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Sheriff knocks jail plan Man fondly By ZACH LINDSEY THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County commissioners are looking to hand management of the regional jail over to a private company in an effort to save money, but Sheriff Sigifredo “Sigi” Gonzalez Jr. doesn’t think that’s such a good idea. An item on the December Commissioners Court agenda sought a motion to contract the regional jail to Corrections Corporation of America, but the court was informed at the meeting the company is interested only in jails with 1,000 beds or more.
Despite the news, the matter spawned a lengthy debate between the court and the sheriff, who said he was unGONZALEZ aware of the court’s plans prior to seeing the agenda. “The cost of the regional jail keeps going up year after year,” County Commissioner Joseph Rathmell said. “We’re stuck with a $900,000 loan payment over the next 20 years, and I think we need to pursue any options that might
save the taxpayer funds.” The population of the jail is about 170, which nears the legal limit of 90 percent capacity. Gonzalez responded many private jails have come under fire for the treatment of their inmates. “We’ve never had any escapes,” Gonzalez said. “These private jails have escapes all the time. As a matter of fact, very dangerous inmates have escaped from these facilities. We have to have one guard for every 48 inmates; these facilities have to have one guard for every 100-120 inmates. We have to feed proper food to the inmates; we’re all human beings and I
agree with that. These facilities feed them whatever they want.” The private facilities have a high rate of suicides as well as homicides by other inmates, the sheriff added. There have not been any suicides or murders in Zapata’s facility, he said. The private prisons also have another unexpected side effect, according to Gonzalez. Although money will be saved by not having to pay for salaries for detention workers, more deputy sheriffs may have to be hired. “Local law enforcement has to
See JAIL | PAGE 10A
remembered By NICK GEORGIOU THE ZAPATA TIMES
Friends and family filled a Hebbronville funeral home Friday night for a rosary for Rolando Gonzalez Jr., who died in an oilfield accident earlier this week. “He was a devoted and loving husband,” said Palmyra Benavides, one of Gonzalez’s cousins, in a telephone interview shortly before the rosary. “I can’t even describe the father he was to his kids, and he was a spectacular son to his mother and father.” Gonzalez, 43, was killed in an oilfield off Texas 16 near Bustamante on Monday, Dec. 22. Officials said Gonzalez, a self-
employed contract gauger, was working on a piece of equipment at Bustamante Land Treatment Inc. GONZALEZ when the muffler exploded. He died instantly from injuries to the head, said Dr. Corinne Stern, Webb County medical examiner, who conducted the autopsy. The Zapata County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department responded to the emergency call at the oilfield at about 1 p.m. Monday.
See REMEMBERED | PAGE 10A
County gets wildfire grant By NICK GEORGIOU LAREDO MORNING TIMES
More than 900 fire departments statewide recently received some compensation for combating wildfires that tore through large portions of Texas nearly three years ago. The Zapata County Fire Department was among those beneficiaries to get a piece of the $5.7 million grant. “It was as much a surprise to me as it was to (everyone else),” said Fire Chief Juan J. Meza, who recently arrived at work to find a $3,500 check from the Texas Forest Service on his desk. According to TFS, the agency
distributed the money through a legislative grant to fire departments affected by the wildfire season that ran from Dec. 1, 2005 to Sept. 18, 2006. During that time period, wildfires scorched 2.25 million acres statewide, destroyed more than 730 homes and killed 20 people, including two firefighters. “I believe it was an odd year,” Meza said. “These wildfires were going on all over the state and nation. I guess they thought we needed some help. “Anything is good to help out.”
See GRANT | PAGE 10A
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
Wendy Escobedo, a therapist at SCAN, talks to a parent during a counseling session.
THE ZAPATA TIMES
apatans are banned from celebrating the New Year using fireworks, according to Fire Chief Juan Meza. He said the county commissioners have instituted a fireworks ban due to dry conditions. In addition, another ordinance permanently bans the use of aerial fireworks, Meza said. According to the National Weather Service’s Web site for the Zapata area, the area is under the threat of an increased fire risk through New Year’s Day. “Ongoing dry weather conditions over the past few months have resulted in cured fuels across deep South Texas. Cured fuels are dry and dormant vegetation. Under these conditions, the use of fireworks often results in an increased risk for accidental fires,” the NWS site states.
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“Under these conditions, the use of fireworks often results in an increased risk for accidental fires.” NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATEMENT
However, there is a limited chance of rain next week, according to the National Weather Service. Tuesday, the forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of showers and mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Southeast wind should be between 5- and 10-mph. Tuesday night should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Then Wednesday, New Year’s Eve, partly sunny, with a high near 75, followed by a low around 59. On New Year’s Day, the forecast calls for sunny skies, with a high near 68. Many areas across the state are in danger of accidental wildfires this month as some celebrate the end of the year with fireworks. Fireworks are commonly linked to Christmas and New Year festivities, but the Texas Forest Service warns the outcome can be disastrous if proper safety precautions are not taken. “Many Texans will be using fireworks to celebrate Christmas and the New Year,” Texas Forest Service Fire Operations Chief Mark Stanford said. “TFS wants Texans to use fireworks safely in order to protect themselves and to avoid accidentally starting wildfires.” Under Texas law, county government
See FIREWORKS | PAGE 10A
Therapy, more offered by SCAN (Editor’s note: United Way is funding 25 agencies in Laredo and Zapata with its 2008-09 campaign. This is one in a series about the agencies and the people they help.)
By CHRISTINA ROSALES LAREDO MORNING TIMES
A mother and her two young sons sit together watching a cartoon in the SCAN lobby. Both boys are right next to their mother, tranquil and content — until the 3- and 4-year-olds’ attention spans are shortened by the Legos scattered on the floor. About a year ago, the boys would not have been as easy to take on an outing, said the moth-
er, whose name is not used to protect the boys’ identities. “Now they’re calmer,” she said in Spanish. “I can talk to them and express myself with them. They understand me. This therapy is what has helped us the most.” The older boy was sexually assaulted by a neighbor, an older child, and the younger boy witnessed the assault. Due to the trauma, the younger boy began having emotional disruptions
See SCAN | PAGE 10A
Zin brief
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 27,2008
AROUND THE NATION | IN BRIEF
WHAT’S GOING ON
SUNDAY,DEC.28 Neo Gutierrez’s 40th Annual HipHop Jazz Dance Workshop to be conducted byAni Vera is at the Nixon High School gym today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.The workshop is free.
French Madoff investor lost his,family’s funds
TUESDAY,DEC.30 A retrospective exhibit showcasing the history of the Ursuline Sisters in Laredo continues on display at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St., throughout December. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free Tuesdays and $5 other days. For more information, call the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977.
WEDNESDAY,DEC.31 Epoca de Oro Social Club, a nonprofit organization, is hosting its end-ofthe-year New Year’s Eve Dance from 9 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. at the Laredo Civic Center, 2400 San Bernardo Ave. Tickets are $25 at the door. For more information, contact Enrique T. De la Garza, club president, at etdelagarza1@yahoo.com or 3196604.
THURSDAY,JAN.1 New Year’s Day. County, state and federal offices are closed for the holiday.
MONDAY,JAN.5 Zapata County Independent School District students return to class today.
WEDNESDAY,JAN.14 This is the final day to enter the FLW Outdoors Forrest Wood Cup Tournament at the Zapata County Boat Ramp.
THURSDAY,JAN.15 First day of the FLW Outdoors Forrest Wood Cup Tournament on Falcon Lake. Weigh-in is at the Zapata County Boat Ramp.
FRIDAY,JAN.16 FLW Outdoors Forrest Wood Cup Tournament continues at Falcon Lake. Deadline for entering “Flavor of South Texas” cook-off. For more information,call the Zapata Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871.
SATURDAY,JAN.17 Last day of the FLWOutdoors Forrest Wood Cup Tournament on Falcon Lake. A local expo is scheduled at the Zapata County Community Center as part of the FLW Outdoors tournament. To have a booth at the expo, call the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce at 765-4871.There is no fee for the booth.
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Photo by Winslow Townson | AP
Shoppers stroll past discount signs at the Burlington Mall in Burlington, Mass., on Friday.
Retailers slash prices to entice post-holiday shoppers By LAUREN SHEPHERD ASSOCIATED PRESS
Two hours before the doors were set to open Friday morning, a Miami-area WalMart parking lot was full of cars — and possibility. But in a Christmas shopping season in which many Americans were unwilling to spend, even a packed lot doesn’t always translate into holiday cheer for stores. As stores offered rock-bottom prices and extended return policies, shoppers returned to the malls the day after Christmas. But many were on the hunt for big bargains on specific items or hoping to return unwanted gifts — not looking to splurge. Brenda Peterson was looking for “flatout bargains” after driving 35 miles to arrive at a J.C. Penney in Raleigh, N.C., at 5 a.m., a half-hour before the store opened. But she left empty-handed. A toy that she had spotted before Christmas — a stuffed dog that rolls over and shakes its paw — was gone. And even sales of up to 60 percent off clothing and other items weren’t too enticing. After all, she had seen those sales before Christmas, too. That was a common refrain among
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AROUND THE WORLD | IN BRIEF
SATURDAY,DEC.27 A retrospective exhibit showcasing the history of the Ursuline Sisters in Laredo continues on display at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, 810 Zaragoza St., throughout December. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free Tuesdays and $5 other days. For more information, call the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977. The Seventh Annual Laredo’s Newest Barrio in Cyberspace Pachanga honoring former Laredoans George O. Jackson Jr. and James Pappas is set for today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Civic Center lobby restaurant. Today is the deadline for purchasing presale tickets or presale tables for the Epoca de Oro NewYear’s Eve Dance.Presale tickets are $15 per person at the Holiday Inn Hotel lobby, 800 Garden St. in Laredo, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or from any member of Epoca. For more information, contact Enrique T. De La Garza, club president, at etdelagarza1@yahoo.com or 3196604.
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
shoppers Friday, who appeared to be searching for a deal unlike any they had seen so far this year. Leona Mason of Bowie, Md., was scouring the Towson Town Center mall for a few after-Christmas gifts, including a holiday blouse for her sister. “I’m basically looking for bargains,” she said. “I’m looking for sales.” That kind of focus by shoppers could spell deep trouble for the nation’s stores, which are facing the worst holiday shopping season in decades. Holiday sales — which typically account for 30 percent to 50 percent of a retailer’s annual total — have been less than jolly. Job cuts, portfolio losses and other economic woes have led many Americans to cut back on their spending. Meanwhile, strong winter storms kept some would-be shoppers at home. According to preliminary data from SpendingPulse, which tracks purchases paid for by credit card, checks or cash, retail sales fell between 5.5 percent and 8 percent during the holiday season compared with last year. Excluding auto and gas sales, they fell 2 percent to 4 percent, according to SpendingPulse.
PARIS — The French financier who killed himself after losing more than $1 billion of his clients’ investments to Bernard Madoff’s alleged fraud also saw his own family’s money disappear. Rene-Thierry Magon de la Villehuchet and his business partner Patrick Littaye were “totally ruined,” Bertrand Magon de la Villehuchet said in a telephone interview from his home on Paris’ chic Place des Vosges. Bertrand, 74, said his brother had “invested his own fortune” with Madoff — up to several tens of millions of dollars — along with money from friends and family. Rene-Thierry, 65, was found dead at his desk in the New York office of Access International Advisors on Tuesday, both of his wrists slashed. A box cutter and a bottle of sleeping pills lay nearby. Police say it was a suicide.
Mexico orders trial of suspected hit man MEXICO CITY — An alleged founding member of Mexico’s feared Zetas — a gang of hit men linked to the Gulf drug cartel — will stand trial on organized
crime, drug and weapons charges, prosecutors announced Friday. Jaime Gonzalez Duran, also known as “The Hummer,” will also face charges of transactions with illicit funds. Gonzalez Duran is an army deserter who was arrested in November in the northern city of Reynosa. He is allegedly one of the founding members of the Zetas, a band of cartel hit men believed responsible for massacres and beheadings. The Attorney General’s Office said three other men arrested with Gonzalez Duran will face the same charges.
Police detain rancher linked to nun’s death BRASILIA, Brazil — Brazilian police on Friday detained a rancher suspected in the slaying of rain forest activist Dorothy Stang for allegedly illegally acquiring titles to land the U.S. nun died trying to defend. The detention of Regivaldo Galvao at his home in the Amazon state of Para could lead to the reopening of the case in the death of Stang, who was shot in 2005 amid a dispute with ranchers over land she wanted brought under federal protection. — Compiled from AP re-
AROUND TEXAS | IN BRIEF
Photo by Paul Moseley/Fort Worth Star-Telegram | AP
Fort Worth police control the westbound Hulen Road exit, at right, off of westbound I-20 to nearby Hulen Mall, on Friday. Shoppers returned to the malls the day after Christmas as stores offered rock-bottom prices and extended return policies.
Dispatcher out over mishandled 911 call
Snow blankets West; Midwest iced up
Teen’s family sues over transplant
Warmer Texas temps to cool down
Number of active oil rigs drops by 43
MADISON, Wis. — A former Wisconsin emergency dispatcher has been suspended more than eight months after she mishandled a 911 call from a college student who was stabbed to death. An official said Friday that Rita Gahagan will be suspended from her job for three days. She now works as a child support clerk in a different department. A university student was killed in April at her apartment. She called 911 as she was being attacked, but Gahagan has said she didn’t hear sounds of a struggle.
RENO, Nev. — Yet another snowstorm closed highways in parts of the West on Friday, the latest in a tiring week of bad weather, and a dangerous sheet of ice in parts of the Midwest contributed to a looming flood problem. Winter storm warnings were in effect Friday for parts of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and the western Dakotas, and a blizzard warning covered the mountains of southwest Colorado. Up to 20 inches of snow was forecast in parts of the Rockies, along with wind gusts of up to 80 mph.
LOS ANGELES — The family of a 17-year-old leukemia patient has sued health insurance giant Cigna Corp. for her death in 2007 after the company initially refused to pay for a liver transplant. The lawsuit filed last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court by the family’s attorney, Mark Geragos, alleges breach of contract, unfair business practices and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The suit accuses Cigna of delaying and rejecting valid claims, which resulted in the wrongful death of Nataline Sarkisyan. — Compiled from AP reports
DALLAS — While many around the country were bundling up to go out and shovel more snow, Texans in T-shirts were enjoying record highs the day after Christmas. Strong southerly winds pushed warm, moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico up into North Texas and made it unseasonably warm, the National Weather Service said Friday. In South Texas, there’s a 50 percent chance of showers in the Brownsville area with highs in the lower 80s and lows around 60.
HOUSTON — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States dropped by 43 this week to 1,721. Of the rigs running nationwide, 1,347 were exploring for natural gas and 364 for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. A total of 10 were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,782. Of the major oil- and gasproducing states, Texas lost 23 rigs, Oklahoma lost six, Colorado lost three, Arkansas lost two, and North Dakota and California each lost one. — Compiled from AP reports
TODAY IN HISTORY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Today is Saturday, Dec. 27, the 362nd day of 2008. There are four days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 27, 1968, Apollo 8 and its three astronauts made a safe, nighttime splashdown in the Pacific. On this date: In 1831, naturalist Charles Darwin set out on a round-theworld voyage aboard the HMS Beagle. In 1904, James Barrie’s play “Peter Pan: The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” opened at the Duke of York’s Theater in London. In 1927, the musical play “Show Boat,” with music by Jerome Kern and libretto by Oscar Hammerstein II, opened at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York. In 1932, Radio City Music Hall opened in New York City. In 1945, 28 nations signed an agreement creating the World Bank. In 1947, the children’s TV program “The Howdy Doody Show” made its debut on NBC under the title “Puppet Playhouse.”
In 1978, Algerian President Houari Boumediene, one of the Third World’s most prominent and outspoken leaders, died after 40 days in a coma. In 1979, Soviet forces seized control of Afghanistan. President Hafizullah Amin, who was overthrown and executed, was replaced by Babrak Karmal. In 1985, Palestinian guerrillas opened fire inside the Rome and Vienna airports; a total of 20 people were killed, including four of the attackers, who were slain by police and security personnel. Ten years ago: Six inmates, including four convicted killers, escaped from Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Tennessee. (All were recaptured by the end of the next day.) A week after she was born weighing just 10.3 ounces, the smallest of the Houston octuplets (Chijindu Chidera Louis) died from heart and lung failure. F i v e y e a r s a g o : Coordinated rebel assaults in Karbala, Iraq, killed 13 people, including six coalition soldiers. Actor Alan Bates died in London at age 69. O n e y e a r a g o : Opposition
leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Pakistan by an attacker who shot her after a campaign rally and then blew himself up. Today’s Birthdays: Former U.S. Sen. James A. McClure, RIdaho, is 84. Rockabilly musician Scotty Moore is 77. Actor John Amos is 69. ABC News correspondent Cokie Roberts is 65. Rock musician Mick Jones (Foreigner) is 64. Singer Tracy Nelson is 64. Actor Gerard Depardieu is 60. Jazz singer-musician T.S. Monk is 59. Actor Ian Gomez is 44. Actress Theresa Randle is 44. Actress Eva LaRue is 42. Bluegrass singer-musician Darrin Vincent (Dailey & Vincent) is 39. Rock musician Guthrie Govan (Asia) is 37. Musician Matt Slocum is 36. Actor Wilson Cruz is 35. Singer Olu is 35. Actor Masi Oka is 34. Actress Emilie de Ravin is 27. Christian rock musician James Mead (Kutless) is 26. Rock singer Hayley Williams (Paramore) is 20. Thought for Today: “I’m not young enough to know everything.” — Sir James Matthew Barrie, Scottish dramatist-author (1860-1937).
WALKING WITH BRACES This 1933 photograph shows President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt photographed in his leg braces in New York with Eleanor Roosevelt behind him. The rare picture is part of a new exhibit at the New-York Historical Society, titled “A New President Takes Command: FDR’s First Hundred Days.”
Photo by Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum | AP
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SATURDAY,DECEMBER 27,2008
Cook-off part of fishing tournament ByERIKALAMBRETON LAREDO MORNING TIMES
If you’re a master of the grill, or just a fan of outdoor cooking, don’t miss the chance to compete in Zapata’s “Flavor of South Texas” cookoff, an officially sanctioned event to be held in conjunction with the FLW Outdoors Forrest Wood Cup Stren Series Fishing tournament next month. The cook-off is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Zapata County Community Center, beginning with a cooks’ meeting at 8:30 a.m. The FLW Outdoors holds the largest and most prestigious fishing tournaments each year, which in turn brings together people from
across the country. As an added bonus the FLW Outdoors Stren Series Tournament will televise the event via telecast Internet. Since the cook-off will take place the last day of the fishing tournament, big crowds are expected. Celia Balderas of the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce has high hopes for the turnout. “I think the biggest thing is there will be a big group of people from out of town, (and we’re) hoping to bring a huge crowd of people,” said Balderas. The Zapata cook-off is an International Barbeque Cookers Association-sanctioned event. The association, devoted to the
By DORA MARTINEZ The year 2008 has gone by, and we are approaching 2009 which some religious forecasters say will be a very good year, the year of Jesus because they believe the number “9” represents God. The faithful believe we are all His children and need to give Him quality time in order to be prosperous, healthy and loved by our loved ones and mostly by Him, our creator. Some of us take things for granted and forget all the good things that He has put here on this earth for us free of charge. But everyone, regardless of religion, can make a New Year resolution to make things better and see what the difference will be in the coming year. If only we all could do things right instead of wrong, the world would be a better place for us to live in. What a joyous time it is when
COLUMN we are healthy and with our marvelous families. All of us have that special gift: We know that in order to eat, we have to work. Some people have a lot of money and some have a little, but we all have to eat. And our families are there for us in time of need. Let’s forgive, unite and be happy. Celebrate with pleasure and abundance to recreate our future and make it really work. Honor the Lord, your parents, elders and, yes, yourself. As a matter of fact, to honor yourself is a very important matter. You cannot be a good human when you have no self-respect; in order for someone to respect you, you have to allow yourself to do the same. A very good way to do this is to begin by becoming a better person to yourself and then to your fellow
humans. This advice comes from our forefathers who had morals and values that were passed on down the line. We Christians believe we should help one another in good and bad times, and the gates to heaven will open; he who suffers and is a martyr will climb the ladder sooner. Have a good New Year’s Day and be happy and prosperous. Blessings and good tidings to all!
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CONSERVATION DISTRICTAWARDS
development of equitable, competitive barbecue cooking on an international scale, will provide a representative to officiate the judging. Deadline for registration is Jan. 16. Teams must fill out the registration form, available at the Zapata Chamber of Commerce, and provide a team name, the name of the head cook, names of all the team members, team sponsor and the category in which to be judged. A $250 registration fee must be paid in full in order to compete. Complete rules are available at the chamber office. For more information, call the chamber at 765-4871.
Commit to make 2009 a better year
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Courtesy photo/ZSWCD | Special to the Times
The Zapata Soil and Water Conservation District recently presented its annual awards.Jorge and Irma Uribe were honored for six years of dedicated service to the district. Shown, left to right, are Jose Dodier Jr., chairman of the Zapata SWCD; Jorge Uribe and his wife, Irma. Related photo, 10A.
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SATURDAY,DECEMBER 27,2008
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OTHER VIEWS
EDITORIAL
Hispanics could win with Census HOUSTON CHRONICLE
ith the current recession putting less of a bite on Texas than other parts of the country, the Lone Star state remains a magnet of opportunity for fellow Americans The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates reveal that more than 140,000 people from other states moved here in the 12 months preceding July. Combined with instate population growth and international immigration, that adds up to more than 483,000 new Texans in that span. In terms of population growth, that makes us No. 1 in the nation, ahead of California by more than 100,000. And the inflow of citizens from other states is now significantly greater than that from foreign countries, primarily Mexico and Central America. According to the Virginiabased Election Data Services, Texas will have the fastest growing delegation in the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives following the 2010 census. If Congress was reapportioned based on the latest census estimates for 2008, EDS estimates that Texas would
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pick up three U.S. House seats. With the current 20-12 GOP majority in the Texas delegation, the question will be how the state Legislature following the 2010 census apportions the new seats for the 2012 elections. If Republicans still control both houses in Austin after the 2010 elections, their challenge will be to maintain their congressional incumbents while creating the new districts. University of Houston political scientist Richard Murray predicts that whichever party draws the lines, Texas Hispanics are sure to receive added representation. If Republicans maintain control of the Legislature, Murray says, their smart move would be to maintain GOP districts while carving the new seats in growing Hispanic areas, including Houston and Dallas. Any attempt to create new GOP districts by further diluting minority voting power in the state would likely face challenges from an Obama administration Justice Department. In any case, Hispanic political hopefuls have plenty of time to plan how to utilize those future political gifts.
EDITORIAL
Kennedy needs thicker skin - quick SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
COLUMN
Bush continues to stomp Congress W ASHINGTON — A new Capitol Visitor Center recently opened, just in time for the transformation of the Capitol building into a tomb for the antiquated idea that the legislative branch matters. The center is supposed to enhance the experience of visitors to Congress, although why there are visitors is a mystery. Congress’ marginalization was brutally underscored when, after Congress did not authorize $14 billion for General Motors and Chrysler, the executive branch said, in effect: Congress’ opinions are mildly interesting, so we will listen very nicely — then go out and do precisely what we want. After Congress made its decision, the president gave the two automakers access to money Congress explicitly did not authorize. More money — up to $17.4 billion — than had been debated, thereby calling to mind Winston Churchill on naval appropriations: “The Admiralty had demanded six ships: the economists offered four: and we finally compromised on eight.” The president is dispensing money from the $700 billion Congress provided for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The unfounded assertion of a right to do this is notably brazen, given the indisputable fact that if Congress had known that TARP — supposedly a measure for scouring “toxic” assets from financial institutions — was to become an instrument for unconstrained industrial policy, it would not have been passed. If TARP funds can be put to any use the executive branch fancies because TARP actually is a blank check for that branch, then the only reason no rules are being broken is that there are no rules. This lawlessness tarted up as law explains the charade of Vice President Dick Cheney warning Republican senators that if they did not authorize the $14 billion, the GOP would again be regarded as the party of Herbert Hoover. Surely Cheney, a disparager of Congress and advocate of extravagant executive prerogatives, knew that the president considered the Senate’s consent irrelevant. Evidence that casualness about legality is inherent in big government is found in H.W. Brands’ new biography “A Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.” FDR became president on Saturday, March 4, 1933. Banks were closed that day and the next, temporarily preventing panicked depositors from withdrawing their money. At 1 a.m. Monday, FDR ordered all banks closed for four days, hoping that the fever would break. His act may have been prudent. But was it legal? Brands writes: “He cited a section of the 1917 Trading with the Enemy Act
f Caroline Kennedy initially seemed to assume that her bid to entice New York Gov. David A. Paterson to name her to fill soon-to-be Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Senate seat would be like a coronation, she since has learned otherwise. New York politics and New York media don’t believe in throwing rose petals before her every step. We are not of the mind of those conservatives who compare the late President John F. Kennedy’s daughter to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in the experience department.
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GEORGE F.WILL as justification. The act had never been formally repealed, but a body of legal theory held that the law, along with other wartime legislation, had expired upon the signing of the peace treaty with Germany in 1921.” FDR had asked the opinion of his as-yet-unconfirmed attorney general, Montana Sen. Thomas Walsh, who gave the answer FDR wanted. Walsh never had to defend this: He died March 2 en route to the inauguration. The expansion of government entails an increasingly swollen executive branch and the steady enlargement of executive discretion. This inevitably means the eclipse of Congress and attenuation of the rule of law. For decades, imperatives of wars hot and cold, and the sprawl of the regulatory state, have enlarged the executive branch at the expense of the legislative. For eight years, the Bush administration’s “presidentialists” have aggressively wielded the concept of the “unitary executive” — the theory that where the Constitution vests power in the executive, especially power over foreign affairs and war, the president is immune to legislative abridgements of his autonomy. The administration has not, however, confined its aggrandizement of executive power to national security matters. According to former Rep. Mickey Edwards in his book “Reclaiming Conservatism,” the president has issued “signing statements” designating 1,100 provisions of new laws — more designations than have been made by all prior presidents combined — that he did not consider binding on him or any other executive branch official. Still, most of the administration’s executive truculence has pertained to national security, where the case for broad prerogatives, although not as powerful as the administration supposes, is at least arguable. With the automakers, however, executive branch overreaching now extends to the essence of domestic policy — spending — and traduces a core constitutional principle, the separation of powers. Most members of the House and Senate want the automakers to get the money, so they probably are pleased that the administration has disregarded Congress. History, however, teaches that it is difficult for Congress to be only intermittently invertebrate.
Kennedy seeks to be one among 100 senators, while Palin stood to be America’s stand-in chief executive. Her praiseworthy work for New York public schools and her deft and welltimed endorsement of then-candidate Barack Obama suggest that she has a head for policy and politics. But if Kennedy is going to succeed in the rough-and-tumble of American politics — especially New York politics — she is going to have to accept the transition. So far, she has demonstrated signs of reticence. Item 1: Through a spokesman, Kennedy announced to the New York Times that she will not disclose her finances unless and un-
til Paterson appoints her. Item 2: Kennedy has attempted to ration her accessibility with the media. When the New York Times sent Kennedy a list of policy questions, staffers sent back short, parsed and pat answers. In Syracuse, an aide neatly whisked Kennedy away before she could answer a reporter’s question. Item 3: Kennedy’s well-publicized tour to Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester left locals wondering if she has a handle on New York outside Manhattan. The Buffalo News editorialized, “Kennedy wasn’t helped by her arrival in Buffalo — where thousands are employed by Ford and General Motors — in a Toyota
SUV.” Some Empire State Democrats are wondering if the cocooned Kennedy has the grit to survive a 2010 election, followed by a 2012 re-election race. Ironically, some Albany Democrats are suggesting that Paterson appoint another dynasty Democrat, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who at least underwent heavy vetting before winning statewide election. After a lifetime of low-profile involvement in civic affairs, Kennedy has made a graceful plunge into public life this year. But the expectations of the next step — elected office — will necessarily require her to accept scrutiny and counter criticisms.
YOUR OPINION Donate to Rio Grande International Study Center to support good cause,get tax break To the editor: Many area residents have become painfully aware of the financial burden imposed by a limited natural resource. The percentage of a personal budget used for gasoline has significantly increased in a relatively short period of time. Although prices at the pump have recently decreased, the cost of this energy resource will continue to rise as world demand increases. Regardless of temporary dips in oil prices, expect to continue to pay an increasing share of your monthly budget for gasoline. Water is a resource even more vital than oil. You can live without driving a car, but you cannot live without drinking water. As populations grow, demand for good clean water will increase, supplies will be more difficult to obtain and costs of production will rise. The mission of the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) is to ensure that adequate, high quality water is available for our future.
RGISC, winner of the 1995 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, is dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of water available to you and your family. We have often encountered strong resistance as we’ve worked to protect our drinking and recreational waters. These actions on the public’s behalf are often in conflict with the profit-motivated, short-term objectives of some special interest groups and with governmental actions or inactions that cater to the wishes of these groups. Conserving water-filtering wetlands, reducing the inflow of toxic chemicals into the Rio Grande, and minimizing the erosion and silting-up of the river that often accompany development are logical steps to ensure good water for all of us, our families and our community. With your support RGISC will continue this work. For nearly two decades, RGISC has endeavored to increase awareness of the Rio
Grande through various educational activities including the Laredo Community College Learning Community and River Curriculum programs, the Young Environmental Partners program for elementary school students, Xeriscape gardening classes, the Dia del Rio Celebration and the Casa Blanca Fest. RGISC helped LCC in obtaining funding for the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center and continues to work with the college to increase the environmental influence of the Center. RGISC is currently studying various methods of controlling river cane to provide greater visibility for the Border Patrol and to bring native species back to the river bank. Furthermore, RGISC has worked with the City of Laredo in delineating wetlands, has fought for and succeeded in passing the City of Laredo Green Space Preservation Ordinance and has initiated Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers
investigations that resulted in citations for violation of the 1972 Clean Water Act. RGISC continues a water quality monitoring program that began in 1992. RGISC depends on the generosity of individual citizens and philanthropic foundations. The people and foundations who fund our activities share our mission. We are working to be good stewards of the funding that has been invested in our work. We strive to give good return for every dollar invested. As 2008 draws to a close, it’s a good time to donate to RGISC; all contributions are tax-deductible. You would be supporting a worthy cause and getting a break on your taxes, too. For more information on how to join the organization or to make a donation, call 7215392 or visit www.rgisc.org Signed, Jim Earhart, Ph.D. Executive Director Rio Grande International Study Center
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 of the letter writer
and to clarify content, if necessary. We seek to assure our readers that a letter is written by the person who signs it; The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling, personal attacks or
gratuitous abuse is allowed. This space encourages public debate of the issues of the day. We do publish “thank you” letters, but due to limited space, we ask writers to list no more than 10 names in such letters. Letters with more than 10 names will not be published.
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
Mail letters to Letters to the Editor; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo, TX 78041. Or e-mail to editorial@lmtonline.com Letters also may be dropped off at The Zapata Times office, 1309 N. U.S. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, in Zapata, or in Laredo at 111 Esperanza Drive.
Zlife
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 27,2008
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MISS MANNERS | BYJUDITH MARTIN
Live within your means this year – and every year
By STEFANIE CHARLES LAREDO MORNING TIMES
litz and glamour are the essentials for every woman’s New Year’s Eve ensemble, whether it’s in the form of a long evening gown, sequined mod-mini or merely a candy-colored cocktail ring, New Year’s Eve is all about fun and flashy. If you’re attending a black-tie gala long, ethereal gowns are the way to go. Think Grecian-style with layers upon layers of chiffon. Add subtle touches of glamour by wearing chandelier earrings or a cocktail ring.
Fun and flirty Perhaps an evening of mini hors d’oeuvres and stuffed shirts isn’t your idea of fun — maybe you would rather dance the night away with friends. If so, fun and flirty cocktail dresses are just the ticket. Go for the mini sheath dress loaded with sequins and sparkle, and if it’s cold out, pair with opaque tights and fabulous stilettos. If you’re afraid of sparkle and can only handle the glitz in small doses, try an embellished clutch in bright jewel tone that can add a pop of color to any ensemble. If you’re looking for a classic glamour, go for the baubles, over-sized cocktail rings, jeweled cuffs or layers of necklaces. New Year’s Eve is meant to be fun and filled with anticipation of what’s to come — so starting it off in glitz and glamour is the perfect way to set the tone for a chic and stylish 2009. Photos byRicardo Segovia | Laredo Morning Times
CLOCKWISE: Anali Barrera wears a red Terri Jon evening gown and Cristina Saldaña-Dodier wears a navy blue BCBG gown.Barrera wears a Free People cocktail dress. Pictured is a Carlos Falchi clutch. Saldaña-Dodier wears a C. Luce cocktail dress.
Here is a New Year’s resolution for which nobody asked: Do not try to live above your means. Yes, Miss Manners knows that everyone has resolved to cut back on expenses. Probably every year since time began. It may be more urgent now, but people are always doing that. However, that is not the resolution that Miss MARTIN Manners proposes. She is hoping for an end to the now commonplace attempts to live above one’s means by means of mean devices to use other people’s means. Sorry. Let her try that one more time. Over the last decade, a huge number of questions she receives begin with statements of what the writer wants to do: Celebrate a birthday, a birth, a graduation or a holiday, take a trip, throw a wedding or anniversary party, furnish a new house, or just give a dinner party or a present. One might think that these people are writing to request social advice, but in fact they have already planned the specifics. It is to be a birthday party at a certain restaurant, or an extravagant present for their parents’ anniversary or a list of things with which they have decided to furnish a new house. Next comes the line, “But I can’t afford it.” All right. Miss Manners is poised to suggest cheaper alternatives. But the next line is never “What can I do instead?” Rather, the query is how to get others to pay for this. What galls Miss Manners is that — this being an etiquette column — they are requesting “the polite way” to stick others with their bills.
“What is the polite way to tell the guests that dinner will cost about $70 a head?” “Is it polite to enclose my wish list with the invitation, or should that be only on the Web site?” “How do I politely inform our parents’ friends that they don’t need presents, but we’re sending them on a cruise, so they should contribute to that?” Notice that nobody is questioning whether it is polite to make such plans. Paid parties and gift registries are now so widespread as to be thought not just acceptable but obligatory. Miss Manners hates to disappoint such dedicated autophilanthropists. She pities their inability to imagine an enjoyable domestic and social life that is within their own reach. Often, what they claim is merely doing things “nicely” and even “properly” turns out to be what etiquette condemns as ostentatious and participants find wearying. She has been unable to make them understand that they are gutting the very rituals they pretend to be following. The essence of hospitality is sharing what one has, however humble, with others. There is no point to people buying things for one another unless these are voluntary offerings that use symbolism to express thoughtfulness. By making a business of friendship, they are destroying friendship. We have seen the economic crash that comes from living on credit. The crash when people decide that they have had enough of being gouged by their so-called friends will be even more devastating. DEAR MISS MANNERS — I did not send Christmas cards in December; however, I purchased New Year’s cards, which I have not sent as of yet. When is it too late to send friends New Year’s Cards?
6A | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
Jackets get a second chance By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL
does more than a pant or a top to create an outfit. Into the winter, there’s also the issue of warmth,” he adds. NEW YORK — So you couldn’t resist a little Some of the most fashionable styles are holiday gift for yourself and you bought cropped with a boxy shape, but longer, into one of the season’s trends — the more tailored silhouettes are also makdressy jacket — and it looked great as a ing a comeback — and that’s apprecitopper to your party dress. ated by women who want something Now what? to cover their hips, Hacker says. Most calendars aren’t booked Many of the jackets on the selling with fancy parties during the rest floor now are belted, so they have of the winter, but that shouldn’t a trenchcoat shape but the fabstop you from wearing the jackrics might be a shiny satin or a et, says David Hacker, vice preswool jacquard, or even a knit. ident of trend and color at Purple remains a popular colKohl’s. or, and teal and neutrals are “The dressy jacket is not predicted to be strong this limited to holiday parties spring so you’ll get several alone,” Hacker says. “To maxseasons out of the jacket, esimize the versatility of the jacket pecially with manufacturers emwomen can either dress it up or bracing all-season fabric weights. down.” When it’s cold, wear the jacket The easiest way to tone it over a shirt and sweater or vest down is with jeans and a T-shirt. and even under a heavier coat; in the To keep the whole outfit balanced, spring, it could be your outerwear Photo by Kohl’s | AP though, Hacker also suggests piece. wearing those jeans with heels. “There is no end to opportunity with this kind “Think of the jacket as the ‘completer’ piece. It of jacket,” Hacker says. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photos by Mark Lennihan | AP
A woman passes a window display at Armani Exchange on New York’s Fifth Ave.Wealthy Americans faced with the sharpest decline in net worth in more than 50 years are slashing their spending at a rate unseen in decades, while re-evaluating their priorities.
Wealthy tighten their belts, look for bargains
Hummus gets big in the U.S. market By JOSEF FEDERMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO JERUSALEM — Israelis are famously wild over hummus. Now, the nation’s two biggest makers of the creamy Mediterranean chickpea paste are looking to spread that love to the U.S. Both the Osem Group and its ri-
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — The rich are tightening their belts, too. Even if it’s still a Gucci. Faced with the sharpest decline in net worth in nearly 50 years, wealthy Americans are reevaluating their priorities and slashing their spending at a rate unseen in decades — a move that could have dire consequences for the economy, luxury stores and high-end brands. In response to the increasingly subdued shopping mood that began late last year, luxury brands are cutting their inventory, changing the assortment of products they offer and tweaking their advertising message.
New bargain-hunters “Fewer, better things,” suggests diamond jewelry giant De Beers Group in an ad campaign launched last month. Sure, many of the ultra-rich aren’t exactly scrimping. Some are still dropping $100,000 on a fur coat or $600 for a pair of shoes — but increasing numbers who were never bargain-hunters are picking through mounds of discounted designer goods to save money in an uncertain time. And why not? Deep discounts are making it a great time to stock up on high-end clothes and accessories, whether it’s a Chanel suit, a Prada bag or a $1,000 pair of Christian Louboutin shoes with their bright red soles.
Low-key approach But if conspicuous consumption was a hallmark of the luxury days of old, those still shopping ‘til they drop are taking a more lowkey approach, apparently out of deference to the new breed of have nots. “I keep a stash of brown paper bags,” says Sara Albrecht, owner of Ultimo, a Chicago-based designer clothing boutique. “No one will ever know.” Albrecht said she used to keep just a few bags on hand for those who wanted to keep their purchases hidden from their husbands. But now she has a bigger pile in response to requests from shoppers who want to keep their buying secret from friends and neighbors. Still, the affluent clients who do come in are buying fewer items and choosing special pieces that are less flamboyant, she said. Albrecht said her shop has suffered a 20 percent drop in sales from a year ago. Luxury sales overall dropped
Astore employee places jewelry in a window display at De Beers on NewYork's Fifth Ave. 34.5 percent in the first week of December from the same period a year ago, according to SpendingPulse, a data service provided by MasterCard Advisors, and were down 23 percent in the five weeks ending Dec. 6. Such behavior differs dramatically from even just a year ago, when luxury stores couldn’t keep up with the wealthy’s appetite for extravagance. A-listers wanted $5,000 handbags, not the $500 versions they bought in the past. But the financial meltdown has deflated the demand that reigned for much of this decade, resulting in plummeting sales for many luxury purveyors. That has forced high-end stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus to offer discounts of up to 70 percent before the traditional start of the holiday shopping season — akin to their downscale competitors.
Cutting back The aspirational luxury shoppers, those whose average annual salary is about $150,000, began cutting back a year ago, according to Milton Pedraza, chief executive of the Luxury Institute, a research firm. That spiraled up the economic scale after the economy worsened. Single-digit millionaires began pulling back sharply starting in March, when Bear Stearns nearly collapsed and was bought by JP Morgan in a fire sale, Pedraza said.
What feels right And the ultra-wealthy with a net worth above $10 million — who make up about 60 percent of sales and 20 percent of top luxury stores’ customer base — started cutting back in September, when the financial crisis ballooned, Pedraza said. “This is no longer a state of mind, or what feels right,” said luxury consultant Robert Burke. “This is a reality of where people’s bank accounts and investment portfolios are.” But he and others are also taking note of a fundamental change in shoppers’ psyche, which could linger for a while in what’s feared to be a deep and long recession. The cutbacks by the wealthy are clearly different from the grocery-aisle economizing so many Americans have begun making. For one, the rich typically don’t trade down to lowerprice brands and stores, luxury experts say. Instead of six pairs of Manolo Blahnik shoes at $700 each, they will buy two — not browse the shoe department at J.C. Penney or shop at Nine West. It may be hard to sympathize with such trade-offs given the sudden erosion of jobs in nearly every sector and people’s uncertainty about putting food on the table or paying the mortgage.
val, Strauss Group, have big plans for the American market, hoping to cash in on what they say is the growing American appetite for hummus. During the past decade, hummus has moved beyond the ethnic food niche and solidly into the American mainstream, filling supermarket refrigerator cases and showing up on restau-
rant menus nationwide. “It’s not for vegetarians only. It’s not for Jews or Israelis only. It’s for everybody,” said Omri Lotan, chief executive of the prepared foods division of Osem, a subsidiary of Nestle SA. Osem recently paid $57 million for Taunton, Mass., company Tribe Mediterranean Foods.
Zentertainment
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 27,2008
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Photo by Paramount Pictures | AP
In this image released by Paramount Pictures, Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett are shown in a scene from “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
Courtesy photo
Photo by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
Jose Compean blasts the trumpet during the 2007 Epoca de Oro New Year’s Eve Dance.
The Bucks’Ryan Salvis controls the puck as the Killer Bees’Kurtis Dulle looks on during the Dec. 4 game at the LEC. The Bucks will host the Bees during their New Year’s Eve game, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Bringing in the New Year LAREDO MORNING TIMES
rom flashy to classy to family-oriented and everything in between, New Year’s Eve boasts an eclectic array of events for Gateway City revelers. There are, of course, the usual midnight toasts at many of the bars and clubs, and there are sure to be more than a few families popping fireworks outside the city limits. But here’s a small selection of what’s in store for Laredo as 2008 transitions into 2009 with a bang.
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The Bucks Continuing the tradition, the Bucks will play host to a special New Year’s Eve game at the Laredo Entertainment Center, going headto-head with Rio Grande Killer Bees at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. There will be special ticket prices offered for the evening — a four tickets for $40 holiday special, as well as five $1 items on the concession menu — said Bryan Benway, director of media relations and broadcasting. The players will wear special New Year’s commemorative jerseys, decorated with party hats and fireworks, that will be up for silent auction, he said, and a live band will provide some party-friendly tunes after the game. The centerpiece, however, is the fireworks show, which will be held indoors this year, Benway said. “We’ve got a band, the game on the concourse, fireworks — it’s a great family atmosphere, which is what we always provide,” he said.
The bars If ringing the New Year in isn’t as appealing as, say, singing, Average Joe’s Sports Bar and Grill may be just the ticket. The venue, which regularly hosts karaoke contests, will be hold-
ing a $100 karaoke contest that night, and will likely be handing out champagne and party favors. They also plan to announce the details on a $2,000 karaoke contest. Other venues, such as Reina’s Ultra Lounge and Rumors Country Patio, will have the traditional champagne toast at midnight. But if conventional isn’t your scene, there will also be a CD release party for Hatiras’ newest album, “Crazy Nights, Neon Lights,” at F Bar, according to its Web site. Described as a “full length, high octaned DJ mix album,” there should be enough juice in the bass to get your New Year’s thumping.
Epoca de Oro But if putting on some more classic dancing shoes is appealing, Epoca de Oro Social Club will again be hosting its New Year’s Eve Dance from 9 p.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday in an evening that will boast live music courtesy of Leo Martinez and Premier USA and plenty of feet on the floor. Playing primarily hits from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, it’s “music for all kinds,” said Enrique T. De La Garza, club president. “They’ll have a good time at Epoca de Oro,” he said. “It’s entertainment for everybody. …It’s celebrating the end of the year and receiving the New Year.” The attire is semi-formal, and guests
are permitted to bring their own food and beverages. No concessions will be available. Tickets are $15 at the Laredo Civic Center Ballroom through noon Wednesday, and available for $25 following. For reservations, contact the Holiday Inn Hotel, corner of San Bernardo Avenue and Garden Street, by 2 p.m. Saturday. A table of eight is $120; a table of 10 is $150. Tables are $250 at the door.
‘Benjamin Button’ dazzles visually, emotionally By CHRISTY LEMIRE ASSOCIATED PRESS
t’s the damnedest thing. You look into the elderly man’s blue eyes behind a pair of old-fashioned spectacles, look at the sweet smile ringed by wrinkles, and you know that’s Brad Pitt under there. But the special effects are so dazzling, and Pitt’s performance is so gracefully convincing, that you can’t help but be wowed over and over again by “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Director David Fincher has always proven himself a virtuoso visual stylist — to the point of seeming like a shameless showoff at times — with films like “Fight Club,” “Panic Room” and “Zodiac.” Here, he’s truly outdone himself: He’s made a grand, old-fashioned epic that takes mind-boggling advantage of the most modern moviemaking technology. Fincher’s film, based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story about a man who ages in reverse, is rambling and gorgeous — perhaps a bit overlong and gooey in the midsection — but one that leaves you with a lingering wistfulness. It’s just so achingly sad: Pitt, as the title character, is doomed from the start. He can travel the world and live a life that’s adventurous and full, but he can never truly be with the woman he loves, Daisy (Cate Blanchett), whom he meets when she’s just a little girl (played by Elle Fanning) and he’s a boy trapped in
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an old man’s body. Eric Roth’s script may seem naggingly similar to that of “Forrest Gump” — which he also wrote — but it seems more concerned with the transformational power of true love than the gimmickry of an unusual existence. Born with the looks and decrepitude of an 80-year-old man, Benjamin is left on the doorstep of a New Orleans oldfolks home at the end of World War I. Despite the newborn’s startling appearance, the kindly Queenie (a lovely Taraji P. Henson), who works there, feels immediately drawn to him and raises the baby as her own. He feels comfortable among the home’s residents, even though he’s getting physically younger as they die off one by one. There’s a playful innocence to Pitt’s performance in these early scenes, and a sweetness that he’ll maintain for the rest of the film. Benjamin goes to work for a drunk tugboat captain (played by a raucous Jared Harris, functioning in the Lt. Dan role, if you’d like to continue the “Gump” analogy), which takes him to Russia and the film’s most exciting segment. There, he embarks on an unexpected affair with the wealthy wife of a spy. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” a Paramount Pictures release, is rated PG-13 for brief war violence, sexual content, language and smoking. It is playing at Cinemark Mall Del Norte and Hollywood Theaters.
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ZFrontera AGENDAEN BREVE ENTRETENIMIENTO LAREDO — El sábado 27 de diciembre es la fecha límite para comprar boletos en pre-venta ó mesas en pre-venta para el evento Epoca de Oro New Year’s Eve Dance. Los boletos en pre-venta tienen costo de 15 dólares por persona. Compre su boleto en el lobby del Holiday Inn Hotel, sobre San Bernardo Avenue y Garden Street. Epoca de Oro Social Club es una organización sin fines de lucro.El NewYear’s Eve Dance será de 9 p.m.a 11:45 p.m.en el Laredo Civic Center (2400 San Bernardo Ave.), el miércoles 31 de diciembre.Los boletos en la puerta tienen costo de 25 dólares. Más información llamando a Enrique T. De la Garza, presidente del club, en 319-6604 ó escribiendo a etdelagarza1@yahoo.com
SÁBADO 27 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2008
ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
MIGUEL ALEMÁN — A través del Fondo de Coordinación Fiscal (CAPUFE), en Miguel Alemán se pusieron en marcha este año un total de 14 obras de pavimentación que beneficiaron directamente a 1,686 personas. El jefe de gobierno, Servando López Moreno, en el marco de su Primer Informe de Gobierno, dijo que se está llevando una obra, por lo menos, a cada colonia y poblado. Las obras se realizaron con fondos de CAPUFE, que es lo que capta el Municipio el pago de peaje en la garita del Puente Internacional. Se dio el banderazo de la obra de pavimentación asfáltica y construcción de guarniciones en la calle Presa Marte R. Gómez
de la colonia Hercilia. También se inició la pavimentación asfáltica y construcción de guarniciones en la calle González de la colonia Barrera. De igual forma, se puso en marcha la pavimentación asfáltica y construcción de guarniciones de una parte de la calle Enrique Cárdenas en la colonia Américo Villarreal. Con recursos de este programa, inició la pavimentación asfáltica de la calle Huasteca en la colonia Rodríguez. Otra obra que se puso en marcha fue la pavimentación asfáltica de la calle Juárez en el poblado Arcabuz, en el sur del municipio. Asimismo, inició la pavimentación asfáltica de la calle Privada El Gallito en la colonia Educación. En el poblado Guardados de Arriba se
SERVICIO SOCIAL
CULTURA LAREDO — El lunes 29 de diciembre,la Biblioteca Pública de Laredo presenta Manualidades con el tema del Año Nuevo a las 2:30 p.m. LAREDO — El viernes 2 de enero a las 2 p.m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Laredo tendrá el Jr. Achievement Worshop para niños de 5 a 8 años de edad.
AVISO LAREDO — El vertedero de la ciudad abrirá de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. el miércoles 31 de diciembre. Estará cerrado el jueves 1 de enero y tampoco habrá recolección de basura regular ni reciclada. El centro de reciclaje en McPherson y Clark abrirá el 31 de diciembre de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. y el viernes 2 de enero de 12 p.m. a 6 p.m. NUEVO LAREDO — Inició el proceso de escrituración de tres colonias al poniente de la ciudad,pertenecientes al ejido La Sandía. La Comisión para la Regularización de la Tenencia de la Tierra anunció que son un total de 1,140 lotes correspondientes a las colonias Guerreros del Sol, Ampliación de las Naciones Unidas y Emiliano Zapata (ó Nuevo Milenio). Los interesados deben acudir a las oficinas de CORETTen Mina 3416, Altos, para dejar la documentación que permita iniciar el proceso de escrituración. LAREDO — Las Oficinas Administrativas de la Ciudad de Laredo estarán cerradas el jueves 1 de enero debido al Año Nuevo. Los servicios de protección y emergencia sí trabajarán. No habrá recolección de basura.El servicio volverá en su calendario habitual el viernes 2 de enero. El vertedero de la ciudad estará cerrado hoy y reabrirá el viernes 2 de enero de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. El centro de reciclaje en McPherson y Clark también estará cerrado. Las Bibliotecas Públicas de Laredo y Bruni estarán cerradas.Las oficinas administrativas reabrirán el viernes 2 de enero,en horario normal,de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. La próxima Junta de Cabildo será el lunes 5 de enero a las 5:30 p.m. en la Sala de Cabildo. El lunes 5 de diciembre reabren las oficinas de Texas A&M International University a partir de las 8 a.m. La Biblioteca Sue and Radcliffe Killam y el Centro Recreativo TAMIU tienen a partir de hoy su horario regular. Para más información, llame a las Oficinas de Relaciones Públicas, Mercadotécnia y Servicios Informativos de la Universidad en el 326.2180.
Para informar acerca de eventos y actividades envíe el nombre, fecha, hora y dirección, y un número de contacto a tiempo@lmtonline.com
puso en marcha la pavimentación asfáltica y la construcción de guarniciones en la calle Manuel Barrera. En esa misma localidad recientemente arrancó la pavimentación asfáltica y la construcción de guarniciones en otro tramo de la calle Manuel Barrera y en la calle Quinta. Al poblado Los Angeles también se llevaron obras de infraestructura, al ponerse en marcha la pavimentación asfáltica de las calles Privada Seis y Quinta. En el Fraccionamiento Villa del Mar se cumplió con las familias que por años esperaron la pavimentación asfáltica en el tramo restante de la calle Puerto de Chetumal. En la colonia Santa Luisa se puso en marcha la obra de pavimentación asfáltica en un tramo de la calle Allende. En ese sector tam-
bién se inició la pavimentación asfáltica de un tramo de la calle Miguel Hidalgo. Lo mismo ocurrió en tramos de las calles Mateo Sandoval y Altamira, en la colonia Guadalupe, donde se dio el banderazo de arranque de las obras de pavimentación asfáltica y construcción de guarniciones. Y en la colonia Electricistas, inició la pavimentación asfáltica y construcción de guarniciones de las calles Victoria y San Pedro. En total, en estas 14 obras de infraestructura urbana realizadas a través del Fondo de Coordinación Fiscal (CAPUFE), se invirtieron 6 millones 430 mil 618 pesos con 76 centavos, pavimentándose un total de 24,059 metros cuadrados de calles y construyéndose 2,786 metros lineales de guarniciones.
2008: Prealizan en Tamaulipas 20 transplantes de órganos ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
LAREDO — El domingo 4 de enero es el concierto del cantante de hip-hop T.I. a las 7 p.m. en el Laredo Entertainment Center.Puede adquirir su boleto en la taquilla de LEC ó en Ticketmaster.Los precios varían de 35, 55 y 75 dólares.
LAREDO — El sábado 27 de diciembre se puede recoger la comida de Angel Food de 8 a.m. a 9:30 a.m. en el Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave. Para cualquier información llame a la oficina de la iglesia en el 722-1674.
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Logran pavimentaciones con fondos de Capufe
LAREDO — El lunes 29 y martes 30 de diciembre será el evento Winter Wonderland en el LEC. El Laredo Entertainment center abrirá su pista de hielo para que las personas patinen de 1 p.m. a 7 p.m.Todos son bienvenidos y el costo es de 5 dólares por una hora, incluyendo la renta de los patines especiales. Se sugiere vestir cómodamente y con ropa que le brinde calor.
LAREDO — El 14to evento anual de Crime Stoppers Menudo Bowl será el sábado 31 de enero en terrenos del Laredo International Fair & Exposition Downs, sobre la U.S. 59, de 11 a.m. a 7 p.m. La entrada es de 3 dólares por adulto. Niños menores de 12 años entran gratis.
EN INTERNET: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo
El Presidente Municipal, Ramón Garza Barrios, dijo que su prioridad durante el 2009 será la creación de empleos, el lunes, tras la ceremonia luctuosa a José María Morelos.
Empleos serán prioridad el 2009 ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
NUEVO LAREDO — Una de las metas del gobierno local para el 2009 es generar los empleos que la comunidad necesita. “Al mal tiempo, buena cara. Por eso hay que echarle todas las ganas, trabajar el doble, redoblar esfuerzos, porque así lo demanda el pueblo de Nuevo Laredo”, dijo el jefe de gobierno, Ramón Garza Barrios en conferencia de prensa. Aseguró que el presente año cerrará con mucho trabajo en aspectos que permitan atenuar los efectos de la crisis económica mundial augurada por especialistas para el 2009. Garza Barrios evitó referirse a los logros de su administración y dijo que eso le corresponde a la
ciudadanía. Sin embargo admitió que en el segundo año de su administración las cosas serán diferentes. “Tenemos muchas cosas por corregir, tenemos que llegar a las metas del empleo y voy a trabajar y redoblar esfuerzos”, dijo Garza Barrios. Confió en que no sólo se logrará la meta, sino incluso se superará. “Vamos a meter orden en algunos departamentos que aún no entienden esta nueva mística de servicio. No hay que olvidar que la sociedad es por la que trabajamos, que es lo más importante de esta administración. A la sociedad nos debemos y tenemos que brindarle el mejor servicio y cuidarla siempre”, concluyó diciendo Garza Barrios.
CD. VICTORIA, México — Con el programa de Trasplantes, en Tamaulipas la donación, procuración y el trasplante de órganos y tejidos son hoy una realidad, dijo el Secretario Técnico del Consejo Estatal de Trasplantes, Martín Arturo Rodríguez Alcocer, al referir que en este año se logró beneficiar a 20 pacientes a través de este programa. A la fecha se han realizado 5 donaciones de personas ya fallecidas y 3 de donadores vivos, mismos que lograron beneficiar a 20 personas que requerían de un riñón, corneas o hígado. Tamaulipas figura en el contexto de la estadística nacional en los programas de donación y trasplantes, debido a la actividad que se ha realizado durante esta administración. Rodríguez Alcocer dijo que el gobierno estatal ha dotado de la
infraestructura necesaria como el Laboratorio de Biología Molecular que permite realizar las pruebas de Histocompatibilidad RODRÍGUEZ de los pacientes candidatos a trasplante y el AngioTAC, Electroencefalogramas para el diagnóstico de muerte cerebral. Agregó que dependencias como el Sistema DIF Tamaulipas y asociaciones como la Fundación ALE, apoyan en el sostenimiento de los tratamientos de los pacientes trasplantados. El programa de Trasplantes cuenta con 6 unidades hospitalarias de segundo nivel de atención con licencia para llevar a cabo este tipo de cirugías, aunado a dos hospitales más que han obtenido este documento
que les permite realizar la promoción de donación y procuración de tejidos. Los hospitales que actualmente realizan cirugías de trasplantes incorporados a la Secretaría de Salud son el Hospital General de Victoria “Dr. Norberto Treviño Zapata”, el Hospital General de Tampico “Dr. Carlos Canseco”, el Hospital Infantil de Tamaulipas y el Hospital Regional del IMSS del municipio de Madero. El proyecto de trasplantes para el 2009, se enfoca a fortalecer el sistema de donacionprocuración de órganos y tejidos, y el programa de trasplantes, para que todos los grupos de población se vean beneficiados con la ciencia y tecnología, así como con la infraestructura y capacidad instalada con la que se cuenta para realizar este tipo de cirugías que hoy son una realidad en Tamaulipas, dijo Ro-
Vendedores ambulantes deberán tramitar credencial antes del 2009 ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
MIGUEL ALEMÁN — Los vendedores ambulantes que ofrecen sus artículos en Miguel Alemán recibirán una credencial por parte de la Dirección de Pisos. El director de Pisos, Omar Barrera, dijo que los vendedores ambulantes deberán portar la credencial para ofrecer una mejor imagen y tener el control de sus áreas de venta. El jefe de gobierno, Servando López Moreno dijo que con estas credenciales se dará prioridad a los vendedores ambulantes locales, a fin de que el-
los tengan asegurados sus espacios de venta. “Todo aquel que quiera venir a ofrecer sus artículos tendrá que tramitar esta credencial en la Dirección de Pisos”, dijo Barrera. Con esto se tendrá un control de las áreas de venta y se evitarán los problemas entre los vendedores ambulantes. Además, la credencial servirá como un documento que identificará a los vendedores ante los clientes. Todos los vendedores ambulantes deberán iniciar el 2009 con la credencial.
Casa del Migrante recibe remesa estatal ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
NUEVO LAREDO — Para reforzar la asistencia digna a los deportados por las autoridades aduaneras de Estados Unidos, el Gobernador Eugenio Hernández Flores envío la última remesa del año a la Casa del Migrante “Nazaret” de Nuevo Laredo. Enrique de la Garza Tamez, Subsecretario de Enlace Institucional de la Secretaría de Gobierno de Tamaulipas, estuvo aquí para hacer entrega de la remesa a nombre del mandatario estatal. Junto con el alcalde Ramón Garza Barrios, De la Garza Tamez entregó al Patronato dos cheques por 200 mil pesos cada uno, correspondientes al apoyo de noviembre y diciembre respectivamente. Los recursos forman parte del Convenio de Atención a Repatriados que estableció a mediados del año el gobierno de Eugenio Hernández con los municipios fronterizos.
De acuerdo con Garza Tamez, el monto otorgado a Nuevo Laredo suma 600 mil pesos y continuará el beneficio para socorrer a los migrantes y ofrecerles un trato digno. “Este programa no termina el 31 de diciembre. Esta es una acción (de la que) se estudia ya la posibilidad de atenderlo de manera integral, permanente y regulada al solicitarle al gobierno federal su intervención”, Garza Tamez Por su parte Garza Barrios reiteró que los migrantes, como mexicanos que son, requieren un apoyo digno de sus gobiernos. “Qué bueno que este apoyo del Gobernador viene a fortalecer la casa del migrante, pues de manera integral debemos todos apoyar. No sólo el gobierno municipal ni estatal, también requerimos que el gobierno federal nos apoye”, dijo Garza Barrios. El padre Francisco Pellizari, director de la Casa del Migrante,
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno de Nuevo Laredo
De izquierda a derecha, el padre Francisco Pellizari, director de la Casa del Migrante; el Alcalde Ramón Garza Barrios, Rodolfo González, Tesorero de la Casa; y, Enrique de la Garza Tamez, Subsecretario de Enlace Institucional de la Secretaría de Gobierno de Tamaulipas.Garza hizo entrega del cheque de remesa mensual que otorga el Gobierno del Estado a la Casa del Migrante,el martes. reconoció el apoyo económico y la labor humanitaria del gobierno de Nuevo Laredo y del Estado de Tamaulipas, pues este año se intensificó el flujo migratorio y las deportaciones. Benjamín Galván Gómez,
presidente del Patronato, reconoció que el Gobierno del Estado destacó en el año como promotor de los derechos humanos y de acciones para un trato digno a los connacionales. A Ramón Garza Barrios le re-
conoció la estructuración de programas innovadores y puntas de lanza como “Dale la Mano al Paisano” y agradeció a Rebeca Canales de Garza Barrios el apoyo alimentario a través del Sistema DIF.
Más de mil habitantes se beneficiaron con programa ‘Habitat’ ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
MIGUEL ALEMÁN — En este año, 1,180 habitantes de Miguel Alemán se beneficiaron con las obras y acciones sociales realizadas por el Municipio con recursos del programa federal Hábitat. El presidente municipal, Servando López Moreno, dijo que los beneficiarios residen en los polígonos de mayor marginación social. Familias de las colonias Unidad Rev-
olucionaria, Barrera y del Fraccionamiento Río Bravo, se beneficiaron este año con la adquisición de un nuevo camión recolector de basura con capacidad de 20 yardas cúbicas, al que se destinaron 805 mil pesos. Se construyó también la cubierta metálica en las gradas del campo de fútbol de la Unidad Deportiva “José Barrera González” en el Fraccionamiento Río Bravo; y en ese mismo sitio se construyó una cerca de malla para la protección de los deportistas. Ahí mismo también se introdujo una red de
drenaje pluvial. En la colonia Gómez se construyó una red de drenaje sanitario en la calle Puerto de Tuxpan. En esa calle, con recursos del programa federal Hábitat, se construyeron guarniciones y se puso en marcha la pavimentación asfáltica. El alcalde dijo que para beneficiar a los abuelitos que diariamente acuden a la Casa del Cuidado Diario del Adulto Mayor, se aplicaron recursos en la rehabilitación de ese centro de asistencia social.
Servando informó que de igual forma se invierten 100 mil pesos en la rehabilitación del vado del Fraccionamiento Río Bravo, el cual resultó dañado por las fuertes lluvias que ocasionaron la creciente del arroyo “El Buey”. Dijo que se destinaron 60 mil pesos en la prestación de servicio social a familias de las colonias Gómez, Niños Héroes, Plan de Guadalupe y Fraccionamiento del Norte. En total, a través del programa Hábitat, se ejercieron 2 millones 735 mil 409 pesos con 36 centavos.
Zbusiness
58-month low for gasoline
Oil prices slide
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SOURCE: Department of Energy/AP
Switzerland. OPEC may meet again in Kuwait City on Jan. 19 to discuss further production cuts. The group’s next official meeting is March 15 in Vienna. Investors in recent months have ignored supply cuts from OPEC, with demand issues clearly driving the market. What’s kept crude prices at four-year lows is the steady drumbeat of gloomy economic news that shows consumers aren’t spending like they used to. The latest comes from a preliminary report by MasterCard SpendingPulse, which said retail sales fell between 5.5 percent and 8 percent during the holiday season, compared with last year. Excluding auto and gas sales, they fell 2 percent to 4 percent, according to SpendingPulse. SpendingPulse is a division of MasterCard Advisors that tracks total sales paid for by credit card, checks and cash. Crude has given up 70 percent of its value since July, and this month alone it has fallen by more than $17 per barrel, a 30 percent decline. Tom Kloza said he’ll know that crude prices are poised for a sustained rebound when global demand matches last year’s levels for several weeks in a row.
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
9A
Mexico stops buys from 30 meat plants BY EILEEN A.J. CONNOLLY
By CHRIS KAHN Retail gasoline prices tumbled to a 58-month low and while crude futures rose Friday, most market analysts believed it was a temporary pause in an extended, downward arc as recession spreads. “We’re paying about a billion dollars per day less than we were in July” for gasoline, said Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service. “We could probably bail out some banks and maybe even some of the auto companies with the savings.” Awful holiday retail sales, job uncertainty and shrinking global trade all suggest that demand for energy from both businesses and consumers will continue to fall into next year. “By Tuesday or Wednesday, we could easily see crude oil roughly $3 below what it is right now,” said Jim Ritterbusch, president of energy consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates. New evidence that OPEC members had cut production and a weaker dollar boosted crude prices Friday in light trading. Light, sweet crude for February delivery rose $2.36, more than 6 percent, to close at $37.71 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Trading was closed Thursday for Christmas. In London, February Brent crude rose $1.76 to settle at $38.45 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange. Tumbling crude prices have led to enormous declines in the price of retail gasoline. At the pump, retail gas prices fell six-tenths of a penny overnight to a new national average of $1.642 a gallon Friday, well below the year-ago average of $2.981 a gallon, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. The last time retail prices dipped this low was in February 2008, Kloza said. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which accounts for about 40 percent of global supply, has announced crude production cuts totaling more than 4 million barrels per day as it tries to stop the decline in prices. OPEC members, however, have a history of ignoring announced quotas and crude traders waited for concrete evidence that the 13-nation group was tightening the spigot. Analysts pointed to a release from the United Arab Emirates advising clients that it would reduce supply almost immediately. The state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said it would cut production of some grades of crude by as much as 15 percent next month. “For now, at least Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates seem to be fully complying with the cuts,” said analyst Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 27,2008
NEW YORK — Mexico suspended meat imports from 30 processing plants in 14 states, including some of the nation’s largest, on Wednesday and Friday, according to a list posted on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site. The action pushed down beef and pork futures in trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Friday. Among the plants listed on the site are the Smithfield Packing Inc. plant in Tar Heel, N.C., the world’s largest pork slaughterhouse. Another Smithfield plant in Plant City, Fla., that processes pork, beef and poultry is on the list, along with three plants operated by subsidiary John Morrell & Co., two in South Dakota and one in Iowa, a Nebraska pork run by subsidiary Farmland
“No information or explanation was given. We’re going to be working beginning Monday.” TYSON SPOKESMAN ARCHIE SCHAFFER III Foods Inc. and a Pennsylvania beef plant run by its Moyer Packing Co. unit. Six operations run by Tyson Foods Inc. in Iowa, Texas and Nebraska are also on the list. Other affected plants are run by food giants Cargill Inc. and Swift Foods Inc., along with Seaboard Corp. and 11 small private companies in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah. ConAgra Foods Inc., which formerly owned Butterball-brand turkey, sold the company in 2006 and is not affected, according to Stephanie Childs, a spokes-
woman for the Omaha, Neb., company. ConAgra is incorrectly named on the USDA Web site as one of the plant operators. Tyson spokesman Archie Schaffer III said the company had no prior warning from Mexico about the ban and only learned of it when shipments were turned aside at the border Wednesday. The ban could greatly affect the Springdale, Ark.-based company, as high feed prices have already strained its profits. Mexico represents 23 percent of its $3.8 billion of international sales in 2008, according to company statistics. “No information or explana-
tion was given,” Schaffer said. “We’re going to be working beginning Monday” to restore trade. Attempts to reach representatives at Smithfield, ConAgra and Swift were unsuccessful. According to published reports, the suspensions may be in retaliation for the U.S. putting a countryof-origin labeling law into effect on Oct. 1 in response to concerns about the safety of imports. On Dec. 18, Mexico joined Canada in opposing the new law, which involves fresh beef and pork, in a complaint to the World Trade Organization. Canada’s government filed its complaint Dec. 1, saying it was concerned the U.S. rules were discriminating against Canadian agricultural exporters. The complaints generate a 60day consultation period between the governments, after which the WTO can step in with an investigative panel.
Treasurys price increase in light trading By MADLEN READ ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Treasury prices drifted higher in subdued trading Friday on more evidence that the global economy continues to weaken. During a recession, investors tend to flock
to Treasurys for their safety. Treasurys have also grown in popularity due to the fear of deflation, and the fact that the Federal Reserve is considering buying government debt to keep rates low. On Friday, the U.S. economic calendar was light, but Japan reported that its industrial production tumbled in November by 8.1
percent — the biggest monthly drop since 1953. Additionally, SpendingPulse, a division of MasterCard Advisors, reported that holiday retail sales were down between 5.5 percent and 8 percent compared with last year, or between 2 percent and 4 percent after stripping out auto and gas sales.
10A | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
RANCH CONSERVATION AWARD
JAIL | Continued from Page 1A respond to escapes, stabbings and murders,” Gonzalez said. “It becomes a local problem.” But Rathmell responded that the burden of paying for the jail could fall on the taxpayer, and he wanted to avoid that at all costs. “As far as it being a moneymaker, it’s not,”
Rathmell said. “Whether we can sustain it to where we can pay the loan off without any harm to the community or the taxpayer, that remains to be seen.” (Zach Lindsey may be reached at 728-2538 or zach@lmtonline.com)
REMEMBERED | Continued from Page 1A
Courtesy photo/ZSWCD | Special to the Times
The Zapata Soil and Water Conservation District presented its annual awards at a dinner earlier this month. Shown, left to right, are Mr. and Mrs. Norberto Lopez and their daughter, Nadia, accepting their plaque and gate sign from Jose Dodier Jr., chairman of the Zapata SWCD. The Lopezes were honored as the Resident Conservation Rancher of the Year for 2008.
FIREWORKS | Continued from Page 1A officials have the authority to restrict certain types of aerial fireworks when drought conditions exist or when hazardous fuel conditions are present during the winter months. County officials also consider drought conditions when determining outdoor burn bans for their counties. Texas Forest Service does not make decisions regarding restrictions on fireworks or outdoor burning bans. The state agency does, however, provide drought condition information to counties. Many parts of Texas, including deep South Texas, are in danger of accidental wildfire because of continued drought. Most of Central and West Texas is experiencing drier than normal conditions. In Southeast Texas, debris from Hurricane Ike and vegetation killed by saltwater is contributing to the problem, as
is cured debris that remains from Hurricane Rita. Tips for the safe use of fireworks, according to the Texas Forest Service: Adhere to all county and city fireworks laws. Use fireworks outdoors away from dry grass and buildings. Read firework labels and use only as directed. Do not alter the products. Use only with adult supervision. Keep water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby. Allow fireworks to cool completely before handling. Discard used fireworks into a bucket of water. (Times News Editor Mark Webber and Staff Writer Nick Georgiou contributed to this report.)
Fire Chief Juan J. Meza said that upon arrival, the fire from the explosion was extinguished. No other injuries were reported. Justice of the Peace Juana Maria Gutierrez declared Gonzalez dead at the scene of the explosion, located about 17 miles east of Zapata. The Rose Garden Funeral Home took custody of Gonzalez’s body, which was later turned over to the Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office. At the Alaniz Funeral Home in Hebbronville on Friday night, Benavides said her cousin was “full of life and loved his wife and kids.” “This place is full of people
Described as the backbone of his family, Benavides said “he worked very, very hard to provide for his family.” from Zapata, Freer, Hebbronville, Laredo and surrounding areas,” she said. “He just knew so, so many people.” Described as the backbone of his family, Benavides said “he worked very, very hard to provide for his family.” Gonzalez was born in Houston and raised in Hebbronville. In 1994, he and his family moved to Zapata, where they lived for the next five years.
The family moved back to Hebbronville in 1999. Gonzalez is survived by his wife, Monica; sons, Rolando Gonzalez III, 22, and Odell J. Javier Gonzalez, 20; and daughters, Delisa M. Gonzalez, 14, and Gabriela A. Gonzalez, 10. Mass will be held at 2 p.m. today at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial will be in the New Hebbronville Cemetery.
GRANT | Continued from Page 1A The $3,500 will be added to the Fire Department’s budget. Meza said some of the funds will go toward purchasing equipment used to fight grass and brush fires. He said the money might also be used for repairs. “It depends on an evaluation on what I need the most,” Meza said. According to the Texas Forest Service, House Bill 15 of the 80th Texas Legislature supplied funds to help pay for the cost of fighting wildfires during
the 2005-’06 wildfire season. “A portion of these funds were designated to help local fire departments recover some of the expenses incurred during that time period,” a TFS news release stated. The state agency’s role in the process is to verify fire reports and distribute the payments. “Expenses eligible for reimbursement were reported and determined through the Texas Forest Service Fire Reporting System,” the news release stated.
SCAN | Continued from Page 1A and showed aggressive behavior toward his mother and brother. The family was referred to Serving Children and Adolescents in Need (SCAN) for therapy. “They’ve helped me a lot and I’m grateful for all of that,” the mother said. “They’ve taught me and my sons a lot of things that we can live our life with.” SCAN programs include intervention, parenting instruction and therapy for families.
Wendy Escobedo, a SCAN counselor, said most families go to therapy for an average of three to six months to learn techniques to deal with their traumatic memories. “The truth is that we cannot erase their experiences,” Escobedo said. “We can only help them deal with emotions that might come up either in the present or in the future. They will have reminders for the rest of their lives.
The idea is how to work so that those reminders don’t set them back.” The family’s process with SCAN’s trauma center usually begins with a phone call. Parents are either self-referred or referred by sister agencies or school districts. Escobedo said SCAN works collaboratively with other community agencies to provide adjacent services. After the call is made, SCAN
sees the family within five days. “Our goal is to empower them as parents and to continue being that support for their child,” Escobedo said. Escobedo said there is not one specific socioeconomic class that comes in for SCAN’s services. “It’s a diverse population that we serve here at our center,” she said. However, there are a few types of cases that repeatedly walk
through their doors. Because SCAN serves a border city, the trauma most seen is unresolved traumatic loss. “That being families who have been separated because of kidnapping so they may not necessarily have that specific person in their life anymore,” Escobedo said. “They don’t know whether that person is still living or not because they’ve been kidnapped.” Escobedo said she considers it
a success when families call her and tell her they still practice techniques to work with painful memories and feelings. “Those are successes because we know that they were able to establish and put in plan what they learned here and take that with them and apply it even if they’re not coming to therapy anymore,” she said. For more information about SCAN, call 725-0350.
The Zapata Times SATURDAY,DECEMBER 27,2008
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors Lady Hawks get district win By CLARA SANDOVAL SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
After the Zapata Lady Hawks’ dismal performance in their district opener against Rio Hondo, Coach Clyde Guerra Jr. was very disappointed with his team’s execution of their transition game. “We did not make the extra pass and were not hitting the open man,” Guerra said. Zapata (8-8, 1-1 32-3A) went back to the drawing board and
utilized a week of practice to perfect the transition offense. The end result was a dominating victory over the Lyford Lady Bulldogs 54-19 at the Zapata gym last Friday night. “It was a good game for the girls and a total team effort,” Guerra said. “Our transition game finally came around and we made the high percentage shot. We also did a better job making that extra pass.” Every Lady Hawks got into the
Border Olympics Holiday Classic
scoring act as they were led by Clarissa Solis, who connected for 12 points, and Martiza Garcia, who chipped in with 11 points, including three 3-pointers. The Lady Hawks also capitalized from the free throw line as they hit 7-of-11 from the charity stripe. Zapata utilized a variety of defenses in order to jump-start the offense.
See LADY | PAGE 2B
RUNNING TOWARDS A SCORE
Maybe a Philly visit will help Williams By JAIME ARON ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Matt Slocum | AP
Baltimore Ravens fullback Le’Ron McClain (33) looks at Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman (41) as he runs the ball 77 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter in their NFL football game lasat Saturday, in Irving. Baltimore won, 33-24.
Romo, Owens must click if Cowboys want to make playoffs By ROB MAADDI ASSOCIATED PRESS
HILADELPHIA — The only scoreboard that’ll matter to the Dallas Cowboys this weekend is the one they con-
P
trol. A season that began with so much Super Bowl hype for America’s Team comes down to a do-or-die game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. If the Cowboys (9-6) win, they’re in the playoffs. All that talk about inner turmoil and the daily drama that surrounded a midseason collapse would be erased if the Cowboys advance. Of course, it won’t go away completely until they win another Super Bowl or even their first playoff game in 12 years, but that’s another story. “It’s a must game for us,” Terrell Owens
“It’s a must game for us. We can’t really worry about how we got here. We’re here and we’ve just got to win.” TERRELL OWENS
said. “We can’t really worry about how we got here. We’re here and we’ve just got to win. There’s no excuses to be made. Our season rides on this game.” The Eagles (8-6-1) also could be playing for an NFC wild-card spot. By kickoff, Philly
will know it’s chances. The Eagles need losses by Tampa Bay and either Chicago or Minnesota in the early games to stay alive. Otherwise, they’re out. If so, the players and their fiercely passionate fans would love to send the hated Cowboys home, too. “No matter if we are out of the playoffs or not, I still have a strong dislike for Dallas,” running back Brian Westbrook said. “I still am going to go out there and fight like we have an opportunity to get into the playoffs.” The Cowboys nearly blew a chance to control their destiny by losing to Baltimore 33-24 in the final game at Texas Stadium last Saturday night. But then everything fell in Dallas’ favor the following day, including Washington’s 10-3 win over Philadelphia
See COWBOYS | PAGE 2B
IRVING — In his nine games with the Dallas Cowboys, Roy Williams has 194 yards receiving. The last time he played in Philadelphia, he had 204 yards receiving. So maybe a return to Philadelphia is just what Williams needs to finally become a vital part of the Dallas offense. Acquired at the trade deadline to draw coverage from Terrell Owens, Williams has yet to catch more than three passes in a game. He has only 14 receptions over the six games he’s played with Tony Romo. Time is running out for Williams and Romo to start clicking. If the Cowboys lose to the Eagles on Sunday, their season is over. The flip side is that a win would send Dallas into a firstround playoff game, which means another week of practicing together. Each win after that means more practice time and, of course, a chance to win the Super Bowl — something Williams could hardly imagine
Photo by L.M. Otero | AP
In this file photo, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy E. Williams flashes the “Hook ‘em Horns” sign after catching a 2-yard touchdown pass during a game against the Tampa Bay. while playing his first four seasons in Detroit. Those teams never had a winning record,
See WILLIAMS | PAGE 2B
Texans present roadblock to Bears By KRISTIE RIEKEN ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — Finally, the Houston Texans are playing a meaningful game in late December. The problem is it’s only meaningful to the Chicago Bears, still in playoff contention thanks to a big overtime win on Monday. Even with a win over Houston, getting to the playoffs will be difficult. To win the NFC North the Bears need Minnesota to lose to or tie the New York
Giants, who with a playoff spot secure may rest some starters. Chicago could also get in with a wild-card spot, but needs losses or ties by Dallas and Tampa Bay to qualify that way. But lose to the Texans and none of that matters. “It’s hard to think this can be it for us,” said defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. “We put ourselves in this situation, but I have the faith that everything will pan out if we finish 10-6.” Kyle Orton probably won’t
See TEXANS | PAGE 2B
Zscores CHL NORTHERN CONFERENCE Northeast Division W L OTL Pts GF GA Oklahoma City 18 5 3 39 81 50 Bossier-Shreveport 15 8 2 32 80 67 Mississippi 16 10 0 32 87 71 Tulsa 8 13 3 19 67 105 Northwest Division W L OTL Pts GF GA Colorado 21 4 1 43 115 75 Rapid City 8 10 7 23 77 97 Rocky Mountain10 13 2 22 68 92 Wichita 7 17 2 16 61 89 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE Southeast Division W L OTL Pts GF GA Laredo 18 7 1 37 90 64 Texas 16 8 3 35 90 74 RG Valley 12 11 2 26 88 87 Corpus Christi 10 12 3 23 83 85 Southwest Division W L OTL Pts GF GA Odessa 20 6 2 42 117 77 Arizona 11 17 1 23 109 127 New Mexico 9 15 2 20 92 111 Amarillo 8 17 0 16 71 105 NOTE: Two points are awarded for a win, one point for loss in overtime or shootout. Overtime or shootout losses are only denoted in the OTL column, not the loss column. Thursday’s Game Tulsa 3, Oklahoma City 2 Friday’s Games Corpus Christi at Bossier-Shreveport Oklahoma City at Mississippi Amarillo at Odessa Rio Grande Valley at Texas Wichita at Tulsa Laredo at Colorado Arizona at Rapid City Rocky Mountain at New Mexico Saturday’s Games Odessa at Amarillo Bossier-Shreveport at Corpus Christi Oklahoma City at Texas Rio Grande Valley at Wichita Mississippi at Tulsa New Mexico at Colorado Arizona at Rapid City Laredo at Rocky Mountain Sunday’s Games Laredo at Rocky Mountain Odessa at New Mexico
NFL All Times EST AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Miami 10 5 0 .667 321 300 New England 10 5 0 .667 397 309 N.Y. Jets 9 6 0 .600 388 332 Buffalo 7 8 0 .467 336 329 South W L T Pct PF PA z-Tennessee 13 2 0 .867 375 211 y-Indianapolis 11 4 0 .733 354 298 Houston 7 8 0 .467 335 370 Jacksonville 5 10 0 .333 295 340 North W L T Pct PF PA x-Pittsburgh 11 4 0 .733 316 223 Baltimore 10 5 0 .667 358 237 Cleveland 4 11 0 .267 232 319 Cincinnati 3 11 1 .233 188 358 West W L T Pct PF PA 8 7 0 .533 349 396 Denver San Diego 7 8 0 .467 387 326 Oakland 4 11 0 .267 232 364 Kansas City 2 13 0 .133 285 424 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA z-N.Y. Giants 12 3 0 .800 408 274 Dallas 9 6 0 .600 356 321 Philadelphia 8 6 1 .567 372 283 Washington 8 7 0 .533 241 269 South W L T Pct PF PA y-Carolina 11 4 0 .733 381 298 y-Atlanta 10 5 0 .667 360 298 Tampa Bay 9 6 0 .600 337 292 New Orleans 8 7 0 .533 432 360 North W L T Pct PF PA Minnesota 9 6 0 .600 359 314 Chicago 9 6 0 .600 351 319 Green Bay 5 10 0 .333 388 359 Detroit 0 15 0 .000 247 486 West W L T Pct PF PA x-Arizona 8 7 0 .533 393 405 San Francisco 6 9 0 .400 312 357 Seattle 4 11 0 .267 273 358 St. Louis 2 13 0 .133 205 434 x-clinched division y-clinched playoff spot z-clinched conference Monday’s Game Chicago 20, Green Bay 17, OT Sunday, Dec. 28 St. Louis at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Chicago at Houston, 1 p.m. Detroit at Green Bay, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Carolina at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. New England at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Oakland at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Miami at N.Y. Jets, 4:15 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m. Jacksonville at Baltimore, 4:15 p.m. Seattle at Arizona, 4:15 p.m. Washington at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m. Denver at San Diego, 8:15 p.m. Injury Report NEW YORK — The updated National Football League injury report, as provided by the league: SUNDAY CAROLINA PANTHERS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — CAROLINA: OUT: WR Kenneth Moore (hamstring). DOUBTFUL: DT Damione Lewis (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu (ankle). PROBABLE: TE Jeff King (knee), WR Muhsin Muhammad (foot), TE Dante Rosario (illness), DE Hilee Taylor (calf). NEW ORLEANS: OUT: TE Jeremy Shockey (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: DT Kendrick Clancy (hamstring), RB Pierre Thomas (wrist, back). PROBABLE: T Jammal Brown (ankle), CB Usama Young (ankle).
CHICAGO BEARS at HOUSTON TEXANS — CHICAGO: OUT: S Mike Brown (calf). DOUBTFUL: CB Marcus Hamilton (ankle), LB Hunter Hillenmeyer (ankle), RB Kevin Jones (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: RB Jason McKie (quadricep). PROBABLE: CB Charles Tillman (ankle). HOUSTON: QUESTIONABLE: LB Xavier Adibi (groin), S Nick Ferguson (knee). PROBABLE: DE Anthony Weaver (knee). CLEVELAND BROWNS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS — CLEVELAND: DOUBTFUL: TE Kellen Winslow (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: TE Darnell Dinkins (ribs), LB Leon Williams (knee), P Dave Zastudil (right knee). PROBABLE: WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), DT Shaun Rogers (ankle), WR Donte’ Stallworth (neck), G Eric Steinbach (back), RB Lawrence Vickers (back). PITTSBURGH: OUT: S Ryan Clark (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: LB James Harrison (hip). PROBABLE: QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle). DALLAS COWBOYS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — DALLAS: OUT: G Montrae Holland (ankle), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: RB Marion Barber (toe). PROBABLE: CB Alan Ball (ankle), LB Bobby Carpenter (knee, calf), S Keith Davis (knee, neck), S Ken Hamlin (foot), QB Tony Romo (illness), WR Roy Williams (foot), TE Jason Witten (ankle). PHILADELPHIA: OUT: DE Victor Abiamiri (foot), G Shawn Andrews (back). DOUBTFUL: TE L.J. Smith (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: WR Hank Baskett (knee), LB Stewart Bradley (rib, groin), S Brian Dawkins (illness). PROBABLE: WR Kevin Curtis (calf), S Quintin Demps (quadriceps), G Todd Herremans (shoulder, ankle), WR Greg Lewis (knee), T Jon Runyan (knee, ankle), RB Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle). DENVER BRONCOS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — DENVER: PROBABLE: CB Champ Bailey (groin), CB Josh Bell (knee), T Ryan Clady (ankle), TE Daniel Graham (ankle), T Ryan Harris (back), LB Niko Koutouvides (back), G Chris Kuper (hand), LB Spencer Larsen (groin), S Marquand Manuel (ankle), WR Brandon Marshall (hip), S Marlon McCree (ankle), TE Chad Mustard (knee), CB Karl Paymah (groin), WR Eddie Royal (thumb), WR Brandon Stokley (foot), LB D.J. Williams (knee, shoulder). SAN DIEGO: DOUBTFUL: WR Malcom Floyd (lung), LB Brandon Siler (foot). PROBABLE: LB Anthony Waters (hamstring), DT Jamal Williams (foot). DETROIT LIONS at GREEN BAY PACKERS — DETROIT: DOUBTFUL: QB Daunte Culpepper (right shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: CB Travis Fisher (concussion), LB Ernie Sims (knee), DE Corey Smith (hamstring), RB Kevin Smith (ankle), DE Dewayne White (calf). PROBABLE: DT Chuck Darby (calf), WR Calvin Johnson (knee). GREEN BAY: OUT: T Breno Giacomini (ankle), DT Justin Harrell (hip). DOUBTFUL: RB Brandon Jackson (wrist). QUESTIONABLE: RB Korey Hall (knee). PROBABLE: T Chad Clifton (knees), LB Spencer Havner (ankle), CB Joe Porter (concussion), G Jason Spitz (knee), CB Charles Woodson (toe). JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at BALTIMORE RAVENS — JACKSONVILLE: PROBABLE: RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee). BALTIMORE: OUT: LB Antwan Barnes (chest), WR Marcus Maxwell (hip). QUESTIONABLE: T Willie Anderson (foot), LB Jarret Johnson (calf), WR Derrick Mason (shoulder), S Ed Reed (thigh), RB Ray Rice (calf), CB Samari Rolle (ankle), T Adam Terry (knee), CB Fabian Washington (toe). PROBABLE: WR Yamon Figurs (head), DE Trevor Pryce (illness). KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at CINCINNATI BENGALS — KANSAS CITY: PROBABLE: DE Alfonso Boone (thigh). CINCINNATI: OUT: T Stacy Andrews (knee), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow). DOUBTFUL: T Levi Jones (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: WR Chad Johnson (hamstring). PROBABLE: RB Cedric Benson (ankle), CB Jamar Fletcher (back), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), RB Chris Perry (ankle), DT Pat Sims (biceps), RB Kenny Watson (hamstring). MIAMI DOLPHINS at NEW YORK JETS — MIAMI: QUESTIONABLE: CB Will Allen (groin), LB Channing Crowder (knee). NEW YORK: QUESTIONABLE: WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), T Wayne Hunter (shoulder), LB Bryan Thomas (shoulder). PROBABLE: LB Eric Barton (knee), WR Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder), LB David Harris (groin), DE Kris Jenkins (hip). NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at BUFFALO BILLS — NEW ENGLAND: OUT: LB Tedy Bruschi (knee), S Raymond Ventrone (jaw), G Billy Yates (hand). QUESTIONABLE: LB Gary Guyton (ankle), T Mark LeVoir (ankle), CB Deltha O’Neal (ankle), LB Vince Redd (ankle), S James Sanders (abdomen), CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder), DE Richard Seymour (back), DE Ty Warren (groin). PROBABLE: CB Ellis Hobbs (shoulder), T Matt Light (shoulder), DT Vince Wilfork (shoulder). BUFFALO: OUT: CB Jabari Greer (knee), WR James Hardy (knee). DOUBTFUL: LB Teddy Lehman (groin), WR Roscoe Parrish (knee), T Jason Peters (knee). QUESTIONABLE: RB Marshawn Lynch (shoulder), LB Kawika Mitchell (knee). NEW YORK GIANTS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS — NEW YORK: OUT: CB Aaron Ross (concussion), LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee). DOUBTFUL: TE Kevin Boss (ankle, concussion). QUESTIONABLE: DT Barry Cofield (knee), RB Brandon Jacobs (knee), T Kareem McKenzie (back). PROBABLE: DT Fred Robbins (shoulder), DE Justin Tuck (lower leg). MINNESOTA: OUT: DT Pat Williams (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: WR Bernard Berrian (ankle), T Artis Hicks (elbow), WR Darius Reynaud (foot). PROBABLE: DE Jared Allen (knee), QB Gus Frerotte (back), CB Cedric Griffin (illness), RB Maurice Hicks (back), S Darren Sharper (knee). OAKLAND RAIDERS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — OAKLAND: OUT: LB Ricky Brown (groin), DE Kalimba Edwards (wrist). DOUBTFUL: WR Ronald Curry (toe). QUESTIONABLE: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (neck), RB Darren McFadden (ankle), CB Stanford Routt (groin). PROBABLE: RB Justin Fargas (neck). TAMPA BAY: QUESTIONABLE: DE Gaines Adams (ankle), LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), DT Jovan Haye (knee), RB Clifton Smith (shoulder), DE Greg White (shoulder). PROBABLE: QB Jeff Garcia (calf), DT Chris Hovan (knee).
SATURDAY,DECEMBER 27,2008
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at ARIZONA CARDINALS — SEATTLE: OUT: DE Brandon Miller (wrist). DOUBTFUL: LB LeRoy Hill (neck), LB D.D. Lewis (shin). QUESTIONABLE: K Brandon Coutu (groin), QB Matt Hasselbeck (back), WR Koren Robinson (knee). PROBABLE: CB Jordan Babineaux (concussion). ARIZONA: DOUBTFUL: DE Travis LaBoy (ankle), S Matt Ware (calf). QUESTIONABLE: RB J.J. Arrington (knee), WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder), S Aaron Francisco (ribs), DE Kenny Iwebema (concussion), TE Stephen Spach (ankle), DT Gabe Watson (team decision), S Adrian Wilson (toe). PROBABLE: CB Ralph Brown (ribs), CB Roderick Hood (knee), G Deuce Lutui (knee), WR Sean Morey (shoulder). ST. LOUIS RAMS at ATLANTA FALCONS — ST. LOUIS: DOUBTFUL: CB Fakhir Brown (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: G Jacob Bell (hamstring), G Richie Incognito (illness). PROBABLE: CB Eric Bassey (hamstring), TE Daniel Fells (knee), DT La’Roi Glover (knee), RB Steven Jackson (hamstring), RB Antonio Pittman (ankle). ATLANTA: QUESTIONABLE: DE John Abraham (thigh, shoulder), DE Jamaal Anderson (ankle), T Sam Baker (hip, back), WR Harry Douglas (toe, shoulder), WR Brian Finneran (calf), DT Grady Jackson (knee), WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder), S Lawyer Milloy (back), T Todd Weiner (knee), LB Coy Wire (knee). TENNESSEE TITANS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — TENNESSEE: OUT: DT Albert Haynesworth (knee), C Kevin Mawae (elbow), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin). DOUBTFUL: DE Dave Ball (back), CB Nicholas Harper (groin), LB David Thornton (hip). QUESTIONABLE: DT Tony Brown (ankle), RB LenDale White (illness). INDIANAPOLIS: OUT: LB Gary Brackett (fibula), RB Dominic Rhodes (chest). QUESTIONABLE: CB Melvin Bullitt (shoulder), DT Keyunta Dawson (hip), LB Freddy Keiaho (hamstring), S Bob Sanders (knee), RB Chad Simpson (ankle). WASHINGTON REDSKINS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — WASHINGTON: QUESTIONABLE: LB London Fletcher (foot), DT Kedric Golston (ankle), T Jon Jansen (knee). PROBABLE: G Pete Kendall (knee). SAN FRANCISCO: PROBABLE: LB Ahmad Brooks (back), RB Frank Gore (ankle), C Eric Heitmann (abdomen), S Michael Lewis (abdomen), S Mark Roman (knee), T Adam Snyder (ankle).
NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic W L Pct GB Boston 27 3 .900 — New Jersey 14 14 .500 12 Philadelphia 12 16 .429 14 New York 11 16 .407 14½ Toronto 11 17 .393 15 Southeast W L Pct GB Orlando 23 6 .793 — Atlanta 18 10 .643 4½ Miami 15 12 .556 7 Charlotte 10 19 .345 13 Washington 4 23 .148 18 Central W L Pct GB Cleveland 25 4 .862 — Detroit 15 11 .577 8½ Milwaukee 14 16 .467 11½ Chicago 13 15 .464 11½ Indiana 10 18 .357 14½ WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest W L Pct GB Houston 19 10 .655 — San Antonio 19 10 .655 — New Orleans 16 9 .640 1 Dallas 17 11 .607 1½ Memphis 9 19 .321 9½ Northwest W L Pct GB Denver 18 11 .621 — Portland 18 12 .600 ½ Utah 17 13 .567 1½ Minnesota 4 23 .148 13 Oklahoma City 3 26 .103 15 Pacific W L Pct GB L.A. Lakers 24 5 .828 — Phoenix 16 12 .571 7½ L.A. Clippers 8 20 .286 15½ Golden State 8 22 .267 16½ Sacramento 7 22 .241 17 Thursday’s Games Orlando 88, New Orleans 68 San Antonio 91, Phoenix 90 L.A. Lakers 92, Boston 83 Cleveland 93, Washington 89 Dallas 102, Portland 94 Friday’s Games Chicago at Miami, 5 p.m. Charlotte at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. Minnesota at New York, 7:30 p.m. Indiana at Memphis, 8 p.m. Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Detroit, 8 p.m. Dallas at Utah, 9 p.m. Philadelphia at Denver, 9 p.m. Toronto at Sacramento, 10 p.m. Boston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m. Saturday’s Games Chicago at Atlanta, 7 p.m. New Jersey at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Oklahoma City at Washington, 7 p.m. Orlando at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Utah at Houston, 8:30 p.m. Detroit at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m. Memphis at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Toronto at Portland, 10 p.m. Sunday’s Games Denver at New York, 1 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Clippers, 3:30 p.m. Miami at Cleveland, 7 p.m. New Orleans at Indiana, 7 p.m. Boston at Sacramento, 9 p.m. Golden State at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.
NHL All Times EST EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L OT Pts GF N.Y. Rangers 22 12 3 47 100 Philadelphia 19 8 7 45 122 New Jersey 19 10 3 41 99 Pittsburgh 18 12 4 40 113 N.Y. Islanders 10 21 3 23 83 Northeast Division W L OT Pts GF
GA 99 104 84 102 124 GA
Boston Montreal Buffalo Toronto Ottawa
25 5 4 54 126 77 18 9 6 42 98 86 16 13 5 37 97 98 14 14 6 34 109 122 12 15 5 29 77 89 Southeast Division W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 21 11 3 45 113 106 Carolina 16 14 5 37 90 104 Florida 16 13 4 36 82 85 Atlanta 12 18 4 28 101 125 Tampa Bay 8 16 9 25 74 101 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division W L OT Pts GF GA Detroit 23 6 4 50 123 98 Chicago 18 6 7 43 114 82 Nashville 16 14 3 35 84 95 Columbus 14 16 4 32 89 103 St. Louis 13 18 3 29 97 118 Northwest Division W L OT Pts GF GA Calgary 19 11 4 42 101 102 Vancouver 19 13 3 41 103 94 Minnesota 17 14 2 36 87 76 Colorado 17 16 1 35 93 100 Edmonton 15 14 3 33 87 98 Pacific Division W L OT Pts GF GA San Jose 27 4 3 57 121 80 Anaheim 18 14 3 39 100 98 Phoenix 16 14 5 37 92 100 Los Angeles 14 14 6 34 90 98 Dallas 14 14 5 33 98 115 Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss or shootout loss. Tuesday’s Games Atlanta 4, N.Y. Islanders 2 Los Angeles 3, Columbus 0 Boston 2, New Jersey 0 Washington 5, N.Y. Rangers 4, OT Philadelphia 6, Ottawa 4 Dallas 8, Toronto 2 Tampa Bay 2, Pittsburgh 0 Florida 3, Nashville 0 Detroit 4, St. Louis 1 Minnesota 3, Carolina 2 Calgary 4, Anaheim 3 Colorado 5, Phoenix 4, OT San Jose 5, Vancouver 0 Wednesday’s Games No games scheduled Thursday’s Games No games scheduled Friday’s Games Buffalo at Washington, 7 p.m. Pittsburgh at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Toronto at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m. Carolina at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Tampa Bay at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Detroit at Nashville, 8 p.m. Philadelphia at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Edmonton at Vancouver, 10 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. Saturday’s Games Boston at Carolina, 7 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Montreal at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Columbus, 7 p.m. Florida at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. New Jersey at N.Y. Rangers, 7:30 p.m. Anaheim at Dallas, 8 p.m. San Jose at St. Louis, 8:30 p.m. Detroit at Colorado, 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Ottawa at Calgary, 10 p.m. Sunday’s Games Boston at Atlanta, 5 p.m. Anaheim at St. Louis, 6 p.m. Chicago at Minnesota, 6 p.m. Toronto at Washington, 7 p.m. Nashville at Edmonton, 8 p.m. Ottawa at Vancouver, 10 p.m.
NCAA Football Bowl Glance All Times EST (Subject to change) Saturday, Dec. 20 EagleBank Bowl At Washington Payout: $750,000 Wake Forest 29, Navy 19 New Mexico Bowl At Albuquerque Payout: $750,000 Colorado State 40, Fresno State 35 St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Payout: $1 million South Florida 41, Memphis 14 Las Vegas Bowl Payout: $1 million Arizona 31, BYU 21 Sunday, Dec. 21 New Orleans Bowl Payout: $325,000 Southern Mississippi 30, Troy 27, OT Tuesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego Payout: $750,000 TCU 17, Boise State 16 Wednesday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu Payout: $750,000 Notre Dame 49, Hawaii 21 Friday, Dec. 26 Motor City Bowl At Detroit Payout: $750,000 Florida Atlantic (6-6) vs. Central Michigan (8-4), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 27 Meineke Bowl At Charlotte, N.C. Payout: $1 million North Carolina (8-4) vs. West Virginia (84), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Champs Sports Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Payout: $2.125 million Florida State (8-4) vs. Wisconsin (7-5), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Emerald Bowl At San Francisco Payout: ACC: $750,000 Pac-10: $850,000 California (8-4) vs. Miami (7-5), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Dec. 28 Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Payout: $1.1 million Louisiana Tech (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (6-6), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 29 PapaJohns.com Bowl
At Birmingham, Ala. Payout: $300,000 Rutgers (7-5) vs. North Carolina State (66), 3 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio Payout: $2.25 million Northwestern (9-3) vs. Missouri (9-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, Dec. 30 Humanitarian Bowl At Boise, Idaho Payout: $750,000 Nevada (7-5) vs. Maryland (7-5), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl At San Diego Payout: $2.3 million Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Oregon (9-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Texas Bowl At Houston Payout: $750,000 Rice (9-3) vs. Western Michigan (9-3), 8 p.m. (NFLN) Wednesday, Dec. 31 Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Payout: $750,000 Houston (7-5) vs. Air Force (8-4), Noon (ESPN) Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Payout: $1.9 million Oregon State (8-4) vs. Pittsburgh (9-3), 2 p.m. (CBS) Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Payout: $1.7 million Vanderbilt (6-6) vs. Boston College (9-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Insight Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Payout: $1.2 million Kansas (7-5) vs. Minnesota (7-5), 5:30 p.m. (NFLN) Chick-fil-A Bowl At Atlanta Payout: $3 million LSU (7-5) vs. Georgia Tech (9-3), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Payout: $3.2 million Iowa (8-4) vs. South Carolina (7-5), 11 a.m. (ESPN) Capital One Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Payout: $4.25 million Georgia (9-3) vs. Michigan State (9-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Gator Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Payout: $2.5 million Nebraska (8-4) vs. Clemson (7-5), 1 p.m. (CBS) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Payout: $17 million Southern Cal (11-1) vs. Penn State (11-1), 5 p.m. (ABC) Orange Bowl At Miami Payout: $17 million Cincinnati (11-2) vs. Virginia Tech (9-4), 8 p.m. (FOX) Friday, Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl At Dallas Payout: $3 million Texas Tech (11-1) vs. Mississippi (8-4), 2 p.m. (FOX) Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. Payout: $1.8 million Kentucky (6-6) vs. East Carolina (9-4), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Payout: $17 million Utah (12-0) vs. Alabama (12-1), 8 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 3 International Bowl At Toronto Payout: $750,000 Connecticut (7-5) vs. Buffalo (8-5), Noon (ESPN2) Monday, Jan. 5 Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Payout: $17 million Texas (11-1) vs. Ohio State (10-2), 8:30 p.m. (FOX) Tuesday, Jan. 6 GMAC Bowl Mobile, Ala. Payout: $750,000 Tulsa (10-3) vs. Ball State (12-1), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 8 BCS National Championship At Miami Payout: $17 million Florida (12-1) vs. Oklahoma (12-1), 8 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 17 East-West Shrine Classic At Houston West vs. East, TBD (ESPN2) Saturday, Jan. 24 Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. South vs. North, 7 p.m. (NFLN) Saturday, Jan. 31 Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge At El Paso, Texas Texas vs. Nation, 1 p.m.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Schedule All Times EST (Subject to change) Saturday, Dec. 27 EAST Miami at St. John’s, Noon Drexel at Rider, 3 p.m. IUPUI at Massachusetts, 4 p.m. Hofstra at New Hampshire, 4 p.m. San Francisco at Holy Cross, 7 p.m. Fairleigh Dickinson at Seton Hall, 7 p.m. SOUTH Washington St. at LSU, 2 p.m. Bryant at Maryland, 2 p.m. Binghamton at Tulane, 2 p.m. Florida Atlantic at Kentucky, 3 p.m. UAB at Louisville, 4 p.m.
Tenn.-Martin at Fla. International, 7 p.m. Shenandoah at Radford, 7 p.m. Iona at South Florida, 7 p.m. Hampton at Va. Commonwealth, 7:30 p.m. MIDWEST Notre Dame, Ohio at Cleveland St., 1 p.m. SIU-Edwardsville at Missouri, 4 p.m. West Virginia at Ohio St., 4 p.m. Oakland, Mich. vs. Michigan St. at The Palace of Auburn Hills, 5 p.m. W. Illinois at Iowa, 8:05 p.m. SOUTHWEST Northwestern St. at Arkansas, 6:05 p.m. Portland St. at Texas Southern, 8 p.m. Georgia St. at Texas-San Antonio, 8 p.m. FAR WEST Sacramento St. at S. Utah, 9 p.m. Idaho St. at Nevada, 10:05 p.m. Utah at UC Irvine, 10:05 p.m. TOURNAMENTS Golden Bear Classic At Berkeley, Calif. First Round Dartmouth at California, 4 p.m. Air Force vs. Portland, 6:30 p.m. Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic At Honolulu First Round Vermont vs. George Washington, 10 p.m. Colorado St. at Hawaii, 12:30 a.m. Shamrock Office Solutions Classic At Moraga, Calif. First Round Morgan St. vs. William Jessup, 8 p.m. San Jose St. at Saint Mary’s, Calif., 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28 EAST Daniel Webster at Harvard, 1 p.m. Towson at Lafayette, 1 p.m. Longwood at Lehigh, 1 p.m. Wagner at N.J. Tech, 2 p.m. Stony Brook at St. Peter’s, 2 p.m. Bucknell at Marist, 4 p.m. Duquesne at Robert Morris, 7 p.m. Siena at Saint Joseph’s, 7 p.m. SOUTH Tennessee St. at Marshall, 2 p.m. N. Carolina A&T at Georgia, 2:30 p.m. East Carolina vs. Coastal Carolina at the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Convention Center, 3 p.m. Cincinnati Christian at Liberty, 3 p.m. Spring Hill at South Alabama, 3:05 p.m. W. Kentucky vs. Florida St. at BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Fla., 4 p.m. IPFW at North Florida, 4 p.m. South Dakota at New Orleans, 5 p.m. Virginia at Georgia Tech, 5:30 p.m. Winthrop vs. Florida at BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Fla., 6:30 p.m. Yale at Alabama, 7 p.m. Fordham vs. Tenn.-Martin at FIU Arena, Miami, 7 p.m. Richmond at UNC Wilmington, 7 p.m. Rutgers at North Carolina, 7:45 p.m. MIDWEST E. Illinois at Bowling Green, 2 p.m. Alcorn St. at DePaul, 2 p.m. E. Michigan at Illinois, 2 p.m. Presbyterian at Marquette, 2 p.m. S. Illinois at Bradley, 2:05 p.m. Indiana St. at N. Iowa, 2:05 p.m. Drake at Evansville, 3:05 p.m. Illinois St. at Missouri St., 3:05 p.m. SIU-Edwardsville at UMKC, 3:05 p.m. Valparaiso at Purdue, 4 p.m. Lipscomb at Indiana, 6 p.m. St. Francis, NY at Akron, 7 p.m. High Point at Minnesota, 7 p.m. Wichita St. at Creighton, 8:05 p.m. SOUTHWEST Rice at Ark.-Little Rock, 3 p.m. Iowa St. at Houston, 6 p.m. Sam Houston St. at Texas A&M, 8 p.m. FAR WEST UC Riverside at Denver, 3 p.m. Loyola Marymount at New Mexico St., 3 p.m. Louisiana Tech at UCLA, 3 p.m. Montana at Washington, 3 p.m. Oral Roberts at Southern Cal, 5 p.m. Texas Tech at Stanford, 10 p.m. TOURNAMENTS Bobcat 6th Man Club Classic At Bozeman, Mont. First Round Utah Valley St. vs. Norfolk St., 7 p.m. Lethbridge at Montana St., 9:30 p.m. Golden Bear Classic At Berkeley, Calif. Third Place, 5:30 p.m. Championship, 8 p.m. Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic At Honolulu First Round Buffalo vs. Pepperdine, 10 p.m. Colorado vs. Coppin St., 12:30 a.m. Shamrock Office Solutions Classic At Moraga, Calif. Third Place, 8 p.m. Championship, 10:30 p.m.
Transactions BASKETBALL NBA Development League RIO GRANDE VALLEY VIPERS—Announced F Joey Dorsey has been assigned to the team by Houston (NBA). FOOTBALL National Football League CHICAGO BEARS—Placed S Mike Brown on injured reserve. CLEVELAND BROWNS—Signed P Mike Dragosavich to the practice squad. HOCKEY National Hockey League CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS—Activated D Aaron Johnson from injured reserve. OTTAWA SENATORS—Recalled D Brian Lee from Binghamton (AHL). American Hockey League QUAD CITY FLAMES—Signed D Brad Brown. SYRACUSE CRUNCH—Recalled C Ryan Garlock and LW Blair Yaworski from Johnstown (ECHL). Announced RW Petr Pohl has been reassigned to the team from Johnstown. Eastern Professional Hockey League HUDSON VALLEY BEARS—Signed D Derrek Douglas. COLLEGE ARMY—Named Rich Ellerson football coach.
COWBOYS | Continued from Page 1B when Reggie Brown was stopped at the 1 to end the game. Had the Eagles beaten the Redskins, they wouldn’t need any outside help this week. “There’s nothing we can do at this point,” quarterback Donovan McNabb said. “The only thing we can do is go out and play well against the Cowboys and see what happens after that. That’s the way it’s been all year; if it’s an inch here or a pass here or whatever it may be, just a little short. We don’t want it to end that way this year so, hopefully, it won’t.” The Eagles have always played well late in the season under coach Andy Reid. They’re 51-21-3 in November and December since 2000, including 10-3 in the final month over the last three seasons. Philadelphia has won five straight
December games against Dallas. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have struggled in late-season games with Tony Romo as their starting QB. Romo is 5-7 in December and 22-4 in other months. “We just haven’t won as much,” Romo said. “There are always little things you can pick out. Good teams you play against maybe? There’s no reason. Whatever reason, we haven’t won. This year I think it’s pretty easy to indicate that we played against pretty good opponents. Years past, I’m not sure.” Dallas has survived a brutal December that began with a tough loss at Pittsburgh. A crucial win over the Giants was followed by the distressing loss to the Ravens.
“If we go on to win this game, and are able to beat the Giants and Philly in December, that’s a pretty big step,” Romo said. “All we can do is control how we prepare this week and what kind of team steps out on that field this Sunday. I have a funny feeling we’re going to play good football this weekend.” These teams played one of the most entertaining games of the year back in Week 2 on a Monday night. The Cowboys outlasted the Eagles 41-37 in a good old-fashioned shootout that featured seven lead changes, 717 total yards and some wacky plays. A fumbled handoff between McNabb and Westbrook led to Dallas scoring the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
“The bad exchange has nothing to do with this game,” Westbrook said. “We played a good game against those guys the first time.” So much has happened since Owens was kicked off the Eagles and landed with the Cowboys that his return to Philly isn’t much of a subplot anymore. Besides, T.O. hears boos from his own fans nowadays. “When I left there, I know there were some fans that knew what was really going on and still loved me there,” he said. “And there were some that were really disappointed about the way things panned out and I’m not there. Same with me being here. I got some boos in the last game or so, so that’s just part of football.”
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LADY | Continued from Page 1B Guerra pulled out his signature fullcourt manto-man to cause havoc for the Lady Bulldogs. He also mixed in a halfcourt trap to keep Lyford bottled up all night long. Lyford kept pace with Zapata in the first quarter and was down only one basket, 9-7. That would be the last time Lyford would be a threat to Zapata. In the second quarter, the Lady Hawks started to run their transition offense to near perfection. Zapata exploded for 19 points in the quarter, with Solis and Garcia accounting for 12. In addition, they only allowed Lyford to score one basket in the quarter. The Lady Hawks headed into the locker room with a 28-9 advantage. In the third quarter, Guerra unveiled a 2-3 zone that kept Lyford away from the paint and forced it to take shots from the perimeter. Zapata returns to action Monday when it travels to Laredo for the Border Olympics basketball tournament. It will open with Nixon in the first round of tournament action. “It is going to be a tough tournament, and Nixon will be a challenge,” Guerra said.
Improving Hawks Guerra also noted he likes the way the team is improving on the court, as well as the play of his bench. He noted the improvement of junior Clarissa Solis in initiating the transition offense and Maritza Garcia from beyond the arc. “She is our leader on the fast break. If she gets it going then everyone will follow,” Guerra said of Solis. Garcia, who was part of the state-qualifying cross-country team, has been steady from the 3point line. For the season, she has connected on 14 3-pointers. “Maritza is a great athlete who has been doing a great job from beyond the arc. Every game she is getting better,” Guerra said. The bench for the Lady Hawks is not as deep as other schools but they go to battle with every team. They are willing to give a full effort and make the most of their time on the court whenever they are given an opportunity, the coach said. “When I asked them to go in, they put in their minutes and do a good job for us,” Guerra said. Juniors Mela Martinez or Selina Mata are the first off the bench, depending on what position Guerra needs. Martinez plays the post position and Mata is a guard.
A glance at the district The Lady Hawks will return to district action on Jan. 2 when they travel to La Feria to take on the Lionettes. La Feria will be one of the most challenging teams, along with Hidalgo, for the Lady Hawks. They have a history of success under coach Mary Wetegrove. Last year, the Lionettes went deep into the playoffs and all the way to the regional tournament. Zapata will have its hands full with four-year letterman Melanie Leija. Leija is the Lionettes’ quick, agile post that can connect from any corner of the floor. “La Feria is a tough team and it will be a challenge for the girls. We need to play well and minimize our mistakes,” Guerra said.
TEXANS | Continued from Page 1B have much time to be checking out the scoreboard to see how Chicago’s playoff hopes are panning out. “It’s tough to do in football,” he said. “You’ve got so many adjustments, especially the quarterback. For me, you’ve got so much going on. I’m sure I’ll sneak a peek up there at some point, but for the most part, you’re just concerned about making the necessary adjustments from series to series.” Coach Lovie Smith agreed with his quarterback, noting that he, too, will be too busy to worry about what is going on outside of Reliant Stadium. “You start looking at that offense and the weapons they have, look at some of their defensive personnel, that’ll keep you occupied,” he said. The Texans have long been out of playoff contention and are looking to atone for last week’s embarrassing loss at Oakland that snapped a franchise-best four-game winning streak. Most players insist that the chance to knock the Bears out of the playoffs isn’t any added motivation, and cornerback Dunta Robinson did the same before admitting the obvious.
WILLIAMS | Continued from Page 1B much less made the playoffs. “I’ve always wanted to be on a team that just streaks, you know, that just hits it,” Williams said. “I hope that we can do that. All we need is just five wins in a row. ... One of my goals also is to be the first team in the (Obama) White House.” A lifelong Texan, getting traded to Dallas in October was a best-case scenario for Williams, made even better by also getting a $45 million, five-year contract extension. Then he ran out of good news. Williams didn’t catch a pass in his first game, then caught only three over the next two weeks. Romo missed all those games with a broken pinkie on his throwing hand. Once he returned, everyone figured the tandem would get the Cowboys offense cranked up again. Six games later, everyone is still waiting. Williams hasn’t even caught a touchdown from Romo; his lone one for Dallas
came from Brad Johnson. “We’re getting more comfortable every week,” Romo said. “He does some things a little different than the other receivers. He does some things really well, so we’re trying to get a bead on it.” Williams is doing his best to remain patient — and polite. At the start of an interview this week, he literally bit his lip to prevent from answering questions about his role in the offense. When he did talk, he kept saying, “Merry Christmas to everybody.” Asked how he’s adopted that approach, Williams finally opened up. “My mom told me God has a plan for me. The pastor told me the same thing,” he said, the fact he needed such counsel indicating how left out he feels. The more Williams talked, the more his frustration and disappointment came out, “because I know I am a player in this league.” He brought up his big game
against the Eagles in 2006 and noted that he led the NFC that season with 1,310 yards receiving. He also said a foot injury that’s slowed him a bit has “not at all” limited him. “My thing is, if you brought me in half the season, you obviously know what I am capable of doing,” Williams said. Over the six games they’ve been together, Romo has thrown to Williams only 29 times, according to STATS LLC. Their stats show that over the same span Owens has been the target 57 times, running backs 48 times and tight end Jason Witten 42 times. “People can watch the film,” Williams said. “I am doing what I am coached to do.” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday he “hoped that we’d get more” from Williams so far, but also “there is no doubt in my mind we will get more. “There isn’t any question defenses
have to look at both he and (Owens) when they are on the field and they have had to adjust,” Jones said. “Whether or not we’ve taken advantage of them or made the plays is something else.” Coach Wade Phillips also seems to be wondering why offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and Romo are having such trouble working in a guy who stands 6foot-3 and has good hands. “I think we do need to get comfortable with him, being able to throw it to him on a 5-9 cornerback,” Phillips said. “That’s hard to do because you look over there and see that he’s covered, but he’s not covered. He can go up and get it. I don’t think we’ve come to that point. We haven’t had that feel yet. ... He can make plays for us. We’ve just got to utilize him.” T.O. said the grace period for working Williams into the scheme has long since passed. “If I was Roy, I’d be frustrated,” Owens
said. “He has a lot of talent. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be here. I’m not saying that in a negative way. I’m saying that because I know he can help the team. ... I’m looking forward to having him really just be a part of this offense and let us be explosive the way I know we can be.” No matter how bad things are going in Dallas, it could be a lot worse for Williams — he could still be in Detroit, where the Lions will be playing Sunday to avoid the first 0-16 season in league history. Williams knows “there’s an asterisk that goes by my name,” linking him to the first five losses. His new teammates remind him of that, too. A favorite taunt is about Williams having been in Detroit when the team picture was taken. “They say it’s going to haunt me forever,” he said. “I feel sorry for them. I kind of say I wish I was there to help them, but then I don’t.”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B
HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Heloise: We had an incident today. My beloved little Alley Cat was grooming herself. Somehow, she managed to grab her COLLAR, and it ended up around her ears and in her mouth. Thank goodness we were home at the time. She was choking. Please let all HELOISE pet owners know to check the collars on their pets. Who would have thought that a collar could pose a choking hazard? I adjusted it to a tighter fit, and hopefully she won’t be in danger again. — Deb H., Farmington, N.M. Meow, and so glad your kitty is OK. We have received and print-
ed many letters about the potential dangers (and benefits) of collars. It is very important to make sure collars are not too tight or too loose. You can check with your pet store or on the Internet for breakaway or elastic collars. Some readers suggest leaving the collar off while at home, but others disagree, because if the pet gets out, it doesn’t have a collar on! So, the decision is yours. — Heloise BIRD HINT Dear Heloise: Many times, birds would fly into my windows because of the reflection of the trees and would injure or kill themselves. I would put “sun catchers” on the outside of the windows, and that would help some. However, my neighbor came up with an idea that took
care of the problem. During the Christmas season, she purchased a package of shimmering white tinsel, and with a few tacks, she hung a small clump of strands across the top of the outside window frames. This has totally eliminated the problem. A small price to pay to save the birds. — A California Reader, via e-mail PET PAL Dear Readers: Elaine Persico of Amsterdam, N.Y., sent a photo of her fluffy, white-and-brown cat, Cinnamon, with a pretty blue scarf around his neck. Elaine says: “Cinnamon had dental work done and was drooling quite badly. I tied this scarf around his neck to catch his drooling.” To see Cinnamon, visit www.Heloise.com. — Heloise
HOROSCOPES | BY FRANCIS DRAKE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Today’s New Moon is the perfect time to ask yourself what kind of further education or training coul d improve your life. It might not even be related to your job. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Think about how you can reduce your debt, and how you can better handle shared property and jointly held responsibilities. What do you need to do? GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It’s the New Moon today. This is the perfect day for you to think about how to improve your partnerships and your closest friendships. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) What can you do to improve your job? What can you do to improve your attitude toward your job? These are the questions you need to ponder today. LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) Are you getting a decent balance between play and work? A good balance in everything leads to a happier, healthier, more harmonious life.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Are you happy with the friends you have? Do you hang out with quality people? The best way to get friends is to be friendly! PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) How are your relations with bosses, parents, VIPs and other authority figures in your life? Is your first instinct to rebel? Do you get the results you want?
VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) The New Moon is the perfect time to make resolutions. What can you do to improve your enjoyment of your home, and what can you do to improve your family relationships? LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Because each New Moon is an opportunity to make a resolution or set an intention, why not take advantage of this today? Observe your style of communicating to others. How can you improve? SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) This is a good day to think about how well you’re handling your finances and possessions. Do you own your possessions, or do they own you? SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Take a look in the mirror to see how you can improve your everyday appearance. After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) How things are inside you affects how things are outside you. This is a good day to spend a few quiet moments getting in touch with your inner self.
Y O U B O R N T O D A Y You think fast; you move fast; you act fast! People get excited around you because you’re so spontaneous. You work well with others because you sense what they need and want. However, personally, you need lots of freedom! Family is important to you. Finding a balance between stability and freedom is your challenge. An important choice you make this year will lead to building or constructing something next year. B i r t h d a t e o f : Jimi Hendrix, musician; Manolo Blahnik, shoe designer; Bruce Lee, actor/martial artist.
Zclassified HOMES FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR SALE
61
61
2 NEW SUBDIVISION IN NORTH LAREDO FROM THE $150’S & UP. RESERVE YOUR HOMESITE TODAY WITH ONLY $500.00 IN HOUSE FINANCING AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFO. CALL ANTHONY CARABALLO @ 333-3844
HOMES FOR SALE
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BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527
MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 67 Mobile home, 3 recamaras, bano y medio en Rio Bravo. $3,200 omo. ph#763-8303; 333-7058
ZAPATA
4 bedroom 2 bath approx. 1,500 sq.ft. home on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot for only $117,990 I will also help you with your closing costs let me worry about your credit. Call Luis Calderon @956-725-1965 or @ my cell 956-645-8977
Centro, 1 1/2 blk. off hwy. 83, 3 blks. from lake. 900 sqft. remodeled 2bdrm./2 ba. M.H., 900 sqft. garage, fenced. $39,000.00 OWNER CARRY w/ 15% down. $402.20mo.
Call:(956)763-1110 LOTS FOR SALE
3bd/2.5ba/3car port , large corner lot, $175,000. Call:(956)727-5126.
Norte, Central y Sur de Laredo Casas Disponibles de 3 a 5 recamaras para mudarse el dia de HOY. Facil de Calificar. Financiamiento Disponible. Llame HOY, al 956-237-2041 O a 956-717-0958 Con Adriana Moya Tijeriana
Has your family outgrown your home? Good news! Your dream home is just a trade away! Call me, Eddie Rendon (956) 763-8207
Great Location-New Spacious Homes 3 Bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage approx. 1400 sq.ft. paying closing cost. Monthly payment $1100.00 Call Jesus @ cell 956-740-2542 office 956-724-9756
HELP WANTED
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R-3, Lot & 1/3, corner, 120 W Locust and McDonell, 12,860 sq ft., $80,000.(956)725-6641.
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76 1.8ac App $345p/m $0 down, Owner Finance 35mi. So. Laredo Call 849-5471 5 acre tract, frontage on Casa Verde Rd. $200,000 per acre. Contact (956)725-6641
Must Sell, Moving Out, negotiable, 2bd/1.5ba, 2803 Bayard. Brand new, south Laredo. For sale by owner.
HELP WANTED
122
Zapata County Chamber of Commerce Is accepting applications for the position of:
Administrative Assistant Applicants must be bi-lingual and computer literate. Skills in office operations are required. Individual must be professional and courteous. Individual will work directly with the public so strong people skills are necessary. Individual must be willing to work after hours and be present at all Chamber events. Please apply in person at: Zapata County Chamber of Commerce 601 U.S. Hwy 83 Zapata, Texas 78076
Deadline to submit applications will be on January 08, 2009 Interviews will be conducted by: Paco Mendoza, Executive Director Salary Based Upon Experience Voice (956) 765-4871 Fax (956) 765-5434 www.zapatausa.com Zapata County Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer
HELP WANTED
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76 8 acres for sale 5 miles out of Crystal City on Nueces River. $43,000. Call (956) 727-5126
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82 Make over $150,000 per year! Sign Co. for sale w/all NEW equipment, including printer/cutter, plotter, laminator, computers, customer base & etc. Call (956)237-8310
OUT OF TOWN PROPERTY 88 * Waterfront,1/4 acre, in San Ygnacio,(land locked)/use of boat ramp.$12,000. 763-1320
RENTALS
PETS & SUPPLIES
128
* Parakeets, Cockatoos, love birds, finches, canaries, loros quakers, nandys, palomas. Inc: Cage & Food. $12 & up Call 744-0646
* Pure Breed Adult Boxers 1M/1F, 1 & 2yrs old $145ea.,$150, All shots. Serious Inq. Only Call 857-2408
122
COMMERCIAL RENTALS 120 Beauty salon, furnished, $950mo., 27’x80’, remodeled, 4100 San Bernardo 237-5946
HELP WANTED
122
Seeking a mature live in house keeper, with a vaild driver’s license. Please call 220-5009
HELP WANTED
122
LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES 130 Goat Buck, 50% boer, 30mths old. $125ea. Call 9485218 Se Vende Gallinas Coloradas y Abadas. $10. Para mas informacion 237-6873
***Baby parrots for sale $300*** call (956)763-1402
FARM & RANCH SUPPLIES 132
***Mollucan Cockatoo & Calico Macao baby*** For sale $2,000 ea. call (956)763-1402
Hay For Sale,large net wrapped,Round Bales,located in Alice, $40 and up.Delivery available.(361)219-4545
*Snakes, Ball python, large, small, $100 & up. 231-9983; 857-2408
MISCELLANEOUS
T-cup Chihuahua Puppies M/F $325 Call 857-2408 Chihuahua Puppies, 4 mo old, 1st & 2nd shots, dewormed, $75 & up. Call (956)857-2270 Pitbulls $150ea, 1st shot, and dewormed. Call 744-2342
Start your subscription now by calling 728-2555
1 Condo $60,000.
Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 011-52-867-715-011
70
North Laredo. 1.3 Acres on Loop 20 near TAMIU, next to Khaledi Heights on Blue Quail St. $12.50 Per SqFt Neg. Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 011-52-867-715-0118
Now you can make the news come to you.
PORQUE RENTAR cuando puede tener casa propia y al mismo tiempo calificar para un prestamo de hast $7,500.00 dlls, casas al norte y sur de laredo hableme para mas informacion, De Hoyos 956-635-6702
CONDOS FOR SALE 64 Let me help you by putting you in your new home like if you are paying rent. You can choose a home from 3, 4 & 5 bedrooms. You can even choose the area where you want your family to grow up. Call Javier Garcia today @ 956-235-4641
70
2 Lots for Sale South Laredo, Financing Available, Call 744-3299
LOTS FOR SALE
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136
Vendo Pitbull, 3mo, $150. Inf:(956)324-5470.
* Mesquite Firewood leña, Full pick up load (apx cord)San Ygnacio $125 Call 763-1320
LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES 130
*Dell Desktop, Windows XP Pro PC, internet ready $135 Call: 220-9654 4 piece Twin size bedroom set with mattress $495 Call 956-744-0179
HELP WANTED
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MOTORCYCLES
196
‘05 Honda Shadow VT 750 Cruiser , black w/ lots of chrome, excelent condition. $5,450 Call:(956)754-5628 Never Used! 2007 ATV 150CC’s, $1,100 OBO. Call 763-0453 *2 Antique Chev. ‘1936 PU’s Need restoration. Bill of Sale $7,200 for both (956)763-1320
* Dell Laptop, Windows XP, wireless internet ready $325 Call: 220-9654
Christmas horse, Leopard Appalosa, $1,600. Call:(956)645-7419; 286-2760
Two rims, 22in., 1 tire, 6 lugs for Chevy. $200. Call:(956)645-9650
TRUCKS FOR SALE 198
POMERANIAN puppies, , brindle, 2mo. $300 956-326-5152
CABRITOS, Live $55 ea. Please Call 956/948-5218
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194
5 piece King size bedroom set with mattress $1000 Call 956-744-0179 Antiques & Collectibles. Coke Machines, Signs, Radios, Toys, Dishes, Albums, Dallas Cowboys, Spurs & Coca-Cola Collectibles. Starting @ $3. Call 337-7699 Dell Computer Windows XP Pro, CD Burner/DVD ROM, recovery DVD, Word, power point, Excel, Publisher, English & Spanish dictionary, games, 2 Month Warranty, $225 Call (956)722-2711 Repair Service Available. Glass top bar table w/ four bar stools, iron & wood. $275Call:(956)568-1186 Marble top, new wood bar, $400. Call:(956)568-1186 Playstation 2, 9 games, 2 controllers, $155 obo. Call:(956)727-4991. Playstation II video games, $6 ea. Call:(956)645-1637
Recamara de madera solida y forja. Color Vino, tamano queen, Como nueva, No Colchones! 4 piezas$1,150 Inf: 727-6045 Sony T.V., 52IN., $750 obo. Call:(956)319-8148 Two iron gates, $60ea., Call:(956)645-1637
Whirlpool Washer & Dryer, large capacity, $300. Call: (956) 229-3387
SPORTING GOODS 142 Brutus leg press/ hack squat machine, excellent condition, $500 Call(956)763-7461.
TRANSPORTATION
2000 Ford F-150 Ext Cab, Auto, A/C, All Power, Current Tags, 80K Miles, $4,200. Call 791-5554 or 693-3748 Chevrolet Suburban ‘93, 8cyl., leather seats, $1,600 Call:(956)231-9217. Chevy Blazer ‘81, 4x4, transmision y motor en muy buenas condiciones. $3,500 omo.ph#763-8303; 333-7058
Chevy Tahoe ‘03, 49k mi., white ext., grey int., w/custom wood trim, $10,500 obo. Call: (956)236-4312
Ford Expedition XLT ‘05, loaded, take over pymts. $1,000 down pymt. under warranty Call: (956)754-5628
SOLD
Ford F-150 ‘94, cabina y media, a/c, con caja para herramienta $4,200 omo. ph#763-8303; 333-7058 Ford F-350 ‘97, 4dr., tool box, many extras, $5,500. Call:(956)220-4693. Ford pick up F-150 ‘99, 8cyl., 1.5 cab, color blue, a/c-heat, $4,500 Call:(956)231-9217 Ford Windstar ‘99, silver, 5drs., dble a/c, am/fm cd player, 120 k mi. $3,850 obo. Call:(956)754-7563; 754-1449 GMC Yukon ‘00, $7,900 obo. Call:(956)319-8148 Jeep Cherokee Sport ‘99, 6cyl., a/c, auto, 44k mi., $4,150. Call:(956)236-6650. Mazda Tribute ‘04, black, 56k mi., $6,000 obo. Call:(956)236-2529
CARS FOR SALE
200
‘51 Chevy 12,800mil., Perfect body & engine. $14,500 Call 728-1565 Cadillac Catera ‘01, excellent condition, clean, current lic. plate, 6cyl. $5,600 obo. Call:(956)693-7070. Ford Mustang GT ‘89, 5.0, red, good condition, $4,300 OBO Call:(956)635-8192
HEAVY EQUIPMENT 192 18ft Gooseneck Utility Trailer, $3,995. Call 722-0169
Mazda 3 ‘06, excellent condition, $11,750 obo. Call:(956)722-5940; 206-4255 Pontiac Firebird ‘99, a/c, auto, 6 cyl., all pwr., good condition, $2,800 obo. Call(956)324-6783
4B | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
<DATE>
LAREDO MORNING TIMES | 1B
ZAPATA
HOMES FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR SALE
61
61
2 NEW SUBDIVISION IN NORTH LAREDO FROM THE $150’S & UP. RESERVE YOUR HOMESITE TODAY WITH ONLY $500.00 IN HOUSE FINANCING AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFO. CALL ANTHONY CARABALLO @ 333-3844
HOMES FOR SALE
61
MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 67 Mobile home, 3 recamaras, bano y medio en Rio Bravo. $3,200 omo. ph#763-8303; 333-7058
ZAPATA
4 bedroom 2 bath approx. 1,500 sq.ft. home on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot for only $117,990 I will also help you with your closing costs let me worry about your credit. Call Luis Calderon @956-725-1965 or @ my cell 956-645-8977
Centro, 1 1/2 blk. off hwy. 83, 3 blks. from lake. 900 sqft. remodeled 2bdrm./2 ba. M.H., 900 sqft. garage, fenced. $39,000.00 OWNER CARRY w/ 15% down. $402.20mo.
Call:(956)763-1110 LOTS FOR SALE
Has your family outgrown your home? Good news! Your dream home is just a trade away! Call me, Eddie Rendon (956) 763-8207
Great Location-New Spacious Homes 3 Bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage approx. 1400 sq.ft. paying closing cost. Monthly payment $1100.00 Call Jesus @ cell 956-740-2542 office 956-724-9756
HELP WANTED
2 Lots for Sale South Laredo, Financing Available, Call 744-3299
3bd/2.5ba/3car port , large corner lot, $175,000. Call:(956)727-5126.
Norte, Central y Sur de Laredo Casas Disponibles de 3 a 5 recamaras para mudarse el dia de HOY. Facil de Calificar. Financiamiento Disponible. Llame HOY, al 956-237-2041 O a 956-717-0958 Con Adriana Moya Tijeriana
122
R-3, Lot & 1/3, corner, 120 W Locust and McDonell, 12,860 sq ft., $80,000.(956)725-6641.
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76 1.8ac App $345p/m $0 down, Owner Finance 35mi. So. Laredo Call 849-5471 5 acre tract, frontage on Casa Verde Rd. $200,000 per acre. Contact (956)725-6641
Must Sell, Moving Out, negotiable, 2bd/1.5ba, 2803 Bayard. Brand new, south Laredo. For sale by owner.
HELP WANTED
122
Zapata County Chamber of Commerce Is accepting applications for the position of:
Administrative Assistant Applicants must be bi-lingual and computer literate. Skills in office operations are required. Individual must be professional and courteous. Individual will work directly with the public so strong people skills are necessary. Individual must be willing to work after hours and be present at all Chamber events. Please apply in person at: Zapata County Chamber of Commerce 601 U.S. Hwy 83 Zapata, Texas 78076
Deadline to submit applications will be on January 08, 2009 Interviews will be conducted by: Paco Mendoza, Executive Director Salary Based Upon Experience Voice (956) 765-4871 Fax (956) 765-5434 www.zapatausa.com Zapata County Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer
HELP WANTED
ACREAGE FOR SALE 76 8 acres for sale 5 miles out of Crystal City on Nueces River. $43,000. Call (956) 727-5126
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82 Make over $150,000 per year! Sign Co. for sale w/all NEW equipment, including printer/cutter, plotter, laminator, computers, customer base & etc. Call (956)237-8310
OUT OF TOWN PROPERTY 88 * Waterfront,1/4 acre, in San Ygnacio,(land locked)/use of boat ramp.$12,000. 763-1320
RENTALS
PETS & SUPPLIES
128
* Parakeets, Cockatoos, love birds, finches, canaries, loros quakers, nandys, palomas. Inc: Cage & Food. $12 & up Call 744-0646
* Pure Breed Adult Boxers 1M/1F, 1 & 2yrs old $145ea.,$150, All shots. Serious Inq. Only Call 857-2408
122
COMMERCIAL RENTALS 120 Beauty salon, furnished, $950mo., 27’x80’, remodeled, 4100 San Bernardo 237-5946
HELP WANTED
122
Seeking a mature live in house keeper, with a vaild driver’s license. Please call 220-5009
HELP WANTED
122
LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES 130 Goat Buck, 50% boer, 30mths old. $125ea. Call 9485218 Se Vende Gallinas Coloradas y Abadas. $10. Para mas informacion 237-6873
***Baby parrots for sale $300*** call (956)763-1402
FARM & RANCH SUPPLIES 132
***Mollucan Cockatoo & Calico Macao baby*** For sale $2,000 ea. call (956)763-1402
Hay For Sale,large net wrapped,Round Bales,located in Alice, $40 and up.Delivery available.(361)219-4545
*Snakes, Ball python, large, small, $100 & up. 231-9983; 857-2408
MISCELLANEOUS
T-cup Chihuahua Puppies M/F $325 Call 857-2408 Chihuahua Puppies, 4 mo old, 1st & 2nd shots, dewormed, $75 & up. Call (956)857-2270 Pitbulls $150ea, 1st shot, and dewormed. Call 744-2342
Start your subscription now by calling 728-2555
1 Condo $60,000.
Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 011-52-867-715-011
70
North Laredo. 1.3 Acres on Loop 20 near TAMIU, next to Khaledi Heights on Blue Quail St. $12.50 Per SqFt Neg. Call Dr. Rendon 011-52-867-714-1502 or 011-52-867-715-0118
Now you can make the news come to you.
PORQUE RENTAR cuando puede tener casa propia y al mismo tiempo calificar para un prestamo de hast $7,500.00 dlls, casas al norte y sur de laredo hableme para mas informacion, De Hoyos 956-635-6702
CONDOS FOR SALE 64 Let me help you by putting you in your new home like if you are paying rent. You can choose a home from 3, 4 & 5 bedrooms. You can even choose the area where you want your family to grow up. Call Javier Garcia today @ 956-235-4641
70
LOTS FOR SALE
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136
Vendo Pitbull, 3mo, $150. Inf:(956)324-5470.
* Mesquite Firewood leña, Full pick up load (apx cord)San Ygnacio $125 Call 763-1320
LIVESTOCK & SUPPLIES 130
*Dell Desktop, Windows XP Pro PC, internet ready $135 Call: 220-9654 4 piece Twin size bedroom set with mattress $495 Call 956-744-0179
HELP WANTED
122
MOTORCYCLES
196
‘05 Honda Shadow VT 750 Cruiser , black w/ lots of chrome, excelent condition. $5,450 Call:(956)754-5628 Never Used! 2007 ATV 150CC’s, $1,100 OBO. Call 763-0453 *2 Antique Chev. ‘1936 PU’s Need restoration. Bill of Sale $7,200 for both (956)763-1320
* Dell Laptop, Windows XP, wireless internet ready $325 Call: 220-9654
Christmas horse, Leopard Appalosa, $1,600. Call:(956)645-7419; 286-2760
Two rims, 22in., 1 tire, 6 lugs for Chevy. $200. Call:(956)645-9650
TRUCKS FOR SALE 198
POMERANIAN puppies, , brindle, 2mo. $300 956-326-5152
CABRITOS, Live $55 ea. Please Call 956/948-5218
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS 194
5 piece King size bedroom set with mattress $1000 Call 956-744-0179 Antiques & Collectibles. Coke Machines, Signs, Radios, Toys, Dishes, Albums, Dallas Cowboys, Spurs & Coca-Cola Collectibles. Starting @ $3. Call 337-7699 Dell Computer Windows XP Pro, CD Burner/DVD ROM, recovery DVD, Word, power point, Excel, Publisher, English & Spanish dictionary, games, 2 Month Warranty, $225 Call (956)722-2711 Repair Service Available. Glass top bar table w/ four bar stools, iron & wood. $275Call:(956)568-1186 Marble top, new wood bar, $400. Call:(956)568-1186 Playstation 2, 9 games, 2 controllers, $155 obo. Call:(956)727-4991. Playstation II video games, $6 ea. Call:(956)645-1637
Recamara de madera solida y forja. Color Vino, tamano queen, Como nueva, No Colchones! 4 piezas$1,150 Inf: 727-6045 Sony T.V., 52IN., $750 obo. Call:(956)319-8148 Two iron gates, $60ea., Call:(956)645-1637
Whirlpool Washer & Dryer, large capacity, $300. Call: (956) 229-3387
SPORTING GOODS 142 Brutus leg press/ hack squat machine, excellent condition, $500 Call(956)763-7461.
TRANSPORTATION
2000 Ford F-150 Ext Cab, Auto, A/C, All Power, Current Tags, 80K Miles, $4,200. Call 791-5554 or 693-3748 Chevrolet Suburban ‘93, 8cyl., leather seats, $1,600 Call:(956)231-9217. Chevy Blazer ‘81, 4x4, transmision y motor en muy buenas condiciones. $3,500 omo.ph#763-8303; 333-7058
Chevy Tahoe ‘03, 49k mi., white ext., grey int., w/custom wood trim, $10,500 obo. Call: (956)236-4312
Ford Expedition XLT ‘05, loaded, take over pymts. $1,000 down pymt. under warranty Call: (956)754-5628
SOLD
Ford F-150 ‘94, cabina y media, a/c, con caja para herramienta $4,200 omo. ph#763-8303; 333-7058 Ford F-350 ‘97, 4dr., tool box, many extras, $5,500. Call:(956)220-4693. Ford pick up F-150 ‘99, 8cyl., 1.5 cab, color blue, a/c-heat, $4,500 Call:(956)231-9217 Ford Windstar ‘99, silver, 5drs., dble a/c, am/fm cd player, 120 k mi. $3,850 obo. Call:(956)754-7563; 754-1449 GMC Yukon ‘00, $7,900 obo. Call:(956)319-8148 Jeep Cherokee Sport ‘99, 6cyl., a/c, auto, 44k mi., $4,150. Call:(956)236-6650. Mazda Tribute ‘04, black, 56k mi., $6,000 obo. Call:(956)236-2529
CARS FOR SALE
200
‘51 Chevy 12,800mil., Perfect body & engine. $14,500 Call 728-1565 Cadillac Catera ‘01, excellent condition, clean, current lic. plate, 6cyl. $5,600 obo. Call:(956)693-7070. Ford Mustang GT ‘89, 5.0, red, good condition, $4,300 OBO Call:(956)635-8192
HEAVY EQUIPMENT 192 18ft Gooseneck Utility Trailer, $3,995. Call 722-0169
Mazda 3 ‘06, excellent condition, $11,750 obo. Call:(956)722-5940; 206-4255 Pontiac Firebird ‘99, a/c, auto, 6 cyl., all pwr., good condition, $2,800 obo. Call(956)324-6783