The Zapata Times 12/19/2009

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Business incentives Development Center eyes tax abatements for new establishments

By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES

Zapata leaders are looking at providing incentives to businesses in an effort to attract more industry to the area.

Peggy Umphres Moffett, director of the Zapata Economic Development Center, presented a resolution in support of tax abatements to Commissioners Court at its Monday meeting and requested the court approve something similar.

Umphres Moffett said that to participate in a state incentive program, the county would have to adopt a program of its own.

“This is an opportunity

“

This is an opportunity for us to really diversify the industry base that we have, to diversify the economy.”

PEGGY UMPHRES, DIRECTOR OF THE ZAPATA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER

for us to really diversify the industry base that we have, to diversify the economy,” she said.

Umphres Moffett said Zapata could be competitive with other cities because of the low development cost in the area. She added she’d like the court

to hold a workshop on the issue.

“If we don’t get new industry, then we don’t get the inbound dollars,” she said. “We’re just recirculating dollars and eventually those disappear.”

Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela showed reluc-

tance at the idea, saying the county should first work to improve infrastructure.

“It’s good to be thinking about ways to bring industry, but we’re putting the cart before the horse so to speak,” Vela told the court.

After the meeting, Vela said the county was barely getting by with what is already in place. He emphasized that an international bridge would help diversify the economy.

“It’s not really a short project, but it could be something that we could start to work on. If we do get the study ready, we could always start talking

See BUSINESS PAGE 12A

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

A NEW TAKE ON THE NATIVITY

Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times

Community Health Center dentist Lorena Salcedo checks the progress of a procedure on 9-year-old Giselle Espinoza.

Dentists aid the community Gateway Health Center helps people with medical problems

By ERIKA LAMBRETON THE ZAPATA TIMES

In toddlers, thumb sucking can be seen as a comforting habit. As children grow up, the habit usually disappears.

In the case of 9-year-old Giselle Espinoza, however, it became an addiction of sorts.

Clara Espinoza, Giselle’s mother, said her daughter would suck her thumb at night to help her sleep.

Soon, however, she noticed that the seemingly harmless habit was pushing her two front teeth forward, which could lead to serious dental problems.

At night, Giselle would have her finger in her mouth, biting and leaving

a small callous on her thumb, said Espinoza.

She then attempted a series of home remedies, such as rubbing garlic and a hot pepper on the entire thumb, hoping to break the habit, but nothing seemed to work.

“The (pepper) wasn’t spicy,” said Espinoza adding that her daughter enjoyed the taste and asked for more.

Espinoza then took her daughter for her regularly scheduled dentist appointment at the Gateway Community Health Center, where she was informed of what is called a bluegrass appliance.

The appliance is a device put on the patient’s palate to deter thumb

See GATEWAY PAGE 12A

Zoning to get formal regulations

By JULIE DAFFERN THE ZAPATA TIMES

Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times

Nativity figures from Jerusalem like these are now on display at the Webb County Heritage Foundation Museum, in downtown Laredo, through Christmas. See story inside, page 5A.

The Zapata County Commissioner Court is scheduled to approve an ordinance adopting zoning regulations, creating districts and ordering the enforcement of the regulations at a special meeting Tuesday.

The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Zapata County Courthouse, 200 E. Seventh Ave. Hector Uribe, contracted attorney for the county, went over the draft ordinance with the court at a workshop last week.

The proposal was put together by the Falcon Lake Planning Commission with Uribe’s guidance.

Commissioner Eddie Martinez, who sat on the planning commission prior to his appointment as commissioner, said he was in favor of the ordinance.

“It protects downtown property values,” he

said. “It protects residential property values.”

After the ordinance is approved, it will be up to the county to appoint commissioners for a Planning and Zoning Commission as well as a Board of Adjustment.

The commission will need to flesh out details such as land use.

The Board of Adjustment is put into place because “you have to have an escape valve,” Uribe told the court. The board will hear complaints of those who don’t agree with the certain provisions in the ordinance.

County Judge Rosalva Guerra suggested staggered terms for the court’s appointees because “you want a little bit of experience.”

She also suggested compensating the appointees somehow and Uribe said he’d look into the possibility.

Uribe emphasized that

See P&Z PAGE 12A

PAGE 2A

Zin brief CALENDAR

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

AROUND TEXAS

TODAY IN HISTORY

Saturday, Dec. 19 The Zapata High School Drama Department presents “Beauty and the Beast’’ at Zapata High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 each.

Sunday, Dec. 20 The Unification Car Show is today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Romeo Flores Park with special guest Brown Impressions C.C. There will be live music, a sound-off competition by Platinum Audio and a freestyle rap contest wit h a $5 entry fee and cash prizes. There is no cover charge, but Toys for Tots will be collecting for their project to provide a merry Christmas for kids in need. Bring one unwrapped toy per person, canned food or blankets. All ages are welcome.

Monday, Dec. 28 Hawks play at the Falfurrias basketball tournament through Tuesday.

Lady Hawks play at the Border Olympics basketball tournament through Tuesday.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 Hawks play at the Falfurrias basketball tournament.

Lady Hawks play at the Border Olympics basketball tournament.

Photo by Mona Reeder/The Dallas Morning News | AP

Four-year-old Taylor Pugh of Balch Springs Texas and his parents are at odds with Mesquite ISD over the length of his hair.

The child, nicknamed "Tater Tot," and his parents are battling his school’s decision to segregate the boy because his long locks violate the district’s dress code.

Hair tangles boy, school

By JEFF CARLTON ASSOCIATED PRESS

Saturday, Jan. 2 Hawks basketball team hosts La Feria Lady Hawks basketball team plays at La Feria

Tuesday, Jan. 5 Hawks basketball team plays at Raymondville Lady Hawks basketball team hosts Raymondville

Friday, Jan. 8 Hawks basketball team hosts Port Isabel Lady Hawks basketball team visits Port Isabel

Wednesday, Jan. 6 FLW Outdoors Stren Series T1 begins today. For more information contact the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at (956) 765-4871, (800) 292LAKE, or customercare@zapatachamber.com

Thursday, Jan. 7 FLW Outdoors Stren Series T1 continues today. For more information contact the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at (956) 765-4871, (800) 292-LAKE, or customercare@zapatachamber.com

Friday, Jan. 8 FLW Outdoors Stren Series T1 continues today. For more information contact the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at (956) 765-4871, (800) 292-LAKE, or customercare@zapatachamber.com Saturday, Jan. 9 FLW Outdoors Stren Series T1 ends today. For more information contact the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at (956) 765-4871, (800) 292-LAKE, or customercare@zapatachamber.com FLW National Guard College Fishing, Texas Division, takes place today. For more information contact the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at (956) 765-4871, (800) 292-LAKE, or customercare@zapatachamber.com

BALCH SPRINGS, Texas — Taylor Pugh has been suspended from pre-kindergarten because he likes his hair a little on the floppy side.

The 4-year-old sat with a teacher’s aide in a suburban Dallas school library on Thursday during the fourth week of his in-school suspension.

Taylor’s locks — long on the front and sides, covering his earlobes and shirt collar — violate the school district’s dress code. His parents say the boy plans to eventually cut his hair and donate it to a charity that makes wigs for cancer patients. And they are not happy with the district’s rules.

“They kicked me out that place,” said Taylor, who prefers the nickname Tater Tot. “I miss my friends.”

The school district appears “more con-

Bexar County Dems missing $202,000

Airliner grounded by threatening note

SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County Democratic Party is missing more than $200,000 less than three months before the primary elections.

Outgoing party chairwoman Carla Vela said prosecutors have been notified about the missing funds and she said the investigation focuses on a party worker.

Vela said formal charges are being sought after funds were missing from one bank account, used mainly in preparation for the March 2 primary, and another account is overdrawn.

AUSTIN, Texas — An American Airlines flight was grounded in Austin after a threatening note was found in a lavatory.

The plane was taxiing for takeoff to Chicago with 129 passengers on board Friday when a passenger found the note.

Authorities say 3 dead in house fire KENNEDALE, Texas — Authorities say three people were found dead after a house fire in the Fort Worth suburb of Kennedale.

Two adults and a child were found inside the home.

Tuesday, Jan. 26 FLW Eastern Series fishing tournament begins today and continues through Saturday, Jan 30, at Falcon Lake. For more information contact the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at (956) 765-4871, (800) 292-LAKE, or customercare@zapatachamber.com

Saturday, Feb. 20 Bass Champs Tournament Trail, South Texas Division. For more information contact the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at (956) 7654871, (800) 292-LAKE, or customercare@zapatachamber.com

Friday, Feb. 26 Winter Texan and Senior Aoppreciation Day. For more information contact the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at (956) 765-4871, (800) 292-LAKE, or customercare@zapatachamber.com 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

cerned about his hair than his education,” said Taylor’s father, Delton Pugh, said Wednesday. “I don’t think it’s right to hold a child down and force him to do something ... when it’s not hurting him or affecting his education.”

The follicle fight came to a head last month when Taylor’s parents received a signed letter from Floyd Elementary School’s principal, threatening to withdraw the boy from school if his hair didn’t comply.

When Taylor’s parents didn’t budge, their son was suspended.

According to the district dress code, boys’ hair must be kept out of the eyes and cannot extend below the bottom of earlobes or over the collar of a dress shirt. Hairstyles “designed to attract attention to the individual or to disrupt the orderly conduct of the classroom or campus (are) not permitted,” the policy states.

Nearly 7.25 more million swine flu doses AUSTIN, Texas — Texas continues to order the state’s full allocation of swine flu doses as more people are urged to get vaccinated.

The Texas Department of State Health Services on Friday said about 7.24 million doses have been ordered.

Rapper Willie D guilty of wire fraud HOUSTON — Former Geto

Boys rapper Willie D pleaded guilty in Houston to wire fraud over the bogus sale of iPhones and other electronics.

Prosecutors say the 42-year-old artist pleaded guilty Friday over purported sales through a company called Texas One Wireless.

He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Report of tiger in Brazoria County OYSTER CREEK, Texas — It’s a tale about a tiger that police in a Texas town are taking seriously.

Oyster Creek police are on the lookout for a tiger after reported sightings of a meandering big cat with orange and black stripes in the area about 50 miles south of Houston.

The first report came Tuesday night, with the caller saying a tiger had crossed State Highway 332.

Police found coyote tracks, but no tiger marks.

-- Compiled from AP reports

AROUND THE NATION Mom gets 120 in decaying bodies case

CONTACT US

WASHINGTON — Even as Banita Jacks was sentenced to 120 years in prison Friday for killing four daughters whose bodies were found decomposing in her rowhouse, the girls’ lives remained mostly a mystery.

Investigators pieced together some details about the events that led to their deaths.

Christmas trees coming with live ‘ornaments’ ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Some Christmas trees for sale in the Anchorage area come with something truly different this holiday season — live Pacific Chorus frogs.

While the small frogs may be cute, state officials are asking residents to kill them.

The frogs could be carrying viruses and funguses.

Today is Saturday, Dec. 19, the 353rd day of 2009. There are 12 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 19, 1843, “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, was first published in England.

On this date: In 1777, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pa., to camp for the winter.

In 1813, British forces captured Fort Niagara in upstate New York during the War of 1812.

In 1907, 239 workers died in a coal mine explosion in Jacobs Creek, Pa. In 1932, the BBC began transmitting overseas with its Empire Service to Australia.

In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French.

In 1957, Meredith Willson’s musical play “The Music Man” opened on Broadway.

In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.

In 1974, Nelson A. Rockefeller was sworn in as the 41st vice president of the United States.

In 1984, a fire at the Wilberg Mine near Orangeville, Utah, killed 27 people. Britain and China signed an accord returning Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997.

In 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice (he was later acquitted by the Senate).

Ten years ago: Space shuttle Discovery and seven astronauts roared into the night toward the crippled Hubble Space Telescope. Macau spent its last day under Portuguese control before being handed back to China, ending 442 years of colonial rule. Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Orlando Brown was ejected for pushing referee Jeff Triplette to the ground during a game against Jacksonville after accidentally being hit in the eye with Triplette’s weighted penalty flag. Actor Desmond Llewelyn, who’d starred as the eccentric gadget expert Q in a string of James Bond films, was killed in a car crash in East Sussex, England; he was 85.

Today’s Birthdays: Country singer Little Jimmy Dickens is 89. Composer-lyricist Robert Sherman (“Mary Poppins”) is 84. Actress Cicely Tyson is 76.

R&B singer-musician Maurice White (Earth, Wind and Fire) is 68. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is 68. Actress Elaine Joyce is 66. Actor Tim Reid is 65. Paleontologist Richard E. Leakey is 65. Rock singer Alvin Lee (Ten Years After) is 65. Musician John McEuen is 64. Singer Janie Fricke is 62.

Jazz musician Lenny White is 60. Actor Mike Lookinland is 49. Actress Jennifer Beals is 46. Actor Scott Cohen is 45.

Actor Robert MacNaughton is 43. Magician Criss Angel is 42.

Musician Kevin Shepard is 41.

Actress Kristy Swanson is 40.

Model Tyson Beckford is 39.

Thought for Today: “I never could see why people were so happy about Dickens’ ’A Christmas Carol’ because I never had any confidence that Scrooge was going to be different the next day.” — Dr. Karl Menninger, American psychiatrist (1893-1990).

Photo by Tom Gannam | AP

Ken Wilde, 86, a history major at University of Missouri-St. Louis, poses at his home Friday, in St. Louis. Wilde will be the university’s oldest-ever master’s graduate when he gets the diploma today.

Bikers in the buff to protest bike lane removal NEW YORK — Bicyclists planning a protest ride through New York City are calling it their

“Freedom Ride” — free of clothing, that is.

The removal of clothing during Saturday’s ride is meant as a protest over the removal of a bike lane in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

-- Compiled from AP reports

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

Zlocal

PAGE 3A

Agents seize pot, arrest three People, marijuana thrown into lake as boat capsizes

Jacinto J. Reyes, a military veteran, is a former educator

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Zapata Station made a narcotics seizure valued at more than $600,000 and rescued three people on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The case began Saturday night when agents observed a suspicious boat illegally enter the United States from Mexico through Falcon Lake.

After Border Patrol agents in a patrol boat positioned themselves to intercept the vessel, the 20-foot white Argus boat struck the side of the patrol boat causing one passenger to fall off the boat and into into the water.

As the patrol boat maneuvered to rescue the fallen passenger, the Argus capsized, tossing the remaining two passengers and several cellophanewrapped bundles into the lake.

A Border Patrol marine patrol boat rescued the three subjects from the fri-

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Courtesy photo

Three people and more than 800 pounds of marijuana were in the boat when it was found by Border Patrol agents on Falcon Lake last weekend. Agents rescued the three people and recovered the pot. gid waters and recovered the 25 bundles. The bundles contained marijuana weighing 832 pounds with an estimated value of $666,000.

The subjects, the marijuana and the boat were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This large seizure punctuated a busy weekend for the Laredo Sector, with more than 1600 pounds of narcotics seized in several cases across the sector.

Courtesy photo/

These are the 24 large bundles of marijuna in a small boat that capsized at Falcon Lake last weekend.

THE BLOTTER ACCIDENT A Zapata County Sheriff’s Office deputy hit a deer with his unit while driving northbound on U.S. 83 at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, about a mile off Arroyo Salado.

ASSAULT Juan Manuel Nino Lara was

Man eyes JP, Pct. 1 race

arrested on charges of assault causes bodily injury, family violence, at 11:30 p.m. Monday in the 1900 block of Medina Avenue. The man was booked and transported to Zapata Regional Jail.

BURGLARY A woman reported at 5 p.m.

Wednesday in the 2300 block of

Lago Vista Drive unknown people broke into her pick-up truck and stole her iPod Touch.

DWI Ernesto Hernandez Garcia was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated at 7:15 p.m.

Thursday at the intersection of U.S. 83 and North Siesta Lane.

THEFT A man reported at 11:15 a.m.

Monday in the 900 block of Falcon Avenue a 20-inch bicycle was stolen.

A woman reported at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Jackson Street two females had taken quilts from the laundromat.

Jacinto Jachi Reyes is running for the position of justice of the peace, precinct 1.

Born and raised in precinct 1, Reyes attended local schools.

At the age of 17, he dropped out of school to become a paratrooper in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. After enlisting twice, he received two honorable discharges before returning home where today he is a member of the American Legion.

Reyes has a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Laredo State University. He was admitted to law school, but after attending one semester, he decided he preferred education.

“As much as I longed for a law degree, I returned to Zapata and took another year of classes at TAMIU to become a certified teacher and work with disadvantaged students and those with special needs,” he said.

Reyes is married and has three daughters and one son who is a sophomore at the University of Texas at Brownsville while preparing to enlist in the Texas State Guard.

After more than 20 years in public and adult education, Reyes retired and is involved in community interests.

“Today the office of the

justice of the peace is responsible for more than just collecting traffic fines,” Reyes said. “As others have pointed out, one of the most urgent challenges facing the community is the whopping dropout rate, truancy and subsequent delinquency. Most family domestic disputes are linked to young adults who are not in school. They end up facing the law that is geared to punish rather than rehabilitate.

“At-risk students are placed in alternative settings, detention, and the revolving door of retention. This placebo burdens the district resources and seldom produces the desired long term results.”

Reyes said he is involved with a program that offers students who end up in the justice system with a second chance, providing substance abuse counseling, college and vocational services and a GED course, among other services.

Among his goals, Reyes said he would like to see the office of justice of the peace hold court on a regular basis and be open during the regular lunch hour. He also wants to establish a regularly scheduled night court, to give people who work during the day and commuters the opportunity to go before a judge.

PAGE 4A

Zopinion

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

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

EDITORIAL

OTHER VIEWS

Bowls are for the fans SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

Our first instinct was to laugh when members of Congress started talking about meddling in college football’s system for determining a national champion. Let them make fools of themselves grandstanding about the unfairness of the Bowl Championship Series. Let them wave their press releases and pennants.

Of course people are going to be angry when only two teams are selected for the title game.

But when this predictable (and often provincial)

posturing turns into legislation, it’s time to throw the yellow flag on Capitol Hill. A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee last week actually gave its approval to legislation that would prevent the NCAA from promoting a national championship game unless it resulted from a playoff.

Under the current system, the two finalists are determined by a computer ranking that factors in wins, losses and difficulty of schedule.

It’s an imperfect system, but Congress has far greater injustices and inequities to address.

COLUMN

COLUMN

Magic at Obama’s soul-stirring speech Christmas W

By BEVERLY BECKHAM THE BOSTON GLOBE

“T

he Elf on the Shelf,” by Carol Aebersold, is a Christmas tale that the author told to her children and later published.

The elf keeps track of children and reports to Santa every night on whether they’ve been good or bad.

Uncle Shorty was born of necessity in a hotel elevator in Washington, D.C., in January 1974.

I had two children then, one 5 and one 3, who had just spent 10 hours in a car seat, and they were insisting that they did not need a car seat, a booster seat, or any kind of seat ever again.

Uncle Shorty That’s when Uncle Shorty sprang to life. Like Frosty, he was pure invention, a sleight of hand. We were on our way to a fancy restaurant, and I needed my kids to behave.

And so I told them about Uncle Shorty, christened Amando Velucci III, born in New York City to the brother of a man who was my father’s (their grandfather’s) best friend.

They listened intently as I weaved the tale.

“He’s old, older than I am, but he’s very, very, very little,” I explained. ”Even littler than you,” I said to the 3-year-old, who was smaller than a fire hydrant back then. ”He uses a booster seat every time he eats. And you know what? He carries around a ladder so he can climb into it all by himself.”

“How can he carry a ladder if he’s so small?” my son asked, frowning.

That’s when I told them about Uncle Shorty’s “lumbrella,” his custom-made, carry-on ladder that folds into what looks like an umbrella. ”He carries it everywhere, so he can climb into seats and press the high buttons in the elevators. After you were born, both times when he came to the hospital to visit, he climbed on it to peek at you in the nursery because the glass window was so high.”

“Where is he now?” they clamored to know. ”Why doesn’t he visit?

When can we meet him?

Where does he buy his clothes?”

They ate dinner that night and every meal for the next three days with-

out a single complaint.

And on the long drive home, they didn’t complain, either. Uncle Shorty used a car seat and he was cool. Car seats were no longer an issue.

I don’t know when Uncle Shorty moved to the North Pole and became head of the elves. Santa wrote and asked him. He was living in Africa then, running safaris, but when Santa came calling, he packed his bags and headed north.

He wrote to my kids about how the reindeer really liked Rudolph, about how the elves were teaching him to ice skate, and about Santa’s magic snowball, which was like a crystal ball only filled with snow, and how Santa would peek into it to see if children were naughty or nice. The ruse worked for many Christmases. But children grow up. The North Pole slipped off their radar. And Uncle Shorty slipped off mine.

Last week, I walked into my daughter’s house and my grandson came running.

“Mimi!” he shouted, taking my hand, leading me into the family room. ”Look. Up there,” he said, pointing to a little toy elf perched high on a bookshelf. ”Do you know who that is?”

He proceeded to tell me.

“That’s the Elf on the Shelf, and you can’t touch him cuz he’s magic, Mimi.

He watches us all day, and every night when we’re sleeping he goes back to the North Pole and tells Santa if we’ve been good or bad. And when we wake up he’s here again, only not in the same place. We have to find him!”

A unique helper “The Elf on the Shelf” is a tale that Carol Aebersold told to her kids when they were little, and which she published a few years ago. The story is that in the weeks before Christmas, Santa sends an elf to every child’s home and the elf reports back to Santa every night.

It is No. 1 in sales at Barnesandnoble.com.

I look at my grandson and think how in a world where so much has changed, this hasn’t. He’s 5. His sister is 2. They believe. It’s a different story, but the same magic is at work. The magic of Christmas, yes, but the magic of innocence, too.

(Canton resident Beverly Beckham can be reached at bevbeckham@aol.com)

ASHINGTON – After Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize speech, anyone still questioning whether he is really a Christian, rather than a Muslim aligned with fanaticism, needs to seek therapy forthwith.

Anyone still unconvinced that Obama is really an American committed to his nation’s values, rather than an imposter who doesn’t pledge allegiance to his critics’ satisfaction, should probably surrender to the asylum.

Artful balance Obama’s speech, an artful balance of realism and idealism, was both a Judeo-Christian epistle, conceding the moral necessity of war, and a meditation on American exceptionalism. He was, in other words, the unapologetic president of the United States and not some errant global villager seeking affirmation.

The speech was a signal moment in the evolution and maturation of Obama, from ambivalent aspirant to reluctant leader.

‘Evil does exist’ Rising to the occasion, he managed to redeem himself at a low point in his popularity by reminding Americans of what is best about themselves.

Paying homage to champions of nonviolence, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi,

“

KATHLEEN PARKER

he nonetheless acknowledged that as commander in chief charged with protecting a nation, he couldn’t follow their examples alone.

“For make no mistake: Evil does exist in the world. A nonviolent movement could not have halted Hitler’s armies. Negotiations cannot convince al-Qaeda’s leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force may sometimes be necessary is not a call to cynicism — it is a recognition of history, the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.”

With those words, Obama aligned himself with conservatives, who believe in both the fallibility of human nature and in an enduring moral order.

At the same time, he left room for moral conundrum: the difficulty of reconciling two seemingly irreconcilable truths — “that war is sometimes necessary, and war at some level is an expression of human folly.”

Obama didn’t mention his favorite philosopher, Reinhold Niebuhr, but Niebuhr’s thoughts were woven throughout. In just one example, Obama said, “We must begin by acknowledging the hard truth: We will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes.” Niebuhr said, “Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime.”

Like Niebuhr, who during World War II abandoned his pacifist-liberal roots to become an advocate for war, Obama has left the comfortable world of consensus-building to become a war president, recently deciding to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. His journey undoubtedly has been painful as he arrived at this unfamiliar destination: “Some will kill.

Some will be killed.”

No presidential candidate can ever fully anticipate the burden of the office he seeks until he sends his first troops to battle. Obama has joined the procession of others who have suffered in advance of the coming death toll. The moral conflict he expressed in words soon enough will find expression in his face.

Most presidential Though the Oslo speech follows others that have inspired even his critics, this was Obama’s most presidential. This one marked the moment when Obama became a leader, defined as an individual who chooses the hard road because he believes it is the right one.

Some of the machinations of Obama’s own justifications were evident in the text. He made a point, for example, of implying that his Afghanistan war is more justified than George W. Bush’s Iraq war. Speaking of the two engagements, he said: “One of these wars is winding down. The other

is a conflict that America did not seek.”

He took pains to note that other wars, especially “holy wars,” are never justified.

And finally, “war itself is never glorious, and we must never trumpet it as such.”

Triumphant And so the reluctant warrior, who set out to save the world from pestilence, plague and global warming, now must also wage war against both an ideological foe as well as his own temperament.

Leadership is not for cowards.

Of the 4,000 or so words Obama uttered, those most soothing to American ears, if not so much to those sitting in closer proximity, were Obama’s paean to the sacrifices and gifts of his countrymen. He reminded the world that, whatever mistakes we’ve made, the U.S. has shed its blood and spent its treasure to enable democracy, and to promote peace and prosperity around the world.

There is much about Obama’s administration to criticize. But at certain moments, the president articulates our problems in ways that elevate us beyond our pettier differences. His Nobel Prize may have been all the things critics have listed, but Obama’s response was a triumphant expression of American values and character.

(Reach Kathleen Parker at kathleenparker@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 necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication.

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

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DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU

ing or gratuitous abuse is allowed.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

Zlifestyle

MISS MANNERS

Get family to stay out of your love life DEAR MISS MANNERS — The holidays mean that friends and family fill each other in on the year’s happenings. For the last few Christmases, I have had the same boyfriend. It was getting very serious and my relatives really liked him.

We have since broken up, and it was not pleasant.

Now all my family members ask about him, since they haven’t yet heard the news of the split. It’s still painful to discuss, and so, I’d rather not.

How does one politely deflect inquiries as to his whereabouts, or worse yet, relationship criticism and advice from well-meaning aunties and uncles?

GENTLE READER — Holiday gatherings are too long for hit-and-run conversations. Say, “It’s over, and I don’t want to talk about it,” and Miss Manners assures you that it will inspire questions about why you don’t want to talk about it, as well as advice.

Worse, explain why it’s over and they will be at you for being “too picky”

“

JUDITH MARTIN

— and this from people who think that you are so wonderful that no one is quite good enough for you.

Why? These are wellmeaning relatives.

Because they want a connection with you and feel it ought to take the benevolent form of giving you wisdom from your elders, even on subjects they know nothing about and that you do not want to discuss.

So provide another topic: “Everett? Oh, that’s completely over. But tell me, Uncle Will — you know about real estate. I’m trying to decide whether to rent or to buy.” And “I’ve almost forgotten him, Aunt Barbara. Now I know you and I are not quite in the same field, but how important do you think it is to get a graduate degree now, or should I get some work experience first?

Photo by Ulysses Romero | The Zapata Times

Ani Vera, choreographer and former Spurs Silver Dancer, teaches dance moves during Neo Gutierrez’s 2008 workshop.

Bollywood dance workshop approaching SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Legendary choreographer Neo Gutierrez is returning Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Nixon High School Gym to host his free dance workshop, which this year will focus on Bollywood Hip Hop Dance from India.

The free workshop is open to middle school and older male and female dancers interested. This is the 41st year Gutierrez sponsors this project as community service to Laredo.

Also teaching will be Ani Vera with assistant teacher Leon McKenzie.

A former Silver Dancer for the NBA San Antonio Spurs, Ani has had her own dance studio in Laredo, and is now located in Dallas. For 22 years, she has danced and taught ballet, folklorico, flamenco,

tap, jazz and hip-hop. Since moving to Dallas, she has played a lead role in a Project X Theater Co. and been signed as a model by the Mary Collins Agency. Vera is currently working on a tour show with stops in LA, Miami, and Houston, starting in January. She has danced alongside America’s Best Dance Crew Season 2 winners and for a Mark Cuban event.

Assisting Vera in the workshop teaching will be Leon McKenzie, a fellow dancer in Dallas. The pair will go on tour with The Body Art Ball, where the pair collaborates in break dancing and contemporary dance. The project is a production that brings a variety of dancers to tell a story.

For more information about the workshop or to register, call Cynthia Haynes Ramirez at 7249904.

PAGE 5A

A SACRED SCENE Around the world, Nativities reflect unique cultures

By KIRSTEN CROW THE ZAPATA TIMES

It’s a classic scene, steeped in religious and artistic undertones: The Nativity, composed centrally of biblical figures Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, often accompanied by The Magi, angels, shepherds and the creatures of the barn.

It carries weighty meaning around the world, primarily for Christians, within its religious con-

text. And for many, it also has a personal meaning.

Magali Hinojosa, a local enthusiast who boasts more than 400 Nativity scenes from around the world in her personal collection, has fantastic memories of the Nativity scenes she saw growing up in her hometown of Nuevo Laredo. But it was the day that she won a scene in a church raffle — the same day her father passed away on Jan. 6, 1981 — that the

Photo by Ulysses Romero | The Zapata Times

Pictured here is a wood-carved Nativity created in China. artistic renderings took on a new significance.

The day he died, a priest from St. John Neumann Church called Hinojosa.

Believing the priest was calling to offer his condo-

lences, Hinojosa was surprised to learn he was calling because she had won the raffle for a Nativity scene.

See EXHIBIT PAGE 6A

6A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

EXHIBIT Continued from Page 5A She had purchased the ticket for $1, she said. And the scene was large, if relatively simple — 12 pieces, with its figures bearing child-like facial features.

But the experience left an indelible print.

“This (Nativity was) just a regular one in ceramic, maybe made in a class or something, but it has a lot of meaning for me,” she said. “(After that) every time I saw a Nativity scene, it came into my mind, the day my father passed away… (I) travel around the world, and I started seeing the Nativity scenes in every country that I visited.”

Nearly 30 years later, Hinojosa not only continues to collect, but is sure to share her extensive collection whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Currently, 150 of the scenes from around the world are on display at the Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St.

The exhibit The scenes range from a mere half-inch to about two feet tall, and are assembled with nearly every material imaginable, from cloth and wood carvings to ceramics and cornhusks, even toothpicks, Hinojosa said.

Among the selections currently on exhibit at the museum are from Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Tanzania, Spain, Chile, Korea and all over Europe and Mexico.

As described in the Gospel of Luke, the various Nativities depict the same story with many interpretations. Unlike the more common variations, other Nativities may depict the characters with different shades of skin color, facial features, dress and settings.

At its core, though, it’s all the same story. Even within the same country, Mexico, the scenes take on different characteristics, depending on whether it was created in Oaxaca, Puebla or Chihuahua.

A German version appears to have characteris-

Courtesy photo

The Memorial Bells of First United Methodist Church includes, in the top row, left to right, Rolinda Lawrence, Gwennie Potzka, Lucy Chavez and Bill Chavez. In the middle row, left to right, are Delia Whitfield, Katy Chavez and Angel Ortiz. In the front are Jan Little, director Linda Mott, Alejandra Rodriguez. Not pictured is Kay Ward.

Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | The Zapata Times

From Zulu, South Africa, this Nativity depicts biblical figures as simply beaded dolls. tics of late 19th-century wooden dolls, while an Alaskan version features Eskimos. One from Puerto Rico was constructed inside a tiny bottle — about the size of a pecan shell. One from Zulu pictures the scene with simply beaded dolls.

It’s the second time the Webb County Heritage Foundation has arranged an exhibit around the Nativities. Prior to the remodeling of the Gonzalez-Montemayor house, now the Border Heritage Museum, the nonprofit sponsored a similar display at the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, next to La Posada.

“It’s a very beautiful and interesting exhibit… an opportunity to see how other countries and cultures represent the very same scene, according to their own traditions,” said Margarita Araiza, executive director of the foundation. “We are accustomed to seeing them either as Mexican or Western European images, but here in Laredo, we have residents from all around the world. We’re hoping people will come and view them for their enjoyment and to appreciate the craftsmanship. It’s a good introduction into how different cultures represent the scene.”

Collectors “Since I was a child, I loved Nativity scenes…

When I was a little girl, my brothers and I, we put Nativity scenes in our homes, and every year, we would add something,” Hinojosa said.

Perhaps the “adding” every year is where the collecting began.

Due to her extensive travels, she picked them up wherever she found them, staunchly refusing to purchase a Nativity scene from any country she hadn’t visited.

“Many people just buy it, doesn’t matter where it is from,” she said. “But all my African (sets), European (sets), South American (sets), every one I have from a place, I’ve been there.”

She originally devoted an entire room of her home to storing the Nativities, but since she has moved, she has them scattered throughout the house, in the attic, and in a room where they are organized by the continent they were created.

“Sometimes I say, ‘That’s it, I’m not going to collect anymore,’” Hinojosa said.

“But for me, it’s like an addiction. That’s what I tell about my (Nativities). I don’t smoke or drink, but traveling, for me, is like an

addiction, and the nativities are the same thing.”

Hinojosa isn’t alone. She’s a member of Friends of the Creche, an organization devoted to preserving the tradition of the crèche, another word for the scenes.

What started with about 60 members in 1999 has grown to about 300 or 400 at the last convention, she noted.

According to Hinojosa, the organization boasts more members from Laredo than any other Texas city.

“They already know the ladies from Laredo,” she laughed. “There are a lot of people in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo that like Nativity scenes… we would love for them to join.”

More information “Nativity Scenes from Around the World” will remain on display at the Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St., through the end of January. Admission is regularly $5, but on Tuesdays, it’s free. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information regarding Nativity clubs, visit www.friendsofthecreche.org.

Christmas bells to ring today SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Memorial Bells of the First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Linda Mott, will present a Christmas concert titled “Ring the Christmas Bells” today at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary at 1220 McClelland Ave. The program will include both sacred and secular selections with arrangements of “A Bit of Tchaikowsky’s Nutcracker,” “What Child Is This?,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “The First Noel,” “Christmas Bell Tidings” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

A special presentation of “Christ Child, Christ Child” will feature a

handbell ensemble with the Chancel Choir of the First United Methodist Church along with student voices from the Vidal Treviño School of Communication and Fine Arts, under the direction of Hortense Offerle and with Alejandra Rodriguez, pianist.

The program will conclude with a “ring- and sing-along” of favorite Christmas carols.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to help defray concert-related expenses.

For more information, call the church office at 722-1674 or fumclaredo@sbcglobal.net.

SÁBADO 19 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2009

Agenda en Breve SÁBADO 19 DE DICIEMBRE NUEVO LAREDO – El Instituto Político Empresarial de Nuevo Laredo Tamaulipas, A.C. invita a la toma de protesta de la Directiva 20102011 durante un desayuno hoy a las 9:30 a.m. en el Salón de Eventos del Hotel Crowne Plaza (Paseo Colón 3333). Tomará protesta como presidente José Alberto Ramos Zapata.

LAREDO - Texas A&M International University invita a una tarde de canto y poesía en “The Holy Birth, A Collection of Advent and Christmas Songs” presentada por José Rubén De León a las 3 p.m. en el teatro del Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. De León estará acompañado por la pianista Alejandra Rodríguez. El costo de admisión es de 10 dólares y las ganancias se destinarán al departamento de artes escénicas y bellas artes.

LAREDO - Visite el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU y explore “Secrets of the Sun” a las 3 p.m.; “Star Signs” a las 4 p.m.; “Holiday Music Magic” a las 5 p.m.; “Season of Light” a las 6 p.m.; y, “Holiday Music Magic” a las 7 p.m. La entrada general es de 5 dólares para adultos y 4 dólares para niños. Llame al 326DOME para más información.

ZAPATA – Se invita al público a disfrutar una tarde de teatro con “La Bella y la Bestia”, una producción del departamento de drama de Zapata High School. Las presentaciones son hoy a las 7 p.m. y el 20 de diciembre a las 2 p.m. Todas las presentaciones serán en el auditorio de la preparatoria. Los boletos tienen costo de 5 dólares.

DOMINGO 20 DE DICIEMBRE LAREDO - Entre al espíritu navideño y asista hoy al concierto Memorial Bells de la Iglesia First United Methodist Church a las 4 p.m. en el santuario localizado en 120 McClelland. El evento es gratuito y abierto al público. Las donaciones serán utilizadas para pagar los gastos relacionados con el concierto.

ZAPATA – Se invita al público a disfrutar una tarde de teatro con “La Bella y la Bestia”, una producción del departamento de drama de Zapata High School, hoy a las 2 p.m. en el auditorio de la preparatoria. Los boletos tienen costo de 5 dólares.

Zfrontera

PÁGINA 7A

30 millones para hospital en NL POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVO LAREDO – Oficiales anunciaron la construcción de un hospital de especialidades con inversión de 30 millones de dólares, diseñado para atraer “turistas médicos” de EU buscando cirugías de tercer nivel a costos significativamente menores.

“Trataremos a pacientes de alta especialidad que incluye cirugías de corazón abierto y trasplantes de diferentes órganos”, dijo el Director del Hospital Bautista México-Americano, con oficinas centrales en Guadalajara, Jalisco, Dr. Omar Nicolás Aguilar. “Tenemos experiencia y solvencia profesional”.

Aguilar dijo que el nuevo hospital, que se espera abra para noviembre del 2010 al sur de Nuevo Laredo, también busca atraer a ciudadanos mexicanos quienes actualmente viajan a Monterrey ó Ciudad Victoria para recibir cuidado médico.

“

Tenemos experiencia y solvencia profesional”.

DIRECTOR DEL HOSPITAL BAUTISTA MÉXICO-AMERICANO, DR. OMAR NICOLÁS AGUILAR

En conferencia de prensa, el Jefe de Gobierno Ramón Garza Barrios felicitó a los inversionistas al destacar que han encontrado en esta frontera el mercado para sus servicios. El desarrollo rentable proveerá un mejor futuro para todos, dijo él.

Una de las principales ventajas del nuevo hospital será el costo del tratamiento, dijo Aguilar.

“Una cirugía de corazón abierto con un costo real de 70 mil dólares en Estados Unidos, se centraría entre 25 mil a 30 mil dólares en nuestras tarifas”, dijo Aguilar, agregando que espera que la mayoría de los procedimientos médicos cuesten menos de 50 por ciento del costo en los EU. “Esto nos permitirá competir con Monterrey”,

dijo Aguilar, explicando que su organización puede ofrecer bajos costos debido a que es esencialmente una instalación sin fines de lucro. “Nuestros servicios no se enfocan en las ganancias”.

Iniciará con 50 camas y esperan alcanzar la meta de 80. Su infraestructura se basará en quirófanos, tomografías y resonancia magnética, que les permitirá iniciar la atención con la especialidad.

Tendrá especialistas locales y foráneos, ya que actualmente hijos de médicos locales han continuado la carrera y estudian especialidades que les permitirá desarrollar sus conocimientos y aportarlos a la vida de la comunidad.

Aguilar dijo que la organización tiene considerado

buscar las certificaciones necesarias para aceptar seguro médico de EU. “El turismo médico estadounidense actualmente se está marchando a la India y Tailandia. Se trata de millones de dólares que salen de esta región”, dijo Aguilar. “El hospital y sus médicos cubrirán requisitos que marca la medicina de EU, de los cuales pocos hospitales lo tienen en México”.

La seriedad y profesionalismo está respaldada por los 50 años en que se han mantenido en Guadalajara.

En la conferencia estuvieron presentes José Hernández Villegas, de la Constructora Muralla; W. Stevenson, de la Fundación Bautista de Texas; Esther Navarro, vicepresidente de Convención Nacional Bau-

tista de México; y, Dr. José Luís Sandoval Ochoa, Coordinador de la Younth Comisión International, México Americano S.A. de C.V. El Director del Hospital de Zona 11 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Dr. Arturo Sandoval Brondo dijo que el nuevo nosocomio será de gran ayuda, porque el IMSS subroga servicios con el sector privado cuando su capacidad tecnológica no les permite proporcionarlos.

“En este tiempo estamos subrogando urologías en el Hospital de Especialidades”, dijo Sandoval. “Ahora con el hospital de tercer nivel, los pacientes no deberán trasladarse hasta la capital Ciudad Victoria”.

En tanto el reconocido médico local Dr. Lázaro Peña, dijo que el nuevo hospital abre las puertas a más empleos, inversiones e incremento en las opciones médicas en el área.

(Localice a Miguel Timoshenkov llamando al (956) 728-2583 ó escriba a mramirez@lmtonline.com).

Sistema DIF entrega becas y despensas POR YAHAIRA L. ZAMBRANO ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Ciudad Mier

Adultos mayores de Ciudad Mier celebraron su posada navideña anual donde rompieron la tradicional piñata y recibieron cobijas de parte del Sistema DIF local.

Abuelos celebran Posada POR YAHAIRA L. ZAMBRANO ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

CIUDAD MIER – Adultos Mayores celebraron su Posada Navideña el 15 de diciembre en el Casino Arguelles.

Como parte de la costumbre, adultos mayores se reunieron, recibieron regalos e interpretaron cantos y villancicos.

La Presidenta del Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia Isabel Cristina Treviño Ruiz agradeció a las Damas Voluntarias del Patronato por el arreglo del Casino que permi-

tió los adultos mayores se sintieran en un ambiente navideño.

Treviño también obsequió colchas a los adultos mayores “para que en este invierno ellos no sufran por frío”.

Parte de la tradicional posada, fue quebrar la piñata y culminar con un baile.

Treviño deseó una feliz navidad y un próspero año nuevo 2010 a todos los adultos mayores.

Por otra parte, se anunció que el Coro del Adulto Mayor se está preparando para presentarse en el IV

Festival de Invierno 2009 el 21 de diciembre en el Casino Arguelles a de las 7 p.m.

El evento es coordinado por el Ayuntamiento y el Sistema DIF. La Presidenta del Patronato del Adulto Mayor Laura Hernández dijo sentirse satisfecha con la presentación que se está preparando.

Apoyan en los ensayos Sergio Higareda de la Casa de la Cultura y Baldomero García Vela, director del coro.

(Yahaira L. Zambrano es Directora de Comunicación Social del Ciudad Mier).

CIUDAD MIER - El 14 de diciembre seis madres adolescentes recibieron becas escolares por un monto de 500 pesos a fin de ayudarse con sus gastos. La Presidenta del Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia Isabel Cristina Treviño Ruiz dijo que de esta manera las madres solteras podrán seguir cursando sus estudios en el CBETiS o el CEDIF. “Esta becas las permite tener la oportunidad de ofrecer un mejor futuro a sus hijos”, dijo Treviño.

“Que cuando lleguen a su mayoría de edad cuenten con la preparación adecuada para sacar adelante a su familia”.

Treviño también hizo entrega de becas a 40 niños que estudian en la Casa de la Cultura Idinero.

Despensas PASSAF El 15 de diciembre Treviño hizo entrega de 350 despensas PASSAF a fam-

ilias de escasos recursos económicos.

Otra entrega fue de colchas para que familias puedan guarecerse del frío.

“Me siento muy contenta porque con esta ayuda las familias de mi Municipio pasarán menos necesidades”, dijo Treviño.

70 y Más Otra ayuda otorgada en éste último bimestre del año fueron los apoyos del Programa 70 y Más, correspondientes a noviembrediciembre, beneficiando a 329 adultos mayores.

Personal de Sedesol tuvo a su cargo la entrega donde además se anunció que se aprobaron a 24 personas más para recibir el beneficio.

Silvia Ramos, enlace municipal del programa dijo que a través de ese programa se benefician a adultos mayores que viven en Ciudad Mier con el objetivo de mejorar su condición de vida y satisfacer sus demandas y necesidades principales.

LUNES 21 DE DICIEMBRE LAREDO - Visite el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU y explore “One World, One Sky Big Bird’s Adventure” a las 3 p.m. y “Holiday Music Magic” a las 4 p.m. La entrada general es de 5 dólares para adultos y 4 dólares para niños. Llame al 326-DOME para más información.

CIUDAD MIER - El Coro del Adulto Mayor se presenta hoy en el IV Festival de Invierno 2009 en el Casino Arguelles a de las 7 p.m.

MIÉRCOLES 23 DE DICIEMBRE LAREDO - Las oficinas de la Universidad cerrarán hoy a las 5 p.m. por las fiestas decembrinas, reabriendo el lunes 4 de enero del 2010. Las inscripciones para el curso Primavera 2010 continúan 24/7 en tamiu.edu. Las clases inician el martes 19 de enero.

JUEVES 31 DE DICIEMBRE LAREDO - La Época de Oro Social Club tiene hoy su Baile Annual de la Víspera de Año Nuevo de 9 p.m. a 1 a.m. en el Salón de Baile del Laredo Civic Center, con música en vivo de la Ennery Orchestra.

Garza Barrios otorga II Informe de gobierno POR MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV

45 y el Puente Ferroviario”, urgió Garza Barrios.

TIEMPO DE ZAPATA

NUEVO LAREDO – Tanto el Jefe de Gobierno Ramón Garza Barrios como la Presidenta del Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia local Rebeca Canales de Garza Barrios, rindieron su II Informe de Gobierno el miércoles en el Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo, designado recinto oficial.

Destacó principalmente el programa de combate a la pobreza, que permite mejorar la condición de vida de mucha gente.

Dijo que el fideicomiso El Progreso se ha convertido en el modelo para el Instituto de la Vivienda y se ha logrado abatir 70 por ciento la cartera vencida que se tenía, lo que ha permitido entregar 200 viviendas y construir otras 500.

Al hablar de la seguridad la calificó cómo “la demanda más recurrente de la población”.

Explicó que se incrementó de 25 patrullas que había el año pasado a 160 vehículos nuevos, lo que representa un incremento de 640%, para vigilar en forma permanente la ciudad.

Respecto al presupuesto ejercido en este año, reveló que se ejercieron 2’431 millones de pesos, de los cuales más de 1,350 millones fueron para obras estratégicas, como el Programa Municipal de Pavimentación, rubro en el que se pasó de 52 por ciento de cobertura a la

Sistema DIF

Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo

El Presidente Municipal de Nuevo Laredo Ramón Garza Barrios y la Presidenta del Sistema DIF Rebeca Canales de Garza se observan al fondo durante la ceremonia de Honores a la Bandera previo a la lectura del II Informe de Gobierno de ambos en Nuevo Laredo el 16 de diciembre en el Centro Cultural. cifra histórica de 80 por ciento, con incidencia directa en la salud de la población.

Durante el 2009 se pavimentaron 824 cuadras, equivalente a una distancia de Nuevo Laredo a Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, con una inversión de más de 480 millones de pesos que coloca a la ciudad por encima de 23 por ciento de la media nacional, pero además se reciclaron 213 vialidades, con lo que la ciudad luce una mejor imagen.

Destacó también el distribuidor Vial Revolución, la modernización

del Bulevar Aeropuerto y los trabajos de mejoramiento de la infraestructura del Puente del Comercio Mundial, como son el tercer carril de acceso de 5.5 kilómetros de longitud y la iluminación de la vialidad de acceso a ese cruce.

“Con estas acciones tenemos una capacidad mayor para la exportación y agilidad en nuestros procesos, sin embargo es necesario que autoridades y la iniciativa privada de ambos países hagamos un esfuerzo e impulsemos nuevas vías para el comercio, como el Puente

En el mismo foro, Canales informó de su trabajo social con respeto, comprensión y atención eficiente a la comunidad desvalida.

En este año en el Centro de Atención a Mujeres se brindó albergue, alimentación y ayuda psicológica a 28 casos específicos de mujeres maltratadas y a través de talleres, cursos y asesorías se atendió a 9,705 damas, mientras que en el Albergue MECED se reintegraron a la sociedad a más de 1,450 niños jóvenes con problemas de actitud.

Asimismo se organizó la conferencia “Mujer, esencia y presencia”, ante un auditorio de más de mil damas, ante quienes se promovió la importancia del rol de la mujer en la comunidad.

“Hoy por hoy, hacemos de la atención eficiente a la comunidad nuestra misión diaria, respondiendo a la mística de un Nuevo Laredo Ciudad con Valor, el valor de la responsabilidad con solidaridad”, dijo Canales.

En apoyo a la economía familiar de los neolaredenses, se realizaron 15 brigadas médicas en las que se otorgaron 13,744 servicios, así como cuatro tianguis alimentarios.

8A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

Remember that Christ is the reason for the season ¡F eliz Navidad!

The aroma of tamales, menudo, ham and turkey, among other favorites, all fill the air with a familiar smell.

The wafting aromas take us down memory lane as we recall the many traditions begun years ago by older generations.

While many of us are excitedly exchanging and unwrapping presents, I remind you that on Christ-

“

JAMES TAMAYO

mas Day we celebrate the greatest gift ever given!

Through this celebration, we demonstrate our gratitude to God for sending us His only son to share in our human form so that we may one-day

share in his divine nature for all eternity.

As many of you know, my personal motto is Todo Con Amor (All With Love) and Jesus is the inspiration behind this personal creed.

Christmas is centered in the greatest love story ever told — the story of God who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Christmas is the story of God’s greatest gift given to

us in the person of Jesus.

Christmas, then, is a time of love.

More than two millennia ago, three brave men of faith followed a bright shining star in search of the newborn Prince of Peace.

The men known as the three kings, Balthasar, Melchior and Gaspar, brought the Christ Child gifts.

Their quest and veneration for the infant Jesus are examples for us to follow.

Following their example, we can stop being selfish people and become noble individuals ourselves.

I encourage you to pause and reflect on Christmas Day as you unwrap presents (and tamales) and break bread with your loved ones. Take time to remember that the reason for the season is the greatest gift ever given.

The Christmas story is a tale retold year after year

that never loses its majesty nor ceases to fill our hearts with wonder.

Come and let us adore him for Christ is born!

On Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of the one who is love and who invites us to live our life Todo Con Amor!

(Bishop James A. Tamayo heads the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laredo. The diocese covers seven area counties, including Zapata.)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

Zentertainment

PAGE 9A

ESPN to bring Effects wow but story ‘Wary’ back to LEC limps in ‘Avatar’ SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Promoters Arthur Pelullo/Banner Promotions and Rodney Berman/ Golden Gloves will present a sensational championship fight card on Friday, Jan. 15, at the Laredo Entertainment Center.

The main event, co-feature, and other selected fights will be televised live

on ESPN2, ESPN Desportes, their Spanish-Language Network and ESPN 360.com.

In the main event, scheduled for 12 rounds, No. 3-ranked in the world Fernando Beltran Jr.,will fight for the WBC Cabofe Featherweight title against the No. 2-ranked in the world, Juan Carlos Burgos, 23-0-0 with 16 KOs, of Tijuana, Mexico.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the first fight begins at 8 p.m.

Arena searts for $5, $10 and $20, and floor seats for $70, are available at Laredo Entertainment Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1800-745-3000 and Ticketmaster.com.

Tables are also available at $100, $300, $500 and $700.

Jalapeño Fest tickets on sale SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

WBCA Jalapeño Festival presale tickets for $10 are now available at 109 O’Reilly Auto Parts locations in cities across Texas, including Laredo, San Antonio, Del Rio, Universal City , Eagle Pass, Pleasanton, Uvalde, Kerrville, Converse, Hondo, Brownsville, McAllen, Rio Grande Valley, Pharr, Weslaco, Edinburg, Mission, Harlingen, Zapata, Roma, La Feria, Corpus Christi, Robstown, Kingsville and Falfurrias.

Presale tickets can also be found at the two Casa Raul locations in Laredo while supplies last.

The WBCA Jalapeño Festival will be celebrating its 32nd anniversary on Friday, Feb. 19, with country artists Jack Ingram and Cory Morrow.

Then, on Saturday, Feb. 20, the festival will feature Grammy Awardwinners La Mafia and

Photo by Bill Waugh | AP

Country artist Jack Ingram performs at the CMA Music Festival on Friday, June 6, 2008, in Nashville, Tenn.

Latin artist chart-kings Grupo Duelo.

Presale tickets will also soon be available at the Mall del Norte WBCA kiosk.

The last day to purchase presale tickets is Thursday, Feb. 18.

The Jalapeño Festival, which will be held at the El Metro Park and Ride on Hillside Road, at-

tracts approximately 25,000 people during a two-day period.

Event sponsors include Sames Mazda, La Costeña, Anheuser-Busch, Miller Lite, O’Reilly Auto Parts, La Quinta Inn & Suites and Laredo Heat.

Admission will be $15 at the gate.

Children 12 and younger get in free.

By JAKE COYLE ASSOCIATED PRESS

James Cameron’s 3-D “Avatar” has all the smack of a Film Not To Miss — a movie whose effects are clearly revolutionary, a

REVIEW spectacle that millions will find adventure in. But it nevertheless feels unsatisfying and somehow lacks the pulse.

“Avatar” takes place in the year 2154 on the faraway moon of Pandora, where, befitting its mythological name, the ills of human life have been released. The Earth depleted, humans have arrived to mine an elusive mineral, wryly dubbed Unobtainium.

The Resources Developmental Administration, a kind of military contractor, is running the operation.

At the top of the chain of command is the CEO-like Carter Selfridge (an excellent, ruthless Giovanni Ribisi), who’s hellbent on showing quarterly profits for shareholders. His muscle and head of security is the rock-jawed Col. Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), who curses Pandora’s inhabitants (the Na’vi) as savages and considers the place worse than hell.

In fact, it’s a paradise. In Pandora, Cameron has fashioned a sensual, neoncolored, dreamlike world of lush jungle, gargantuan trees and floating mountains. Its splendor is easily the most wondrous aspect of “Avatar.”

20th Century Fox | AP

In this film publicity image released by 20th Century Fox, the character Neytiri, voiced by Zoe Saldana, and the character Jake, voiced

by Sam Worthington are shown in a scene from “Avatar.”

Our main character is Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a brawny former Marine who lost the power of his legs in battle on Earth.

He joins a small group of scientists led by Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) who are attempting to learn more about the Na’vi by conducting field studies and doing a bit of undercover science.

They’ve created avatars of themselves to go about Pandora as a living, breathing Na’vi, while their human bodies lie dormant in a sort of tanning bed (they return to them when their avatars sleep).

The Na’vi are a 10-foottall species with translucent, aqua-colored skin, 3fingered hands and smooth, lean torsos. They have long, neat dreadlocks for hair and wide, feline foreheads. The smart freckles on their brow faintly light up like tiny constella-

tions.

With beady headdresses and skimpy sashes, the Na’vi are clearly meant to evoke Native Americans, as well as similarly exploited tribes of South America and Africa. They pray over slain animals and feel at one with nature. Their tails even connect — like nature’s USB port — to things like mystical willow branches, horse manes or pterodactyl-like birds.

“Avatar,” which Cameron wrote as well as directed, is essentially a fairy tale that imagines a more favorable outcome for the oppressed fighting against the technology and might of Western Civilization. Sully, who quickly takes to life as a Na’vi, begins to feel his allegiances blurred.

“Avatar,” a 20th Century Fox release, is rated PG-13.

It is playing at Cinemark Mall Del Norte and Hollywood Theaters.

10A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

Zapatan sworn in as attorney Donations run SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Anita Pérez Garza, a Zapata High School graduate, has been sworn in as a new attorney.

In addition to graduating from law school and passing the Texas Bar Exam, new lawyers must take a formal oath to be affixed on the back of their law license.

The ceremony was held Friday, Dec. 4. Pérez Garza was sworn in by state District Judge Joe Lopez at the Zapata County Courthouse.

County Commissioners José Emilio Vela and Gabriel Villarreal, County Attorney Said Alfonso Figueroa and attorney and friend George Altgelt, as well as

other family and friends were in attendance. A small reception was held afterward at the Holiday Restaurant.

Pérez Garza graduated in May of 2009 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law. She received a BBA degree in Finance from Texas A&M University in 1999.

While at St. Mary’s, she served as president of the Hispanic Law Students’ Association, a committee member of the Women’s Law Association, a member of the Aggie Bar Association, and an active member of the Mexican American Bar Association. As president of the Hispanic Law Students, the organiza-

tion helped raise $3,600 in scholarships to supplement students who did pro bono work over the summer.

Pérez Garza also participated in St. Mary’s Civil Justice Clinic as a student attorney, attaining her first favorable decision in a social security case. She is a certified mediator who also obtained her Pro Bono Certificate for her work in the civil justice clinic.

While in law school, Pérez Garza participated in St. Mary’s Institute on Legal Problems, a summer program in Innsbruck, Austria.

In addition, she was a facilitator for the Restorative Justice Initiative in Schools, a program designed to assist students in resolving

problems they often experience such as bullying and stealing.

Prior to pursuing her law degree, she worked as a financial analyst for Accenture in Houston.

Pérez Garza is married to David Wayne Garza, and they have one son, Benjamin, 6. They are expecting their second child, a girl in February. They live in San Antonio; Pérez Garza plans to work at a San Antonio firm after the birth of her daughter.

The new attorney is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eliseo J. Pérez, well-known educators in Zapata County, and is the daughter-in-law of Mr. & Mrs. Roland W. Garza, also of Zapata.

Villarreal students perform play SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary School recently presented a production of “Welcome Christmas, Mr. Grinch.”

Performing as the Grinch was Lupito Garcia. The Cat in the Hat was played by Jack Kimble. Singing Cindy Lou Who was Priscilla Elizondo and the small Cindy Lou Who was Selen Garza. Old Max was played by Jose Gonzalez and the small maxes were Joel Cavazos (Scene 1) and Juan Diaz (Scene 2).

The Grinch’s sisters were played by Elsa Alvarez, Sandra Hernandez, Emilae Hill, Adela Prezaz, Delissa Rodriguez and Daniela Santos. Whos were played by Angela Charo, Amber Essary, Briana Garcia, Julissa Garcia, Jose Clemente Gutierrez, Austin Hernandez, Daniela Hernandez, Heather Hernandez, Fanny Ledezma, Kaylee Longoria, Kassandra Montes, Andrea

Courtesy photo

Villarreal Elementary School students presented a production of “Welcome Christmas, Mr. Grinch.” Aurelio Villarreal and family members were guests and Santa Claus made a special visit. Parents, students’ family members, school staff and administrators also attended the holiday event.

Giselle Nunez and Danny Villarreal.

The Singing Who Mayors were played by Ileana Garcia, Joselyn Garza, La-

rissa Salinas and Aaliyah Villarreal. Tree Trimmers were Jorge Perez, Perla Garza and Nicole Sanchez.

The production was directed by Christy Gallegos and Valerie Gonzalez. The prop manager was Olga Elizondo.

through Tues.

By ERIKA LAMBRETON THE ZAPATA TIMES

It is no secret; there are countless children who will not be celebrating Christmas this year, due to the economic situation of their parents. With the recession in progress, people are asked to look deep into their hearts and pockets to help grant a less fortunate child the gift of celebrating a real Christmas.

The Zapata County Court House will continue to accept all donations, through Tuesday.

The court house has already seen much support from the community; however, more is still needed.

“Its going very well, and we are hoping for a larger volume of donations,” Pre-

cinct 1 Justice of the Peace Anna Guerra said.

All donations will go directly to Zapata’s children, and with the success of Blue Santa and other similar events.

“People still have time to donate, and we will gladly accept all donations,” Guerra said.

A special toy drive will be held Tuesday morning, beginning at 10 a.m. Donations will be accepted all day.

During the event, Guerra hopes to see an increased interest in the event, and hopefully garner enough attention to make a child’s Christmas wish come true.

For more information, contact the Zapata County Court House at 765-9165.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES 11A

ARTURO CANALES SAN YGNACIO — Arturo Canales went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 11, 2009. He was born Dec. 25, 1924, to Arilano and Catarina Canales. Arturo was born in El Javalin Ranch within the municipal boundaries of Cd. Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Mr. Canales was the eighth child of 12. In his youth he attended the academy in Agualeguas, N.L. He worked in ranching and agriculture on his parents’ ranch in El Canaleno, Tamps. On May 8, 1954, he married Emelia Perez. They moved to the U.S. on Nov. 26, 1954, and settled in San Ygnacio. He worked in agriculture in California during the 1960s and early 70s. In 1973 he and Emelia settled in Houston, where he worked in construction as a truck driver until his retirement in October 1989.

He enjoyed retirement by hunting, helping others on their ranches and being with his family and friends.

Mr. Canales is preceded in death by his parents, Atilano and Catarina Canales; brothers, Agapito (Susana), Rafael (Cleofas), Perfecto (Josefa), Zaragoza (Genoveva) Casimiro (Olivia), Manuel, Felix, and Atilano, Jr.; and by one sister, Benilde (Antonio) Chapa.

Mr. Canales is survived by his loving wife, Emelia P. Canales; two children, Maria Eyna (Juan) Zarate and Arturo (Stacy) Canales, Jr.; four grandchil-

dren, Xavier (Elizabeth) Erik, Taylor, and Travis; two sisters, Francisca (Manuel) Perez and Santos (Ramon) Canales; and by numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

Visitation hours were held Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Hwy. 83, Zapata, Texas.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Shoppers are doing all they can to keep their credit cards in their wallets this holiday season.

They’re paying with cash or debit cards, using layaway plans and even exchanging frequent flier miles for cash to buy gifts.

When they pull a credit card, it’s at a store that doesn’t charge interest for up to six months.

A desire to stick to a budget and to avoid inter-

ZAPATA — Lauro Bustamante, 72, passed away Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at Falcon Lake Nursing Home in Zapata.

Mr. Bustamante is preceded in death by his parents, Concepcion (Petra) Bustamante; granddaughter, Marlyna Liz Salinas; and a brother-inlaw, Gene W. Bluhm.

Mr. Bustamante is survived by his wife, Irene H. Bustamante; daughters, Norma B. (Leopoldo) Salinas, Nora Laura Bustamante, Mireya (Manuel) Martinez, Crystal Bustamante; grandchildren, Lorena (Arturo) Munoz, Roxy Villalon, Kimberly Villalon, Araceli Cuellar, Lauro A. Martinez, Adriana L. Martinez; four great-grandchildren; brother, Concepcion Jr. (Josefa) Bustamante; sister, Blasa Bluhm; and by numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

Pallbearers were Lely Salinas, Homero Ramirez, Lauro Martinez, Lore Salinas, Raymond Moya, Mario Salinas Jr., Bruce and Shawn.

Honorary pallbearers were David Morales, Alonzo Salinas, Tavy Villarreal, Daniel Perez, Gilberto Davila, Fito Morales, Cheyo Lopez and Jaime Gonzalez.

Visitation hours were held Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m.

with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession will depart Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at 9:30 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery, including full Military Honors by the American Legion Post 486 Color Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.roseRardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral firector, 2102 Hwy. 83, Zapata.

SOFIA MENDOZA ZAPATA — Sofia Mendoza, 82, passed away Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at Laredo Medical Center.

Ms. Mendoza is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco (Piedad) Mendoza; brothers, Francisco Luis and Jose I. Mendoza; and sister, Manuelita Mendoza.

Ms. Mendoza is survived by her sisters-inlaw, Rosaura Mendoza and Estela Mendoza; nephews, Jose F. (Francis) Mendoza, Manuel A. (Irma) Mendoza; nieces, Manuela (Homero) Gonzalez, Lourdes (Angel) Lopez, Elsa (Heriberto) Vela, Sara (Rolando) Perez, and Benita (Israel) Garcia; and numerous relatives and friends.

Visitation hours were held Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at 9:30 for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Committal services followed at the Uribeño Cemetery.

est rates that have risen sharply have helped drive a marked shift away from credit cards. Banks have also reduced the amount of credit they’re making available.

“Consumers are looking for discipline in their spending levels that they can achieve from using cash,” said Bryan Eshelman, managing director in the retail practice of consultant AlixPartners, whose recent survey of shoppers revealed their top concern was eliminating personal debt.

Arrests link al-Qaida, drugs

By DEVLIN BARRETT ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Three accused al-Qaida associates taken to New York are charged with plotting to ferry drugs through the Sahara desert to raise money for terror attacks — evidence of what prosecutors say is a dangerous, growing alliance between terror chiefs and drug lords.

The arrests Friday mark the first time U.S. authorities have captured and charged al-Qaida suspects in a drug trafficking plot in Africa.

The three suspects —

The family would like to thank Champion Home Health and Texas Visiting Nurse Service for their care.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Hwy. 83, Zapata.

Holdout likes progress

By DAVID ESPO

Wary shoppers trying to not use credit cards

By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO

LAURO BUSTAMANTE

believed to be in their 30s and originally from Mali — were arrested by local authorities in Ghana earlier this week and turned over to U.S. agents.

They arrived in the United States early Friday morning and were ordered held without bail after a court appearance.

They did not enter pleas to charges of narcoterrorism conspiracy and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.

Michele Leonhart, the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, said the case shows a “direct link” between al-Qaida and drug traffickers.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Democratic leaders appeared to make progress Friday night in winning over Sen. Ben Nelson to be their 60th vote to pass a sweeping health care bill by Christmas.

Nelson, a moderate Nebraska Democrat, is seeking stricter abortion curbs and said he’s been offered ideas that may answer his concerns.

He declined to disclose details but said the proposed approach “would exclude any kind of federal funds directly or indirectly being used to fund

elective abortions, and the question is always how you get them as tight as you can and still be able to get a common understanding and something that you could all agree to.”

“We’re looking at that to see if it does it sufficiently. That’s the key — sufficiently,” Nelson said during a break in closeddoor talks in the Capitol with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, senior White House officials and others. The discussions were expected to continue into the night as Reid finalizes the legislation in time for a first vote likely within days.

12A THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

STUDENT COUNCIL PRESENTS SIX PILLARS OF CHARACTER EDUCATION

P&Z Continued from Page 1A

Courtesy photo

Student Council officers at Villarreal Elementary gave a bilingual presentation about the Six Pillars Of Character Education at the District Parental Involvement meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Shown here, from left to right, are Laura Garza, Marc Garcia, Larissa Salinas, Delisa Rodriguez, Heather Hernandez, Priscilla Elizondo, Adela Prezaz. and Roberto Barrera. The students spoke about being trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and having the ability to show good citizenship. At Villarreal Elementary, students are not only taught academics, but also the importance of being a good person and the value of good morals.

the people serving on the commission and board must be “the stalwarts of the community.”

“You must make sure that these are people of the highest integrity,” Uribe said. “It’s very hard to tell your friend, your neighbor, ‘Sorry, I can’t do that,’ ” The county will also be looking for a zoning administrator to work on a part-time basis. Uribe suggested urban planners such as city managers, assistant city managers or lawyers.

Commissioner Eddie Martinez suggested that even though the position is only part-time, the administrator should be available at all times, and Commissioner Norberto Garza agreed.

“Any kind of remodeling you’re going to do to your home, you need a permit, and if the administrator isn’t going to be there, who’s going to issue the permit?” Garza asked.

After the meeting Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela said the county’s ability to pass ordinance is very important of the community.

“Everyone builds to their abilities and many times some of the houses that are being constructed are not in compliance, and that’s why we have fire issues and houses that are flooding,” Vela said.

(Julie Daffern may be reached at 728-2565 or jdaffern@lmtonline.com)

GATEWAY Continued from Page 1A sucking. “(Giselle) was referred to me because of the habit, so that I can fabricate an appliance,” said Dr. Lorena Salcedo, pediatric dentist at the Gateway Community Health Center.

There are several ways to treat this condition, Salcedo said; one is counseling with the patient, and

another is actually showing them pictures of the damage caused to the teeth.

This procedure is called interceptive therapy.

At first, Espinoza was apprehensive of using the device, fearing it would cause her child severe pain, but she soon came to see it was her only option.

BUSINESS Continued from Page 1A to our congressman,” he said.

Commissioner Eddie Martinez also hesitated on supporting an incentive program.

“I think some incentives are good, but it’s going to depend on how we do it,” Martinez said. “There’s a lot of existing businesses here and they’ve been set up over the past five or 10 years and they did it without any incentives. I know because I’m their accountant,” Martinez said.

Martinez said he supported the idea of an international bridge, but there have been no concrete discussions on the project. He added that Zapata depends on a depletable resource, and it’s important to diversify the economy.

“At some point in time gas will no longer be there; hopefully, it won’t be for 25, 30, 40 years,” he said.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the court agreed to hire two bus drivers in January to drive buses to and from Laredo. The drivers would be paid between $9-11 an hour, de-

pending on experience, for nine months initially.

The money for both the drivers and fuel is scheduled to come from funding left over from the San Ygnacio drainage project in Commissioner Gabriel Villarreal’s district.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the court: Approved the demolition and removal of debris from the old Lion’s Building and a dilapidated house at the corner of lot 610 Glenn St. Tabled an item that would have terminated water service to all companies that purchase water for resale.

Approved the appointment of a network administrator to record Commissioners Court meetings and upload video file to the county’s Web page.

(Julie Daffern may be reached at 728-2565 or jdaffern@lmtonline.com) Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, D.D.S.

“Let your smile be a sign of happiness & good health” 1520 Corpus Christi Street Telephone (956) 726-0160

The first couple of months were difficult — Giselle would still put part of her thumb in her mouth, said Espinoza.

However, a mere 10 months later, Giselle has completely kicked the habit and feels better than ever.

“We are very thankful for the dentist and the

friendly staff at the Gateway Community Health Center,” Espinoza said.

Gateway Community Health Center, headquartered in Laredo, has a clin-

ic in Zapata at 210 Rathmell St. that’s open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The doctor sees patients from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the lab is open

from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information regarding the Gateway Community Health Center clinic in Zapata, call 7654367.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM

Sports&Outdoors DESPERATE GAME Photo by Brett Coomer | Houston Chronicle

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing (56) slaps hands with fans as he leaves the field after the Texans beat the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday in Houston. Cushing has been a bright spot for the Texans all season, and the team is hoping the rookie linebacker will still be playing once the postseason is under way.

Rookie LBs set to take center stage

By R.B. FALLSTROM Photo by Tony Gutierrez | AP

In this Dec. 10, 2006, file photo, Dallas Cowboys running back Julius Jones (21) pulls away from New Orleans Saints safety Josh Bullocks (29), cornerback Fred Thomas (22) and safety Omar Stoutmire (23) on a 77-yard touchdown run during the first quarter of the Saints’ 4217 victory in Irving. The Cowboys will look for more big plays today as they face the undefeated Saints in desperate need of a win.

Undefeated Saints ready to host frantic Cowboys

By BRETT MARTEL

of team we’ve got.”

New Orleans has clinched a first-round playoff bye, but has yet to wrap up what could be the franchise’s first No. 1 overall seed in the NFC. Then there’s the matter of finishing the regular season undefeated, which may not count for much toward the ultimate goal of a championship (as the New England Patriots found out two seasons ago), but still seems important to the Saints.

“You don’t have many opportunities like this, do you?” Brees said. “It’s something to consider.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW ORLEANS — As far as Drew Brees can tell, the season of giving in New Orleans started about 14 weeks ago.

Brees and the Saints have given this footballmad city more tastes of victory than it has ever known in a single season.

The fans have responded in their own way when the players drive home from games, windows down, to share in the excitement.

“I got some pralines thrown in (the car) the other day, T shirts, CDs,” Brees began. “It’s like Christmas. It is Christmas. ... I think it’s great how excited people are. Everybody wants to be a part of this and everybody deserves to be a part of this, because so many fans have been waiting for this for a long time.”

New Orleans has long been associated with Super Bowls, but not the Saints, who are one of five teams never to appear in the NFL’s marquee game.

The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, solidified their reputation as America’s Team by winning two Super Bowls in New Orleans, the second of those in the Louisiana Superdome, where they’ll meet the 13-0 Saints tonight in a game carrying postseason implications for both teams.

Not so invincible

Photo by Matt Slocum | AP

In this Dec. 10, 2006, file photo, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of a 42-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Irving. Still suffering from December blues, the Cowboys are hoping to do a better job when they face the undefeated Saints today.

Need to win The urgency is greater for the Cowboys (8-5), who trail Philadelphia in the NFC East and could miss the playoffs if they don’t finish strong.

“We need this game,” Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said. “This is an

Three-time Pro Bowl LB has practiced, may not play after last week’s injury IRVING — The Dallas Cowboys have listed linebacker DeMarcus Ware as questionable for tonight’s game against undefeated New Orleans.

Ware is recovering from a strained neck sustained in a headfirst collision with

ST. LOUIS — In four years at Ohio State, James Laurinaitis was on the losing end only eight times in 51 games. His rookie NFL season has been an eyeopener for its astounding lack of success.

Though Laurinaitis has more than justified the St. Louis Rams’ decision to draft the middle linebacker with the second pick of the second round given his team-leading 125 tackles. He’s also had to absorb a healthy wallop of humility.

As in one lousy victory for a franchise rebuilding from the ground up entering Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans (6-7).

“Anyone that’s a competitor wants to win,” Laurinaitis said. “No matter what program you come from, you want to win.”

Limping to the end The Rams (1-12) are leaning on any and all meager positives while limping to the finish line. Rookie coach Steve Spagnuolo suggested hopefully that an outbreak of swine flu that affected five or six players, including quarterback Kyle Boller and Jason Brown and forced the team to cancel practice Thursday, could be a positive because the roster would get a day of rest.

St. Louis has the NFL’s puniest offense, a low-end defense to match, and might as well have 13 players on injured reserve instead of 11 given the likelihood Marc Bulger (fractured left shin bone) and offensive tackle Jason Smith (concussion) are done for the year.

See TEXANS PAGE 2B

important game for us and our season, where we are in the standings, so we’re going to come out and hopefully play our best football game of the year.

“I know that guys are working their butt off and putting in the time,” Romo said. “The preparation is there. We’ll see what kind

The Saints seemed all but invincible when they demolished New England on Monday Night Football 38-17 a few weeks ago.

Lately, however, they’ve looked more vulnerable, nearly losing the chance to be the first NFC team to go 16-0 two weeks ago when they trailed late at Washington.

New Orleans stormed back to win in overtime after the Redskins missed a field goal that could have iced the game.

Last weekend, the Saints held off the struggling Atlanta Falcons 2623. Again, the result begged the question of

See COWBOYS PAGE 2B

Ware questionable for tonight ASSOCIATED PRESS

ASSOCIATED PRESS

offensive lineman Brandyn Dombrowski during Sunday’s loss to the San Diego Chargers.

The Cowboys had to provide his game status Friday.

On their practice report Thursday, Ware was listed as not participating even though he was on the field

DEMARCUS WARE: Cowboys LB listed as questionable against Saints. during the 90-minute practice without pads that was like a walkthrough.

Ware, who has started all 77 of his regular-season games since being the 11th overall pick in 2005, has said he wants to play against the Saints.

The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker attended meet-

ings and participate in walkthrough sessions this week.

Rams hit hard by illnesses Top St. Louis playmakers may not take the field against Houston

By R.B. FALLSTROM ASSOCIATED PRESS

ST. LOUIS — Quarterback Kyle Boller and running back Steven Jackson both missed Friday’s practice with flulike symptoms, raising the possibility that neither will play Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Boller also missed practice Wednesday, so the Rams are almost certain to go with rookie Keith Null for the second straight week.

“I’d say we’d probably have to lean that way,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “Let’s find out where Kyle is today and tomorrow.”

Expected to play

Ware was back at practice Thursday, though the team was then unclear about his status for Saturday night’s game at New Orleans that will be less than a week after he

Teammates expect Jackson to play. Jackson was at Rams Park for practice Wednesday, riding a stationary bicycle while rehabbing a lower back injury that’s hindered him for several weeks, but Spagnuolo thought Jackson might have practiced Thursday except for the illness.

Jackson is second in the NFL with 1,279 yards rushing. Samkon Gado and fellow backup Kenneth Darby have combined for 132 yards on 26 carries, 51 of them coming on Darby’s run off a fake punt last week.

See WARE PAGE 2B

See RAMS PAGE 2B

Thursday’s return

Zscores

PAGE 2B

FOOTBALL NFL Glance AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct Patriots ............. 8 5 0 .615 Dolphins ........... 7 6 0 .538 Jets .................... 7 6 0 .538 Bills .................... 5 8 0 .385 South W L T Pct x-Colts ............ 14 0 0 1.000 Jaguars .......... 7 7 0 .500 Titans ............. 6 7 0 .462

PF 348 292 275 215 PF 394 266 293

PA 234 306 211 271 PA 248 322 323

TEXANS .......... 6 7 0 .462 North W L T Pct Bengals ............ 9 4 0 .692 Ravens ............. 7 6 0 .538 Steelers ........... 6 7 0 .462 Browns ............. 2 11 0 .154 West W L T Pct Chargers ........... 10 3 0 .769 Broncos ............. 8 5 0 .615 Raiders .............. 4 9 0 .308 Chiefs ................. 3 10 0 .231 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct Eagles ................... 9 4 0 .692 COWBOYS ............ 8 5 0 .615

311 PF 264 319 278 158 PF 362 256 155 206

273 PA 217 218 244 315 PA 259 230 316 342

PF PA 372 273 296 233

Giants ................... 7 6 Redskins .............. 4 9 South W L x-Saints ................. 13 0 Falcons .................. 6 7 Panthers ............... 5 8 Buccaneers .......... 1 12 North W L y-Vikings ........... 11 2 Packers .............. 9 4 Bears .................. 5 8 Lions .................. 2 11 West W L Cardinals ............. 8 5 49ers .................... 6 7 Seahawks ............ 5 8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

0 0 T 0 0 0 0 T 0 0 0 0 T 0 0 0

.538 .308 Pct 1.000 .462 .385 .077 Pct .846 .692 .385 .154 Pct .615 .462 .385

341 234 PF 466 302 225 190 PF 389 344 247 209 PF 306 269 250

330 251 PA 274 305 282 356 PA 243 243 291 406 PA 258 242 301

Rams .................... 1 12 0 .077 146 361 Saturday’s games COWBOYS at Saints, 7:20 p.m.

Sunday’s games Dolphins at Titans, noon Cardinals at Lions, noon Falcons at Jets, noon TEXANS at Rams, noon Bears at Ravens, noon Patriots at Bills, noon Browns at Chiefs, noon 49ers at Eagles, noon Raiders at Broncos, 3:05 p.m.

Packers at Steelers, 3:15 p.m.

Vikings at Panthers, 7:20 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL American League SEATTLE MARINERS: Acquired OF Milton Bradley from the Chicago Cubs for RHP Carlos Silva and cash. Agreed to terms with OF Ryan Langerhans on a one-year contract.

National League ATLANTA BRAVES: Agreed to terms with LHP Mariano Gomez, C Orlando Mercado, C J.C. Boscan, INF Joe Thurston, OF Brent Clevlen and OF Mitch Jones on contracts.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: Exercised the 2011

club option on SS Jimmy Rollins.

FOOTBALL NFL NFL: Fined Tennessee LB Keith Bulluck $10,000 by the NFL for throwing a football into the stands during a Dec. 12 game against St. Louis. Fined New York Jets LB Bart Scott $5,000 for unnecessary roughness during a Dec. 12 game at Tampa Bay. BUFFALO BILLS: Placed G Kendall Simmons on . Signed TE Joe Klopfenstein.

COLLEGE OKLAHOMA: Announced junior DT Gerald McCoy will enter the NFL draft.

SAM HOUSTON STATE: Named Willie Fritz football coach.

COWBOYS Continued from Page 1B whether New Orleans, which won nine of its first 11 games by double digits, is wearing down.

Injuries have hurt the defense, which has dropped to 21st in the NFL in yards allowed per game (347.6).

Starting cornerbacks Jabari Greer (sports hernia) and Tracy Porter (right knee sprain) both have been out for about a month. Starting linebacker Scott Fujita also has missed the past two games with an infection in his knee.

If defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is worried, he’s not showing it.

“We’ve played well enough to win and the big thing is that we still do a good job of attacking the ball,” Williams said. “You can measure a lot of things, but you can’t really measure a person’s will. Our guys’

strength and resolve at the end of ball games have been really good. We’ve let a couple of big plays hit us here the last couple weeks. ... We have to minimize those shots down the field.”

December troubles Dallas has to figure out how to play better in December. With their two-game losing streak, the Cowboys have fallen to 3-8 in December games in three seasons under coach Wade Phillips.

“We’re in playoff contention right now.

That’s the most important thing,” Phillips said. “It’s not about me. It’s about this football team. We’ve won a lot of games here already. We hope to win some more.

“We have 30 wins already in three years and we’d like to win some more and get in the playoffs. That’s our goal.”

They can take a confidence-building step by winning against the Saints in a game that carries a number of subplots.

Romo and Saints coach Sean Payton are friends who both played quarterback at Eastern Illinois.

While Payton was an assistant coach at Dallas, he was influential in Romo’s early development as a pro.

Prior meetings Since Payton came to New Orleans, their teams have faced each other once, in 2006, and the Saints won 42-17.

It was a nationally televised night game, much like this matchup, and it was one of Reggie Bush’s best games as a pro.

Bush turned a screen pass into a spectacular, weaving, 61-yard touchdown that night. He remembers the game well and figures a number of Cowboys players do as well.

“We’re expecting them to give it everything they’ve got,” said Bush, who scored a pair of touchdowns on short passes in Atlanta last Sunday. “They’re trying to get to the playoffs and we know this game is really important to them and it’s really important to us. ... It’s a national stage.

It’s already hyped up.

“I’m sure they remember us playing them a few years ago and they would like to get a little revenge.”

WARE Continued from Page 1B strained his neck in a scary headfirst collision.

On the practice report issued by the Cowboys, Ware was listed as not participating even though he was involved in some parts of the 90-minute session without pads that resembled a walkthrough.

The team also did not indicate his status for the Saints game since the NFL doesn’t require that until Friday.

Scary injury Ware, who was taken off the field on a stretcher and briefly hospitalized after getting hurt Sunday

against San Diego, wasn’t available to comment Thursday.

The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker said earlier this week that he wants to play against the undefeated Saints, the NFL’s most productive offense.

“He is a competitor. I’m pretty sure if he felt well enough to go, he would,” defensive end Marcus Spears said. “I’m guessing it wasn’t bad enough to keep him out. He was able to participate and run around (at practice).”

Ware has never missed a game, starting all 77 regular-season games since he was the 11th overall pick in 2005.

“

“He is a competitor. I’m pretty sure if he felt well enough to go, he would.”

DEFENSIVE END MARCUS SPEARS

Adding numbers In October, Ware agreed to a $78 million, six-year contract extension through the 2015 season that included a $20 million signing bonus.

The 27-year-old Ware was in the final year of the contract he signed as a rookie.

After leading the NFL with 20 sacks last season, Ware has nine this year to push his career total to 621/2.

He needs only one more sack for his fourth consecutive 10-sack season.

The only Dallas player to do that was George Andrie from 1964-67, although

sacks were not official then.

Quarterback Tony Romo said it was nice to see Ware back on the field Thursday.

“You always want to make sure that he is going to be OK, and from the sound of things, he is improving. I told him, I was like, ’You’ve got to do obviously the right thing for your health, but you’re going to play,”’ Romo said. “If he can play, obviously that’s going to help us.”

Playing possibilities Coach Wade Phillips, who did not talk with reporters after practice, said

Wednesday that Ware could still play against the Saints even if he didn’t work out Thursday.

“Just talking to him, not really getting specific with him, he seems to be getting better every day,” linebacker Keith Brooking said Thursday. “He’s a freak of nature, man. He would never have to work out, lift a weight or practice for the rest of his career and average 15-20 sacks a year, so he’s fine.”

Brooking said Ware knows the defense, so missing practice “is not going to affect him at all.” Ware has attended meetings and taken part in other walkthrough sessions this week.

TEXANS Continued from Page 1B “We’re a little big banged up,” Spagnuolo said.

Young and inexperienced, too, with 24 undrafted players on the roster, which makes them ripe for another whipping heading into a second straight home game that’ll be blacked out on local TV. The Rams were about 8,000 tickets shy of a sellout Thursday.

Blocking setbacks Laurinaitis does his best to block out those 12 setbacks, the indifferent, half-filled home crowds and the Rams’ perennial status as frontrunners for the No. 1 pick after choosing second overall the previous two years.

Like his coach, he won’t dwell on the cumulative misery.

“Coach Spags has always done a great job of looking forward, looking forward, looking forward,” Laurinaitis said. “You realize this thing’s going to get

turned around and we’re excited to go out there each week to try to do something about it.

“That’s all you can do, just keep working.”

Common thread Laurinaitis has a lot in common with Texans rookie outside linebacker Brian Cushing, also from a storied program (Southern California) and the team’s leading tackler with 112 after being taken with the 15th pick of the first round.

“I was thrown into the mix early and got playing experience and learning experience,” Cushing said. “The more game experience you get and the more and more you play, the more comfortable you get.”

Unlike Laurinaitis, Cushing plays for a competitive team. The Texans lost four in a row by a total of 19 points before snapping

that skid with a 34-7 victory last week over the Seahawks, and remain hopeful of a playoff berth.

Young standout Cushing has prospered on a veteran defense led by defensive end Mario Williams and linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the NFL’s leading tackler over the last four seasons.

Cushing missed time in the preseason but hasn’t missed a regular-season start.

“One of the things he’s done that’s been very rare is to be able to miss some time on the practice field and still be pretty automatic,” coach Gary Kubiak said.

“You don’t find guys that normally do that, that young.”

Comparing places Don’t think Laurinaitis, taken

20 picks after Cushing and the fifth linebacker to go, hasn’t noticed Cushing and the rest of the guys taken ahead of him.

“I kind of want it to be one of those classes where people look back at it and they’re kind of like, ‘Dang, that class of 2009 linebackers, they were a successful bunch,”’ Laurinaitis said.

Cushing has 21/2 sacks, is tied for the team lead with 11 tackles for loss, and has three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Laurinaitis has led or tied for the team tackles lead in nine of 13 games, posted double-digit totals eight times, and has one sack, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

“I don’t know Brian very well, but my guess is his experience in college has helped him in the NFL, just like I know it has for Laurinaitis,” Spagnuolo said.

“James has been terrific, he’s been thrust into a role that’s very, very tough as a rookie.”

Painful paths All those stops have taken a toll on Laurinaitis. He has a pair of bruised shoulders, and was so spent after last week’s 47-7 loss at Tennessee he needed assistance putting on his sportcoat.

“You’re more sore after these NFL games, because everyone’s bigger and faster and more explosive,” Laurinaitis said.

“You’re sore the day after and it gets better throughout the week and then you do it all over again in a cycle.

“Three more cycles and I’ll have some rest then.”

Three more wins for the Texans, who play at Miami next week before finishing at home against the Patriots, and maybe Cushing can postpone his first NFL offseason.

“The first season has been great,” Cushing said. “The biggest thing is just to continue going.”

RAMS Continued from Page 1B “Steven has shown he can do well without practice and I anticipate he’ll do very well this week,” Gado said. “I’d be very surprised if he couldn’t go.”

Return to practice Most of the Rams were back a day after the team canceled Thursday’s workout due to an undisclosed number of swine flu cases.

Among them were center Jason Brown, who confirmed he was diagnosed with swine flu.

“I felt horrible, like crap,” Brown said. “I felt like passing out. It attacks you and it attacks you very hard and very fast. Luckily there are antiviral medications to help you get back on your feet very fast.”

Also missing practice Friday because of flulike symptoms were wide receiver Brandon Gibson and defensive tackle Darell Scott. Spagnuolo said four other players were limited in practice for due to the illness — Brown, tight ends Billy Bajema and Da-

“Obviously when you have a game with multiple interceptions there’s some bad throws and some decision-making that needs to get cleaned up,” offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said. “But he has the makings, skill and ability to be a quarterback in this league.”

niel Fells, and Gado. He refused to say which players had swine flu or the overall number.

Cause for concern Brown believes he contracted swine flu on the flight to Nashville, Tenn., to play the Titans last Sunday. He said he felt fine, if a bit weakened, after practice.

“My body feels fresh,” he said. “But going out there I was winded very fast.”

Spagnuolo stressed to the players that there will still be no excuses to fall back on Sunday when the Rams (1-12) play the Texans (6-7).

“This league, this game, is about mentally and physically tough people,” Spagnuolo said. “Even the teams that are 14-0, 13-0, it’s a mental and physical challenge, and ours is no different.

“We had some adversity this week but we’re out here and we’re expected to focus and get ready to play a game.”

Other problems

Photo by Jeff Roberson | AP

In this Nov. 29 file photo, St. Louis Rams quarterback Kyle Boller throws during the first quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks in St. Louis. Boller is one of several Rams players who missed practice due to flu-like symptoms this week and may not play against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

More questions Another player, defensive end Leonard Little, was questionable with an in-

fected knee.

Null, the Rams’ likely starting quarterback, spent much of the unexpected day off preparing for the

Texans defense. The sixthround pick was intercepted five times in a 47-7 loss at Tennessee but has gotten high marks for poise.

The Rams have lost 22 of 23 games and have been outscored 192-86 at home where they failed to sell out for the second straight home game.

Defensive coordinator Ken Flajole said in 32 years of coaching he can’t remember being sick during the season.

“And if I was, I guess I convinced myself I wasn’t,” Flajole added. “I haven’t paid much attention to it, and I guess probably my daughters would tell me I’m stupid that way, but I just go on and do what I do.

“The work still continues.”

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B

HINTS BY HELOISE PET PAL Dear Readers: Lee Jaksik of Pleasanton, Texas, sent a photo of four Boston terriers posing for a Christmas photo in a red wagon. They are, left to right, Hefer, Peanut, Rocko and Major. Lee says, “Hefer and Rocko belong to my daughter, and Peanut and Major are mine.”

To see the terriers in the wagon, visit www.Heloise.com.

-- Heloise CAT HINT Dear Heloise: I have an indoor/outdoor cat. When she is in the house in the daytime, I can tell her “No!” and she will stay off the furniture. At night when I go to bed, I can’t control her. So, before I go to bed, I put foil over what I don’t want her to jump on. -- Jean Taylor, Pekin, Ill. PLACE MATS Dear Heloise: We also are dog lovers, and we have a puli

“

HELOISE

(with dreadlocks) named Bogey.

I started using heavy hot pads as place mats under the water and food bowls. Works great, and I can throw them in the washer easily. Any spilled water is absorbed into the pad and doesn’t damage the wood floor. -- Kathy Sampson, via email FUNNELING BIRDSEED Dear Heloise: I kept spilling birdseed all over when trying to fill the feeder until I came up with a solution. My canning funnel has a wide mouth and spout, and it fits exactly into the feeder -- no more crying over spilled seeds. -- T.R., Arlington, Va.

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Sports

4B THE ZAPATA TIMES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

Cubs deal Bradley to Mariners

By GREGG BELL ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEATTLE — Mercurial outfielder Milton Bradley was traded to the Seattle Mariners from the Chicago Cubs on Friday for expensive and underperforming pitcher Carlos Silva.

The dual dumping, which came together in 48 hours, got rid of headaches for each team — yet has the potential of creating new ones in each city.

Chicago also received millions from the Mariners to offset the nearly $25 million remaining on Silva’s contract.

Chicago has been wanting to deal Bradley since the Cubs suspended him for the final two weeks of last season, shortly after he criticized the atmosphere surrounding a team that hasn’t won a World Series since 1908.

General manager Jim Hendry said Friday he regrets signing the fiery outfielder to a $30 million, three-year contract. Bradley hit just .257 with 40 RBIs last season.

“I bear the responsibility for that not working out,” Hendry said during a conference call. “Obviously, in this case, it did not work out how we planned, which was also the reason I sent Milton home. (That’s) not going to be tolerated, to treat our fans, teammates and members of the media the way he did.

“It’s just time to put it behind us and move forward.”

Seattle, which has never even appeared in a World Series, didn’t expect to find a suitor for Silva. He has done little except lose and get hurt in the two seasons since he signed a $48 million, four-year contract.

Silva won five games in two years with the Mariners: $4.8 million per victory. They will now pay more to Chicago to shed the albatross of a contract secondyear Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik inherited from predecessor Bill Bavasi.

Zduriencik’s third splashy move in three days was to add more offense following his acquisition of ace Cliff Lee in a trade with Philadelphia and the signing All-Star infielder Chone Figgins.

Photo by Jeff Roberson | AP

In this Sept. 14 file photo, Florida Marlins infielder Nick Johnson, right, rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run off St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Todd Wellemeyer, left, during their game in St. Louis. Johnson is returning to the New York Yankees after agreeing to a deal on Friday.

Photo by Charles Rex Arbogast | AP

In this Aug. 26 file photo, Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley watches his two-run home run during a game against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The mercurial outfielder was traded to the Seattle Mariners from the Cubs on Friday for expensive and underperforming pitcher Carlos Silva.

After years of run-ins, Bradley was suspended for one game last season after arguing with umpire Larry Vanover when he was called out on strikes with the bases loaded April 16.

That, by the way, was his first at-bat at Wrigley Field as a Cub. In June, he got sent home by manager Lou Piniella during a game against the White Sox after he threw his helmet and attacked a water cooler following a popout. The Cubs finally decided they had enough in September, after he criticized the team in a suburban newspaper.

Seattle believes clubhouse leader Ken Griffey Jr. and Figgins will be able to rein in Bradley’s “passion” in a productive way. The Mariners repeatedly have proclaimed they want players of high character with good attitudes, citing Figgins as the latest example.

They also wanted another bat.

“We were in search of a middle-of-the-lineup guy for

quite some time,” Zduriencik said.

Seattle’s GM characterized Bradley’s fire as a passion to win. He said he got nothing but good reports on Bradley going back his minor-league career a decade ago. Zduriencik specifically relied upon the input from two former coaches of Bradley: current Mariners bench coach Ty Van Burkleo, who was with Bradley in Oakland in 2007, and performance coach Steve Hecht, who had the outfielder in Texas in 2008.

The 31-year-old Bradley was an All-Star that year as a designated hitter with the Rangers. He led the AL in on-base percentage while batting a career high-tying .321 during a relatively event-free year. That was followed by the tumultuous season with the Cubs.

“It’s a new day, new way,” Zduriencik said.

He said Bradley will likely play left field and perhaps share designated hitter with Griffey on a team that last season went 85-77

following a 101-loss year.

“What we know is that he is a good person, that he is a very intelligent guy, that he has a strong desire to win,” Zduriencik said.

Zduriencik said Bradley told him Friday morning, “When I saw the Seattle thing I said, ‘OK, this would be fun.”’

“He realizes where we’re headed here, and he wants to be a part of it,” Zduriencik said. “We’re going to welcome him with open arms.”

The hefty, 30-year-old Silva appeared in eight games for Seattle this year while missing most of the season with a bad pitching shoulder, after he had devoted himself to yoga and a better diet. He went from 285 pounds to 250, yet was a 1-3 with an 8.60 ERA. “I think this deal helps us in a lot of ways,” Hendry said of his Cubs. “Hopefully, Mr. Silva will get back to where he was a few years ago. He was a quality free agent when he left the Twins.”

Yankees bring back infielder Nick Johnson

By RONALD BLUM ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Nick Johnson is returning to the Yankees, a move that likely will end Johnny Damon’s time in New York after four seasons.

Johnson reached a preliminary agreement Friday on a $5.5 million, oneyear contract, a person familiar with the negotiations said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement is not yet complete.

Johnson must pass a physical for the agreement to be finalized. He can earn about $1 million more in performance bonuses next year, and the deal includes a 2011 mutual option for at least $5.5 million with possible escalators.

Damon, who had a key double steal that helped New York beat Philadelphia in the World Series, became a free agent after completing a $52 million, four-year contract.

While he was popular with teammates and fans, the Yankees were concerned about his age (36).

The sides also were far apart on money. Damon was seeking a three-year deal worth at least $39 million, while New York was prepared to go no higher than $18 million to $20 million over two seasons.

Johnson began his career in New York and spent three years with the Yankees before he was traded to Montreal after the 2003 season in the Javier Vazquez deal. The 31year-old becomes the second significant addition to the Yankees during the offseason following last week’s acquisition of 28year-old center fielder Curtis Granderson in a trade from Detroit.

Johnson, a first baseman, will become replace Matsui as the Yankees’ DH and Melky Cabrera appears likely to take over from Damon in left. Johnson hit a combined .291 for Washington and Florida last season with eight homers, 62 RBIs, 99 walks, a .426 on-base percentage and a .405 slugging percentage. He figures to bat second for the Yankees behind Derek Jeter.

Bowl reunion for Beeler Mathews gets his chance

By JOSH DUBOW

By TIM KORTE

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ASSOCIATED PRESS

STANFORD, Calif. — Just a few days before Stanford received an invitation to play Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl, Cardinal center Chase Beeler left his room in a Sooners T-shirt.

Called out by a teammate, Beeler quickly put on a sweatshirt to hide the infraction. Beeler should be forgiven for his fashion faux pas, considering he grew up immersed in Oklahoma football and spent one season with the Sooners before transferring to Stanford.

“You can’t avoid it anywhere you go,” Beeler said of the impact of Sooners football on a kid growing up in Oklahoma. “On a Saturday, you’ll either be hit in the face with an Oklahoma game or an Oklahoma State game. It’s just part of the history. You pick it up in grade school. It’s part of the textbook practically.”

Now Beeler will get an unexpected chance to play his former team when No. 19 Stanford (8-4) takes on Oklahoma (7-5) in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.

Beeler has been hearing some trash talk from friends back home ever since the bids were announced Dec. 6. He has also been inundated with ticket requests from family members who love the Sooners, but want to see Beeler play.

Beeler got the maximum 20 tickets for his mother to distribute and figures that he’ll have close to 30 family members at the game in El Paso. He has had to lay down a few ground rules for his family members

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews led the nation in rushing but wasn’t invited to the Heisman Trophy award ceremony in New York City.

He’ll have to settle for the New Mexico Bowl.

Mathews and the Bulldogs (8-4) are going first on the bowl lineup, playing against Wyoming (6-6) today.

“He’s a very good football player and I think a lot of people will be watching this game just to watch him,” said Fresno State coach Pat Hill, whose team started 1-3 but won seven of its last eight to reach a bowl game for the 10th time in 11 years.

Mathews averaged 151.3 yards per game — almost 7 yards better than Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart of Stanford. He runs over defenders as easily as he zips around them. Hill said Mathews typically gets the ball on 40 percent of Fresno State’s snaps.

“He’s the horse we ride,” Hill said Friday.

Mathews had a seasonhigh 235 yards rushing against Boise State and logged at least 150 yards in games against Illinois, Wisconsin and Cincinnati.

He’s always a big-play threat, leading the nation with seven runs of at least 50 yards.

He had touchdown runs of 69, 68 and 60 yards in a loss to Boise State.

“You won’t shut him down, but you can’t give up the 60- or 70-yard runs that he’s been having,”

Photo by Elaine Thompson | AP

In this Sept. 27, 2008, file photo, Stanford quarterback Tavita Pritchard, right, drops back to pass as offensive lineman Chase Beeler blocks Washington defensive tackle Alameda Ta’amu (74) during their game in Seattle. come game day.

“I don’t want any OU paraphernalia externally visible,” he said. “If they want to wear something underneath like some OU boxers or an OU T-shirt or something like that, that’s fine. I won’t have any way of verifying this but no cheering for OU either. Silent under the bleachers maybe, but that’s it.”

Beeler had a difficult decision coming out of Jenks High School just outside of Tulsa, Okla. He was torn between staying home to play for Oklahoma or going to Stanford.

The choice was so tough that Beeler said he didn’t finalize it until seeing members of his family outside the school gymnasium where he made his signing day announcement.

“It was a very stressful, difficult decision that took a lot of deliberation and a lot of discussion between

me and my family about where they and I thought I should end up and what my trajectory should be in life,” Beeler said. “I was at Oklahoma for a year and felt like that wasn’t really the direction I wanted.”

Beeler said Oklahoma just wasn’t the right “fit” academically and socially so he decided to transfer to Stanford before the 2007 season.

The Sooners could have used Beeler this season after losing three offensive linemen to season-ending injuries, including Brody Eldridge and Ben Habern.

Brian Lepak, Oklahoma’s third starting center of the season, will handle the snaps in the bowl game.

“We’re happy for Chase, for his experience out there and for what he’s doing,” Sooners coach Bob Stoops said. “I’m sure it’s been a very rewarding and great experience for him.”

Photo by Craig Kohlruss/The Fresno Bee | AP

In this Sept. 18 file photo, Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews breaks free for the third of his three touchdowns in the second half of the Bulldogs’ game against Boise State in Fresno, Calif. said Wyoming defensive tackle John Fletcher. “He’s a patient back, but he’s also a big guy that runs hard. You’re going to have to hit him in the legs, not take him out up top.”

For a time this fall, there was even talk of Mathews making a Heisman Trophy run. But Mathews, a junior, said he never expected to be invited to the Big Apple for the award show, sharing the stage with Gerhart and Heisman winner Mark Ingram of Alabama.

“All that stuff is politics, what school you go to, things like that,” Mathews said. “Those guys who went are wonderful running backs, but I think I deserved to be up there with the best of them. It’s fine. It gives me more to prove, more to work for.”

Mathews was reluctant to elaborate on the Heisman politics stacked against a player at a midmajor program, but his center didn’t hold back.

Joe Bernardi said unless a mid-major team goes unbeaten and makes a bid for a BCS bowl game, it’s difficult for a standout player to mount a Heisman campaign.

“We understand that,” Bernardi said. “If we would have been undefeated this season, Ryan probably would have had a shot at being there.”

Bernardi insisted Mathews is just as good as the better-known players.

“We know deep down that he’s one of the top two or three running backs in the country,” Bernardi said. “Put the stats up there. Put the film on.

Ryan’s right up there with Ingram and Gerhart, no doubt.”

Mathews could have suited up for a higher-profile program but picked the Bulldogs to play for Hill and so his mother, Tricia, could watch.

“My mom goes to all the games. She hasn’t missed one yet,” he said.