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EDUCATION
ZAPATA COUNTY
A deadly business
Cameras at the ready
Border Patrol seeks to keep kids out of the drug trafficking industry By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A group of Zapata high and middle school students were introduced to the real world of drug smuggling on a video as part of Operation Detour, a program aimed at preventing students from becoming victims and statistics in the drug trade. The program uses a video
presentation about the current trends used by drug trafficking organizations to show youths, ages 14 to 18, the consequences associated with smuggling on behalf of cartels, according to a U.S. CBP Border Patrol release. Romeo Rodriguez, Zapata Independent School District superintendent, said Friday that the presentation had a strong impact on students.
At first, ZISD officials were concerned the video might be too graphic. “It’s realistic,” Rodriguez said. “It’s what’s happening on our own front yard with the drug cartel.” Rodriguez said sometimes youth do not realize the consequences of getting involved in drug smuggling. Some youngsters believe they are doing something innocent –
and lucrative – by driving a vehicle to a delivery point and getting highly compensated for the seemingly “simple” task. “The video portrays how easy is to get involved in this type of world,” Rodriguez said. “It’s tempting for people.” With harsh economic
Technology to connect commissioners, courtroom By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES
See DRUGS PAGE 9A
ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE
The Zapata County Courthouse will be getting a technological makeover this month as new equipment is installed in both the Commissioners Courtroom and the 49th District Courtroom. Romeo Salinas, Zapata County treasurer, said the county first began planning to update the technology while the new courthouse was under construction. With the update, county officials will be able to conduct videoconferences with state and federal agencies and the Commissioners Court will be able to tape its meetings. “This advanced technological venture will take us to a new level of county governmental management,” Salinas stated in an e-mail. SALINAS Both Commissioners Gabriel Villarreal and Jose Emilio Vela said the updated technology is a positive move for the county. “That’s going to be great because that’s going to be keeping us very transparent for the county to have all those Commissioners Court meetings recorded,” Vela said.
Camera is ready
Photo by Ricardo Segovia | The Zapata Times
The hot South Texas sun shines brightly over the impressive Zapata County Courthouse as the U.S. and Mexico flags fly high.
A camera has already been installed in the Commissioners Courtroom and Salinas expects to be able to connect a 55-inch high-definition monitor in the next week. The entire project cost the county about $80,000, he said. “In the near future, we may further be (capable) of uploading the meetings via Web site with the approval of the Commissioners Court,” Salinas said. “Residents will then have access to meetings and become better informed of all decisions made by our duly elected Commissioners Court.” Salinas stated that the 49th District Courtroom will also have two flat-screen monitors and communication capability with the Zapata County Jail. “Our Honorable Judge Joe Lopez has wholeheartedly endorsed this project since its inception,” Salinas said. Citing Justice of the Peace Juana Maria B. Gutierrez as an example, Salinas said justices of the peace will be able to use the system to handle video magistrate cases. Gutierrez “will now be able to handle cases without leaving her office in San Ygnacio,” Salinas said. He credited former County Judge David Morales and the Commissioners Court “that had this vision for Zapata County. “It is through their efforts and wise decisions this new technology has become a reality,” Salinas stated. (Julie Daffern may be reached at 728-2565 or jdaffern@lmtonline.com)
WAR ON DRUGS
Pot-laden car flees, but chase ends in blaze By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
A high-speed chase that led to a car fire ended with the discovery of six bundles of marijuana early Wednesday morning in the northern area of Zapata County. Zapata County Attorney’s Office investigators were in a marked unit, patrolling north of Dolores Creek around 5:45 a.m. on U.S. 83. “We saw a car parked with its hazard lights on,”
said Investigator Alfonso Lopez of the Zapata County Attorney’s Office. “I made a U-turn and the car sped off and the chase was on. We were going over 100 mph. He went all the way north to Webb County just about a mile north of Rio Bravo. He crossed the southbound lane and went into the brush area. He must have hit a little hill because he went airborne, and the car became stuck in the mesquite trees.” Lopez said two men jumped out of the vehicle
and took off running. Webb County and Zapata County sheriff ’s deputies as well as Border Patrol agents joined the investigators in the search, but the men could not be found. According to Sgt. Mario Elizondo, as investigators were securing the vehicle, they noticed smoke was coming from under the car. Investigators pulled six bundles of pot from the vehicle before it caught fire and turned into a burned-
See POT PAGE 9A
Courtesy photo
A vehicle smolders after a chase with Zapata County Attorney’s Office investigators. The occupants fled into the surrounding brush, leaving behind 362 pounds of marijuana.
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
Saturday, Oct. 24 The Webb County Heritage Foundation is offering a Ghostly Trolley Tour of some of downtown Laredo’s most haunted sites. Admission is $15, and includes a viewing of the “Haunted Heritage” exhibit. There are two tours every night, except Sunday, through Oct. 30. Tours begin at 6 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. at the Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St. For more information, call 7270977. The local Girl Scouts troop is organizing Project Undercover. The Scouts will be collecting new underclothes, diapers and baby wipes for boys and girls ages newborn to 17 at the Dollar General and Family Dollar stores from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.
Monday, Oct. 26 The Webb County Heritage Foundation’s Ghostly Trolley Tour continues, showcasing downtown Laredo’s most haunted sites. Admission is $15, and includes a viewing of the “Haunted Heritage” exhibit. There are two tours every night, except Sunday, through Oct. 30. Tours begin at 6 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. at the Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St. For more information, call 7270977.
Photo by Tim Sharp | AP
Wrongly convicted of murderer, Christopher Scott, left center, and Claude Simmons, right center, exit Criminal District Court No. 1 with attorneys Michelle Moore, left, and John Stickels, right, and advocate Natalie Ellis, after being set free by Judge Robert Burns on Friday, in Dallas. The two served 12 years in prison before their release.
2 freed after 12 years
Tuesday, Oct. 27
By LINDA STEWART BALL
The Zapata ISD Board of Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. at the Professional Development Center, 17th Avenue and Carla. For more information, visit www.zcisd.org
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, Oct. 28 There will be a meeting today for parents of Zapata High School freshmen at 6 p.m. at the Zapata High School cafeteria. Refreshments will be served. Area students interested in pursuing higher education will have the chance to meet with recruiters from more than 60 universities at Laredo College Night from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the Texas A&M International University Student Center Ballroom. This event is free and open to the public. Students from Laredo, Hebbronville, Zapata, Cotulla, Crystal City, Carrizo Springs, Roma and Rio Grande City are all invited to discuss their educational future. The event will give students the opportunity to explore the variety of available choices and speak to representatives in person. Students should contact their respective high school counselors for more information. For more information about TAMIU, contact Gina Gonzalez at 956.326.2206, e-mail gina@tamiu.edu, visit offices in SC 126 or click on http:// www.tamiu.edu/whatiwant/
Thursday, Oct. 29 The Laredo Medical Center will have a “Pink for Two” Tea Party honoring cancer survivors today at 6 p.m. at LMC’s Tower A third-floor patio. Survivors are invited to bring their daughter, mother, sister and best friends to enjoy an evening of relaxation under the stars while sipping a delicious cup of pink tea. For more information, call 796-4725. The event is free for cancer survivors and their family and friends. The First United Methodist Church’s annual rummage sale begins today at the Fellowship Hall, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. It continues through Saturday, Oct. 31.
Friday, Oct. 30 The American Legion 15th District Convention begins today, with registration in the afternoon. Business will be conducted Saturday, followed by a dinner-dance. The presentation of awards will be Sunday. Registration is $35 per person, which includes the dinner-dance event. Host is American Legion Post 486 of Zapata.
Saturday, Nov. 14 The Marine Toys for Tots program will be collecting unwrapped toys for boys and girls today at the Marine Corps League, 22nd and Hidalgo, starting at about 11 a.m. There will also be a plate sale to raise money for the project. For more information, call Manuel Garcia at 337-4917.
Friday, Dec. 4 2009 Annual Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Plaza heralds the start of the holiday season in Zapata. Events begin at 6 p.m. The parade starts at 17th Avenue, head south on U.S. 83 and end on 6th Avenue at the plaza. 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
DALLAS — A packed Dallas County courtroom erupted in joyous shouts and applause Friday as two men wrongly convicted of capital murder 12 years ago were set free. Claude Simmons Jr., 54, and Christopher Scott, 39, had been serving life sentences for the 1997 slaying of Alfonso Aguilar. “I have to give my glory to God,” said Zeddie Rucker, Scott’s teary-eyed mom. “I’ve waited on this moment for 12 years. I knew neither one of them had done anything wrong.” The men each expressed gratitude to a multitude of people and groups responsible for their release, from Jesus Christ and the Dallas Police Department to their defense attorneys and students at innocence clinics at the University of Texas at Arlington and UT
38 receive no-English traffic tickets DALLAS — Police officers have improperly cited Dallas drivers for not being able to speak English 38 times in the past three years. The discovery came after a woman was pulled over earlier this month for making an illegal U-turn and was given a ticket for being a “non-English speaking driver.”
Inmate gets life for plan to kill judge HOUSTON — A south Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison for plotting the murder of the federal judge who earlier sentenced him to life for drug trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Joel Lopez Sr., of Roma, had plotted with his wife to hire a man to kill U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa of McAllen and also to kidnap a
woman who him money.
Austin’s law school who brought the case to the district attorney’s office last year. A joint investigation between the Police Department’s Cold Case Unit and the district attorney’s office’s Conviction Integrity Unit led to Friday’s exoneration hearing. “I’m very happy that it’s over now and we can get on with our lives,” an elated Scott said, moments before a blue plastic jail bracelet was snipped from his wrist and the tearful hugging and backslapping from family and friends began. Simmons said he didn’t blame anyone: “I never gave up hope because I believe in God and God knew that I was innocent.” Prosecutors said another man confessed to the crime in a sworn videotaped statement from prison last summer. His alleged accomplice was arrested Tuesday in the Houston area and charged with capital murder. allegedly
owed
Prop 9 would guard beach access AUSTIN — Fifty years after the Legislature passed the Open Beaches Act, Texans will get a chance to enshrine public access to the coast in the state constitution. Voters will consider Proposition 9 in the Nov. 3 constitutional amendment election. Supporters say the plan would help protect beach access from the threat of lawsuits and legislative meddling.
Flu closes Texline school district AMARILLO — The tiny Texline school district in the Texas Panhandle shut down Friday because of illness, making it the latest of more than 40 districts around the state to close campuses this year because of
the flu. Most of the 100 or so schools in those districts that shut down over the past month or so have recently reopened, according to the Texas Education Agency.
Budget, fence keep preserve closed BROWNSVILLE — A south Texas nature preserve won’t reopen as scheduled this fall after it was left in limbo for more than a year by plans to build a border fence. The Sabal Palm Audubon Center has been a popular destination with bird watchers and home to a rare native stand of Sabal palms along the Rio Grande. The Brownsville Herald reports Friday the center will remain closed at least through the end of the year. The border fence, which isolates the preserve between the river and the fence, continues to create uncertainty. -- Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION
Today is Saturday, Oct. 24, the 297th day of 2009. There are 68 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: In Oct. 24, 1945, the United Nations officially came into existence as its charter took effect. (On this date in 1949, construction began on the U.N. headquarters in New York.) On this date: In 1537, Jane Seymour, the third wife of England’s King Henry VIII, died 12 days after giving birth to Prince Edward, later King Edward VI. In 1648, the Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years War and effectively destroyed the Holy Roman Empire. In 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph message was sent as Chief Justice Stephen J. Field of California transmitted a telegram to President Abraham Lincoln. In 1901, widow Anna Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. In 1931, the George Washington Bridge, connecting New York and New Jersey, was officially dedicated (it opened to traffic the next day). In 1939, Benny Goodman and his orchestra recorded their signature theme, “Let’s Dance,” for Columbia Records in New York. Nylon stockings were sold publicly for the first time, in Wilmington, Del. In 1952, Republican presidential candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower declared in Detroit, “I shall go to Korea” as he promised to end the conflict. (He made the visit over a month later.) In 1980, the merchant freighter SS Poet departed Philadelphia bound for Port Said, Egypt, with a crew of 34 and a cargo of grain; it disappeared en route and has not been heard from since. In 1989, former television evangelist Jim Bakker was sentenced by a judge in Charlotte, N.C., to 45 years in prison for fraud and conspiracy. (The sentence was later reduced to eight years; it was further reduced to four for good behavior.) In 2002, authorities arrested Army veteran John Allen Muhammad and teenager Lee Boyd Malvo near Myersville, Md., in connection with the Washington-area sniper attacks. Ten years ago: An Israeli court sentenced American teenager Samuel Sheinbein to 24 years in prison for killing an acquaintance in Maryland in 1997. Sen. John Chafee, RR.I., died at Bethesda Naval Hospital at age 77. The New York Yankees took Game 2 of the World Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves, 7-2. Today’s Birthdays: Football Hall-of-Famer Y.A. Tittle is 83. Rock musician Bill Wyman is 73. Actor-producer David Nelson is 73. Actor F. Murray Abraham is 70. Actor Kevin Kline is 62. Former NAACP President Kweisi Mfume is 61. Country musician Billy Thomas (Terry McBride and the Ride) is 56. Actor B.D. Wong is 49. Rock musician Ben Gillies (Silverchair) is 30. Singer-actress Monica Arnold is 29. Thought for Today: “Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long.” — Ogden Nash, American author and humorist (1902-1971).
Parents protest Hawaii school closures
CONTACT US
HONOLULU — Hundreds of angry parents protested Hawaii’s statewide public school shutdown Friday, saying their children are losing out on education due to government budget cuts. Hawaii closed 256 public schools Friday, the first of 17 teacher furlough days.
Private eye won’t contest threats LOS ANGELES — Former Hollywood private eye Anthony Pellicano and another man have pleaded no contest in Los Angeles to threatening a newspaper reporter. Prosecutors say Pellicano and Alexander Proctor entered pleas Friday and have been sentenced to the maximum three years in prison.
Photo by Moises Castillo | AP
U.S. Coast Guard ships escort a drug smuggling submarine as it is towed to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, on Friday. Three Colombians and two Mexicans who were on the sub with 10 tons of cocaine, will be judged by U.S. authorities.
Mom says balloon saga was hoax DENVER — The mother of the 6-year-old boy once feared missing inside a runaway helium balloon admitted the whole saga was a hoax, according to court documents released Friday.
Mayumi Heene told sheriff ’s deputies that she and her husband Richard “knew all along that Falcon was hiding in the residence” in Fort Collins, according to an affidavit used to get a search warrant for the home. -- Compiled from AP reports
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SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the 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. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
Zlocal
PAGE 3A
GIMME FIVE
Courtesy photo
An SUV lays on its side with packages of marijuana spilling out after being chased for two miles by Zapata County Sheriff’s Office deputies on U.S. 83. Courtesy photo/
District Attorney Isidro Alaniz and Huggie the Bear visit with third graders at Villarreal Elementary School during Red Ribbon Week. Alaniz and his staff brought a special message on the importance of staying in school and being drug-free. He also discussed with the students his job as an attorney and the laws that we should follow to be responsible citizens of Zapata. Huggie, the DA Office’s mascot, danced with the students and his message was "Hugs not Drugs."
THE BLOTTER AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON A 28-year-old man reported at 3 a.m. Oct. 18 that shots were fired at El Tigre Exxon. The victim reported the shots were aimed at his vehicle. Zapata County Sheriff’s Department deputies noticed several bullets holes on the right side of a 2000 GMC pick up truck. The department has an open investigation.
ASSAULT A 35-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman reported at 11 p.m. Tuesday they were assaulted in the 300 block of Gonzalez Street. Zapata County Sheriff’s Department has an open investigation.
BURGLARY A 29-year-old man reported his laptop valued at $1,500 was stolen from inside his truck at 3:30 a.m. Oct. 16 while it was parked in the 1400 block of Hidalgo Boulevard. A 23-year-old woman reported at 1 p.m. Oct. 16 a mobile home in the 1700 block of Lincoln had been burglarized and a PlayStation, Xbox games and oth-
er electronics were stolen. Estimated value of items is $1,550. A 26-year-old woman reported at 5 p.m. Oct. 16 a residence in the 1100 block of south Siesta Lane had been burglarized and a shotgun and handgun were stolen. The shotgun and handgun have a value of $1,200.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF A 45-year-old man reported at 7 a.m. Oct. 15 the rear door of Mar y Tierra Restaurant on U.S. 83 in San Ygnacio was damaged. According to reports, the subjects were trying to gain access. Estimated damage is $200.
Pot found after rollover By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
More than 90 pounds of marijuana were found after a driver of a vehicle evaded arrest and rolled over on north U.S. 83 on the morning of Oct. 16. The case started when Zapata County Sheriff ’s deputies tried to stop a black sport utility vehicle for a traffic violation at 8:47 a.m. According to Sgt. Mario Elizondo, the SUV traveled more than two miles as it headed north on U.S. 83. The vehicle suddenly
went into the brush area, lost control and rolled over, ejecting the driver and pinning two passengers under the SUV. Zapata Fire Department first responders helped in moving the wrecked vehicle off the injured. Elizondo said a total of six people were inside the vehicle when it rolled over. Three of them ran away and could not be located. The other three were injured, including the driver, according to Elizondo. The three injured were transported to Laredo for treatment. Later, two of
them were taken by medical helicopter to San Antonio, he said. According to Elizondo, all three patients were reported in stable condition. After further investigation, deputies found that the SUV was carrying about 93.6 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $12,000. No suspects have been named and no arrest has been made. An investigation is ongoing. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
PAGE 4A
Zopinion
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
EDITORIAL
OTHER VIEWS
Afterschool worthwhile investment NEW YORK TIMES
After-school programs are a cost-effective way to boost student achievement, reduce juvenile crime and help overstressed working parents. Yet a new study finds that the number of after-school slots continues to lag far behind parents’ demand. Even in these hard economic times, it should be possible to narrow the gap. There is good news in the study — “America After 3” — by the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy group. It reports a big increase in the number of children participating in after-school programs: 8.4 million youngsters compared with 6.5 million in 2004. Parents say they are generally satisfied with the programs their children attend. But the most striking and disturbing finding is the large number of latchkey kids — those left alone and unsupervised at the end of the regular school day: 15.1 million — more than a quarter of America’s schoolchildren and an 800,000 increase from 2004. That number includes 4 percent of elementary school students and 30 percent of middle school students who are on their
own until their parents return home. Parents of 18.5 million students say they would enroll their children in an after-school program if one were available. These numbers represent a huge missed opportunity. A majority of publicly financed after-school programs serve low-income students. They offer help with schoolwork, sports activities and other enrichment known to translate into improved school attendance and higher graduation rates and lower rates of teen pregnancy, drinking, delinquency and drug use. During the 2008 campaign, then-Sen. Barack Obama promised that he would double the financing for after-school programs under the No Child Left Behind Act. His budget plan unveiled in February called for no increase in the current $1.1 billion appropriation. The House has approved a spending bill that adds another $50 million for after-school programs. Obama, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Congress must all acknowledge that a lot more is needed — and quickly come up with a plan to increase financing for quality after-school programs.
COLUMN
Just give Rush the ball already By JOHN KELSO COX NEWSPAPERS
AUSTIN — I don’t blame the business group trying to buy the St. Louis Rams for dropping Rush Limbaugh like a fumble on the 1-yard line. If they’d taken Limbaugh’s money and allowed him in as an NFL owner, these guys would have spent from dawn to dusk explaining what Limbaugh really meant when he once told a black caller to “take the bone out of your nose.” With remarks like that, Limbaugh just wouldn’t be good fit for the league. A lot of NFL players wouldn’t find that sort of remark cute. I wouldn’t say that to the Oakland Raiders, how about you? Limbaugh hasn’t exactly been Mr. Congeniality when it comes to dealing with minorities. There was the time he was hired by ESPN to add color commentary. See, Limbaugh said on the air that the reason the Philadelphia Eagles made Donovan McNabb their starting quarterback was that the media was “very desirous that a black quarterback do well — black coaches and black quarterbacks.” ESPN wasn’t interested in insensitive loudmouth white guys doing well, though, so they didn’t exactly beg him to stay when he resigned. I had an idea that would have let Limbaugh own an NFL team, however. I’d let him buy an NFL team — as long as he was required to be a player/ owner. That’s right. Under my plan, Limbaugh could own any NFL team he could afford, if he had to
suit up and play ball. Not on both sides of the ball, now. On the other hand, with his build, it might be physically impossible for him to play without being situated on both sides of the ball. Unless they created a much larger ball. I think making Limbaugh the owner play with his team would have been a fair and entertaining solution. Let’s have a show of hands of all you folks who would like to see Limbaugh pancaked. Wow. That’s a lot of hands. And if he had to put on the pads and take the hits, I think the league’s players would hammer home some of the lessons Limbaugh might otherwise have missed. I think Limbaugh would be a lot less likely to pop off if he had a 340pound linebacker breathing down his windpipe. Yes, I realize he’s in no condition to play football. And he’d suffer some welts. But I hear he used to have a pretty good painkiller connection. When you can get your hands on as much OxyContin as he apparently could, what’s a couple of shots to the noggin from a pulling guard who’s still a little hot under the collar about something Limbaugh blurted on his latest broadcast? So, let’s flip the coin and get this game started. Oh, did I mention that I think as player/owner Limbaugh ought to be the featured running back? Here he comes. Have at him. (To reach John Kelso, who writes for the Austin American-Statesman, send an e-mail to jkelso@statesman.com)
COLUMN
Forcing 2009 COLA a mistake By GEORGE WILL WASHINGTON POST
WASHINGTON — Three years before Rep. Wilbur Mills, the Arkansas Democrat who then chaired the Ways and Means Committee, had his fling with a stripper named Fanne Foxe, aka “The Argentine Firecracker” (Mills joined her on stage at Boston’s exquisitely named Pilgrim Theater, which specialized in what Time magazine primly called “ecdysiast exhibitions”; this was after he had a fracas with Ms. Foxe that provoked her to jump into Washington’s Tidal Basin across from the memorial to Thomas Jefferson, who really believed that democracies could behave rationally), he decided to seek the Democrats’ 1972 presidential nomination. So in an almost admirably straightforward attempt to buy the votes of the elderly, he successfully championed an automatic COLA – cost of living adjustment – for Social Security.
Non-entitlements His campaign fizzled but his achievement endures, and his place in liberalism’s pantheon is secure. His COLA, which began in 1975, is the entitlement that proves that the entitlement system, like the universe, will expand until, perhaps like the universe, it collapses
in on itself. Barack Obama has now established Mills’ Social Security COLA as the capstone to the architecture of the entitlement culture that is modern liberalism’s crowning achievement: It is an entitlement to which you are entitled even when you are not entitled to it. Obama says 57 million Americans – every Social Security beneficiary and some other recipients of federal entitlements – are entitled to $250 apiece to assuage the disappointment of having not been injured by inflation. Because the cost of living declined 4 percent last year, the 57 million are not entitled to the actual COLA, but they evidently are going to be declared entitled to monetary consolation for the misfortune of not experiencing misfortune.
Throw money at it This is the second continent-wide shower of $250 checks. The first came from the $787 stimulus package enacted in February. There will not be another such shower, until the next one. In January, retirees received a 5.8 percent COLA, the largest since 1982, primarily because of a surge in energy prices, which since then have declined. Furthermore, after lifetimes of accumulation, Americans over 60 have the highest net worth of any age cohort. So why the special solicitude for them
during an economic downturn that has afflicted almost everyone? Obama says “we must act on behalf of those hardest hit by this recession.” But are they the hardest hit? How does he know? By what measure? Is it possible that, say, the millions who have lost jobs have been hit harder than retirees?
Buying affection? Andrew Biggs of the American Enterprise Institute notes that a “lost” COLA can mean a significant increase in the value of retirees’ entitlements. Because falling prices increase the purchasing power of stable benefits, and because many Medicare premium increases are limited in years in which no COLA is paid, the typical retiree’s purchasing power will be almost $725 higher next year. More than 40 percent of the voters in 2008 were at least 50 years old. Perhaps Obama can do better than Mills did at purchasing the affections of the elderly. He needs to because they are especially unenthralled about his plans for their health care. But about one thing, they should relax. A president who cannot resist dispensing a semi-COLA after the cost of living declines will not really fund a substantial portion of the new health care entitlement by cutting more than $400 bil-
lion from Medicare. And speaking of the unbelievable: Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe is being beatified as the incarnation of bipartisanship because, of the 217 Republican senators and members of Congress, only she cast a vote for a Democratic health care addition to the nation’s Ponzi entitlement structure. Yet in 2005 she opposed a Republican plan for shaving just $10 billion from government health care entitlements over 10 years. If, as seems probable, she would have opposed the health care bill she just voted for if Republicans had proposed it, does that devalue her version of bipartisanship?
Stimulus III Perhaps the 57 million $250 handouts should be seen as a down payment on a stealthy Stimulus III, which Democrats do not have the audacity to advocate candidly. In any case, Obama, whose inaugural address was a summons to "responsibility," does not even feign an intention to pay for them with offsetting economies. The money will be borrowed, much of it from abroad, much of that portion from China. Fortunately, foreigners have unlimited appetites for lending to America. Don’t they? (To reach George Will, email georgewill@washpost.com)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 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 neces-
sary. 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 unless the initials are regularly used by the writer. People who want to air their opinions publicly must do so openly. We want to assure our
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. Length is limited to 500 words.
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
This space allows for the public debate of the issues of the day. Thank-you letters are published, 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.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
Zlifestyle
PAGE 5A
ADVICE
Students need e-mail etiquette
Visitors to historic La Posada Hotel on the banks of the Rio Grande have seen a mysterious little girl skipping through the lobby.
Take a spine-tingling tour By ERIKA LAMBRETON LAREDO MORNING TIMES
S
he’s a pretty little girl, blue ribbons on her curly pig tails bouncing as she skips through the darkened lobby of La Posada Hotel. Wearing a fancy white dress with starched crinolinas making the taffeta skirt stand out, she could be a younger member of a wedding party that’s going back to their rooms as the festivities finally wind down. But it’s 3a.m. and she’s alone. And it’s the middle of the week. Wait a minute, crinolinas? They haven’t been used since the 1950s, right? The guest who spotted the child moves quickly to intercept her, to see what’s going on. But the little girl has gone around a corner, toward the doors leading outside to the garden. Checking outside, however, there’s no one in sight. Where could she have gone? The water of the pool stirs slightly. All is eerily quiet. A sudden wisp of chill air surrounds the guest. Goosebumps rise. The child? A ghost of Laredo past. “There are different kinds of ghosts, you know,” said Rick Villarreal, museum director of the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and tour guide for this year’s Ghost
Courtesy images/Webb County Heritage Foundation | Special to the Times
It’s said the devil himself dances with unsuspecting lovely ladies at the American Legion Post 59, a building with a storied past. Trolley Tour downtown. “There are the transparent type of ghosts that we’re familiar with from the movies. A second type looks like real people. Those just disappear. “That’s what the little girl is,” he explained. “By the time they go see where she went, she’s disappeared.” That’s just one of the stories you’ll hear on the one-hour tour, which starts at 6 p.m. and then at 7:30 p.m. every night Monday to Friday this week from the Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St. It’s a $15 donation, which includes admission to the Border Heritage Museum. The tours are sponsored by the Webb County Heri-
tage Foundation, which sees the delicious thrill of ghost tales as a downtown attraction for locals and visitors alike. “(We have) always done ghost stories,” said Margarita Araiza, executive director of the Webb County Heritage Foundation. “We’ve had our museum director visit schools during October and over the years we’ve had different events that celebrate Halloween and it kind of evolved over the years … we decided to do an exhib-
it and a tour of our local myths and legends,” The Ghost Tour begins in the historic San Agustin Plaza with Villarreal recounting spine-tingling tales of wandering, restless souls who haunt the area. Seems the American Legion Post 59 and the former Ursuline Convent on the banks of the Rio Grande as well as the plaza itself have seen a fair share of strange occurrences. From the little girl at La Posada to a cloud of smoke that transforms into a transparent nun to stories of women dancing with a smartly dressed devil, downtown Laredo is full of restless spirits. The Webb County Heritage Foundation chose to do a special October trolley tour of downtown Laredo because of the popularity of similar tours in other cities, such as in Louisiana and Florida, said Araiza. “The foundation already offers walking tours; however, since we have all these haunted sites in downtown Laredo, we decided to the trolley tour to expand on this,” Araiza said.
See GHOSTS PAGE 6A
DEAR MISS MANNERS: You could assist an entire profession if you would advise undergraduates on composing e-mail to their professors. Like my colleagues, I’ve received peremptory messages from even freshmen the tone of which might have been used by an aristocrat to a particularly lax and unpleasant waiter. After the remonstrances, there’s often a transparent attempt at manipulation, as in “Have a great weekend!” or “Thanks in advance for your understanding.” I want to be available to my students, but I don’t want to be addressed as if I were their employee. Can you give them some suggestions? GENTLE READER: Certainly. “Dear Professor Wise, “I regret that because of a tragedy in my family, I must ask you for an extension on the paper that is due on Friday. My beloved grandmother has died, and my presence has been urgently requested in Aspen, not only to attend her funeral but to deal with matters concerning her estate. I expect to be able to return within two weeks, and could certainly deliver the paper before Thanksgiving break or, so as not to burden you with it during the holiday, soon after. “Let me say what a privilege it is to hear your lectures and how much I hate to have to miss even one of them. Please accept my apologies for this re-
“
JUDITH MARTIN
grettable absence. “Yours sincerely, “Luke Loggle “P.S. I don’t want to impose on you with my family troubles, but you should know that this is not the same grandmother who passed away at Stowe earlier in the semester. Owing to my parents’ remarriages, I am blessed with several.” DEAR MISS MANNERS: My family was invited to a Halloween party with an invitation that mentioned a gift registry at a local store, recommending it for gift ideas. I would understand taking a gift to a birthday party, anniversary party or even a dinner party, but I have never heard of bringing a gift to a Halloween costume party. Is it rude to expect a gift, or is it polite to bring a gift for the host no matter what type of party it is? GENTLE READER: You are on that slippery slope along with your greedy friends. Like them, you see nothing wrong with asking to be given presents; your only quibble is whether this applies to Halloween parties. Since you have accepted this vulgar practice, you should not be surprised that it keeps spreading. No – “hostess gifts” are not obligatory except for overnight stays.
6A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
Wisin y Yandel: A reggaeton ‘Revolución’ SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
It’s part of the Grammy Award-winning duo’s tour which was scheduled to hit 15 U.S. cities, performing in venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York, Staples Center in Los Angeles and American Airlines Arena in Miami. The tour is being produced by AEG/Goldenvoice. “We are beyond excited to be touring the United States this fall,” Wisin said. “We have sold out Staples and MSG before, but have never truly toured North America extensively. We look forward to performing for all our fans across the country.”
En vivo Photo by Alan Diaz | AP
The concert will feature the duo’s seven-piece band, their dance crew, a state-of-the-art audio/visual extravaganza and a musical fusion of genres and styles delivered with unparalleled power and passion. In concert, Wisin & Yandel have proven to be a force to be reckoned with, becoming the only artists in their genre to sell out both Staples and MSG in the United States. The duo also recently became the first urban artists to perform in and sell out Mexico City’s prestigious Auditorio Nacional. They topped this only four days later by performing at the much-larger Palacio de los Deportes, also in Mexico City, and
speaking audience. “Pa’l Mundo” was co-produced with reggaeton hitmakers Luny Tunes and was an almost immediate smash, lifting the duo from the ranks of the ordinary to the level of genre superstars like Tego Calderon and Daddy Yankee. It spawned three major hit singles which stayed high on the charts for weeks: “Rakata,” “Llame Pa’ Verte” and “Noche de Sexo.” The duo then started their own record label, WY Records, and in 2007, released their sixth studio album, “Wisin vs. Yandel: Los Extraterrestres.” With its first breakout single, “Sexy Movimiento,” Wisin & Yandel skyrocketed to the top of the Latin urban music charts as well as winning honors at the 2008 Premio Lo Nuestro and Premio Juventud Awards.
Puerto Rican Reggaeton artists Wisin & Yandel pose as they arrive on the red carpet in this Feb. 23, 2006, file photo.
A new album filling that venue to capacity as well. The feat was described as “a phenomenon” by journalists who witnessed the hysteria which the duo generated throughout Mexico, a country which has never truly embraced reggaeton.
Behind the twosome Wisin and Yandel, originally from Cayey, Puerto Rico, have spent the last 10 years as a successful duo. Before getting together to form one of the genre’s most
successful Latin music acts, Wisin was studying theater and acting while Yandel worked as a barber. They both fell in love with the reggae-Panamanian dance hall music which was eventually named reggaeton and jumped into Puerto Rico’s underground urban music scene. In reggaeton’s infancy, most of the music produced came in the form of compilation albums gathered together by the DJs who were promoting the music. Wisin & Yandel followed the familiar route and, in 1998, appeared on DJ Dicky’s effort “No Fear 3.”
The album was released by Fresh Productions; they subsequently signed with that label and, the following year, released their debut album “Los Reyes del Nuevo Milenio.” In the following years, they released three more albums, all of which met with good success in the Latin American markets. In 2004, they also each released a solo album: Yandel’s was titled “Quien Contra Mi,” while Wisin gained a nickname with his “El Sobreviviente.” It wasn’t until 2005 with the release of “Pa’l Mundo” that they caught the attention of a broader, non-Spanish
The tour announcement in June came on the heels of the release of their latest album “La Revolución.” In its first week out, the album was already No. 1 as a deluxe version and No. 2 as a regular version in digital download sales, according to iTunes. Wisin & Yandel have been hugely successful during their 10year career as a duo. They have garnered numerous multi-platinum certifications in the United States and Latin America and dozens of prestigious awards, including a Grammy and a Latin Grammy.
GHOSTS Continued from Page 5A The stories that are recounted during the tour are all folklore, myths and legends that are considered an oral tradition, stories passed down from generation to generation. “Some are just folklore and there are stories peo-
ple have talked about over the years, but they are mainly based on fact,” Araiza said. So far the Border Heritage Foundation has seen a large response and excitement for the ghost trolley tours, and she hopes the at-
tendance levels will continue to increase. “Just judging by the first one, we had a really good response and if it continues it’s something that we will revisit and try to expand on,” said Villarreal. For now, the tour focuses
strictly on the downtown area, but, depending on the popularity, it might be broadened in the future to include other haunted Laredo locations and might even be offered throughout the year. “We appreciate the com-
munity’s interest and support, and we hope this will encourage people to return to the museum to view the exhibits which are not all ghouls and goblins,” Araiza said. “There are quite a lot of fascinating stories about our community and
our ancestors.” For more information, call the foundation at 7270097 (Diana R. Fuentes contributed to this report. To reach Erika Lambreton, call 728-2567 or e-mail Erika@lmtonline.com)
We cover everything from top to…you know. Start off on the right foot. Sign up for Tiny Toes™ at Laredo Medical Center and we’ll have your pregnancy covered, from the first trimester until your baby is born. As an expectant mom, you will receive dinner for two, a diaper bag filled with special items, a commemorative footprint, exclusive merchant discounts, a car seat to take your baby home safely and more! Best of all, it’s free. Laredo Medical Center believes that you and your newborn deserve the very best. Let us be a part of your special delivery by signing up for Tiny Toes today. Call (956) 796-4505 to register.
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www.laredomedical.com / (956) 796-5000 Tiny Toes™ is offered exclusively at Laredo Medical Center. It’s helpful, fun, and membership is free! Call us to learn more.
SÁBADO 24 DE OCTUBRE DE 2009
AGENDA EN BREVE SÁBADO 24 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO - Hoy salen a la venta los boletos para el evento de Smackdown y la ECW de la WWE que se presentarán en el Laredo Entertainment Center el martes 15 de diciembre a las 6:30 p.m. Los boletos salen a la venta a las 10 a.m. Podrá comprarlos en la taquilla de LEC, en www.ticketmaster.com, por teléfono en el 800-7453000 y en todos los expendedores de Ticketmaster. Los precios de los boletos varían de 45, 35, 25 y 15 dólares (más la cuota de las instalaciones y cargos de conveniencia. LAREDO - Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de Texas A&M International University y explore “New Horizons” a las 3 p.m., “Star Sign” a las 4 p.m., “One World, One Sky Big Bird’s Adventure” a las 5 p.m., “Planet Quest” a las 6 p.m. y “Two Small Pieces of Glass” a las 7 p.m. Se podrá utilizar el telescopio de manera gratuita a partir de las 8 p.m. Las presentaciones de matinée, antes de las 5 p.m., tienen costo de 3 dólares. SAN ANTONIO- Hoy se presenta el largometraje de Juan Eduardo Farré Rivera “Niño Fidencio… de Roma a Espinazo”, a las 6 p.m. en el Instituto Cultural de México (600 Hemisfair Park). La entrada es gratuita. Más información llamando al (210) 227-0123. LAREDO - La zarzuela “El Duo de la Africana” se presenta hoy en el Martinez Fine Arts Center de LCC a las 7:30 p.m. Es dirigida por Joseph Crabtree y actuada por alumnos del Taller de Ópera de LCC. CIUDAD MIER – Esta ciudad es sede el día de hoy del certamen estatal para elegir a la Señorita Frente Juvenil Revolucionario a partir de las 8 p.m. en la Explanada de la Casa de la Cultura. El FJR es una de las oficinas del Partido Revolucionario Institucional. NUEVO LAREDO – Cineclub Infantil presenta “Coraline” en el Auditorio de Estación Palabra a las 3 p.m. La entrada es gratuita. NUEVO LAREDO – La sala de lectura infantil de Estación Palabra invita al evento “Hablemos de los monstruos” hoy a las 2 p.m. La entrada es gratuita. NUEVO LAREDO – Se invita el día de hoy a la proyección de la película “El Extraño Mundo de Jack” de 4 p.m. a 6 p.m. en el área de Servicios Educativos del Museo Reyes Meza. La entrada es gratuita.
Zfrontera
PÁGINA 7A
Refuerzan descacharrización ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Esta semana se dio el arranque formal a los trabajos de Reforzamiento de Lucha contra el Dengue en los municipios de San Fernando, Valle Hermoso y Río Bravo. Las actividades ya se realizan en el resto de los municipios de Tamaulipas. El Secretario de Salud Juan Guillermo Mansur Arzola llamó a la población a no bajar la guardia y participar en las acciones de combate a esta enfermedad. Aplicando las acciones de fumigación, Mansur encabezó los trabajos de lucha contra el dengue en la colonia Buena Vista del municipio de San Fernando, en donde también se realizaron las acciones de eliminación de criaderos, control larvario y descacharrización. En el marco de las actividades que desde hace una semana se realizan en varios municipios de la entidad, Mansur puso en mar-
cha las acciones que evitarán que los casos se incrementen. En Valle Hermoso, por ejemplo, la Secretaría de Salud tiene registrados cuatro casos positivos de dengue. En varios municipios de la entidad se llevan a cabo diversos programas de salud, como son el de inspector de patio limpio, fumigación y descacharrización de manera permanente y en coordinación con las autoridades de salud, lo que permite contribuir a la eliminación de los criaderos para evitar el nacimiento y propagación del mosco trasmisor del dengue. “El exhorto es a los ayuntamientos y a la población en general para que se sume a este esfuerzo de prevención, lo que garantiza que de manera conjunta se evite el incremento de casos por esta enfermedad y sobre todo poner a salvo la integridad de las personas logrando la eliminación del vector”, dijo Mansur. En Tamaulipas, a la fecha se
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
El Secretario de Salud Juan Guillermo Mansur Arzola coloca una llanta dentro de un camión recolector de la basura como parte del programa de descacharrización en Valle Hermoso, el 20 de octubre. tienen registrados más de 400 casos positivos de dengue, de los cuales más de 300 registraron dengue clásico y cerca de 100 pa-
ESTRENAN DESAYUNADOR
IETAM entrega nuevos distritos ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Foto de cortesía | DIF Tamaulipas
La Presidenta del Sistema DIF Tamaulipas Adriana González de Hernández inauguró un nuevo desayunador escolar en Miguel Alemán. Con éste suman ya 378 desayunadores construidos y equipados por la presente administración estatal. En la imagen, con González se observan al Alcalde Servando López Moreno, la Presidenta del DIF local Sandra Isela Garza de López y la directora del DIF Tamaulipas Lysette Marcos Ruiz.
DOMINGO 25 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO - Hoy se abre al público el Calabozo Embrujado en el Laredo Community College, Campus del Sur, de 2 p.m. a 5 p.m. El Club de Desarrollo Infantil estará contando historias de Halloween y ofreciendo pintura de rostros. La entrada al calabozo es de 2 dólares por persona. Más información llamando al 794-4710. LAREDO - La Orquesta Filarmónica de Laredo presenta “Energy Unleashed” hoy en TAMIU a las 3 p.m. Más información llamando al 326-2654. LAREDO - Hoy se presentan en concierto Wisin & Yandel a las 7:30 p.m. en el Laredo Entertainment Center con su “La Revolucion Tour”. Adquiera sus boletos en la taquilla del LEC. LAREDO- La zarzuela “El Duo de la Africana” se presenta hoy en el Martinez Fine Arts Center de LCC a las 3 p.m. Es dirigida por Joseph Crabtree y actuada por alumnos del Taller de Ópera de LCC. La entrada es de 5 dólares.
LUNES 26 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO - Raymundo Ivan Torres presenta una exhibición de 10 obras hoy en la Biblioteca Yeary del Laredo Community College a partir de hoy a las 10:30 a.m.
JUEVES 29 DE OCTUBRE LAREDO - Hoy se presenta Paulina Rubio en concierto en el Laredo Entertainment Center a las 8 p.m. Compre sus boletos a través de Ticketmaster, la taquilla de LEC y varias ubicaciones de HEB; también haciendo el cargo por teléfono en el 1-800-745-3000, ó visitando la página de intener www.ticketmaster.com. Los boletos tiene precios de 25, 45, 65 y 85 dólares (más la cuota de las instalaciones).
cientes tuvieron un cuadro hemorrágico que afortunadamente se recuperaron de manera satisfactoria.
Se acerca Feria Tamaulipas ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CD. VICTORIA, México - El comité organizador de la Feria Tamaulipas 2009 se encuentra ultimando sus detalles finales. El Coordinador General del evento Eduardo Manzur dijo que sin duda la feria se ha consolidado como una de las mejores en el norte del país ya que recibe, en instalaciones propias y adecuadas, a miles de tamaulipecos y turistas de los estados de San Luis Potosí, Nuevo León, del norte de Veracruz y las ciudades hermanas de Bronswille y McAllen, para apreciar y disfrutar de las bondades de con que cuenta el estado. La Feria Tamaulipas 2009 está programada del 30 de octubre al 15 de noviembre y dentro de ella se dan a conocer las características económicas, los atractivos turísticos, culturales y factores competitivos de cada uno de los 43 municipios, a partir
“
Está programada del 30 de octubre al 15 de noviembre. COMITÉ ORGANIZADOR
del 30 de octubre al 15 de noviembre. Manzur informó que para esta edición 2009, las instalaciones del recinto ferial cuentan con mayor infraestructura de servicios a la que se ha incorporado más y mejor iluminación, oficinas, Bodega, Modulo de Seguridad Pública, estructura para la exposición de los 43 municipios y en la zona ganadera y un nuevo Teatro del Pueblo con velaria y camerinos. Dentro de los atractivos, los asistentes podrán apreciar una amplia gama de espectáculos y
variedades como el "Robert´S International Circus", Delfines, el Show de los Osos amaestrados, la magia e ilusionismo de la escuela Rusa, patinaje artístico "Sidney on Ice" el Rodeo Americano y la Mansión del Terror. Destacando, además las presentaciones gratuitas en el Teatro del Pueblo, de Alex Syntek, Roxana Castellanos, Sonora Tropicana, el Gran Silencio, Kudai, Reik, Omar Chaparro, Playa Limbo, Moderatto, LMT, Maribel Guardia, Kalimba. En la Clausura estarán los Súper Reyes.
Eligen hoy Señorita FJR ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CIUDAD MIER – Con el objetivo de resaltar la participación de los jóvenes en la política, y especialmente el papel de la mujer, el denominado “Pueblo Mágico” será sede el sábado del Certamen Estatal Señorita Frente Juvenil Revolucionario (FJR). El FJR es una organización dentro del Partido Revolucionario Institucional. El evento está programado para las 8 p.m. en la Explanada de la Casa de la Cultura. El Coordinador de Distrito del FJR Hiram Peña Gómez dijo que esperan la
participación de 30 jóvenes. “El premio al primer lugar es que la representante será la imagen del Frente Juvenil Revolucionario de Tamaulipas”, dijo Peña. “Además obtendrá un premio en efectivo”. El jueves, las participantes en el certamen estatal arribaron a Camargo para iniciar sus trabajos preparativos, agregó Peña. Previo al evento estatal, en cada municipio se realizó un concurso de donde salió la representante. Por Ciudad Mier asiste Mariana Guerra y por Nuevo Laredo asiste la Embajadora Rocío Vázquez González.
CD. VICTORIA, México - El Instituto Estatal Electoral de Tamaulipas entregó al gobernador Eugenio Hernández Flores el nuevo Código que en esa materia rige en el Estado y que contiene los trabajos de redistritación para garantizar en el mismo la preparación y condiciones adecuadas para la celebración de los comicios que se avecinan. En cumplimiento a lo acordado por el Congreso del Estado, en cuanto a que la Entidad cuente con una nueva demarcación electoral dentro del marco de las reformas constitucionales, Hernández recibió del Presidente del IEETAM, Jesús Miguel Gracia Riestra, el documento respectivo. En la ceremonia oficial realizada en las oficinas del Gobernador en Palacio de Gobierno, Hernández manifestó su beneplácito por la formalización y entrega en tiempo y forma de este importante documento que permitirá a Tamaulipas refrendar su perfil de Estado ejemplar en sus procesos electorales y en la transparencia de sus comicios.. Por su parte, Gracia precisó que para estas acciones, el Congreso del Estado canalizó las facultades y atribuciones necesarias a este organismo, a fin de llevar a cabo los trabajos técnicos y de campo para diseñar esta nueva demarcación electoral que ahora establece 22 Distritos Electorales de Mayoría Relativa. De esta manera, en lo que compete a Nuevo Laredo y la Frontera Chica, habrá cuatro Distritos Locales. El Distrito 1 es el Nuevo Laredo Norte con 117,982 habitantes. El Distrito 2 es el Nuevo Laredo Sur con 119,514 habitantes. El Distrito 3 es el Nuevo Laredo Oriente con 118,342 habitantes. Finalmente, el Distrito 4 es el Miguel Alemán con 146,823. En este Distrito quedaron integradas las ciudades de Camargo, Guerrero, G. Díaz Ordaz, Mier y una parte norte de Reynosa.
CARRERA PANAMERICANA
Foto de cortesía | Carrera Panamericana
Este Ford Victoria Turismo Mayor es uno de los autos que participan en la Carrera Panamericana 2009. El evento arrancó el viernes en Huatulco, Oaxaca y tiene como meta Nuevo Laredo el jueves 29 de octubre a las 4 p.m. en la Explanada Esteban Baca Calderón.
Local
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
READING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
Cuellar plans spooky roping fun for Zapata By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Courtesy photo | Special to the Times
The Zapata South Elementary School Library recently had its annual Fall Book Fair. Showing their purchases after shopping at the fair are students Jorge Garza, Juan Carlos Talamante, Alexi Luera and Istrael Martinez. Students and teachers visited the book fair to buy a variety of reading material; all proceeds went to the library to help with AR prizes.
Benitez opens kids’ clinic BY DORA MARTINEZ
Veronica E. Benitez (Salinas), a native of Zapata native, graduated from Zapata High School in 1996. The daughter of Joe and Lulu Benitez, her husband is Cesar Salinas, co-Owner of Zapata Auto Parts. Veronica received an associate’s degree in 1999 in Occupational Therapy from Laredo Community College. She worked for six and a half years as an occupational therapy assistant in Zapata, gaining clinical ex-
perience in the settings of nursing home, early intervention, school systems, outpatient rehabilitation and home health. During that time, she continued her professional education and acquired a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Sciences and a master’s in occupational therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in May 2007. Since then, Veronica has been working at a Laredo clinic specializing in pediatric rehabilitation. Just a
few months ago, Veronica started her own children’s therapy clinic: Leaping Milestones Children’s Therapy, P.C. Veronica states that owning her own children’s clinic has been her life-long dream and she looks forward to serving the community for many years to come. Good Luck, Veronica. (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)
Zapata residents will have a chance to enjoy a “spooktacular” team roping competition on the first of what is hoped to be an annual Monster Bash Team Roping on Halloween at the Nick Gutierrez 4H Arena. Organizer Roman Cuellar said Thursday this is a first for Zapata: a roping event with a Halloween theme. Those who would like to compete in scary outfits or costumes are welcomed to do so, he said. “I wanted to try something new, something different,” Cuellar said. “In roping, people think you have to go with boots and jeans. “This is something dif-
ferent. You can come as you want.” Cuellar said the competition could serve as an attraction for all families. They can arrive early in the morning to rope and leave in the evening for the traditional trick or treat trip around the neighborhood. During the competition, a surprise prize will be given to the child with the best costume. Youngsters will have a chance to show off their dummy roping skills in three age groups starting at 4 years old. Concession stands with Mexican antojitos and American cravings will be around for those who want to grab a bite. Flying J saddles will be provided to first place and buckles, collars and hal-
ters to runners-up. “I checked out some of their work. It’s awesome,” Cuellar said. He said the hits on their Web site have been increasing constantly. The last times he checked it, there were more than 250 views on the roping competition. “That’s really good for us. It gives us an idea of what to expect,” Cuellar said. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Roping starts at 10 a.m. Registration is $150 with an entry limit of four. Children will pay $25 per entry. For information on the event, call (956) 333-8425 or visit www.teamroper.com and click on ropings. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
A FRUITFUL LITERARY GOAL
Good deals at FUMC sale By DENNIS P. KRIEWALD SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The First United Methodist Church’s annual fundraising Rummage Sale takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Oct. 2931) at the Fellowship Hall. “All proceeds from the
rummage sale go to the church’s missions and outreach programs,” said Hortense Offerle, sale chairwoman. The sale will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free; the public is invited.
Items on sale at bargain prices include small appliances; clothing for children, babies, men, and women; furniture; toys for all ages of children; exercise and athletic equipment; rugs and carpets; lamps; radios and TVs and much, much more.
Courtesy photo | Special to the Times
Zapata South Elementary School Library is having its annual Literary Pumpkin Display. All teachers and staff participated in the annual event. Librarian Rosie Bigler invites the community to come by and visit the library and take a look at the beautiful and creative display of pumpkins.
Energy unleashed Sunday, October 25, 2009 • 3pm
M P
usical earls
Texas A&M International University Adults $25 Seniors (62+) $17 Soloist: Wesley Baldwin (cello) Toccata Festiva S. Barber Cello Concerto B. Ranjbaran Symphony No. 7 in D minor A. Dvorak
For tickets and more information contact the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra at (956) 326-3042.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
THE WEEK IN REVIEW WEEKLY STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS
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NYSE 7,066.80 -67.16
GAINERS ($2 OR MORE) Name HarvstEn g NY Times CPI h MPS Grp Lexmark HNI Corp GrubbEl h CNH Gbl SLM pfA SLM pfB
Last 9.31 10.74 12.97 13.54 27.50 28.56 2.08 22.38 35.50 36.75
Chg +2.32 +2.26 +2.60 +2.65 +5.35 +5.33 +.38 +3.97 +5.93 +6.10
%Chg +33.2 +26.7 +25.1 +24.3 +24.2 +22.9 +22.4 +21.6 +20.1 +19.9
LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)
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NASDAQ 2,154.47
Vol (00)
Volume
96.28
MON
-50.71
TUES
STOCK MARKET INDEXES -92.12 131.95 -109.13
WED
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DIARY Advanced Declined New Highs New Lows Total issues Unchanged
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921 1,953 370 51 2,940 66 11,414,026,091
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AUSTIN — The new ombudsman for the Texas youth prison system has been barred from entering its lockups as authorities investigate allegations that she twice tried to smuggle in weapons, prescription drugs and cash. Catherine Evans was appointed to the Texas Youth Commission in September by Gov. Rick Perry. The ombudsman reports on the commission’s facilities and evaluates them to protect children’s rights. Commission spokesman Jim Hurley declined comment on whether Evans may have been trying to stage her own sting operation to test agency security. Allison Castle, a spokeswoman for Perry, said in a written statement that providing appropriate security measures to protect the youth, staff and visitors at the facilities remains a priority. “An ongoing investigation into this matter will determine whether or not the ombudsman’s actions were a legitimate test of security,” she said. “We will await the results of the investigation.” What kind of weapons Evans allegedly tried to bring in was not immediately available. Carrying weapons and other contraband into a state correctional facility is a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10
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Dow Jones Industrials 9,972.18 Dow Jones Transportation 3,804.95 Dow Jones Utilities 377.43 NYSE Composite 7,066.80 AMEX Index 1,834.13 Nasdaq Composite 2,154.47 S&P 500 1,079.60 Wilshire 5000 11,160.87 Russell 2000 600.86 Lipper Growth Index 2,946.74
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NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY Nasd NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY Nasd Nasd NY NY
1.64 25.73 +.03 +0.1 -9.7 1.64 30.81 -.62 -2.0 -7.4 .04 16.22 -1.04 -6.0 +15.2 1.68 57.60 +3.45 +6.4 +28.9 ... 4.46 -.13 -2.8 -33.5 .51 54.31 +.74 +1.4 +24.8 ... 34.91 -.53 -1.5 +139.4 2.00 51.97 +.01 ... +.3 ... 15.48 +.20 +1.3 +51.2 .16 14.92 +.36 +2.5 +275.8 ... 19.37 +.30 +1.6 -94.6 ... 10.43 +.01 +0.1 +55.7 1.68 73.57 +.45 +0.6 -7.8 ... 1.18 -.28 -19.2 +55.3 ... 7.63 +.21 +2.8 +233.2 .40 15.20 -.88 -5.5 -6.2 .32 48.56 +.19 +0.4 +33.8 .90 26.27 -.99 -3.6 +14.1 .56 19.78 -.40 -2.0 +34.9 .34 16.51 +.07 +0.4 -24.4 2.20 120.36 -1.28 -1.1 +43.0 .36 20.71 -.65 -3.0 -3.8
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Lubys NY MetLife NY MexicoFd NY Microsoft Nasd Modine NY Penney NY Pfizer NY PwShs QQQ Nasd RadioShk NY Schlmbrg NY SearsHldgs Nasd SonyCp NY SPDR NY SPDR Fncl NY TelMexL NY UnionPac NY USSteel NY UnvHlth NY WalMart NY WellsFargo NY
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... 3.62 -.13 .74 36.95 -.33 2.18 21.84 -.23 .52 28.02 +1.52 ... 9.31 -.90 .80 36.03 +.21 .64 17.25 -.52 .18 43.13 +.35 .25 15.66 +.15 .84 65.20 -3.88 ... 72.78 +2.70 .13 28.91 +.03 2.42 108.08 -.81 .38 15.10 -.12 .67 17.04 -.45 1.08 57.73 -5.80 .20 40.87 -2.57 .32 62.57 -2.51 1.09 50.44 -.78 .20 29.32 -.70
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Stock Footnotes: g=Dividends and earnings in Canadian dollars .h= Doe not meet continued- listings tandards lf = Late filing with SEC. n = New in past 52 weeks. pf = Preferred. rs = Stock has undergone a reverse stock split of at least 50 percent within the past year. rt = Right to buy security at a specified price. s = Stock has split by at least 20 percent within the last year. un = Units. vj = In bankruptcy or receivership. wd = When distributed. wi = When issued. wt = Warrants. Mutual Fund Footnotes: b = Fee covering market costs is paid from fund assets. d = Deferred sales charge, or redemption fee. f = front load (sales charges). m = Multiple fees are charged. NA = not available. p = previous day’s net asset value. s = fund split shares during the week. x = fund paid a distribution during the week. Gainers and Losers must be worth at least $2 to be listed in tables at left. Most Actives must be worth at least $1. Volume in hundreds of shares. Source: The Associated Press. Sales figures are unofficial.
years in prison. “We are committed to the safety of our youth, staff and visitors,” Hurley said. Telephone messages left on Evans’ cell phone by The Associated Press were not immediately returned Friday. The Austin AmericanStatesman reported on its Web site Friday that a report prepared by Evans and an assistant regarding her Sept. 22-23 visit to the Al Price State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Beaumont said Evans carried “a brown canvas bag containing a weapon, an iPhone, prescription medicine and $300” through a security checkpoint at the gatehouse. “Ms. Evans carried her bag through the metal detector and the alarm sounded,” the report said. “Ms. Evans opened her bag and the guard glanced in, but none of the items listed above were identified. The guard made no further effort to identify what set off the detector’s alarm.” Evans later was caught entering the Crockett State School with a weapon and other prohibited items. Hurley said Evans is barred from youth lockups until the investigation is complete but can report to her office at agency headquarters. Evans is a former Dallas County juvenile judge who chaired the Texas Youth Commission Advisory Board.
POT Continued from Page 1A out shell. Elizondo said the marijuana weighed 362 pounds with an estimated value of $47,000. The cause of the fire is unknown, but arson has not been ruled out. Elizondo said the fire could have started because of the dry conditions; the tall grass lodged underneath the hot, stalled vehicle could have been fuel for a fire.
6,469.95 2,134.21 288.66 4,181.75 1,130.47 1,265.52 666.79 6,772.29 342.59 1,789.23
Name
-23.73 -218.20 -4.60 -67.16 -26.48 -2.33 -8.08 -95.82 -15.32 -25.95
Wk YTD %Chg %Chg
12-mo %Chg
-.24 -5.42 -1.20 -.94 -1.42 -.11 -.74 -.85 -2.49 -.87
+19.01 +10.34 +6.71 +30.20 +41.99 +38.82 +23.13 +26.74 +27.54 +39.18
+13.63 +7.57 +1.80 +22.75 +31.24 +36.62 +19.52 +22.82 +20.30 +34.09
9,000
“That’s a speculation on what happened,” Elizondo said, adding that deputies are warned to be careful where they park because of that possible danger. The sheriff ’s department has an open investigation on the case. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
Prime Rate Discount Rate Federal Funds Rate Treasuries 3-month 6-month 5-year 10-year 30-year
CURRENCIES Pvs Week
3.25 0.50 .00-.25 0.06 0.17 2.42 3.47 4.29
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Pvs Day
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MUTUAL FUNDS Name
Total Assets Obj ($Mlns) NAV
Total Return/Rank Pct Min Init 4-wk 12-mo 5-year Load Invt
Alliance Bernstein GlTmtcGA m Eaton Vance WldwHealA m Fidelity Select Biotech d Fidelity Select BrokInv d Fidelity Select CommEq d Fidelity Select Computer d Fidelity Select Electron d Fidelity Select FinSvc d Fidelity Select HomeFin d Fidelity Select SoftwCom d Fidelity Select Tech d Seligman ComInfoA m T Rowe Price SciTech Vanguard HlthCare d Waddell & Reed Adv SciTechA m
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+3.8 -3.6 -8.3 +0.1 +0.2 +0.5 -4.2 +0.8 -4.5 +5.6 +3.7 +2.9 -0.3 +0.4 0.0
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CA -Conservative Allocation, CI -Intermediate-Term Bond, ES -Europe Stock, FB -Foreign Large Blend, FG -Foreign LargeGrowth, FV -Foreign Large Value, IH -World Allocation, LB -Large Blend, LG -Large Growth, LV -Large Value, MA -Moderate Allocation, MB -Mid-Cap Blend, MV - MidCap Value, SH -Specialty-heath, WS -World Stock, Total Return: Chng in NAV with dividends reinvested. Rank: How fund performed vs. others with same objective: A is in top 20%, E in bottom 20%. Min Init Invt: Minimum $ needed to invest in fund. Source: Morningstar.
KIDS WITH CHARACTER
Youth prison probes official ASSOCIATED PRESS
52-Week High Low 10,119.47 4,094.39 395.11 7,241.39 1,887.23 2,190.64 1,101.35 11,403.02 625.30 2,998.87
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DIARY Advanced Declined New Highs New Lows Total issues Unchanged
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WEEKLY DOW JONES
Courtesy photo | Special to the Times
Villarreal Elementary recently honored kids with character. Shown in the bottom row, left to right, Gisela Zuniga, Ana Bravo, Miguel Garcia,Alyssa Reyes Alex Sanchez and Zachary Garza; second row, left to right, Cindy Zuniga, Cesar Garcia, Emilae Hill, Aileen De la Rosa, Carlos Sanchez and Israel Cervantes; third row, left to right, Andrew Trevino, Jocelyn Guzman, Miranda Perez, Natalia Lerma, Jose Esquivel, Juan D. Rodriguez and Isabel Lerma; top row, left to right, David Garcia, Yesenia Bernal, Rene Pichardo, James Segovia, Francisco Medina and Roel Gomez. Not pictured are Natalie Mendoza, Jose Leal, Estevan Salinas, Jessica Medrano, Alexander Aguliar and Luis Alberto Carmona.
DRUGS Continued from Page 1A times, many have a tough time finding jobs. That’s the type of person that is lured into the drug world, Rodriguez said. The video features interviews with drug smugglers and graphic footage of the carnage they inflict in the course of conducting their business, according to the news release. The video also dramatizes scenes involving some high school students who tangled with a drug trafficking organization and suffer the consequences, the release reads. Some scenes included
“
It was a strong message. It’s important to talk about the reality of our world. ROMEO RODRIGUEZ, ZISD SUPERINTENDENT
actual bodies of people burned; other showed the remains of bodies. In one instance, there was a dramatized scene of a young man from Laredo who was shot and burned. “It was a strong message. It’s important to talk
about the reality of our world,” Rodriguez said. After the presentation, students were asked how many of them knew a friend or relative who is involved in drug activity “A lot hands would go up,” Rodriguez said.
Counselors had opportunities to speak to youngsters and advise them on how to deal with risky situations. Rodriguez is concerned about parents not being involved enough with their youngsters. With both parents working, not enough quality time is spent with their children. “Takes a lot to be good parent today than 20 years ago,” Rodriguez said. “We all as parents have to step up to the plate.” (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 7282568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
10A LAREDO MORNING TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors XC programs going strong Lady Hawks, Lady Merlins running successfully By CLARA SANDOVAL
Harlingen at 8:30 am.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The road to the state meet began on June 1, and runners for the Zapata High School Lady Hawks cross country team will finally see if all their hard work and training paid off when they face some tough local competition on Monday. The first step toward a state berth is the district meet, and the stage is set for the District 32-3A Cross Country Meet, which is schedule to take place in
One chance Cross country, unlike other sports in which there are several district games to work out the kinks, is one-shot deal. The Lady Hawks are the reigning district champions and are set to defend their title. Coach Mike Villarreal has carefully laid out the season for his team and
See GIRLS XC PAGE 2B
Courtesy photo
Seventh-grade members of the Zapata Middle School Lady Merlins cross country team pose with their first-place plaque after competing at a meet earlier this season.
ALMOST TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
Still in playoff hunt By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
The Zapata Lady Hawks have become road warriors toward the end of the district season. They have found their second wind and are putting together some unforgettable games. After dropping their opening game and fighting off a match point that would have sent them into a fifth and deciding game, the Lady Hawks bounced back to defeat Rio Hondo on the road on Tuesday, 22-25, 25-12, 25-13 and 26-24. Zapata (9-4, 18-13) played Port Isabel on Friday and will head to Lyford on Tuesday for its regular season finale. The Lady Hawks were tied for third place in District 32-3A prior to Friday’s match.
Tuesday’s result
Courtesy photo
Seniors on this season’s Zapata Lady Hawks varsity volleyball team are, back row left to right, Kat Garcia, Amanda Sanchez, Ashley Martinez and Adriana Peña; middle row, Liz Davila, Loraly Rivera and Lexi Garza; and, front, Clari Solis.
Zapata volleyball seniors hoping to extend season By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
A
s each day goes by, eight young ladies know that their high school volleyball career is slowly coming to an end.
For all eight of them, there will be no more summer volleyball league, no open gym or the anticipation for the start of new season. They know that they must lay everything on the line if they hope to stretch out their careers just a few games into the postseason.
Seniors Adriana Peña, Clari Solis, Lexi Garza, Kat Garcia, Loraly Rivera, Ashley Martinez, Liz Davila and Amanda Sanchez are on their farewell tour as the day to take off that Zapata uniform for the last time is
See SENIORS PAGE 2B
Zapata dominated the offense on Tuesday, recording an astonishing 52 kills for the night. Brandi King continued to lead the district’s hitters as she put up 28 kills to go along with a 22-dig defensive effort. Adriana Peña, Kat Garcia and Ashley Martinez combined for 24 kills to help King on the offense. Feeding the ball to King was setter Lexi Garza, who recorded 39 assists. Also doing a remarkable job in the back row was libero Clari Solis, who had 16 digs.
Fighting back The Lady Hawks were up 2-1
See VOLLEYBALL PAGE 2B
No. 3 Texas looking for seventh straight By R.B. FALLSTROM ASSOCIATED PRESS
PREVIEW
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Blaine Gabbert’s numbers have plummeted the last two weeks while he’s been hobbled by a sprained right ankle. So have Missouri’s fortunes, with losses to Nebraska and Oklahoma State. The sophomore quarterback has heard plenty of speculation about the idea that a break would do him,
and the Tigers, good in the long run. But even if he’s far from 100 percent there’s no way Gabbert’s missing Saturday night’s Big 12 test against No. 3 Texas. “That’s not the kind of person I am,” Gabbert said. “People can think all they want, they have no idea what’s going on. “I’m fine. I’m good to go.”
Strong offense Missouri (4-2, 0-2 Big 12) needs Gabbert against the Longhorns (6-0, 4-0), who lead the nation with a 42point average, are 6-0 for the second straight season and have taken 15 of the last 16 from the Tigers, including a rout last season in Austin. Texas is one of seven unbeaten teams left, has won 10 in a row dating to last season and is a 13-
See TEXAS PAGE 2B
Photo by Kin Man Hui | San Antonio Express-News
In this Oct. 18, 2008, file photo, Texas Longhorns running back Chris Ogbonnaya (3) bulls his way into the endzone to score a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during their game in Austin.
Zscores
PAGE 2B MLB
Postseason Glance ALCS NEW YORK 3, LOS ANGELES 2 Friday, Oct. 16: New York 4, Los Angeles 1 Saturday, Oct. 17: New York 4, Los Angeles 3, 13 innings Monday, Oct. 19: Los Angeles 5, New York 4, 11 innings Tuesday, Oct. 20: New York 10, Los Angeles 1 Thursday, Oct. 22: Los Angeles 7, New York 6 Saturday, Oct. 24: Los Angeles (J.Saunders 16-7) @New York (Pettitte 14-8), 6:57 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25: x-Los Angeles (Jer.Weaver 16-8) @New York (Sabathia 19-8), 7:20 p.m. NLCS PHILADELPHIA 4, LOS ANGELES 1 Thursday, Oct. 15: Philadelphia 8, Los Angeles 6 Friday, Oct. 16: Los Angeles 2, Philadelphia 1 Sunday, Oct. 18:
Philadelphia 11, Los Angeles 0 Monday, Oct. 19: Philadelphia 5, Los Angeles 4 Wednesday, Oct. 21: Philadelphia 10, Los Angeles 4 WORLD SERIES PHILADELPHIA vs. AMERICAN LEAGUE Wednesday, Oct. 28: Philadelphia @American League, 6:57 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29: Philadelphia @AL, 6:57 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31: AL @Philadelphia, 6:57 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1: AL @Philadelphia, 7:20 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2: x-AL @Philadelphia, 6:57 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4: x-Philadelphia @AL, 6:57 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5: x-Philadelphia @AL, 6:57 p.m.
FOOTBALL
Bills ....................
2
South ................. W Colts .................. Jaguars ............. TEXANS ............ Titans ................
5 3 3 0
North ................. W Bengals ............. Steelers ............ Ravens .............. Browns .............
4 4 3 1
AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Patriots ............. 4 2 0 .667 163 91 Jets .................... 3 3 0 .500 114 104 Dolphins ........... 2 3 0 .400 112 106
4
0
L 0 3 3 6
T 0 0 0 0
.333
1.000 137 71 .500 120 147 .500 143 137 .000 84 198
L 2 2 3 5
T 0 0 0 0
.667 118 118 .667 140 112 .500 169 130 .167 69 148
Pct
Pct
West .................. W
Pct L T Broncos ............ 6 0 0 1.000 Chargers .......... 2 3 0 .400 Raiders ............. 2 4 0 .333 Chiefs ................ 1 5 0 .167 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct Giants .................... 5 1 0 .833 COWBOYS ............. 3 2 0 .600 Eagles .................... 3 2 0 .600 Redskins ............... 2 4 0 .333 South ..................... W
National Football League
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
Saints .................... Falcons .................. Panthers ............... Buccaneers ..........
5 4 2 0
North ..................... W
L 0 1 3 6
T 0 0 0 0
L
T
Pct
93 129 PF
PF
PF
PA
PA
PA
133 66 124 136 62 139 98 144 PF PA 178 119 122 98 136 99 79 96 PF
PA
1.000 192 93 .800 123 77 .400 85 125 .000 89 168 Pct
PF
PA
Vikings .................. Packers ................. Bears ..................... Lions ......................
6 3 3 1
0 2 2 5
0 0 0 0
1.000 .600 .600 .167
189 121 130 93 119 99 103 188
West ....................... W
Pct PF PA L T 49ers ...................... 3 2 0 .600 112 98 Cardinals .............. 3 2 0 .600 112 92 Seahawks ............. 2 4 0 .333 118 109 Rams ...................... 0 6 0 .000 54 169 Sunday’s Games Patriots vs. Buccaneers at London, noon Vikings at Steelers, noon 49ers at TEXANS, noon Colts at Rams, noon Chargers at Chiefs, noon Packers at Browns, noon Bills at Panthers, 3:05 p.m. Jets at Raiders, 3:05 p.m. Falcons at COWBOYS, 3:15 p.m. Bears at Bengals, 3:15 p.m. Saints at Dolphins, 3:15 p.m. Cardinals at Giants, 7:20 p.m. Open: Broncos, Seahawks, Lions, Jaguars, Ravens, Titans Monday’s Game Eagles at Redskins, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 Rams at Lions, noon Dolphins at Jets, noon Seahawks at COWBOYS, noon Browns at Bears, noon
Broncos at Ravens, noon TEXANS at Bills, noon 49ers at Colts, noon Giants at Eagles, noon Raiders at Chargers, 3:05 p.m. Jaguars at Titans, 3:05 p.m. Vikings at Packers, 3:15 p.m. Panthers at Cardinals, 3:15 p.m. Open: Patriots, Bengals, Steelers, Chiefs, Redskins, Buccaneers Monday, Nov. 2 Falcons at Saints, 7:30 p.m.
TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL National League CHICAGO CUBS: Assigned INF-OF Bobby Scales outright to Iowa (PCL). American Association LINCOLN SALTDOGS: Exercised the 2010 option on LHP Jonathan Figueroa. ST. PAUL SAINTS: Exercised the 2010 option on RHP Reed Dickert and C Scott Knazek. Can-Am League AMERICAN DEFENDERS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE: Released OF Billy Kovatch and INF Jabe Bergeron.
SUSSEX SKYHAWKS: Announced the contract of RHP Stephen Fox has been purchased by Boston (AL). Northern League GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS: Agreed to terms with LHP Andrew Paulun and RHP John Potrikus. BASKETBALL NBA HOUSTON ROCKETS: Waived G Brent Barry. MIAMI HEAT: Waived G John Lucas. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Waived F Mike Harris. HOCKEY NHL ANAHEIM DUCKS: Recalled LW Matt Beleskey from San Antonio (AHL). DALLAS STARS: Assigned LW Francis Wathier to Texas (AHL). LOS ANGELES KINGS: Recalled F Scott Parse from Manchester (AHL). NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Activated D Mark Fraser from injured reserve. OTTAWA SENATORS: Loaned F Jesse Winchester to Binghamton (AHL). AHL PROVIDENCE BRUINS: Signed F Ben Gordon. SOCCER MLS NEW YORK RED BULLS: Announced the retirement MF Albert Celades.
TEXAS Continued from Page 1B
Photo by L.G. Patterson | AP
In this Oct. 8 file photo, Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert throws during the first quarter of a game against Nebraska in Columbia, Mo.
point favorite to spoil homecoming. “I knew these three games were our toughest games, I knew this was going to be a great challenge for us,” coach Gary Pinkel said. “I said this last year, and the year before and the first year I got here: It’s hard to win. It’s very, very hard to win.” For Gabbert, at times it appears it’s been very hard to move, and the injury has affected his accuracy. The last two weeks he’s 39 for 87 with five interceptions and one touchdown. “It’s a little bit different than having a sore elbow or wrist because it’s your plant foot,” Pinkel said. “How that affects him, we’ll never know. But here’s a guy who says ’I’m playing,’ as long as the medical staff says it’s OK, and that kind of attitude is going to define him.”
have used that game as a springboard, following up with at least a four-game winning streak all but one of the last 10 seasons. They’re allowing only 14.7 points per game, and holding opponents to 20.7 percent success on third down. The goal this week is to bring Gabbert more misery. “We’re going to go after every quarterback, no matter who it is or what team it is,” cornerback Aaron Williams said. Missouri’s best hope for an upset might be a quick start against a school that’s been slow-starting on offense much of the season, scoring 10 or fewer points in the first half of four games. The Tigers’ problem lately has been a lack of finishing touch without stars such as Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman who led the program to consecutive 10-win seasons in 2007-08.
Defensive difference
Changed expectations
Defense has made the difference at Texas, which overcame Colt McCoy’s worst game of the year to survive its annual Oklahoma rivalry game with a 16-13 victory last week. The Longhorns
Texas coach Mack Brown anticipated Missouri would have a drop-off, but changed his mind after the Tigers whipped Illinois in the season opener. He downplays the last two losses because of a
downpour that marred the Nebraska game and Gabbert’s limited mobility against Oklahoma State. “I think they have a chance to be just as good as they were last year,” Brown said. “And because of that they scare you to death.” Brown blames injuries for Texas’ slow starts, particularly at running back and receiver. “We haven’t had continuity,” Brown said. “Everybody plays good at times but we’re not starting the game well, and that’s something we’ve got to try to do better.” Just like Gabbert, McCoy has been less than 100 percent in recent weeks. He was ill against Texas Tech and injured his thumb against Oklahoma while going 21 of 40 for 127 yards. The difference is Texas has still been winning. McCoy is 19-1 in his last 20 starts, and points to the bottom line. “At this point I wanted to be 6-0 and we are 6-0, so I couldn’t be more proud of that, I couldn’t be more happy of that,” the quarterback said. “There’s a lot of things we can be better at but the good thing is we’re 6-0. So there’s been no disappointment thus far.”
VOLLEYBALL Continued from Page 1B and just need the fourth game to take the victory when a pesky Lady Bobcat scratched and clawed its way to a 24-21 lead. “Rio Hondo was not going to let us have the match without putting up a fight,” Villarreal said. “They responded well to the challenge.” With the game knotted up at 21, the Lady Bobcats scored three straight points to take the lead. With the fate of the game hanging on a string, Garcia stepped in and put her team on her back, scoring three straight
points to tie the game and breathe new life into Zapata. Garcia was not done for the night, as she added the final two points to give the Lady Hawks the victory. “I had told the girls that they would have to play hard and stay focused in order to win the match,” Villarreal said.
Road success Zapata’s play has shown no ill effects of the road trips District 32-3A forces a team to take.
“I do think that the longer road trips are difficult. Riding on the bus for more than three hours can take a toll on your body,” Villarreal said. “However, the girls were able to push and fight to take the match.” Rio Hondo jumped out to a 6-1 lead on Tuesday before Martinez scored six straight points to give the Lady Hawks their first lead of the game. Marissa Bauman was a factor in the game and helped the Lady Bobcats obtain a 20-16 advantage heading into the final stretch of the game.
In the third game, the Lady Hawks grabbed the lead and never relinquished it to easily take the set and take a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth and what proved to be the final game of the night thanks to Garcia’s heroics. ZAPATA STATS: Brandi King (28 kills, two aces, two assists, 22 digs, three blocks) Adriana Pena (10 kills, one ace, 19 digs), Kat Garcia (eight kills, two aces, two digs), Ashley Martinez (six kills, three aces, seven digs), Clari Solis (16 digs), Lexi Garza (two aces, 39 assists, four digs).
Rio Hondo drew first blood as they took the game, 25-22.
Finding rhythm Zapata finally started to find its groove and focus, taking a 7-3 lead in Game 2. Martinez added four more points to make it 11-4. Selina Mata and Garcia got into the scoring act to open Zapata’s dominating 19-10 lead. Garza finished the set by adding the last four points to win, 25-12.
SENIORS Continued from Page 1B approaching.
Tight team This season’s Lady Hawks team boasts one of the biggest senior classes that has played under coach Rosie Villarreal during her five-year tenure. “Each one of them brings something special to the team that makes them unique,” she said. “This is a very tight team, and they respect each other.” “They all have the heart and desire to work hard and the will to win. I will miss each one of them in a different way. I just hope I have taught them enough to help them succeed in life.” Each player has played an integral role in developing the chemistry that has been very beneficial to Zapata this season despite
having a rollercoaster year. “The chemistry on this team has been great,” Villarreal said. The girls get along fantastically. They each understand the role they play on the team.”
Veteran stars Peña and Solis are the veterans of the team with three years of experience under their belt. Peña has developed into a great outside hitter to compliment junior Brandi King on offense. “She has brought energy and the desire to win to help her teammates push themselves to the limit,” Villarreal said. “I am going to miss the leadership to take control of the team and her positive attitude.” Solis has been a defensive spark, serving as the team’s libero for the past
three seasons. Her dynamic speed and ability to react to opposing offense has made her a premier player. “She never questions me and just does what she is told. I will also miss her leadership and the respect her teammates have for her,” Villarreal said. “I will also miss her smile and her laughs because no matter the situation she has a very kind heart.”
Specific strengths Garza, the team’s setter, has controlled the offense for the past two years and has a knack for getting to a ball that seems out of her reach to send it to her hitters. “My challenge with her was to make sure she believed that she could get to the second ball no matter
where the ball was,” Villarreal said. “She brings the desire to work hard and to never give up. I will also miss her warm kind heart.” Garcia, in her second year on the varsity squad, was taught to be more patient from her point of attack. “She is a lefty and a little hard to make her believe that she is a good hitter and that she can succeed with a little work,” Villarreal said. “I will miss her sense of humor because not matter how rough things seemed she always made me laugh.” Rivera has been bringing leadership and the desire to succeed on the court throughout the season. “She is not a strong player, but her heart and desire to play and win helps the team push themselves even more,” Villarreal said.
Learning fast
Lady
Hawks are fighting for a playoff spot that will come down to the last two games of the season. “From the beginning of the season, I felt that we had what it takes to make the playoffs,” Villarreal said. “The problem I had was to make believers out of the girls.” Zapata stayed positive even when their overall record did not reflect the desire that they had to win during the preseason. “The season has been a struggling rollercoaster with some tough losses along with unforgettable wins,” Peña said. “The playoffs are still in reach.” Added Solis, “I believe that we have a very strong and positive team. Due to our attitudes, our success has been coming our way. Playoffs are always on our mind as we strive to beat each team in our district.”
the middle school races all through out the season. They captured the firstplace trophy at every middle school meet and will take their undefeated record to the course one last time for all the marbles. Their last tuneup for their district meet was at the Riviera Invitational, where they swept both divisions. Jazmine Garcia and Cristina Garcia were the top runners in the eighth-
and seventh-grade divisions, respectively. “These middle school runners are our future, and let me tell you the future looks bright for Zapata girls’ cross country,” Villarreal said. “I am extremely proud of the efforts these girls put forth each and every week and it is awesome seeing them walk the hall with their medals on Monday’s after the meets with big smiles on their faces.”
Martinez began playing volleyball late but quickly picked up the game. “She was more of a basketball player and does well considering she has played for only three years,” Villarreal said. “I believe that if she would have played earlier she would be a much stronger player.” Davila and Sanchez do not see much playing time, but they contribute in an array of ways, whether cheering from the bench or keeping a positive attitude. “They help the team stay focused and positive,” Villarreal said. “Despite not playing a lot, they help from the bench to keep the team going strong.”
Finishing strong Currently,
the
GIRLS XC Continued from Page 1B has methodically worked on every aspect of the race in order to come home with a first-place trophy. “Our team has a better understanding of what our racing tactics, strategy and race plan consists of,” he said. “But we are targeting these areas within our workouts.” Villarreal increased the intensity of the workouts a great deal over the last couple of weeks. “We have dropped our
weekly mileage about 3-5 miles per week over the last few weeks, but are working efficiently and effectively to get faster,” he said.
Bumps and bruises Zapata has not been immune to the bumps and bruises that go along with becoming a state-qualifying team. “I don’t think we have
ever been 100 percent, but the girls are doing their part and giving all they can at practice each and every day,” Villarreal said. “We can’t ask them to work harder, simply because they have been working hard all season long.” Villarreal instead implemented “the work smarter” philosophy with a lot of focus during our daily workouts. “It’s been fun watching these girls progress like
they have over the course of the season and over the last few years,” he said. The Lady Hawks took a week off from competition and instead ran an intense 5.5-mile run and also focused on some core work.
Middle school report The Lady Merlins cross country team has Villarreal excited, as the runners have completely dominated
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B
HINTS BY HELOISE Pets Take Flight Dear Readers: Are you relocating and need to get Fido, Fluffy or Tweetie Pie to where you are going and don’t want to drive? Did you know that many airlines these days have "PREFERRED PET" SHIPPING, where you can ship your dogs, cats and birds in climate-controlled and pressurized comfort? The larger your pet, the more the cost will be. Here is a checklist of hints to help you get ready to ship an animal: n Call (or check the Web site of) individual airlines to find out what their restrictions are. n Make your reservations by phone as far in advance as possible. n Arrive at least two hours early to be sure all is in order. n Some pets (dogs, cats and household birds) can be carried on board in the cabin with you. Each airline has special requirements and fees, so call to check. There also are a limited number of animals allowed on each flight, so make your reservations as early as possible. n Remember that in hot climates, certain breeds of shortnosed dogs and cats cannot fly
“
HELOISE
in the heat of the summer or to some destinations. n Purchase only an airlineapproved pet carrier. n Attempt to get a nonstop flight, and earlier in the day is best. n Freeze little clip-on dishes of water the night before the flight so they will thaw slowly. n Do NOT put towels, blankets, toys or pet food inside the crate unless approved by the airline. Don’t muzzle, leash or put a choke collar on your crated pet. Always write your contact info and the pet’s name on the outside of the crate with a black marker. There may be other additional charges. Some examples are kennel storage fees, terminal handling charges and veterinarian care. You must pay these before you can pick up your pet. So, be sure to ask about additional charges before making a reservation. -- Heloise
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College Football
4B LAREDO MORNING TIMES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
Photo by Brody Schmidt | AP
In this Oct. 18, 2008, file photo, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin (10) throws a pass during a game against Oklahoma State in at Boone Pickens StadiumStillwater, Okla. Photo by Matt Slocum | AP
In this Oct. 18, 2008, file photo, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree (5) scores a touchdown past Texas A&M defensive back Arkeith Brown (18) defends in the first half of their game in College Station.
Tech meeting A&M with QB questions By BETSY BLANEY LUBBOCK — For the first time in Texas Tech coach Mike Leach’s tenure, there’s no Red Raiders quarterback anywhere on the national list of top passers heading into tonight’s game against Texas A&M. The quarterbacks in charge of No. 21 Texas Tech’s high-octane offense this year — starter Taylor Potts and backup Steven Sheffield — can’t stay healthy. Leach, whose quarterbacks at some point in every one of his nine seasons have led the nation in passing, won’t reveal who’ll start against the Aggies, who are trying to end a three-game skid. “We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Leach said of his game-day decision.
this season after winning 31-10 at then-No. 15 Nebraska last week. Sheffield, the backup QB in his second career start, threw for 234 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for two TDs but hobbled off the field, apparently with an injured left foot. Potts, who led the nation in passing earlier this season, suffered a concussion before halftime in an Oct. 3 win over New Mexico. Leach does not acknowledge or comment on player injuries. The two QB’s stats together — Potts has 13 TDs and 1,817 yards; Sheffield has 12 TDs and 1,014 yards — would surpass the nation’s top passer, Case Keenum of No. 17 Houston. Keenum has 19 touchdowns and 2,501 yards; Potts and Sheffield have 25 TDs and 2,831 yards.
Moving up
No difference
The Red Raiders (5-2, 2-1 Big 12) moved into the rankings for the first time
Aggies coach Mike Sherman said it doesn’t matter who quarterbacks Texas
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tech. “They have a great system out there,” Aggies coach Mike Sherman said. “They plug ’em in and out in a lot of positions.” Leach mentioned Colorado and Purdue as teams that beat ranked opponents last week and that no one on his now-ranked team should look past the Aggies. “In this conference you have to respect everybody. There’s nobody that isn’t good enough to beat you,” Leach said. “I suspect that (the Aggies) will come out swinging.” Like Potts and Sheffield at Texas Tech, A&M had a little QB competition of its own before the season. Jerrod Johnson won the starting spot over Ryan Tannehill, who played receiver last season.
Bears set to host No. 14 ’Boys without Griffin By STEPHEN HAWKINS ASSOCIATED PRESS
WACO — Baylor’s season and its bowl hopes were thrown into a tailspin when standout sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin tore a ligament in his right knee a month ago. Oklahoma State (5-1, 2-0 Big 12) just keeps winning games without two of its offensive standouts: suspended All-America receiver Dez Bryant and injured running back Kendall Hunter. Despite Bryant missing the last three games because of a suspension and Hunter out four games because of a nagging anklefoot problem, the 14thranked Cowboys have a four-game winning streak. They have averaged 41 points in the stretch, the same as last season when Bryant, Hunter and quarterback Zac Robinson were together on the field. “We’ve had a lot of injuries that would cause other teams to get upset and get off track,” offen-
sive coordinator Gunter Brewer said. “But so far, we’ve been mature.”
No return There is no chance of Griffin returning this season to save the Bears (3-3, 0-2) after finally having surgery last week to repair the tear sustained Sept. 26 in a 68-13 victory over Northwestern State, when he finished the first half after being hurt on the opening series of the game. He will be eligible for a medical redshirt. Baylor is 1-2 without Griffin and scored only 17 points its first two Big 12 games. The Bears lost 2410 on Saturday at Iowa State, which had lost 11 straight conference games. “You have to move on and find something else,” coach Art Briles said. “It’s not easy and it’s not fun. ... It’s part of what we have to fight through, live through and sustain through it.” The Bears have a 19-
game losing streak against ranked teams since 2004. They are 1-12 against Oklahoma State since the inception of the Big 12, losing the last three by an average margin of 34 points since their only win in the span.
Baylor’s struggles Baylor hasn’t had a winning season since 1995, the year before the inaugural Big 12 season. After Griffin accounted for 28 TDs (15 passing, 13 rushing) as an 18-year-old freshman last year, the Bears came into this season hoping for their first bowl since 1994. The 15year postseason drought matches Duke for the longest for a team playing in a Football Bowl Subdivision conference. Reaching their goal will be very difficult for the Bears, who after Oklahoma State have a stretch of games against Nebraska, Missouri and Texas — a trio Baylor is a combined 1-26 against in Big 12 play.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009
LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 1B
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