG, Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona, has sold more than 12 million albums in his career and is promoting his latest work, titled "Adentro." playing his own music was a much more powerful experience for him than playing music written by others. The shy Arjona also

found that he could interact with people in social situations much more easily through music than through conversation.

PÁG.9A

Zfrontera

SÁBADO 8 DE AGOSTO DE 2009

Buscará opciones para activar economía

CIUDAD MÁGICA

POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE LAREDO

Foto Cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas

El municipio de Miér representa otra alternativa para el turismo,y el único Pueblo Mágico en la frontera de México con Estados Unidos. Además, los turistas pueden disfrutar de su historia, tradiciones, cultura, aventura y deportes extremos en escenarios naturales con servicios, productos y estándares de calidad internacional.

Testigos de Jehová invitan a conferencias ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

CORPUS CHRISTI — Los Testigos de Jehová invitan al público a las conferencias que expondrán el punto de vista bíblico sobre lo que muchos llaman el fin del mundo, durante la Asamblea de Distrito 2009 “¡Manténganse alerta!”.

La asamblea, que se prolongará por tres días se llevará a cabo en el American Bank Center Arena de esta ciudad.

Las conferencias en español serán a partir del 14 de agosto a las 9:20 a.m., y las conferencias en inglés serán de 21 al 23 de agosto.

Entrada libre. Más información llamando a Rick Luna al (956) 206-5243.

NUEVO LAREDO –La Diputada Federal del PRI, Cristabel Zamora Cabrera, buscará comisiones en la próxima legislatura para que activen la economía fronteriza.

El jueves, se entrevistó en la capital mexicana con el aún Diputado Federal del PRI Horacio Emigdio Garza, para la entrega-recepción de la oficina en la Cámara Legislativa.

Garza le hizo entrega de documentación, minutas acuerdos e iniciativas que podrán seguir su tramite en la próxima legislatura.

Zamora fue electa diputada por el PRI durante los comicios del pasado 5 de julio para los municipios de Nuevo Laredo, Ciudad Guerrero, Ciudad Miér, Ciudad Miguel Alemán y Ciudad Camargo.

“Cristabel es una mujer de gran integridad, sera autónoma en sus decisiones, pero podremos asesorarla si así lo desea mien-

tras encausa el trabajo legislativo”, dijo Garza Garza.

“Tiene muchas inquietudes, proyectos y planes.

Mi obligación es aportar la experiencia”.

La diputada electa dijo a Laredo Morning Times que ZAMORA se entrevistaría con el CABRERA Diputado Garza Garza, acudiría con el jefe de gobierno de Nuevo Laredo Ramón Garza Barrios para entrevistarse con un alto funcionario de la Secretaría de Hacienda para reclamar fondos federales que le deben a esta frontera.

“Oficialmente debo tomar posesión de la oficina en la Cámara Legislativa el 1o. de septiembre”, dijo Zamora. “Iniciaré este día una ronda de conversaciones con el Congresista Garza y las decisiones que asumamos estarán siempre enfocadas a buscar las alternativas que favorezcan al I Distrito Electoral”.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009

10A | THE ZAPATA TIMES

ZCISD | Continued from Page 1A campus will remain under Stage 1 sanctions because it takes two years to get in, two years to get out.

The district itself and its other campuses met AYP standards.

Under AYP, schools and districts have a more difficult meeting its

standards because unlike the state, the federal government evaluates the test scores of special education and LEP students.

And in border cities like Zapata and Laredo, there are large student populations classified as LEP that

consistently struggles to perform well on the state tests.

Rodriguez said the challenge in Zapata with LEP students is that they live in a culture that embraces the Spanish language, making it difficult for them to grasp

English and perform well on the state tests.

“The fluency isn’t there, and therefore becomes a bigger challenge,” he said. “But we can’t use that as an excuse.

“We’re going to have to differen-

tiate the instruction and do a better job of monitoring students to make sure we give our teachers the support tools and training they need.”

(Nick Georgiou may be reached at 728-2582 or nickg@lmtonline.com)

COUNTY | Continued from Page 1A was a reduction of 60 percent.

Zapata County Commissioner Jose Vela thinks the individuals deserve a higher salary.

“They’re people that are licensed and certified professionals that should be paid more than minimum wage,” Vela said.

The clinic’s current contract with the county runs out Sept. 30. In June, the county gave formal notice of intent to terminate the contract in order to start negotiations for a new one, officials said. Negotiations have been ongoing between the Zapata Medical Group and the county, but the county also has opened the door for others to

seek the contract.

“There’s been a lot of interest on the part of several entities. There’s about five already that have picked up their packages,” Vela said, referring to information provided to those interested in making a proposal for a new contract.

In regards to the landfill, with the San Ygnacio Municipal Landfill set to open some time later in the month, Guillermo M. Saenz, Environmental Health Department supervisor, wants to work out some of the last few kinks in administration.

Saenz has expressed an interest in allowing individuals to dump household waste at the site. They would pay any

applicable landfill fees but would not be required to pay garbage pickup fees.

“Some of the people cannot afford to pay the garbage (fees),” Saenz said.

Also, Saenz wants to change the hours of operation of the landfill. He said the county originally wanted a schedule where Tuesday and Sunday would be halfdays. Monday, the landfill would be closed. Wednesday through Saturday would be regular hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Now, the schedule he wants is to have the facility closed on Monday and Tuesday. That would give his employees off for two days in a row. There would be no half-

days.

“It’s not fair,” Saenz said.

“A day and a half, you can’t do anything.”

Currently, construction at the landfill has been delayed because of lack of compliance with Texas Commission of Environmental Quality regulations. Specifically, the landfill needs a fence to prevent waste from blowing out of the landfill’s barriers.

The contractor that was assigned the project sub-contracted construction of the fence out and that caused a delay.

Saenz anticipated mid to

late August as the completion date.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the county will discuss adopting the proposed tax rate for the 2010 fiscal year.

“We’re going to be leaving the tax rate exactly the same as last year,” Vela said. “We don’t plan to increase any taxes, or lower (taxes) for that matter.”

The current property tax rate is 73 cents per $100 of valuation.

The county anticipates a $4 million shortfall from revenue projection. Vela said there will be no raises for em-

ployees.

“We’re just going to try to finish up projects we have and continue operating the way we’ve been,” Vela said.

The Commissioners Court meets on Monday at 9 a.m. at the courthouse on East Seventh Avenue.

Also on Monday, the county will discuss approving an extension of a water line by the Zapata County Waterworks. The line would serve an area of more than five acres.

(Zach Lindsey may be reached at 728-2538 or zach@lmtonline.com)

The Zapata Times SATURDAY,AUGUST8,2009

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors Gridders look for better season

LADY HAWKS PREPARE FOR THE OPENER

By JOY LINDSAY LAREDO MORNING TIMES

With a new season on the horizon, the Zapata Hawks are focused on improving their play in District 32-3A competition.

The Hawks have already begun two-a-day practices, meeting at 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and will play three pre-district contests starting Friday, Aug. 28.

“Hopefully, we’ll get ready to play at the level of competition we have here in the Valley,” Zapata head coach Mario Arce said.

“There are seven other teams in our district, and they’re all tough.

We need to get the kids ready, not only physically, but mentally.

“We’ll have a lot of first-year kids who are really athletic but need to adjust to the speed of varsity.”

Good predistrict The Hawks were undefeated in pre-district last season, then went 2-5 in their 32-3A campaign to end the season 5-5 overall.

They will face the same three teams in pre-district this season as they did last season, taking on La Joya-Palmview, LBJ and Roma – all 4A schools.

“Our schedule is the same because of realignment,” Arce explained. “Rio Hondo is a 3A, and they beat (Laredo) Alexander last season, then we beat them. That’s just how competitive it is.

“I’m hoping playing schools with an upper-level classification gets us ready.”

Injuries hurt rcord Zapata started last season 5-0 before injuries, including one to thenjunior fullback Sergio Quintanilla, piled up and pushed the team out of playoff contention.

“Those injuries ended up costing us,” Arce said. “Quintanilla had almost 800 yards before he got injured. We’ll be looking for his leadership this year.”

The Hawks are returning 15 starters total, including all but one member of their offensive line, and will have three players competing for the starting quarterback job.

“We need to find someone who can not only run the ball, because we are a running team, but can pass more,” Arce said. “(Junior) Luis Gonzalez has the edge right now because he finished the season for us last year, but we have a couple QBs trying to get that top spot.”

Galveston may get new field

Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

The Zapata High School varsity volleyball team members are, front row from left, Liz Davila,Alexis Garza, Clari Solis, Loraly Rivera, Cassy Quintanilla and Lauren Mendoza.

Top row, Amanda Sanchez, Adriana Peña, Katheryn Garcia, Brandi King, Selina Mata, Ashley Martinez and Suzy Domínguez.

The varsity is tuning up this weekend

By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

T

he Zapata Lady Hawks were ready to put all their volleyball education to the test as they faced 5A powerhouses United and Alexander, plus the addition Cotulla and Roma in the season’s first scrimmage Friday afternoon.

Today, the Lady Hawks travel to Laredo for a scrimmage at United South to face the Lady Panthers, Cigarroa, and Eagle Pass in their final tune up before Tuesday’s opening game at Laredo Lyndon B. Johnson in a tri game between Zapata, LBJ, and St. Augustine.

The best fit Scrimmages are utilized to see what is the best fit for a team, with coaches’ constantly moving players to different positions. They determine where players will be the best fit for the team.

“This is great way to see the rotation that we put together on paper and see if it works,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. “It is a practice game that lets us see which girl fits better in what place.”

Zapata faced Alexander, of District 29-5A, in the scrimmage opener followed by Cotulla and United. The Lady Hawks will finish the day against Roma.

Villarreal enters her sixth year at the helm as Lady Hawks return the largest senior class since she took over the program.

Seniors Adriana Peña, Ashley Martinez, Kat Garcia, Clary Solis, Amanda Sanchez, Lexi Garza, Loralee Rivera and Liz Davila are ready to lead the team to a play-off spot.

Healthy competition The size of the senior class provides a healthy competition among the girls since there is someone else ready to take over if they do not perform to expectations.

“We are all fighting for a spot on the team and that makes us play harder,” Solis said.

“Every week you have to bring it every single day.”

The seniors, along with the incoming varsity players, will try to fill positions left by Lynda Leyva and Tessa Moss, who graduated in May. “These few days of practice have been challenging in trying to fill those positions,” Villarreal said. “I do have five returning lettermen that will help out this year.”

Lingering effects The Lady Hawks still feel the lingering effects from last year’s fourth place finish in district 32-3A, behind Hidalgo, La Feria and Port Isabel.

“It is a real tough district. Hidalgo, La Feria and Port Isabel were strong last year. We stayed up with them last year but not enough,” Villarreal said.

“I think that was one of the reasons these girls worked as hard as they did during the summer because they know that in order for us to get one of the three play-off spots they are going to have to work hard.”

Team members worked hard during the summer months that even had them traveling to Laredo for the summer volleyball league, in order to improve on last year’s district finish.

“It’s going to be a good season,” Peña said.

“We are ready for any team, and we are really determined to change last year’s fourth place finish.”

Villarreal is pleased with the progress the team has shown on defense after one week of practice.

Quick defense “I see more quickness in our defense. The girls are moving a lot quicker and are reacting to the ball a lot faster,” she said. “I credit that to their work ethic during the summer, the open gym, the weight room, the summer league and the conditioning program that they went through.”

Villarreal will implement a 6-2 defense,

See LADY | PAGE 2B

ASSOCIATED PRESS

GALVESTON, Texas — A more than 75-year old school stadium damaged by Hurricane Ike could be replaced with help from government loans.

Galveston Independent School District officials recently learned Kermit Courville Stadium could be brought down and a new complex built with up to $8.6 million in no-interest or low-interest federal loans.

Seeking money The Galveston County Daily News reported Friday that trustees could seek money through a bond program funded by stimulus dollars.

Trustees would have to decide where to put a new stadium and the cost. The issue could go before voters Nov. 3.

Supt. Lynne Cleveland says a new venue is important to students who want to feel pride in their football stadium.

The stadium was in disrepair before Ike hit on Sept. 13. The hurricane-added damage forced teams to play games elsewhere.

Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

Zapata High School freshmen and junior varsity volleyball teams are shown during a break at the United High preseason tournament in Laredo, on Friday.

PAGE 2B

Zscores

Laredo Bucks 2009-10 SCHEDULE Fri., Oct. 16 at Bossier-Shreveport Sat., Oct. 17 at RGV Fri., Oct. 23 at Corpus Sat., Oct. 24 vs. Allen Fri., Oct. 30 vs. Amarillo Sun., Nov. 1 vs. RGV Wed., Nov. 4 at Arizona Fri., Nov. 6 at Arizona Sat., Nov. 7 at Arizona Wed., Nov. 11 vs. RGV Sun., Nov. 15 vs. RGV Fri., Nov. 20 vs. Odessa Sat., Nov. 21 vs. Texas Fri., Nov. 27 vs. Bossier-Shreveport Sat., Nov. 28 at Corpus Sun., Nov. 29 vs. Corpus Wed., Dec. 1 at RGV Fri., Dec. 3 at Odessa Sat., Dec. 4 vs. Odessa Tues., Dec. 8 vs. Corpus Fri., Dec. 11 vs. Missouri Sat., Dec. 12 at Allen Thurs., Dec. 17 Corpus Sat., Dec. 19 Amarillo Tues., Dec. 22 at Missouri Sat., Dec. 26 vs. Corpus Sun., Dec. 27 vs. Tulsa Tues., Dec. 29 at Corpus Thurs., Dec. 31 vs. Corpus Sat., Dec. 2 at Allen Sun., Dec. 3 vs. Texas Fri., Dec. 8 vs. Colorado Sat., Dec. 9 at Corpus Fri., Jan. 15 at RGV Sat., Jan. 16 vs. Corpus Wed., Jan. 20 at Colorado Fri., Jan. 22 at Colorado Sat., Jan. 23 at Rapid City Fri., Jan. 29 vs. Texas Sat., Jan. 30 vs. Corpus Sun., Jan. 31 at Odessa Thurs., Feb. 4 vs. RGV Fri., Feb. 5 at RGV Sat., Feb. 6 vs. Amarillo Tues., Feb. 9 vs. Corpus, 11 a.m.

Fri., Feb. 12 at Texas Sat., Feb. 13 at RGV Sun., Feb. 14 vs. RGV Thurs., Feb. 18 vs. RGV Fri., Feb. 19 Corpus Sat., Feb. 20 RGV Thurs., Feb. 25 Allen Fri., Feb. 26 vs. RGV Sat., Feb. 27 vs. Texas Thurs., March 4 vs. Allen Fri., March 5 at Texas Sat., March 6 at Odessa Wed., March 10 at Corpus Fri., March 12 vs. RGV Sat., March 13 vs. Arizona Sun. March 14 at Texas Wed., March 17 vs. Odessa Fri., March 19 at Odessa Sat., March 20 vs. Wichita Note: All home games 7 p.m. on weeknights and 7:30 p.m. on weekends unless otherwise noted.

ULB All Times EDT W L Pct. GB San Angelo 37 18 .673 — Amarillo 29 26 .527 8 Edinburg 28 27 .509 9 Coastal Bend 26 29 .473 11 Harlingen 24 31 .436 13 Laredo 21 34 .382 16 Thursday’s Games Coastal Bend 6, Harlingen 0 San Angelo 6, Laredo 3 Edinburg 6, Amarillo 1 Friday’s Games Harlingen at Coastal Bend, 8:05 p.m.

Laredo at San Angelo, 8:05 p.m.

Amarillo at Edinburg, 8:05 p.m.

Saturday’s Games San Angelo at Harlingen, 8:05 p.m.

Coastal Bend at Amarillo, 8:05 p.m.

Laredo at Edinburg, 8:05 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Coastal Bend at Amarillo, 7:05 p.m.

Laredo at Edinburg, 7:05 p.m.

San Angelo at Harlingen, 8:05 p.m.

MLB AMERICAN LEAGUE All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB New York 66 42 .611 — Boston 62 45 .579 3½ Tampa Bay 60 48 .556 6 Toronto 51 56 .477 14½ Baltimore 45 63 .417 21 Central Division W L Pct GB Detroit 57 50 .533 — Chicago 56 53 .514 2 Minnesota 53 55 .491 4½ Cleveland 46 62 .426 11½ Kansas City 42 66 .389 15½ West Division W L Pct GB Los Angeles 64 42 .604 — Texas 60 47 .561 4½ Seattle 56 52 .519 9 Oakland 47 61 .435 18 Thursday’s Games Cleveland 2, Minnesota 1 Detroit 7, Baltimore 3 L.A. Angels 9, Chicago White Sox 5 Texas 6, Oakland 4 N.Y. Yankees 13, Boston 6 Kansas City 8, Seattle 2 Friday’s Games Boston at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Oakland at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m.

Cleveland at Chicago White Sox, 8:11 p.m.

Texas at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Baltimore (Tillman 0-0) at Toronto (Cecil 5-1), 1:07 p.m.

Boston (Buchholz 1-1) at N.Y. Yankees (Sabathia 11-7), 4:10 p.m.

Texas (Millwood 9-7) at L.A. Angels (Jer.Weaver 11-3), 4:10 p.m.

Cleveland (Masterson 3-3) at Chicago White Sox (C.Torres 0-0), 7:05 p.m.

Minnesota (Pavano 9-8) at Detroit (Verlander 12-5), 7:05 p.m.

Oakland (Bre.Anderson 6-8) at Kansas City (Greinke 10-7), 7:10 p.m.

Tampa Bay (J.Shields 6-8) at Seattle (Snell 2-8), 10:10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Minnesota at Detroit, 1:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Toronto, 1:07 p.m.

Cleveland at Chicago White Sox, 2:05 p.m.

Oakland at Kansas City, 2:10 p.m.

Texas at L.A. Angels, 3:35 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Seattle, 4:10 p.m.

Boston at N.Y. Yankees, 8:05 p.m.

Monday’s Games Oakland at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.

Toronto at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Detroit at Boston, 7:10 p.m.

Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

NATIONAL LEAGUE All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB — Philadelphia 61 45 .575 Florida 55 53 .509 7 Atlanta 55 54 .505 7½ New York 51 57 .472 11 Washington 37 72 .339 25½ Central Division W L Pct GB Chicago 57 49 .538 — St. Louis 59 51 .536 — Milwaukee 54 54 .500 4 Houston 53 55 .491 5 Cincinnati 46 61 .430 11½ Pittsburgh 45 63 .417 13 West Division W L Pct GB Los Angeles 67 42 .615 — San Francisco 60 48 .556 6½ Colorado 59 49 .546 7½ Arizona 50 59 .459 17 San Diego 45 65 .409 22½ Thursday’s Games Washington 12, Florida 8 Philadelphia 3, Colorado 1 Arizona 11, Pittsburgh 6, 12 innings San Diego 8, N.Y. Mets 3 L.A. Dodgers 5, Atlanta 4 Friday’s Games Arizona at Washington, 7:05 p.m.

St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

Florida at Philadelphia, 7:35 p.m.

Milwaukee at Houston, 8:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Colorado, 9:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at San Diego, 10:05 p.m.

Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Cincinnati (Arroyo 10-10) at San Francisco (Zito 7-10), 4:05 p.m.

Arizona (Haren 11-6) at Washington (Mock 0-4), 7:05 p.m.

Florida (West 3-4) at Philadelphia (Hamels 7-6), 7:05 p.m.

Milwaukee (M.Parra 6-8) at Houston (Hampton 7-8), 7:05 p.m.

St. Louis (Wainwright 12-7) at Pittsburgh (Morton 2-4), 7:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Dempster 5-5) at Colorado (Marquis 12-7), 8:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (Parnell 2-3) at San Diego (Latos 3-1), 10:05 p.m.

Atlanta (Kawakami 5-9) at L.A. Dodgers (Kershaw 8-6), 10:10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Arizona at Washington, 1:35 p.m.

Florida at Philadelphia, 1:35 p.m.

St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 1:35 p.m.

Milwaukee at Houston, 2:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Colorado, 3:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers, 4:10 p.m.

Monday’s Games Houston at Florida, 7:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Colorado, 8:40 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

Team-by-Team Disabled List (Provided by Major League Baseball) (x-60-day all others are 15-day) Through Aug. 7 AMERICAN LEAGUE Baltimore RHP Brad Bergesen, July 31 LHP Rich Hill, July 29 OF Luis Montanez, May 23 RHP Dennis Sarfate, May 2 RHP Alfredo Simon, April 15 RHP Koji Uehara, June 24 Boston 1B Jeff Bailey, July 5 RHP Miguel Gonzalez-x, March 27 C George Kottaras, July 30 RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka, June 20 RHP Tim Wakefield, July 21 Chicago RHP Bartolo Colon, July 25 RHP Jake Peavy, June 9 Cleveland LHP Scott Lewis-x, April 11 RHP Anthony Reyes-x, May 23 RHP Jake Westbrook-x, March 26 Detroit RHP Jeremy Bonderman, June 9 RHP Alfredo Figaro, June 28 LHP Nathan Robertson, June 27 C Matt Treanor-x, April 24 LHP Dontrelle Willis, June 15 RHP Joel Zumaya, July 18 Kansas City SS Mike Aviles-x, May 24 OF Coco Crisp-x, June 13 RHP Kyle Farnsworth, June 26 OF Jose Guillen, July 23 RHP Gil Meche, July 18 Los Angeles RHP Kelvim Escobar, June 7 CF Torii Hunter, July 8 RHP Dustin Moseley-x, April 18 C Scott Shields-x, May 27 Minnesota RHP Boof Bonser-x, March 27 RHP Pat Neshek-x, Feb. 21 RHP Kevin Slowey, July 4 New York OF Brett Gardner, July 26 LHP Damaso Marte, April 26 OF Xavier Nady, April 15 RHP Chien-Ming Wang, July 5 Oakland 1B Daric Barton, July 27 3B Eric Chavez-x, April 25 RHP Joey Devine-x, April 4 RHP Justin Duchscherer-x, March 27 RHP Dan Giese-x, May 16 LHP Josh Outman-x, June 20 Seattle LHP Erik Bedard, July 26 OF Endy Chavez-x, June 20 LHP Ryan Feierabend-x, March 15 LHP Cesar Jimenez-x, March 29 RHP Carlos Silva-x, May 7 Tampa Bay RHP Chad Bradford, July 23 RHP Jason Isringhausen-x, June 14 INF Akinori Iwamura-x, May 25 RHP Troy Percival, May 22 CF Fernando Perez-x, March 27 Texas RHP Joaquin Benoit-x, April 5 RHP Jason Grilli, Aug. 2 LHP Matt Harrison, June 24 RHP Eric Hurley-x, April 5 2B Ian Kinsler, July 29 RHP Brandon McCarthy-x, June 5 Toronto C Michael Barrett, April 18 LHP Scott Downs, Aug. 2 RHP Jesse Litsch, April 14 RHP Shaun Marcum, March 27 RHP Dustin McGowan, March 27 RHP Robert Ray, May 22 NATIONAL LEAGUE Arizona OF Eric Byrnes, June 26 RHP Tom Gordon-x, May 4 1B Conor Jackson-x, May 12 OF Justin Upton, Aug. 6 RHP Brandon Webb-x, April 7 Atlanta RHP Jorge Campillo-x, May 29 RHP Buddy Carlyle, May 26 RHP Tim Hudson-x, Feb. 24 SS Omar Infante, May 21 Chicago SS Andres Blanco, Aug. 4 RHP Chad Fox, May 10 OF Reed Johnson, July 30 LHP Ted Lilly, July 21 2B Aaron Miles, June 21 RHP David Patton, July 5 C Geovany Soto, July 7 Cincinnati OF Jay Bruce, July 12 RHP Jared Burton, July 25 INF-OF Wilkin Castillo-x, June 21 OF Chris Dickerson, July 27 C Ramon Hernandez, July 17 RHP Mike Lincoln, June 13 RHP Micah Owings, July 27 INF Danny Richar, July 2 RHP Edinson Volquez, June 2 Colorado RHP Taylor Buchholz-x, March 27 RHP Manuel Corpas, July 21 LHP Alan Embree, July 11 LHP Jeffrey Francis-x, March 27 RHP Juan Rincon, July 31 Florida SS Alfredo Amezaga-x, May 17 RHP Burke Badenhop, Aug. 2 LHP David Davidson-x, May 23 RHP Scott Proctor-x March 27 RHP Anibal Sanchez, June 3 Houston 1B Lance Berkman, July 23 3B Aaron Boone-x March 27 2B German Duran, July 2 INF-OF Darin Erstad, July 19 RHP LaTroy Hawkins, July 28 Los Angeles RHP Ronald Belisario, July 6 1B Doug Mienkiewicz-x, April 17 LHP Eric Milton, June 28 LHP Will Ohman, May 28 OF Xavier Paul, May 21 Milwaukee RHP Dave Bush, June 21 OF Corey Hart, Aug. 2 RHP Seth McClung, July 25 RHP David Riske-x, April 10 RHP Jeff Suppan, July 28 2B Rickie Weeks-x, May 18 New York OF Carlos Beltran, June 22 1B Carlos Delgado-x, May 11 RHP John Maine, June 7 OF Fernando Martinez, July 9 INF Ramon Martinez-x, June 3 RHP Fernando Nieve, July 20 RHP J.J. Putz, June 5 SS Jose Reyes, May 21 LHP Billy Wagner-x, March 27 Philadelphia LHP Antonio Bastardo, June 26 RHP Clay Condrey, July 25 RHP Chad Durbin, July 23 RHP Pedro Martinez, July 16 RHP Brett Myers-x, May 28 LHP J.C. Romero, July 23 Pittsburgh LHP Phil Dumatrait-x, March 27 RHP Craig Hansen-x, April 20 RHP Tyler Yates, May 16 St. Louis LHP Jaime Garcia, March 27 3B Troy Glaus, March 27 San Diego RHP Cha Seung Baek-x, March 30 OF Cliff Floyd-x, June 19 OF Brian Giles, June 19 INF Edgar Gonzalez, July 19 RHP Shawn Hill-x, April 26 C Nick Hundley, June 18 RHP Mark Worrell-x, April 1 RHP Chris Young, June 15 San Francisco INF Rich Aurilia, July 21 LHP Randy Johnson, July 6 LHP Noah Lowry-x, March 26 RHP Kelvin Pichardo-x, June 28 OF Nate Schierholtz, July 28 RHP Henry Sosa, Aug. 5 OF Andres Torres, July 31 Washington CF Roger Bernadina-x, April 19 C Jesus Flores, May 10 OF Austin Kearns, Aug. 4 LHP Scott Olsen, July 11 1B Dmitri Young, April 1 RHP Terrell Young-x, March 27 RHP Jordan Zimmermann, July 19

NFL Preseason Glance All Times EDT AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA New England 0 0 0 .000 0 0

N.Y. Jets Buffalo Miami

0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 South W L T Pct PF PA Indianapolis 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Houston 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Jacksonville 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Tennessee 0 0 0 .000 0 0 North W L T Pct PF PA Baltimore 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Cincinnati 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Cleveland 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Pittsburgh 0 0 0 .000 0 0 West W L T Pct PF PA Denver 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Kansas City 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Oakland 0 0 0 .000 0 0 San Diego 0 0 0 .000 0 0 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Washington 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Dallas 0 0 0 .000 0 0 N.Y. Giants 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Philadelphia 0 0 0 .000 0 0 South W L T Pct PF PA New Orleans 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Tampa Bay 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Carolina 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Atlanta 0 0 0 .000 0 0 North W L T Pct PF PA Chicago 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Detroit 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Green Bay 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Minnesota West W L T Pct PF PA Arizona 0 0 0 .000 0 0 San Francisco 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Seattle 0 0 0 .000 0 0 St. Louis 0 0 0 .000 0 0 Sunday’s Game Buffalo vs. Tennessee at Canton, Ohio, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 13 Washington at Baltimore, 7:30 p.m.

New England at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Arizona at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Oakland, 10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 14 St. Louis at N.Y. Jets, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Indianapolis, 7:30 p.m.

Cincinnati at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Denver at San Francisco, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 15 Atlanta at Detroit, 4 p.m.

Chicago at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Tennessee, 8 p.m.

Cleveland at Green Bay, 8 p.m.

Houston at Kansas City, 8 p.m.

Seattle at San Diego, 10 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 17 Jacksonville at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 8 p.m.

Hall of Fame List Members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Herb Adderley, defensive back Troy Aikman, quarterback Lance Alworth, wide receiver George Allen, coach Marcus Allen, running back Doug Atkins, defensive end Morris ``Red’’ Badgro, end Lem Barney, cornerback Cliff Battles, halfback Sammy Baugh, quarterback Chuck Bednarik, center-linebacker Bert Bell, NFL commissioner-team owner Bobby Bell, linebacker Raymond Berry, end Elvin Bethea, defensive end Charles W. Bidwell Sr., team owner Fred Biletnikoff, wide receiver George Blanda, quarterback-placekicker Mel Blount, cornerback Terry Bradshaw, quarterback Bob Brown, offensive tackle Jim Brown, fullback Paul Brown, coach Roosevelt Brown, tackle Willie Brown, cornerback Buck Buchanan, defensive tackle Nick Buoniconti, linebacker Dick Butkus, linebacker Earl Campbell, running back Tony Canadeo, halfback Joe Carr, NFL president Harry Carson, linebacker Dave Casper, tight end Guy Chamberlin, end-coach Jack Christiansen, safety Earl ``Dutch’’ Clark, quarterback George Connor, tackle-linebacker Jimmy Conzelman, quarterbackcoach Lou Creekmur, tackle-guard Larry Csonka, running back Al Davis, team owner-league administrator Willie Davis, defensive end Len Dawson, quarterback Fred Dean, defensive end Joe DeLamielleure, guard Eric Dickerson, running back Dan Dierdorf, tackle Mike Ditka, tight end Art Donovan, defensive tackle Tony Dorsett, running back John Driscoll, quarterback Bill Dudley, halfback Glen ``Turk’’ Edwards, tackle Carl Eller, defensive end John Elway, quarterback Weeb Ewbank, coach Tom Fears, end Jim Finks, administrator Ray Flaherty, coach Len Ford, defensive end Dan Fortmann, guard Dan Fouts, quarterback Benny Friedman, quaterback Frank Gatski, center Bill George, linebacker Joe Gibbs, coach Frank Gifford, halfback Sid Gillman, coach Otto Graham, quarterback Red Grange, halfback Bud Grant, coach Darrell Green, cornerback Joe Greene, defensive tackle Forrest Gregg, tackle Bob Griese, quarterback Lou Groza, tackle-kicker Joe Guyon, halfback George Halas, end-coach-owner Jack Ham, linebacker Dan Hampton, defensive lineman John Hannah, guard Franco Harris, running back Bob Hayes, wide receiver Mike Haynes, cornerback Ed Healey, tackle Mel Hein, center Ted Hendricks, linebacker Wilbur ``Pete’’ Henry, tackle Arnie Herber, quarterback Bill Hewitt, end Gene Hickerson, guard Clarke Hinkle, fullback Elroy ``Crazy Legs’’ Hirsch, halfback-end Paul Hornung, halfback Ken Houston, safety Cal Hubbard, tackle Sam Huff, linebacker Lamar Hunt, team owner Don Hutson, end Michael Irvin, wide receiver Jimmy Johnson, corner back John Henry Johnson, fullback Charlie Joiner, wide receiver Dave ``Deacon’’ Jones, defensive end Stan Jones, offensive guard-defensive tackle Henry Jordan, defensive tackle Sonny Jurgensen, quarterback Jim Kelly, quarterback Leroy Kelly, running back Walt Kiesling, guard-coach Frank ``Bruiser’’ Kinard, tackle Paul Krause, safety Earl ``Curly’’ Lambeau, coach Jack Lambert, linebacker Tom Landry, coach Dick ``Night Train’’ Lane, cornerback Jim Langer, center Willie Lanier, linebacker Steve Largent, wide receiver Yale Lary, defensive back-punter Dante Lavelli, end Bobby Layne, quarterback Alfonse ``Tuffy’’ Leemans, fullback Marv Levy, coach Bob Lilly, defensive tackle Larry Little, guard James Lofton, wide receiver Vince Lombardi, coach Howie Long, defensive end Ronnie Lott, cornereback-safety Sid Luckman, quarterback Roy ``Link’’ Lyman, tackle Tom Mack, guard John Mackey, tight end John Madden, coach Tim Mara, team owner Wellington Mara, team owner Gino Marchetti, defensive end Dan Marino, quarterback George Preston Marshall, team owner

Ollie Matson, halfback Bruce Matthews, offensive lineman Don Maynard, wide receiver George McAfee, halfback Mike McCormack, offensive tackle Randall McDaniel, guard Tommy McDonald, wide receiver Hugh McElhenny, halfback Johnny ``Blood’’ McNally, halfback Mike Michalske, guard Wayne Millner, end Bobby Mitchell, running back-wide receiver Ron Mix, tackle Art Monk, wide receiver Joe Montana, quarterback Warren Moon, quarterback Lenny Moore, flanker-running back Marion Motley, fullback Mike Munchak, guard Anthony Munoz, offensive tackle George Musso, guard-tackle Bronko Nagurski, fullback Joe Namath, quarterback Earle ``Greasy’’ Neale, coach Ernie Nevers, fullback Ozzie Newsome, tight end Ray Nitschke, linebacker Chuck Noll, coach Leo Nomellini, defensive tackle Merlin Olsen, defensive tackle Jim Otto, center Steve Owen, tackle-coach Alan Page, defensive tackle Clarence ``Ace’’ Parker, quarterback Jim Parker, guard-tackle Walter Payton, running back Joe Perry, fullback Pete Pihos, end Fritz Pollard, running back Hugh ``Shorty’’ Ray, supervisor of officials Dan Reeves, team owner Mel Renfro, cornerback-safety John Riggins, running back Jim Ringo, center Andy Robustelli, defensive end Art Rooney, team owner Dan Rooney, team owner Pete Rozelle, NFL commissioner Bob St. Clair, tackle Barry Sanders, running back Charlie Sanders, tight end Gale Sayers, running back Joe Schmidt, linebacker Tex Schramm, team president-general manager Lee Roy Selmon, defensive end Billy Shaw, guard Art Shell, offensive tackle Don Shula, coach O.J. Simpson, running back Mike Singletary, linebacker Jackie Slater, offensive tackle Bruce Smith, defensive end Jackie Smith, tight end John Stallworth, wide receiver Bart Starr, quarterback Roger Staubach, quarterback Ernie Stautner, defensive tackle Jan Stenerud, placekicker Dwight Stephenson, center Hank Stram, coach Ken Strong, halfback Joe Stydahar, tackle Lynn Swann, wide receiver Fran Tarkenton, quarterback Charley Taylor, running back-wide receiver Jim Taylor, fullback Lawrence Taylor, linebacker Derrick Thomas, linebacker Emmitt Thomas, cornerback Thurman Thomas, running back Jim Thorpe, halfback Andre Tippett, linebacker Y.A. Tittle, quarterback George Trafton, center Charley Trippi, halfback-quarterback Emlen Tunnell, safety Clyde ``Bulldog’’ Turner, center Johnny Unitas, quarterback Gene Upshaw, guard Norm Van Brocklin, quarterback Steve Van Buren, halfback Doak Walker, halfback Bill Walsh, coach Paul Warfield, wide receiver Bob Waterfield, quarterback Mike Webster, center Roger Wehrli, defensive back Arnie Weinmeister, defensive tackle Randy White, defensive tackle Reggie White, defensive end Dave Wilcox, linebacker Bill Willis, guard Ralph Wilson, founder/team owner Larry Wilson, safety Kellen Winslow, tight end Alex Wojciechowicz, center Willie Wood, safety Rod Woodson, cornerback/safety Rayfield Wright, offensive tackle Ron Yary, offensive tackle Steve Young, quarterback Jack Youngblood, defensive end Gary Zimmerman, tackle 2009 INDUCTEES Bob Hayes Wide Receiver 5-11, 185 NFL career: 1965-1974 Dallas Cowboys, 1975 San Francisco 49ers.

Senior candidate. Cowboys’ seventh-round pick (88th overall) of 1964 NFL draft and Broncos’ 14th-round pick (105th overall) of 1964 AFL draft. ...

Won a pair of gold medals in the 1964 Olympic Games earning him the title ``World’s Fastest Human’’. ... Played 11 seasons, 132 games. ... As a rookie, his 46 receptions for 1,003 yards led all Cowboys receivers. ... His world class speed was major factor in Cowboys offensive successes. ... ``Bullet Bob’’ terrorized defensive backs and demanded deep double coverage rarely seen in the NFL then. ... Often said that bump and run defense was developed to slow him down. ... Used his speed ``in a football sense,’’ rather than just trying to run fast. ... Four times was named first- or second-team All-NFL. ... Three times led the Cowboys in receptions, including back-to-back titles in 1965-1966 when he caught a total of 110 passes for more than 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns. ... Hayes accumulated 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns in his career. ... The 71 TDs remain a Cowboys’ club record.

Randall McDaniel Guard 6-3, 276 1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 14 seasons, 222 games.

Selected by Minnesota in the first round (19th overall) of 1988 draft. ...

Played in all 16 games as rookie, starting 15, and earned All-Rookie honors. ...

Started in 13 consecutive playoff games with the Vikings. ... Started in 202 consecutive games before retiring. ... Possessed uncanny ability to either finesse block or overpower opponents. ... Led Vikings offensive line that held opponents to a sack every 22.7 attempts (1994), and every 21.3 attempts in 1998. ... Blocked for six 1,000-yard rushers and five 3,000-yard passers during career ... With McDaniel leading the offensive line, team captured NFC Central Division titles in 1989, 1992, 1994, and 1998. ... Anchored offensive line of explosive Vikings team that led league with then-record 556 points in 1998. ... Named All-Pro nine consecutive times (1990-98). ... Selected to play in a record 12 consecutive Pro Bowls (1990-2001).

Bruce Smith Defensive End 6-4, 280 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins. 19 seasons, 279 games.

Selected by Buffalo with the first pick overall of 1985 draft. ... Considered one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. ... Known as fierce pass rusher who possessed tremendous strength. ... His 200 career sacks is NFL all-time record. ...

Recorded 10 or more sacks in an NFL record 13 seasons. ... Most consider 1990 as his finest single season during which he recorded 19 sacks, including four against Colts QB Jeff George in the first 20 minutes of a Week 14 game and sacked Giants QB Jeff Hostetler for a safety in the 1991 Super Bowl. ... Was a dominant part of Bills championship teams that between 1988-1995 won six AFC Eastern Division crowns (19881991, 1993, 1995) and four AFC championships (1990-93) . ... Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1990 and 1996. ... Named to the NFL’s All Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s . .. Named first- or second-team All-Pro 11 times and selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls (1988-1991, 1993-99).

Derrick Thomas Linebacker 6-3, 243 1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs. 11 seasons, 169 games.

Selected by Kansas City in the first round (fourth overall) of 1989 draft. ...

SATURDAY,AUGUST8,2009 Had 10 sacks as a rookie and added 75 tackles to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. ... In 1990, led NFL with team-record 20 sacks, including NFL- record seven in one game. ...

Chosen for nine Pro Bowls. ... Accumulated most sacks in NFL during 1990s (116½). ... Recorded 126½ career sacks. Had 10 or more in a season seven times and multisack games 27 times. ... Forced 45 fumbles, recovered 19. Scored four touchdowns on fumble returns and added three safeties. ... In the 11 years he anchored the defense, Chiefs finished first or second in the AFC West 10 times, made seven playoff appearances, and won three division titles. ... All-Pro three times. ... Selected to nine straight Pro Bowls. ... Member of the NFL’s alldecade team of the 1990s.

Ralph Wilson, Jr. Founder/Owner 1960-present Buffalo Bills.

One of original founders of American Football League, Wilson formed Buffalo Bills in 1959. ... During tenure as team owner, Bills won AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on way to unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls. ... Bills 103 regular season wins, second most in NFL during 1990s. ... Helped lead AFL through early years making tough decisions that were necessary for league’s survival. ... Began talks with Carroll Rosenbloom, then owner of NFL’s Colts in January 1965, that eventually resulted in AFL-NFL merger. ... Considered ``voice of reason’’ Wilson served as President of AFL, was on AFL’s Expansion Committee and AFL-NFL Negotiations Committee. ... Was prominent in 1977 negotiations between NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association. ... Has served as Chairman of NFL Pension Committee, Labor Committee, Super Bowl Site Committee, NFL Expansion Committee, NFL Realignment Committee.

Rod Woodson Cornerback/Safety 6-0, 200 1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders.

17 seasons, 238 games with 229 starts.

Selected by Pittsburgh in the first round (10th overall) of 1987 draft. ...

First interception of pro career resulted in 45-yard touchdown return. ...

From 1991-94 recorded 12 sacks and 19 interceptions, returning three for TDs. ... In 1995 suffered serious knee injury with recovery time projected to be six to 12 months. ... Returned to action in just four months and played in the 1996 Super Bowl. ... Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team and NFL’s AllDecade Team of the 1990s. ... NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1993. ... Intercepted 71 passes in career; third on NFL all time list. ... Is NFL’s all-time leader in interception return yardage (1,483). ... Holds NFL record for most interceptions returned for TDs (12). ...

Six-time first-team All-Pro choice (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001). ... Earned All-Pro honors as cornerback, kick returner, safety. ... Chosen to play in 11 Pro Bowls — seven with Steelers, three with Ravens, and one with Raiders.

Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame.

MLS All Times EDT EASTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA Columbus 8 3 9 33 29 24 Chicago 8 3 8 32 26 20 D.C. 6 410 28 34 32 Toronto FC 7 7 6 27 28 31 New England 6 5 6 24 19 22 Kansas City 5 7 6 21 20 25 New York 215 4 10 16 37 WESTERN CONFERENCE W L T Pts GF GA Houston 10 6 5 35 27 18 Seattle 7 4 8 29 26 20 Los Angeles 6 310 28 23 20 Colorado 7 6 6 27 28 24 Chivas USA 8 6 3 27 19 15 Real Salt Lake 6 8 5 23 28 24 FC Dallas 6 9 5 23 29 30 San Jose 410 5 17 25 35 NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie.

Thursday’s Games FC Dallas 1, Houston 0 Saturday’s Games Los Angeles at New England, 6 p.m.

Columbus at San Jose, 8:30 p.m.

Seattle FC at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.

Chivas USA at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Chicago at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 15 D.C. United at Toronto FC, 4 p.m.

Chivas USA at New York, 7 p.m.

FC Dallas at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Houston at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.

Seattle FC at Los Angeles, 11 p.m.

Sunday, August 16 Chicago at Kansas City, 3 p.m.

WNBA EASTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct GB Indiana 16 4 .800 — Connecticut 10 9 .526 5½ Washington 10 9 .526 5½ Atlanta 11 10 .524 5½ Chicago 10 11 .476 6½ Detroit 7 10 .412 7½ New York 6 13 .316 9½ WESTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct GB Phoenix 16 6 .727 — Seattle 12 9 .571 3½ Minnesota 10 10 .500 5 San Antonio 9 11 .450 6 Los Angeles 7 11 .389 7 Sacramento 5 16 .238 10½ Wednesday’s Games Indiana 76, Chicago 67 Thursday’s Games Atlanta 92, San Antonio 84 Los Angeles 79, Seattle 75, OT Friday’s Games Detroit at Washington, 7 p.m.

Connecticut at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

New York at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Saturday’s Games Chicago at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

New York at Seattle, 10 p.m.

Indiana at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Washington at Connecticut, 3 p.m.

Chicago at Detroit, 6 p.m.

San Antonio at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

CONCACAF Champions League Glance All Time EDT PRELIMINARY ROUND First Leg Tuesday, July 28 D.C. United (United States) 1, Firpo (El Salvador) 1 Pachuca (Mexico) 3, Jalapa (Guatemala) 0 Wednesday, July 29 Toronto FC (Canada) 0, Puerto Rico Islanders 1 San Francisco (Panama) 2, San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad and Tobago) 0 Liberia (Costa Rica) 3, Real Espana (Honduras) 0 Thursday, July 30 W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago) 2, New York Red Bulls (United States) 2, tie Cruz Azul (Mexico) 6, Herediano (Costa Rica) 2 Olimpia (Honduras) 2, Arabe Unido (Panama) 1 Second Leg Tuesday, Aug. 4 Puerto Rico Islanders 0, Toronto (Canada) 0, Islanders advanced on 1-0 aggregate Jalapa (Guatemala) 1, Pachuca (Mexico) 7, Pachuca advanced on 10-1 aggregate Firpo (El Salvador) 1, D.C. United (United States) 1, OT; 2-2 aggregate; D.C. United advanced 5-4 on penalty kicks Wednesday, Aug. 5 W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago) 2, New York Red Bulls (United States) 1, W Connection advanced on 43 aggregate Cruz Azul (Mexico) 0, Herdiano (Costa Rica) 0, Cruz Azul advanced on 6-2 aggregate Thursday, Aug. 6 Arabe Unido (Panama) 1, Olimpia (Honduras) 0, Arabe Unido advanced on 1-0 away goals San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad and Tobago) 3, San Francisco (Panama) 0, San Juan Jabloteh advanced on 3-2 aggregate Real Espana (Honduras) 6, Liberia (Costa Rica) 0, Real Espana advanced on 6-3 aggregate FIRST ROUND GROUP A GP W D L GF GA PTS Houston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Metapan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Arabe Unido 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pachuca 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wednesday, Aug. 19 Houston Dynamo (United States) vs. Metapan (El Salvador), 8 p.m.

Arabe Unido (Panama) vs. Pachuca (Mexico), 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 Pachuca (Mexico) vs. Metapan (El Salvador), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 Arabe Unido (Panama) vs. Houston Dynamo (United States), 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 Metapan (El Salvador) vs. Arabe Unido (Panama), 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 Pachuca (Mexico) vs. Houston Dynamo (United States), 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 Houston Dynamo (United States) vs. Arabe Unido (Panama), 10 p.m.

Metapan (El Salvador) vs. Pachuca (Mexico), 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 29 Arabe Unido (Panama) vs. Metapan (El Salvador), 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30 Houston Dynamo (United States) vs. Pachuca (Mexico), 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 Pachuca (Mexico) vs. Arabe Unido (Panama), 8 p.m.

Metapan (El Salvador) vs. Houston Dynamo (United States), 10 p.m.

GROUP B GP W D L GF GA PTS D.C. United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Marathon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 San Juan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Toluca 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuesday, Aug. 18 Marathon (Honduras) vs. D.C. United (United States), 10 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20 San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad and Tobago) vs. Toluca (Mexico), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 D.C. United (United States) vs.

Toluca (Mexico), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 27 Marathon (Honduras) vs. San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad and Tobago), 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad and Tobago) vs. D.C. United (United States), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 17 Toluca (Mexico) vs. Marathon (Honduras), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 Toluca (Mexico) vs. San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad and Tobago), 10 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24 D.C. United (United States) vs.

Marathon (Honduras), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30 D.C. United (United States) vs. San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad and Tobago), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1 Marathon (Honduras) vs. Toluca (Mexico), 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 Toluca (Mexico) vs. D.C. United (United States), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 22 San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad and Tobago) vs. Marathon (Honduras), 8 p.m.

GROUP C GP W D L GF GA PTS Columbus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Saprissa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cruz Azul 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 P.R. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuesday, Aug. 18 Columbus Crew (United States) vs.

Puerto Rico Islanders, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 19 Cruz Azul (Mexico) vs. Saprissa (Costa Rica), 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 Saprissa (Costa Rica) vs. Puerto Rico Islanders, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 Cruz Azul (Mexico) vs. Columbus Crew (United States), 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 Puerto Rico Islanders vs. Cruz Azul (Mexico)-Herediano (Costa Rica) winner, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 Saprissa (Costa Rica) vs. Columbus Crew (United States), 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 Puerto Rico Islanders vs. Saprissa (Costa Rica), 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 Columbus Crew (United States) vs.

Cruz Azul (Mexico)-Herediano (Costa Rica) winner, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 29 Columbus Crew (United States) vs.

Saprissa (Costa Rica), 8 p.m.

Cruz Azul (Mexico) vs. Puerto Rico Islanders, 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 Puerto Rico Islanders vs. Columbus Crew (United States), 8 p.m.

Saprissa (Costa Rica) vs. Cruz Azul (Mexico)-Herediano (Costa Rica) winner, 10 p.m.

GROUP D GP W D L GF GA PTS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pumas Com. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 W. Conn.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Real Espana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuesday, Aug. 18 Pumas UNAM (Mexico) vs. Comunicaciones (Guatemala), 10 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20 Real Espana (Honduras) vs. W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago), 10 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 27 W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago) vs. Comunicaciones (Guatemala), 8 p.m.

Real Espana (Honduras) vs.

Pumas UNAM (Mexico), 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago) vs. Pumas UNAM (Mexico), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 17 Comunicaciones (Guatemala) vs.

Real Espana (Honduras), 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 Comunicaciones (Guatemala) vs. W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago), 10 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Pumas UNAM (Mexico) vs. Real Espana (Honduras), 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30 Pumas UNAM (Mexico) vs. W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago), 8 p.m.

Real Espana (Honduras) vs. Comunicaciones (Guatemala), 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago) vs. Real Espana (Honduras), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 22 Comunicaciones (Guatemala) vs.

Pumas UNAM (Mexico), 10 p.m.

European Cups Draw List NYON, Switzerland — Draw Friday for the playoff round of the European Champions League and Europa League: Champions League First leg Aug. 18-19 Second leg Aug. 25-26 Best-placed Path Lyon (France) vs. Anderlecht (Belgium) Glasgow Celtic (Scotland) vs. Arsenal (England) Panathinaikos (Greece) vs. Atletico Madrid (Spain) Sporting Lisbon (Portugal) vs.

Fiorentina (Italy) Timisoara (Romania) vs. Stuttgart (Germany) Champions Path Copenhagen (Denmark) vs. APOEL (Cyprus) Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) vs. Debreceni (Hungary) Salzburg (Austria) vs. Maccabi Haifa (Israel) Sheriff (Moldova) vs. Olympiakos (Greece) Ventspils (Latvia) vs. Zurich (Switzerland) Europa League First Leg, Aug. 20 Second leg, Aug. 27 Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands) vs.

Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia) Athletic Bilbao (Spain) vs. Tromso (Norway) BATE Borisov (Belarus) vs. Litex Lovech (Bulgaria) Baku (Azerbaijan) vs. Basel (Switzerland) Benfica (Portugal) vs. Vorskla Poltava (Ukraine) Brondby (Denmark) vs. Hertha Berlin (Germany) Dinamo Bucharest (Romania) vs.

Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic) Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) vs.

Hearts (Scotland) Dynamo Moscow (Russia) vs.

CSKA Sofia (Bulgaria) Everton (England) vs. Sigma Olomouc (Czech Republic) Fulham (England) vs. Amkar Perm (Russia) Galatasaray (Turkey) vs. Levadia

SPORTSHORTS ZMS XC races The Zapata Middle School cross country team is looking for any middle school teams interested in competing on Sept. 4 or 5 in Zapata. The races will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Race distances will be two miles for boys and 1.5 miles for the girls. Fee for the race will be $25 per grade level, max fee is $50 or $5 per individual runner.

For more information, call Mike Villarreal at 500-4451 or Luis Escamilla at 229-0457.

Tallinn (Lithuania) Genoa (Italy) vs. OB Odense (Denmark) Guingamp (France) vs. Hamburg (Germany) Lazio (Italy) vs. Elfsborg (Sweden) Lech Poznan (Poland) vs. Brugge (Belgium) Metallurh Donetsk (Ukraine) vs.

Austria Vienna (Austria) NAC Breda (Netherlands) vs. Villarreal (Spain) PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece) vs.

Heerenveen (Netherlands) PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) vs.

Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv (Israel) Partizan Belgrade (Serbia) vs.

MSK Zilina (Slovakia) Racing Genk (Belgium) vs. Lille (France) Rapid Vienna (Austria) vs. Aston Villa (England) AS Roma (Italy) vs. MFK Kosice (Slovakia) Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina) vs.

Cluj (Romania) Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) vs.

Sivasspor (Turkey) Sion (Switzerland) vs. Fenerbahce (Turkey) Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) vs.

Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) Sparta Prague (Czech Republic) vs.

Maribor (Slovenia) Stabaek (Norway) vs. Valencia (Spain) Steaua Bucharest (Romania) vs. St. Patrick’s Athletic (Ireland) Sturm Graz (Austria) vs. Metalist Kharkiv (Ukraine) Teplice (Czech Republic) vs.

Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) Trabzonspor (Turkey) vs. Toulouse (France) Twente (Netherlands) vs. Qarabag (Azerbaijan) Vaslui (Romania) vs. AEK Athens (Greece) Werder Bremen (Germany) vs. Aktobe (Kazakhstan) Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia) vs.

Nacional (Portugal)

Golf WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Par Scores Friday At Firestone Country Club (South Course) Akron, Ohio Purse: $8.5 million Yardage: 7,400- Par: 70 Second Round 64-69-133 -7 Padraig Harrington Tim Clark 66-68-134 -6 Scott Verplank 66-69-135 -5 Prayad Marksaeng 66-70-136 -4 Steve Stricker 67-69-136 -4 Jerry Kelly 71-65-136 -4 Woody Austin 69-68-137 -3 Alvaro Quiros 72-65-137 -3 Zach Johnson 67-70-137 -3 Hunter Mahan 68-69-137 -3 Mike Weir 71-66-137 -3 Robert Allenby 68-69-137 -3 Stewart Cink 69-69-138 -2 Oliver Wilson 69-69-138 -2 Tiger Woods 68-70-138 -2 Retief Goosen 71-67-138 -2 Angel Cabrera 70-68-138 -2 David Toms 69-69-138 -2 Lucas Glover 69-69-138 -2 Davis Love III 72-66-138 -2 Boo Weekley 69-69-138 -2 Nick O’Hern 72-67-139 -1 Chad Campbell 71-68-139 -1 Phil Mickelson 70-69-139 -1 Nick Dougherty 69-71-140 E Geoff Ogilvy 69-71-140 E Lee Westwood 69-71-140 E Anthony Kim 72-68-140 E Soren Hansen 69-71-140 E Carl Pettersson 70-70-140 E Sergio Garcia 68-72-140 E Trevor Immelman 70-70-140 E Kenny Perry 69-71-140 E Camilo Villegas 70-70-140 E Miguel A. Jimenez 68-72-140 E Danny Lee 68-73-141 +1 Gonzalo F-Castano 70-71-141 +1 Darren Clarke 71-70-141 +1 Dustin Johnson 70-71-141 +1 Ian Poulter 67-74-141 +1 Jeev M. Singh 70-71-141 +1 Justin Leonard 70-71-141 +1 Henrik Stenson 69-72-141 +1 Ross Fisher 70-71-141 +1 Sean O’Hair 69-72-141 +1 Nick Watney 74-68-142 +2 Cameron Beckman 71-71-142 +2 Soren Kjeldsen 72-70-142 +2 Stuart Appleby 74-68-142 +2 Pat Perez 70-72-142 +2 J.B. Holmes 70-72-142 +2 Rory Sabbatini 71-71-142 +2 Luke Donald 70-72-142 +2 Justin Rose 75-68-143 +3 Vijay Singh 70-73-143 +3 Ernie Els 71-72-143 +3 Charles Howell III 71-72-143 +3 Anders Hansen 73-71-144 +4 Y.E. Yang 72-72-144 +4 Jim Furyk 73-71-144 +4 Graeme McDowell 73-71-144 +4 Mathew Goggin 73-71-144 +4 Christian Cevaer 75-70-145 +5 Richard Sterne 72-73-145 +5 Thongchai Jaidee 71-74-145 +5 Nathan Green 74-71-145 +5 Adam Scott 78-67-145 +5 Rory McIlroy 75-70-145 +5 Ben Curtis 77-69-146 +6 Shingo Katayama 74-72-146 +6 Martin Kaymer 72-74-146 +6 K.J. Choi 74-72-146 +6 Anthony Kang 71-76-147 +7 Chih-Bing Lam 74-75-149 +9 Brian Gay 75-74-149 +9 Gregory Havret 73-77-150 +10 Marc Turnesa 76-75-151 +11 Shane Lowry 78-78-156 +16 Yuji Igarashi 74-83-157 +17

Fight Schedule National TV in parentheses Aug. 8 At Cordoba, Argentina (PPV), Jorge Rodrigo Barrios, Argentina, vs. Moises Castro, Nicaragua, 10, lightweights; Marcos Hector Vergara, Argentina, vs.

Luis Alberto Arrieta, Argentina, 10, light middleweights; Israel Hector Enrique Perez, Argentina, vs. Jhonny Antequera, Venezuela, 10, super featherweights.

Aug. 14 At Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, Ariz. (ESPN2), Vivian Harris, Brooklyn, N.Y., vs. Noe Bolanos, Mexico, 12, light welterweights.

Aug. 15 At the Gold Coast Arena, Biloxi, Miss. (PPV): Roy Jones Jr., Pensacola, Fla., vs. Jeff Lacy, St. Petersburg, Fla., 12, light heavyweights; Danny Green, Australia, vs. Julio Cesar Dominguez, Argentina, 12, cruiserweights; Verquan Kimbrough, Pittsburgh, vs. Mike Anchondo, La Puente, Calif., 10, lightweights.

At Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas (PPV), Nonito Donaire, San Leandro, Calif., vs. Rafael Concepcion, Panama, 12, for the interim WBA super flyweight title; Steven Luevano, La Puente, Calif., vs. Bernabe Concepcion, Philippines, 12, for Luevano’s WBO featherweight title; Mark Melligen, Philippines, vs. Michael Rosales, 10, Mexico, super lightweights; Anthony Peterson, Washington, vs. Luis Arceo, Mexico, 10, lightweights.

Aug. 21 At the Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Oliver McCall, Martinsville, Va., vs. Franklin Lawrence, Indianapolis, 12, for McCall’s IBA Intercontinental heavyweight title.

Aug. 22 At Toyota Center, Houston (HBO), Malcolm Klassen, South Africa, vs.

Robert Guerrero, Gilroy, Calif., 12, for Klassen’s IBF super featherweight title; Juan Diaz, Houston, vs. Paul Malignaggi, Brooklyn, N.Y., 12, light welterweights; Daniel Jacobs, Brooklyn, N.Y., vs. Ishe Smith, Las Vegas, 10, for the NABO middleweight title.

Aug. 28 At Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Fla. (ESPN2), Juan Urango, Cooper City, Fla., vs. Randall Bailey, Miami, 12, for Urango’s IBF light welterweight title; Tavoris Cloud,

Tallahassee, Fla., vs. Clinton Woods, Britain, 12, for the vacant IBF light heavyweight title.

Aug. 29 At Halle, Germany, Victor Emiliano Ramirez, Argentina, vs. Marco Huck, Germany, 12, for Ramirez’s WBO cruiserweight title; Karo Murat, Germany, vs. Lorenzo Di Giacomo, Italy, 12, for Murat’s European super middleweight title.

At The Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Brian Viloria, Waipahu, Hawaii, vs.

Jesus Iribe, Mexico, 12, for Viloria’s IBF light flyweight title.

At Quik Trip Park, Grande Prairie, Texas, Jesus Soto-Karass, Mexico, vs.

Edvan Dos Barrios, Miami, 10, welterweights; Mikey Garcia, Oxnard, Calif., vs. Carlos Rivera, Oldsmar, Fla., 10, featherweights.

Sept. 5 At Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico (PPV), Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Mexico, vs. Jason LeHoullier, Portland, Maine, 10, super welterweights; Manuel Vargas, Mexico, vs. Donnie Nietes, Philippines, 12, for Vargas’ WBO mini flyweight title.

Sept. 12 At MCH Messecenter, Herning, Denmark (SHO), Mikkel Kessler, Denmark, vs. Gusmyl Perdomo, Venezuela, 12, for Kessler’s WBA super middleweight title.

At Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, Calif. (SHO), Andre Ward, vs. Shelby Pudwill, Mandan, N.D., 10, super middleweights.

Sept. 19 At the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather, Las Vegas, vs.

Juan Manuel Marquez, Anaheim, Calif., 12, welterweights.

Sept. 26 At Staples Center, Los Angeles, Vitali Klitschko, Los Angeles, vs. Chris Arreola, Riverside, Calif., 12, for Klitschko’s WBC heavyweight title.

At UIC Pavilion, Chicago, David Diaz, Chicago, vs. Jesus Chavez, Austin, Texas, 10, lightweights.

Oct. 17 At TBA, Germany (SHO), Arthur Abraham, Germany, vs. Jermaine Taylor, Little Rock, Ark., 12, super middleweights.

At Trent FM Arena, Nottingham, England (SHO), Carl Froch, Britain, vs. Andre Dirrell, Flint, Mich., 12, for Froch’s WBC super middleweight title.

Nov. 14 At MGM Grand, Las Vegas (PPV), Manny Pacquiao, Philippines, vs.

Miguel Cotto, Puerto Rico, 12, welterweights.

Transactions BASEBALL Major League Baseball MLB—Suspended OF Mitch Einertson (Corpus Christi-Texas League) for 50 games for a second violation of the minor league drug prevention and treatment program for a drug of abuse.

American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES—Traded C Gregg Zaun to Tampa Bay for cash or a player to be named. Purchased the contract of C Chad Moeller from Norfolk (IL).

BOSTON RED SOX—Designated RHP John Smoltz for assignment.

Claimed INF Chris Woodward off waivers from Seattle. Recalled RHP Junichi Tazawa from Pawtucket (IL).

CLEVELAND INDIANS—Recalled LHP Rafael Perez from Columbus (IL).

MINNESOTA TWINS—Acquired RHP Carl Pavano from Cleveland for a player to be named. Optioned RHP R.A. Dickey to Rochester (IL). Transferred Placed RHP Boof Bonser to the 60-day DL. OAKLAND ATHLETICS—Released 1B-DH Jason Giambi.

National League ATLANTA BRAVES—Agreed to terms with LHP Mike Minor and assigned him to Rome (SAL).

CHICAGO CUBS—Activated C Geovany Soto from the 15-day DL. Optioned INF-OF Micah Hoffpauir to Iowa (PCL).

HOUSTON ASTROS—Activated INF-OF Darin Erstad from the 15-day DL. Placed RHP Doug Brocail on the 15-day DL. MILWAUKEE BREWERS—Purchased the contract of RHP Jesus Colome from Nashville (PCL). Designated LHP R.J. Swindle for assignment.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES—Signed LHP Zach Dodson and LHP Colton Cain. Placed LHP Donnie Veal on the 15-day DL. Purchased the contract of RHP Chis Bootcheck from Indianapolis (IL).

SAN DIEGO PADRES—Recalled RHP Ryan Webb from Portland (PCL).

American Association FORT WORTH CATS—Released INF Ron Fenwick.

PENSACOLA PELICANS—Released INF Lester Contreras.

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CAPTAINS—Signed RHP Thad Markray.

ST. PAUL SAINTS—Signed RHP Jim Brower.

Can-Am League AMERICAN DEFENDERS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE—Traded RHP Juan Padilla to York (Atlantic) for future considerations.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association ATLANTA HAWKS—Re-signed F Marvin Williams to a five-year contract.

DENVER NUGGETS—Traded F-C Steven Hunter, a 2010 first-round pick and cash to Memphis a future secondround draft pick.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS— Signed G Brandon Roy to a multiyear contract extension.

FOOTBALL National Football League BUFFALO BILLS—Signed DE Ataefiok Etukeren. Released S Antwain Spann.

CAROLINA PANTHERS—Signed LB Kelvin Smith. Released LS Nick Sundberg.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS— Signed OL Drew Miller. Waived LB David Holloway.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS—Signed DE Tyson Jackson. Waived LB Weston Dacus.

HOCKEY American Hockey League PEORIA RIVERMEN—Named Steve Castelletti equipment manager.

ECHL CHARLOTTE CHECKERS— Agreed to terms with D Ethan Graham and D T.J. Reynolds.

LAS VEGAS WRANGLERS— Agreed to terms with G Michael Ouzas on a one-year contract.

COLLEGE CINCINNATI—Named Denny McCaughey men’s volunteer assistant soccer coach.

DEPAUL—Named Tom Kleinschmidt director of men’s basketball operations.

FORDHAM—Named Margaret Carey women’s assistant basketball coach.

HOFSTRA—Named Jessica Mannetti women’s assistant basketball coach.

LE MOYNE—Named Rich Conover women’s basketball coach.

MARIETTA—Named Jen Simonetti an assistant soccer coach and Jesse Boyd assistant volleyball coach.

MONTEVALLO—Named Stacey Balaam women’s assistant soccer coach.

SHIPPENSBURG—Named Erin Goodhart men’s and women’s swimming coach.

LADY | Continued from Page 1B along with the 5-1 defense used in the past.

“I changed the defense and they have picked it up pretty well. Right now they are trying to remember where they need to go with the covers. They are picking up a lot more of the stuff than before,” she said.

On offense Villarreal welcomes back offensive weapon Brandi King, who was voted newcomer of the year by district coaches last year.

Helping King on offense will be Peña, Garcia and Rivera.

The Lady Hawks have formed the team

chemistry that will help them get closer to their play-off aspirations.

“They are so much united. Its not so much ‘I want to stand out,’ but if we want to get to our goal we need to work together as a team,” Villarreal said.

Villarreal put the responsibility of the

team squarely on the shoulders of the senior class.

“I put the team in the hands of the seniors.

Here is the team; you do what are going to do with it. Of course I teach skills and strategies but the seniors have to provide everything else on the court,” she said.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

Sports

ADVICE | HELOISE PET-SITTER PLANNING Dear Readers: If you travel and use PET SITTERS while you’re gone, you need written instructions, including detailed care, feeding schedule, treat amounts, whether your pet likes to be held, petted, walked, etc. Emergency veterinarian phone numbers, addresses and directions to the clinic are a must! For your pet to be treated, contact the vet before you leave OR sign a release to give your permission for the pet sitter to handle medical care while you’re gone.

You should first have a meet and greet! Let your pet(s) meet the sitter and vice versa to see if they get along. Watch your pet’s body language. If your dog is cowering or your cat is hiding under the bed and won’t come out, then perhaps another sitter is best for the wellbeing of all. Asking for references

“

HELOISE

is vital!

Since many pets stress out when their owners are gone, keeping the daily routine as normal as possible is important. — Heloise PET PAL Dear Readers: Amy Haycox of Fort Wayne, Ind., sent a photo of her two big yellow Labrador retrievers sitting on a dock at the lake looking happy as can be. Amy says: “Both the dogs are 10 years old. They are named Zoey Jeanne the Biscuit Queen and Gypsy Doodle Dandy.”

To see the labs enjoying their visit to the lake, visit www.Heloise.com. — Heloise

DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:

Zclassified

DENNIS THE MENACE

FAMILY CIRCUS

BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 4B