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A LAKE VIEW
Vela has roots in alcalde service T
he name of Vela is marked for the historic records of Zapata and Guerrero Nuevo as part of the early story of the Rio Grande frontier downriver from Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. While the name stands out among Spanish and Mexico land and deARAMBULA grants, velopments on both sides of the Rio Grande, the early Vela families of the region, however, were part of early governance. In a book by a former Laredo Morning Times lifestyle editor Lori McVey, we find the names of Vela individuals who served as mayor (alcalde) from 1821 to 1954. McVey cited the alcaldes from a 1952 publication, “La Antigua Revilla en la Leyenda de Los Tiempos,” by Lorenzo de la Garza. De la Garza was identified in a Guerrero government directory as the town’s historian. His book became part of the Old Guerrero archives. It listed the names of men who served as municipal president in a mayor-council government. The first Vela name on the list was of Santiago Vela, whose first term as alcalde was 1831. Santiago also served on two other occasions, 1836 and 1846, both highly significant years in Texas history. Students of history should underscore the year 1836 — the year Texas won independence from Mexico at San Jacinto (on April 21, 1836, to be specific). That’s the time in Texas history when Sam Houston’s ragged army of Texans caught Mexican General Santa Anna taking a siesta on the banks of the San Jacinto River and overran the enemy in less than 30 minutes. Santiago Vela served for a third term in 1846, the year the Republic of Texas was negotiating with Washington for statehood. It was also a period of time when Texans were dealing with insurgency from Mexican-Texans and rebels on the Mexican side wanting to recover Texas from the embrace of U. S. statehood. The dispute centered on the boundary between the Republic of Texas and the Mexican government. Texans insisted that the boundary was the Rio Grande River while Mexico argued it was the Nueces River. The dispute raged for years in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in the border area of Brownsville and Matamoros, giving rise to a Mexican-Texan rebellion fired by Juan Cortinas (The Cortinas Wars). The events led to the Mexican-American War, clearing the path for Texas to join the Union in 1848. Upriver from Zapata and Guerrero, some Laredo families chose to cross the river to resettle in what is Nuevo Laredo. Lori McVey’s photographic essay of Old Guerrero included several of McVey’s photos as well as pictures from contributors. One of the photos is of a couple, Luis Vela and his wife, Ygnacia Saenz de Vela. The picture was taken in 1888. Luis Vela, a great grandfather of East Chicago, Ind., native, Joe Espitia de Vela, was the owner of the Clareño Ranch in Zapata County. Some of these details on Revilla (Guerrero) are also described in other published works, including “Dolores, Revilla and
See LAKE VIEW | PAGE 11A
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Master Plan nears No tax By PAUL S. MARTINEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County is on the brink of implementing a master plan, and officials are seeking extensive input from local residents to ensure the plan meets the needs — and vision — of the community. “(Zapata County) can be shaped by choice or chance,” said Peggy Umphres Moffett, president of the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Center. “This master plan is a way for us to create the kind of community we want,” she added. The master plan outlines the policies and collaborative efforts needed to develop Zapata County’s infrastructure and
economy while preserving its history and environment after taking into account local and region demographic changes and economic development opportunities. The master plan serves as a sort of “position paper” that the Zapata County Commissioners Court will have the option to adopt as policy, Umphres Moffett said. “We start by asking how can our community get less of what we don’t want and more of what we do,” she said. Umphres-Moffett said the cornerstones of the master plan are seven statements “that people generally agree on.”
The statements are:
Development decisions should be open and transparent. Plentiful choices among safe, convenient and attractive neighborhoods and affordable housing. Ready access to jobs, daily necessities and fun, with less time in traffic. A strong local economy. Preserving what’s best about the place we live in. Lower personal costs and efficient use of tax money. A shot at the American dream of opportunity for access to good schools/education centers, a safe environment and opportunities for advancement.
See PLAN | PAGE 11A
LA RANCHERITA
BEAT
hike in budget By PAUL S.MARTINEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata County Commissioners Court is expected to approve its 2008-09 budget and keep its tax rate the same at Monday’s meeting. The meeting starts at 9:15 a.m. at the Zapata County Courthouse. Zapata County Judge Rosalva Guerra has proposed a budget of $27,366,170 for fiscal year 2008-2009. The sum is nearly $4 million more than Zapata County’s estimated revenue of $23,382,371. GUERRA The proposed Zapata County tax rate is 73.6 cents per $100 valuation, as it has been for five years, but because of higher appraisal values the same rate will bring in about 7.6 percent more in tax revenue. While the budget can be balanced by dipping into county’s general fund of more than $15.3 million, two of the four county commissioners say they’d rather stay within the bounds of the estimated revenue. Pct. 2 Commissioner Gabriel Villarreal said he is doesn’t have a problem with going into the general fund to balance the
See BUDGET | PAGE 11A
Photos by Ulysses S. Romero | Laredo Morning Times
La Rancherita morning radio show announcer Lupita Barrientos discusses how KJJS-FM has ingrained itself with Zapata County residents.
Zapata residents now have their own FM radio station By PAUL S. MARTINEZ
By PAUL S. MARTINEZ
THE ZAPATA TIMES
apata has a new voz. KJJS 103.9 La Rancherita, Zapata County’s first FM station, began broadcasting on July, 16, said Francisco San Millan, the station’s owner. The station is the first in a new chain of Spanish-language stations started by San Millan’s company, Target Hispanic Media, Inc., he said. San Millan’s Yuma, Ariz.-based company has plans to open stations in George West, Refugio, Dexter, New Mexico and Wellton, Ariz. San Millan said he chose Zapata for his first station because of its great location. “Zapata is strategically positioned to cover markets like Laredo, Roma, Rio Grande City and in Mexico,” San Millan said in Spanish in a telephone interview from Mexico City. San Millan said his La Rancherita station is not in any way related to La Rancherita del Aire or La Rancherita Contenta, two powerful and wellknown Mexican AM stations. “We might change the name of the station to avoid confusion,” he said. San Millan said his 6,500-watt station started off playing mostly the music of the Mexican states of Durango, Sinaloa and Sonora. The station, which is housed in a converted mobile home, is tailoring itself to the community by incorporating what listeners request the most, he added. People in Zapata request a lot of norteño and corridos, said Lupita Barrientos, the La Rancherita DJ from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Barrientos said the community’s response to the new station was been overwhelming. “Everywhere I go (in Zapata) people are listening to La Rancherita,”
$200K in tech funds returned THE ZAPATA TIMES
Zapata County ISD returned about $200,000 to Zapata County this week as the Zapata County Higher Education Advanced Technology Center project continues to move forward. Zapata County became the fiscal administrator of about $3.1 million in funds to build the center, replacing the school district. Hence, ZCISD took the funds it had earmarked for the project and turning them over to the county.
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Plans change
A fade from the microphone to music is performed by KJJS-103.9 morning radio announcer Lupita Barrientos during a recent show. she said. “In restaurants, stores, the car wash … everywhere.” Barrientos has never worked in radio before, but she’s always been a fan, she said. And the people of Zapata County have accepted her quickly. A DJ wasn’t scheduled to be on the air during The Zapata Times’ recent visit, but Barrientos donned the earphones and took to the air to demonstrate the station’s popularity. Within a minute of going live, the phone started ringing and it kept ringing, non-stop, with song and greeting requests. In the morning, Barrientos hosts favorite-song contests, which also are very popular, she said. The station has live DJs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and pre-programmed music the rest of time; the station is a 24hour, 365 days a year operation. San Millan said the station is planning to add a news program and to of-
fer community announcements once it becomes more established. The station also features a recording bay for commercials and other types of recordings. Peggy Umphres Moffett, president of Zapata County Chamber of Commerce, said the station is great for the county. “(La Rancherita) fills a gap as a source for communication and entertainment,” she said. San Millan said his goal for the station is to provide a social service for Zapata County, at the same, prompting economic growth for local businesses, including his own. “We feel honored to be the first radio station in Zapata,” San Millan said. “We want to start a dialogue with the community so the station can belong to all of us.” (Paul S. Martinez may be reached at (956) 728-2566 or paul@lmtonline.com)
The original plan for the higher education center was to renovate a vacated Zapata County ISD elementary school. Originally, the Zapata Economic Development Center secured about $1.6 million for the project through federal grants, with the help of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, and matching fund contributions. But then the project received another $1.5 million in state funds, with the help of state Rep. Ryan Guillen and state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, and the decision was made to build a new facility, said Peggy Umphres Moffett, the center’s president.
New campus A plan was made and approved to build the new eight-building campus across from the county courthouse. Since that land belongs to the county, the county became the fiscal administrator of the fund. ZCISD still will administer the facility when it opens, said ZCISD Superintendent Romeo Rodriguez. Construction on the new campus should begin next spring, Umphres Moffett said. It should take about 12 to 18 months to complete the project, she added. A few higher education opportunities already exist in Zapata County, Rodriguez said. Zapata High School students can take
See ZCISD | PAGE 11A
Zin brief
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 6,2008
AROUND TEXAS | IN BRIEF
WHAT’S GOING ON TODAY – SEPT.21
SATURDAY,SEPT.6 Abook sale will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave.,from 8:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. in the Widener Room.The public is invited, and there is no admission fee.
MONDAY,SEPT.8
FRIDAY,SEPT.12 The Alzafar Shrine Circus will be in Zapata at the 4H Rodeo Arena today. Show times are 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for children 12 years and younger; $14 for adults.Tickets are available at the Rodeo Arena on the day of the show, one hour befor show time.
SUNDAY,SEPT.14 First United Methodist Church, 1220 McClelland Ave., will have an all-you-can-eat spaghetti lunch today from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The public is invited, and free-will donations are accepted.
TUESDAY,SEPT.16 Flu immunizations will be administered at Champion Care Building, 2408 Hwy 83 North, from 9 a.m. to noon today in an event sponsored by H-E-B Pharmacy. No appointment is necessary.There is no cost for people with Medicare Part B (bring your Red-White-Blue Medicare Card); the vaccine is $25 for those without Medicare Part B. No prescription is necessary for those older than 14. Pneumococcal vaccine will be available at no charge for those on Medicare Part B. For more information, call the H-E-B Pharmacy at 7128055.
OCT.27-30 It’s the Texas-Oklahoma Shootout fishing tournament at Falcon Lake. For more information, call 765-4871.
NOV.6-9 Zapata celebrates its sesquicentennial with a series of events. For more information, call 765-9920.
NOV.20-22 The 2008 Walmart FLW Series Fish-Off will be conducted at Falcon Lake. The lake will play host to topranked National Guard Western Division and BPEastern Division pros from the 2008 season.Thirtypros from each division will face each other to determine who will advance to the $2 million 2009 Forrest Wood Cup presented by BP and Castrol. For more information, visit www.FLWOutdoors.com
To submit an item for the daily calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and a contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com
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SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of Laredo Morning Times and those who buy LMT at newstands.The Zapata Times is inserted inside. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, PO Box 2129, Laredo,Texas 78044. Phone (956)728-2500
The Zapata Times
Photo by Lisa Krantz/San Antonio Express-News | AP
History interpreter Sherri Driscoll cleans the interior of the Alamo in San Antonio, near the statue of San Antonio de Padua, on Thursday.
Toothbrush-armed volunteers scrub down historic Alamo ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN ANTONIO — Armed with toothbrushes, a brigade of students and workers is defending Texas’ most iconic battle site against a modern-day threat: grimy hands. The Alamo, a 250-year-old church visited by 2.5 million people annually, is being scrubbed — one tedious toothbrush stroke at a time — to remove the blackened oil and grime left by visitors who run their hands along the interior walls of the shrine. The building survived the 1836 battle in which the Texans were defeated by the Mexican Army. But the tourist attraction suffers when visitors lean on its walls or step on the base of its columns, and most of all, when they touch the walls, Alamo officials say. The rough limestone is already eroding from moisture and salt, but the oil from people’s skin further degrades the creamcolored stone and blackens it. So, for a month, Alamo staffers and
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AROUND THE NATION | IN BRIEF
The 51st Expomex, the annual fair and livestock exposition in Nuevo Laredo,offers a variety of shows every night during its two-week run, including charreadas, American-style rodeos and musical performances. There are also carnival rides,exhibits, demonstrations and a nightly fireworks show. For a complete schedule of events and other information, visit www.expomex.com.mx
Zapata County Commissioners meet at 9 a.m. today at the Zapata County Courthouse. For more information, call 765-9920. Zapata County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meets at 6 p.m.at the chamber officers,601 U.S. 83. Members are welcome to attend.
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
historic preservation students from the University of Texas have been applying a mix of water and cleanser with sponges or paintbrushes and then scrubbing the walls with tooth brushes or nail brushes. The scrubbing takes the dingy walls back to creamy white. “It’s labor intensive,” said Sherri Driscoll, a history interpreter at the Alamo who says she can only stand a few hours of scrubbing at a time. “We have to give our knees and back a rest.” Bruce Winders, Alamo historian and curator, said the method cleans the walls without being too aggressive. The cost of the cleanup has only been a few thousand dollars, but Alamo officials plan to spend more this fall on a poultice of water and acid-free paper pulp to remove salts from the limestone to further preserve the building. The Alamo, operated by the nonprofit Daughters of the Republic of Texas, is trying to raise $30 million for preservation of the site over the next several years.
Pastry maker pleads guilty
Jeffs’daughter must keep attorney
Man’s execution next week moved to October
HOUSTON — Federal prosecutors say Shipley Do-Nut Flour and Supply Company Inc. pleaded guilty to conspiring to harbor illegal immigrants. Three former and current managers of the Houston company also pleaded guilty Friday to hiring or continuing to hire illegal aliens. The case is part of the government’s latest crackdown on employers who hire illegal immigrants. The company pleaded guilty through its president Lawrence Shipley III to conspiring to harbor illegal immigrants. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19. Shipley Do-Nut faces a maximum fine of $500,000 and up to five years probation then.
SAN ANGELO — A daughter of jailed polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs will not be allowed to dump her court-appointed lawyer in the child custody case, a judge ruled. Texas District Judge Barbara Walther ruled late Thursday, after hours of rancorous and sometimes petty fighting among the attorneys, that the 17-year-old girl would continue to be represented by Natalie Malonis. The girl, who has other attorneys in a separate criminal probe, had sought to dump Malonis, saying the attorney had misrepresented her in court and in the media.
HOUSTON — The scheduled execution next week of a homeless man convicted of taking part in the fatal stabbing of a sympathetic Dallas County woman was put off Friday until next month. Gregory Wright, 42, faced lethal injection Tuesday for the 1997 fatal stabbing of Donna Duncan Vick at her home in DeSoto. The 52-year-old widow ministered to the homeless and had given Wright food, shelter and money. Wright’s new date for punishment in Huntsville is Oct. 30. Bruce Anton, Wright’s attorney, had sought the delay so additional DNA testing could be conducted on Wright’s clothing. —Compiled from AP reports
Bear busts Utah pot farm
Speedy Hanna charges for Carolinas
PANGUITCH, Utah — One Utah community is cheering a special bear — but don’t call him Smokey. Investigators say a large black bear raided a clandestine marijuana growing operation so often that it chased the grower away. Deputies found food containers ripped apart and strewn everywhere, cans with bear teeth marks, claw marks and bear prints across the Garfield County camp on Tuesday. Perkins said the operation on Boulder Mountain included 4,000 “starter” sacks of pot and 888 young plants.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Tropical Storm Hanna picked up speed Friday as it cruised toward the Carolinas, promising to deliver gusty winds and heavy rain during a dash up the Eastern Seaboard that could wash out the weekend for millions of people. Not far behind was a much bigger worry: a ferocious-looking Hurricane Ike, on a path similar to the one taken by Andrew, the Category 5 monster that devastated South Florida in 1992. Ike could hit Florida by the middle of next week.
Panel criticizes health study TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Substandard science has hurt a federal agency’s seven-year effort to document possible links between industrial pollution and health problems in the Great Lakes region, an independent review panel said Friday. The Institute of Medicine said drafts of a report still under development by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were deeply flawed. Shortcomings included use of questionable data and conclusions that were overstated or not backed by sufficient evidence, the institute said.
Trial opens in love triangle case KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A prosecutor described a schoolteacher’s husband as a jealous, calculating killer as trial opened Friday on charges he murdered his wife’s teenage lover. But a defense lawyer told the jury that the defendant was a victim himself of a spouse who flaunted her infidelity. Eric McLean, 33, is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Sean Powell, the 18-year-old who was having an affair with studentteacher Erin McLean, then the 29-year-old wife of the defendant and mother of his two young sons. —Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE WORLD | IN BRIEF
Photo by Anupam Nath | AP
Villagers catch fish near drainage pipes at a newly constructed road which was washed away by floodwaters in Morigaon, about 44 miles east of Gauhati, India, on Friday.The monsoon season,which started in June, brings rain vital for the farmers of South Asia but also can cause massive destruction.
Iraqis react to spying allegations
Purported bomber warns of more attacks
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government reacted sharply Friday to published allegations that the U.S. spied on Iraq’s prime minister, warning that future ties with the United States could be in jeopardy if the report were true. The allegations appear by a new book, “The War Within: A Secret White House History, 2006-2008,” by journalist Bob Woodward, who writes that the United States spied extensively on Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, his staff and other government officials.
CAIRO, Egypt — A new al-Qaida video identifies the Saudi purportedly behind a suicide bombing at the Danish Embassy in Pakistan, and he is shown warning in a taped last testament that more attacks will punish Denmark over newspaper caricatures of Islam’s founder. In the 55-minute video posted on the Internet late Thursday, the alleged bomber is referred to both by a nom de guerre and by his real name. He appears in an explosives vest as he recounts his plan for the attack. —Compiled from AP reports
TODAY IN HISTORY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Today is Saturday, Sept. 6, the 250th day of 2008. There are 116 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Sept. 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot and mortally wounded by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y. McKinley died eight days later; he was succeeded by Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. (Czolgosz was executed in October 1901.) On this date: In 1757, the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, was born in Auvergne, France. In 1837, the Oberlin Collegiate Institute of Ohio went coeducational. In 1909, American explorer Robert Peary sent word that he had reached the North Pole five months earlier. In 1939, the Union of South Africa declared war on Germany. In 1958, Miss Mississippi Mary Ann Mobley was crowned Miss America 1959 in Atlantic City, N.J. In 1966, South African Prime
Minister Hendrik Verwoerd was stabbed to death by an apparently deranged page during a parliamentary session in Cape Town. In 1970, Palestinian guerrillas seized control of three jetliners, which were later blown up on the ground in Jordan after the passengers and crews were evacuated. Ten years ago: Divers working off Nova Scotia found the flight data recorder from Swissair Flight 111, which had crashed, killing all 229 people on board. (However, it turned out the recorder had stopped working several minutes before the crash.) Five years ago: Mahmoud Abbas resigned as Palestinian prime minister. In the U.S. Open, Justine Henin-Hardenne won the all-Belgian women’s singles final, beating fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters, 7-5, 6-1. One year ago: Death claimed opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti in Modena, Italy, at age 71 and author Madeleine L’Engle (“A Wrinkle in Time”) in Litchfield, Conn., at age 88. Today’s Birthdays: Comedian JoAnne Worley is 71. Coun-
try singer David Allan Coe is 69. Country singer Mel McDaniel is 66. Rock singer-musician Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) is 65. Actress Swoosie Kurtz is 64. Comedian-actress Jane Curtin is 61. Country singersongwriter Buddy Miller is 56. Country musician Joe Smyth (Sawyer Brown) is 51. Actor-comedian Jeff Foxworthy is 50. Actor-comedian Michael Winslow is 50. Rock musician Perry Bamonte is 48. Actor Steven Eckholdt is 47. Rock musician Scott Travis (Judas Priest) is 47. Pop musician Pal Waaktaar (a-ha) is 47. Rhythmand-blues singer Darryl Anthony (Az Yet) is 39. Rhythm-andblues singer Macy Gray is 38. Rock singer Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries) is 37. Actor Dylan Bruno (TV: “Numb3ers”) is 36. Actor Idris Elba (TV: “The Wire”) is 36. Actress Anika Noni Rose is 36. Rock singer Nina Persson (The Cardigans) is 34. Actor Justin Whalin is 34. Actress Naomie Harris is 32. Rapper Noreaga is 31. Rapper Foxy Brown is 29. Thought for Today: “Laziness is often mistaken for patience.” — French proverb.
Photo by Joerg Sarbach/file | AP
This June 25 photo shows the exterior view of the International Maritime Museum in Hamburg, Germany. The museum, in the historic dockland warehouse district, tells the history of some 3,000 years of shipping in nearly 130,000 square feet.
Zlocal
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 6,2008
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
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IBC going ‘green’ for customers, world SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
IBC Bank continues to add to its “green” initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and increasing savings and convenience for customers. In addition to providing ecofriendly banking services such as IBC Online Banking and IBC Mobile, IBC is executing business practices designed to reduce paper usage, conserve energy and save money for its customers and the bank.
Green benefits Courtesy photo
Charles Haralson of Laredo, left, gets help with his entry during the 2008 Stren Series season opener in January at Falcon Lake.
FLW returns to Falcon Lake for 2008 Wal-Mart fish-off SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
FLW Outdoors, home of FLW Fantasy Fishing (www.FantasyFishing.com), and the largest cash payout in fantasy sports history, recently announced that Falcon Lake will host the 2008 Walmart FLW Series Fish-Off on Nov. 2022. The lake, which is home to the FLW Outdoors four-day weight record of 20 bass weighing 110 pounds, 2 ounces, will play host to top-ranked National Guard Western Division and BP Eastern Division pros from the 2008 season. Thirty pros from each division will face each other in head-tohead action to determine who will advance to the $2 million 2009 Forrest Wood Cup presented by BP and Castrol, where qualifiers have a shot at winning $1 million — the sport’s biggest award. The No. 1 seeds from each division will face the No. 30 seeds, the No. 2 seeds will face the No. 29 seeds, etc. The winners of these head-to-head match-ups will advance to the Forrest Wood Cup along with the top 30 co-anglers based on accumulated weight at the Fish-Off. The pro with the heaviest overall weight will also earn $25,000, and the co-angler with the heaviest overall weight will earn $5,000.
World-class fishery Falcon Lake proved to be a world-class fishery during the 2008 Stren Series season opener in January when the tournament winner, Jeremy Guidry of Opelousas, La., established a new four-day FLW Outdoors weight record (110-02). Not only did Guidry surpass the previous record of 105 pounds, 8 ounces, but so did second and third place finishers Tim Reneau of Del Rio and Nicky McNeely of Natchitoches, La., with catches of 107-12 and 105-09, respectively. Interestingly, the second-place catch included just 19 bass. “The fishery is just phenomenal,” said Kellogg’s pro Jim Tutt of Longview. “I’ve never seen a place
“I’ve never seen a place that produces 9-, 10- and 11-pound bass like Falcon Lake. It is without a doubt the best big-bass lake in the nation right now. ” KELLOG’S PRO JIM TUTT
that produces 9- 10- and 11-pound bass like Falcon Lake. It’s just unreal the number of large fish that are down there. It is without a doubt the best big-bass lake in the nation right now.”
Daily weigh-ins Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. each day from Beacon Lodge located just off Farm Road 3074 in Zapata. Weigh-ins will be held each day at the Zapata County public boat ramp beginning at 3 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public. The entire field competes all three days with the winner of each head-to-head matchup in the Pro Division determined by the heaviest total weight from all three days. These 30 winners will advance to the 2009 Forrest Wood Cup. In the Co-angler Division, the top 30 competitors based on total weight will advance to the Forrest Wood Cup. With a total purse of $2 million, including as much as $1 million going to the winning pro, and a world-class outdoor show, the Forrest Wood Cup is bass-fishing’s crown jewel. The 2008 Walmart FLW Series Fish-Off will be the final one as the format to qualify for the Forrest Wood Cup in 2010 has changed. The top 20 pros and co-anglers from the FLW Series BP Eastern Division and National Guard Western Division will advance directly to the 2010 Forrest Wood Cup for a shot at winning $1 million, the sport’s largest award. Coverage of the FLW Series Fish-Off hosted by the Zapata
County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Center will be broadcast to 81 million FSN (Fox Sports Net) subscribers in the United States as part of the “FLW Outdoors” television program. “FLW Outdoors” is also broadcast in Canada on WFN (World Fishing Network) and to more than 429 million households in the United Kingdom, Europe, Russia, Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East through a distribution agreement with Matchroom Sport, making it the most widely distributed fishing program in the world. The program airs Sunday mornings at 10 Central time in most markets. Check local listings for times in your area.
Top cash prizes FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. In 2008 alone the organization is offering more than 90,000 anglers the chance to win over $40 million through 230 tournaments in 10 circuits. FLW Outdoors also took fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports, $7.3 million in cash and prizes. For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.
To encourage customers to “Go Green” the bank is automatically enrolling customers in a sweepstakes to win $5,000 each time they use IBC’s Totally Free Online Bill Pay during September. Furthermore, the bank is also promoting green practices by giving a “Go Green” reusable shopping bag to each new account holder. “We know sound money management practices and green banking options, like online banking with bill pay, will benefit our customers and also help reduce negative impacts on the environment,” said Dennis E. Nixon, IBC chairman and CEO. “By pairing customer convenience with proactive efforts to become a more eco-friendly company, we are living up to our philosophy to ‘do more’ for our customers and our community.” IBC Online Banking with Totally Free Bill Pay allows customers to pay bills online from the comfort of their home or office without using a postage stamp, while decreasing the use of paper. E-Statements further lower printing costs and paper usage for the bank and permit customers to view up to 18
months of transaction history on their accounts. As part of a commitment to its customers and the community, NIXON IBC Bank has employed various green strategies to make better use of dollars while also working to protect the environment. Many of IBC’s new branches and buildings are being built with better foam insulation that allows for more efficient energy use. Additionally, these branches’ interior and exterior fixtures, like faucets, light posts and sprinkler systems, now have automatic sensors to prevent water and energy misuse. New appliances purchased for these buildings are also energy efficient. And the maintenance companies contracted in most markets use environmentally friendly cleaning products and recycled paper goods. IBC Bank has also implemented green measures inter-
nally. Through the utilization of the Teller Proof system, which allows for electronic deposits rather than paper processing, the bank has significantly reduced courier costs to its check processing center. Through the bank’s intranet, employees can transfer files, set up new accounts, process human resources changes, request quality control procedures and even order items from the marketing department without having to print pages, use fax machines or even courier services.
Every bit helps In addition, the HR department pays most employees through direct deposit, and employees can also view their “check stubs” through software placed on the intranet. A video-conferencing system also allows for less travel between markets to help cut costs and conserve fuel. Lastly, bank management encourages staff members to reduce the use of paper by using both sides of a sheet of paper and to recycle.
IBC adds to bilingual mobile SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
IBC Bank has increased the reach of its bilingual mobile banking feature IBC Mobile, to include the RIM BlackBerry for Alltel, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Additional mobile devices supporting the banking feature can be found online at: www.ibc.com. IBC is utilizing mFoundry’s Spotlight Mobile Banking solution, providing customers with real-time, on-demand access to their IBC checking, sav-
ings and loan accounts directly from their cell phones. IBC Mobile customers can securely access account balances, research account transaction history, transfer money between accounts, pay bills and search for nearby IBC branches and ATMs. International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC) is an $11 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo with more than 260 facilities in Texas and Oklahoma, including Zapata.
Zopinion
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 6,2008
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OTHER VIEWS
EDITORIAL
Both parties need to tell tax truth SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
e’ve heard a shared refrain from Democrats and Republicans alike over the past couple of weeks: We need tax cuts. Sure, there are differences. One’s for “middle-class tax cuts.” The other promotes “pro-growth tax cuts.” This all sounds so great to us voters. The only problem: Sooner or later a candidate (or more likely, the elected president) will have to level with the people and tell us the truth. We are plunging into fiscal abyss. We cannot afford more promises — including new rounds of tax cuts. The nonpartisan National Tax Policy Center last week scored the two candidates’ tax plans. “Both John McCain and Barack Obama have proposed tax
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plans that would substantially increase the national debt over the next 10 years,” the center reported. “Neither candidate’s plan would significantly increase economic growth unless offset by spending cuts or tax increases that the campaigns have not specified.” How much will it cost? The Obama tax cuts would reduce revenue by $2.9 trillion in a decade, while McCain’s pledge totals nearly $4.2 trillion. We hate to interrupt the pandering, but this is a course the country cannot afford. Either there has to be a pledge to significantly reduce promised entitlements — Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — or there has to be tax increases. Pick your theme: It’s either The Straight Math Express or Numbers You Can Believe In.
COLUMN
COLUMN
Republicans play Alzheimer’s gives words new meaning on resentment C G By MARK RUTLEDGE COX NEWS SERVICE
an the super-rich former governor of Massachusetts — the son of a Fortune 500 CEO who made a vast fortune in the leveraged-buyout business — really keep a straight face while denouncing “Eastern elites”? Can the former mayor of New York City, a man who, as USA Today put it, “marched in gay pride parades, dressed up in drag and lived temporarily with a gay couple and their Shih Tzu” — that was between his second and third marriages — really get away with saying that Barack Obama doesn’t think small towns are sufficiently “cosmopolitan”? Can the vice presidential candidate of a party that has controlled the White House, Congress or both for 26 of the past 28 years, a party that, Borg-like, assimilated much of the D.C. lobbying industry into itself — until Congress changed hands, highpaying lobbying jobs were reserved for loyal Republicans — really portray herself as running against the “Washington elite”? Yes, they can. On Tuesday, He Who Must Not Be Named — Mitt Romney mentioned him just once, Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin not at all — gave a video address to the Republican National Convention. President Bush promised John McCain, would stand up to the “angry left.” That’s no doubt true. But don’t be fooled either by McCain’s longago reputation as a maverick or by Palin’s appealing persona: the Republican Party, now more than ever, is firmly in the hands of the angry right, which has always been much bigger, much more influential and much angrier than its counterpart on the other side. What’s the source of all that anger? Some of it, of course, is driven by cultural and religious conflict: Fundamentalist Christians are sincerely dismayed by Roe vs. Wade and evolution in the curriculum. What struck me as I watched the convention speeches, however, is how much of the anger on the right is based not on the claim that Democrats have done bad things, but on the perception — generally based on no evidence whatsoever — that Democrats look down their noses at regular people. Thus Giuliani asserted that Wasilla, Alaska, isn’t “flashy enough” for Obama, who never said any such thing. And Palin asserted that Democrats “look down” on small-town mayors — again, without any evidence. What the GOP is selling, in other words, is the pure politics of resentment; you’re supposed to vote Republican to stick it to an elite that thinks it’s better than you. Or to put it another way, the GOP is still the party of Nixon. One of the key insights in “Nixonland,” the new book by the historian Rick Perlstein, is that
PAUL KRUGMAN Nixon’s political strategy throughout his career was inspired by his college experience, in which he got himself elected student body president by exploiting his classmates’ resentment against the Franklins, the school’s elite social club. There’s a direct line from that student election to Spiro Agnew’s attacks on the “nattering nabobs of negativism” as “an effete corps of impudent snobs,” and from there to the peculiar cult of personality that not long ago surrounded George W. Bush — a cult that celebrated his anti-intellectualism and made much of the supposed fact that the “misunderestimated” C-average student had proved himself smarter than all the fancy-pants experts. And when Bush turned out not to be that smart after all, and his presidency crashed and burned, the angry right — the raging rajas of resentment? — became, if anything, even angrier. Humiliation will do that. Can McCain and Palin really ride Nixonian resentment into an upset election victory in what should be an overwhelmingly Democratic year? The answer is a definite maybe. By selecting Barack Obama as their nominee, the Democrats may have given Republicans an opening: the very qualities that inspire many fervent Obama supporters — the candidate’s highflown eloquence, his coolness factor — have also laid him open to a Nixonian backlash. Unlike many observers, I wasn’t surprised at the effectiveness of the McCain “celebrity” ad. It didn’t make much sense intellectually, but it skillfully exploited the resentment some voters feel toward Obama’s star quality. That said, the experience of the years since 2000 — the memory of what happened to working Americans when faux-populist Republicans controlled the government — is still fairly fresh in voters’ minds. Furthermore, while Democrats’ supposed contempt for ordinary people is mainly a figment of Republican imagination, the GOP really is the Gramm Old Party — it really does believe that the economy is just fine, and the fact that most Americans disagree just shows that we’re a nation of whiners. But the Democrats can’t afford to be complacent. Resentment, no matter how contrived, is a powerful force, and it’s one that Republicans are very, very good at exploiting.
SENDING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR VIA E-MAIL: editorial@lmtonline.com VIA REGULAR MAIL: Letters to the Editor; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo,Texas 78045 OFFICE DROP-OFF: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., at 111 Esperanza Drive
REENVILLE, N.C. Bedridden by a stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, my father’s primary activity has become non-stop talking. Ironically, the first indication that something was going wrong inside his brain several years ago was when he began having difficulty remembering words. Doctors are at a loss to explain how the stroke’s rewiring effect has somehow boosted his vocabulary. Words he had lost before the stroke he now says in great abundance, even if they don’t always make sense. My father served as a minister and a gifted speaker inspiring and entertaining countless ballrooms and banquet halls. For those of us who are his audience now — at his home, where my mother takes care of him — there remains a tendency to search for
meaning in his words. From time to time, he’ll break from what seems to be confused babble and offer a sweet, loving phrase to my mom, or say something that makes us laugh. Perhaps it’s the sheer number words spoken that ensures these occasional flashes of apparent clarity. He recently came out with something funny as my mother and I were adjusting his bed. “You like that?” he smiled after I started laughing. Then he became serious and looked hard into my eyes before delivering a rare exchange, pointing his finger for emphasis. “OK,” he said, “Now I’m going to do something you didn’t expect me to do.” “What’s that?” I asked. “You’ll know when you see it,” he added before looking away to resume a less lucid conversation with no one in particular. With dad’s illness, and especially after the stroke in late June,
his wife and four children have confronted life-and-death issues that had never visited our family. Certain inevitable questions sprang from knowing how Wiley Rutledge would and would not wish to live out his last days. My brother, Jeff, has noted that as long as our father is alive he has purpose. That’s true, but it can be difficult to see. I saw some of it over the Labor Day weekend as we sat around a fire ring on the farm. It’s a beautiful spot with a gorgeous view of the mountains and surrounding farmland. My kids were playing with their cousins while adult friends and family enjoyed the view. We did it over Memorial Day, too, except mom and dad were able to join us. “This is where I want to be,” dad said sitting by the fire on that night back in May. The rest of us have occupied the same spot several times since.
“Think of all the moments we’ve had out here this summer since your mom and dad have been going through all this,” my friend Paul said at the fire ring last weekend. During the trip home, I thought of how my father’s decline really has brought us closer together, which adds to what Jeff said about dad’s continued purpose. That caused me to think again about that moment of clarity he seemed to have with mom and me. “Now I’m going to do something you didn’t expect me to do. You’ll know when you see it.” Maybe those were just some incoherent words rolling around inside my father’s head. At the same time, maybe they have meaning, too. (To reach Mark Rutledge, who writes for The Daily Reflector in Greenville, N.C., e-mail mrutledge @ coxnc.com)
YOUR OPINION Keep the drinking age at 21; studies show it’s been effective in keeping young people safe To the editor: Recently, the issue of lowering the drinking age has received significant media attention. A group called Choose Responsibility has enlisted over 100 university and college presidents to sign on in support of a debate on the merits of the 21 year-old drinking age. For thousands of public health professionals, researchers and community and youth advocates, this announcement, dubbed the Amethyst Initiative, is troubling. Many of the arguments seem quite rational: If one can fight for his country, why not be able to drink a beer? If we could make drinking alcohol less of a “rite of passage,” maybe kids would drink less. However, these arguments ignore the complex issues surrounding alcohol abuse and addiction. National organizations such as MADD and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) are mobilizing to provide the facts surrounding the 21 drinking age laws. Locally, this debate provides (The Webb County Community Coalition of SCAN Inc.) a golden opportunity for education. Here’s the truth: Lowering the drinking age would have detrimental consequences for youth
and communities throughout the country. Without a doubt, underage drinking, particularly on college campuses is pervasive and has major repercussions. While lowering the drinking age will remove the immediate enforcement issue on college campuses and shift this responsibility to society at large, it will not alleviate the major costs and consequences associated with alcohol abuse. Delaying the onset of firstuse of alcohol is a critical public health strategy. Science confirms that the adolescent brain is not fully developed until the early to mid-20s. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, even a “single, moderate dose of alcohol can disrupt learning more powerfully in people in their early 20s, compared to those in their late 20s.” The effects of repeated alcohol consumption during adolescence may also be long-lasting. Youth who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence as an adult than those who wait until age 21. Studies also illustrate that the decline in the use of any drug, including alcohol, is di-
rectly related to its perception of harm or risk by the user. Lowering the drinking age sends the wrong message to America’s youth, and will further normalize behavior that clearly has the potential to be both dangerous and addictive. Here’s the good news: fewer young people are drinking. In fact, in 1984 when the drinking age was 18, only 8 percent of high school seniors had never used alcohol in their lifetime. Over time, that percent of seniors has risen to 28 percent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s 2007 Monitoring the Future survey. Comprehensive, communitywide strategies are working. Coalitions are reducing underage drinking by addressing the access and availability of alcohol; changing community norms; supporting heightened enforcement; developing social marketing campaigns; and building school-community partnerships. These prevention efforts have contributed to a 21.7 percent decrease in the number of 12th grade students reporting lifetime prevalence of alcohol use between 1984 and 2007. Many university officials are not in support of lowering the
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
drinking age. University of Miami President and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Administration, Donna Shalala, for one, refused and questioned the rationale, citing progress has been made and lowering the drinking age would only transfer the problem to our nation’s high schools. Advocates in support of the 21 drinking age are not prohibitionists. However, we know too well that alcohol abuse and addiction endangers lives, fractures families and damages communities. In an effort to strike a reasonable balance between our culture and these realities, community and public health advocates remain strongly in support of keeping the legal age at 21. The prevention field has made major strides in reducing underage drinking in recent years. The 21 drinking age is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce traffic fatalities, delay the onset of initial drinking and make communities safer. Now is not the time to retreat; instead, prevention efforts need to be redoubled. Signed, Mario Flores, WCCC Program Director SCAN Inc.
Zlife
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 6,2008
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The ‘stars’ set to slip on their dancing shoes again
MISS MANNERS BYJUDITH MARTIN
Introducing the letter of introduction DEAR MISS MANNERS — What, precisely, is a “letter of introduction”? Characters in novels from the 19th and early 20th centuries use them whenever they come to a town unfamiliar to them, but I have never heard of one used in the 21st century. Were they ever anyMARTIN thing more than a novelistic conceit? Or were they used in the Old World but not the New? Or are they still used and I am just very ignorant? GENTLE READER — Letters of introduction did, and still do, exist. Sort of. But considering that we live in a world of computer-arranged assignations and virtual friendships, perhaps Miss Manners should explain what an introduction is. People used to meet through other people whom they already knew. Without what was known as “a proper introduction,” they were not supposed to form new social bonds. Now this may sound very snobbish and pokey to you, but it did have its advantages. For example, the person who introduced you to that charming gentleman knows whether he is married. Or if he is unattached, whether parts of his first wife were found buried in the garden. Ordinarily, an introduction was performed with all parties present and, in the case of a lady, with her permission beforehand to introduce her to a gentleman. However, at a social gathering where the host presumably knew everybody even if he was busy making sure they all had drinks, all those attending could consider themselves introduced to one another.
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By NICK GEORGIOU LAREDO MORNING TIMES
isco might be dead, but for one night, Laredoans Jaime Garza and Ana Maria Montoya will resuscitate the era of shiny polyester shirts, pointy collars, flowing dresses and, of course, John Travolta. The duo are one of 10 couples currently signed up to participate in Laredo’s version of “Dancing With the Stars,” a fundraiser event guaranteed to provide pure entertainment for the audience, said organizers and contestants. The event, hosted by the Women’s City Club, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at the MonteCarlo, 6415 McPherson Road. “I’m really excited,” said Montoya, former anchor for KGNS’ Spanish newscast and now employed as a program producer for instructional television at the Laredo Independent School District. “It’s kind of a challenge for me, but I love challenges.” Her dance partner, Garza, a special education coordinator for the United ISD, said it’s not only challenging and exciting, but also time-consuming.
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Practice makes perfect
Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
Alejandra “Alex”Rodriguez, left, choreographer for the Laredo Women's City Club fundraising event “Dancing With the Stars,” works with Ana Maria Montoya and Jaime Garza as they practice their steps for their disco presentation.
The majority of the participants, who include media representatives and elected leaders, have been practicing since July for two to three hours every day or every other day. Some have also chosen to practice at home. “People give up their time and themselves and they work really hard because they want to help their fellow man — that’s the beauty of the whole program,” said GeorgeAnn Reuthinger, event coordinator and Women’s City Club member. The first-place winners are awarded $1,000 for the charity of their choice. Second- and third-place winners raise $500 and $250, respectively, while fourth- and fifth-place winners
raise $100. This is the second year the Women’s City Club has hosted the show. Last year’s sold out. “We could not do anything without the community spirit,” Reuthinger said. “That’s what makes everything happen, and that’s the truth.” In addition to Montoya’s and Garza’s take on a “Saturday Night Fever” number, the other couples will bring their own style and preferences to the table. The music will include everything from a Latin American tango to a rock ‘n’ roll piece. And it’s not just a dance: The couples will be performing a story line too, whether it’s one of romance or rejection. “Each person who performs through their beautiful movements will also portray a character or personality,” said Alejandra Rodriguez, event choreographer and a music teacher at the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts.
Dance and drama For example, Lupita Benavides and Victor Garcia of Univision will be dancing to a tropical piece called “Juliana, You’re So Bad.” It begins with Garcia walking through the audience as the music starts. But Benavides is there, too, flirting and setting the tone for the dance piece. Benavides expects to dance with Garcia, but not too close. And while he’s attracted to her, Garcia is still cautious. “It makes it interesting by adding a theatrical theme to the dance and developing characters,” Reuthinger said. “Some people who volunteer think they are just going to dance and do no staging.” It’s key to Rodriguez’s job: teach the contestants not just how to dance, but to tell a story at the same time.
See DANCING | PAGE 6A
Zentertainment Embrace nature Today is the first Saturday of the month, and that means that nature lovers and all those with an interest to better the environment should consider spending their day at Laredo Community College. The Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center, located on the north side of the LCC Fort McIntosh Campus, is opening its doors to the public on Saturday to host a trail work day from 8 a.m. to noon and a tour of its facilities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens. The center is free and open to LCC and TAMIU students, faculty and staff with a valid college ID card. For more information, call the LBVESC at 764-5701.
Student art The white walls of the art teaching gallery at Laredo Community College will soon be engulfed in color as selected students display a wide spectrum of two- and three-dimensional art work during the LCC Art Student Semi-Annual Exhibition. The LCC art department will host an opening reception on Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for the community. The reception will include close to 60 works of art and guests will have the opportunity to meet the student artists in the gallery, located on the north side of the Fort McIntosh Campus. Admission is free. For more information about the exhibition, call the LCC art department at 721-5224.
U2 can be Bono Fans of the Irish rock group U2 won’t want to miss the grand opening celebration of the newest show at the Texas A&M International University Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium, “U2: A Digital Dome Experience,” today at 5,
6, 7 and 8 p.m. The celebration starts at 4 p.m. and includes a Bono look-alike contest at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. General admission is $6 and $5 for children and TAMIU faculty, staff and alumni. Audiences will see the 43minute “U2: A Digital Dome Experience” in the TA-MIU LBV Planetarium’s 40-foot immersion dome theater. For more information on this event or additional shows or show times, call 326-2444 or visit www.tamiu.edu/coas/planetarium.
La Feria for free Expomex 2008 begins today in Nuevo Laredo, kicking off the city’s two-week party featuring a plethora of musical acts, games and rides, set to a background of delicious foods and Mexican crafts offered by the many vendors. Among the artists who will be performing in the famed Pueblo Teatro are: Payasonicos, today; Costumbre, Sunday; Los Tres Reyes, Monday; La Firma, Tuesday; Teo Gonzalez, Wednesday; and Jesse y Joy, Thursday. All the acts begin at about 8 p.m. Admission is free, but the rides will cost about 10 to 15 pesos, or about $1 or $1.50. Expomex continues through Sept. 21. For more information and directions, visit www.expomex.com.mx.
New exhibits. The Laredo Center for the Arts has several new exhibits on display. They include: Rosalie G. Goodman Gallery “Order from Chaos,” a series of digital paintings by Chalda Maloff. Maloff uses powerful computer software to employ a host of effects that would not be feasible in any natural medium. For more information, call the Laredo Center for the Arts at 7251715 or visit www.laredoartcenter.org.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES — Harry Potter pulled a disappearing act from Hollywood’s fall and holiday schedule, his sixth big-screen adventure bumped from this November into next summer. That leaves a little more room to roam at the box office for the likes of James Bond, a vampire heartthrob, the “High School Musical” kids and all those talking cartoon critters studios are about to unleash. The season offers action (Bond’s latest, “Quantum of Solace”), family flicks (the animated sequel “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”), fantasy romance (the best-seller adaptation “Twilight”), and serious stuff lining up for the Academy Awards, from Nicole Kidman’s epic “Australia” to Bond star Daniel Craig’s war saga “Defiance.” Brad Pitt reunites with old pals George Clooney and Cate Blanchett in two films, Clint Eastwood does his own two-fer by directing Angelina Jolie in one drama and himself in another, and Oliver Stone takes on his latest president with a George W. Bush biopic. Highlights of what Hollywood has in store:
fighting the Nazis, the fascists in Europe and fighting the Japanese in the Pacific, and they were fighting Jim Crow racism, prejudice in the United States of America at the same time.”
The world at war
License to avenge
World War II is huge this season, with Cruise, Craig and director Spike Lee all offering dramas touching on little-known aspects of the conflict. Spike Lee directs “Miracle at St. Anna,” starring Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso and Omar Benson Miller as members of the all-black “Buffalo Soldier” outfit fighting in Italy. The film dramatizes the valor of troops whose heroism amid bigotry on the homefront is unknown to many Americans today, Lee said. “These guys are true American patriots. They were fighting two wars,” Lee said. “They were
When we last saw Mr. Bond, the super-spy in the making was really steamed and looking for payback over the death of the love of his life. “Quantum of Solace” picks up where “Casino Royale” left off, pitting Bond against a phony environmentalist trying to monopolize the water supply. The title comes from a phrase in an Ian Fleming short story, where someone describes to Bond a relationship that unraveled and what measure of devotion is required to keep love alive. “I love the idea of it. It applied to where Bond was at the end of the last movie,” Craig said. “The one thing he
By DORA MARTINEZ
COLUMN
Jose de Escandon was born into a wealthy and prominent family on May 19, 1700, in Soto la Marina, on the northern coast of Spain. History tells us little of his early life. At the age of 15, he chose a career in military service. He went to Mérida, Yucatan, shortly after his induction into military service and served as a cadet in the Campania de Caballeros Montados Encomenderos, a calvary company. In 1721, he was promoted and ordered to Queretaro. Escandon had a distinguished military career spanning many years. He won fame for his meritorious service in pacifying Indian uprisings and won respect and commendations from his superiors for his humane treatment of the Indians. In 1740, his victories in military campaigns against the rebellious Indians in the Seno Mexicano district won him the promotion to colonel of his regiment. The following year, Escandon was appointed Lieutenant Captain General of the Sierra Gorda district. In his new position, he continued to pacify Indian revolts in the area of Queretaro. Escandon’s position required him to oversee and supply missions in his district. In carrying out his duty, he repopulated some abandoned missions and established new ones. He refounded the Mission of Jaumave in 1743 and the Palmillas mission two years later. Escandon proved himself to be a capable administrator, military leader and businessman. He also was a strict disciplinarian, but he tempered his be-
liefs with offering the Indians gifts and a secure livelihood in the missions. The Spanish officials of Mexico recognized the need to organize the settlement of the Seno Mexicano, which consisted of the Rio Grande plains and much of the present-day state of Tamaulipas, according to Carlos Eliseo Cuéllar, associate professor of history at Texas A&M International University. For seven years, plans were studied. Credentials of interested candidates for the position of colonizer were considered. On Sept. 3, 1746, Escandon was chosen by the viceroy of New Spain, Juan Francisco de Güemes y Horcasitas, count of Revilla, to undertake the task. Immediately upon receiving notification of his appointment to this prestigious position, Escandon set about to develop plans for an inspection of the Seno Mexico. Instructions come from the ruling junta. The viceroy called for a preliminary inspection of the area to be colonized. Several months were spent in intensive planning and preparation for the initial exploration or entrada of the region. Volunteers for the trip were recruited and supplies were acquired. An important requirement for the success of the venture was the gaining of cooperation of the governors whose provinces bordered the area. Escandon’s explorations led to the creation of 22 settlements, including what are now Zapata and Laredo.
DANCING | Continued from Page 5A
Practice in private While the majority of the couples have worked with Rodriguez on their dance piece, two couples this year hired their own choreographer because they want to keep their performance a secret. Only one couple did that last year: Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas and his wife, Yolanda. “We don’t know how much time they spent putting together their performance, but their costumes were incredibly beautiful, and they really invested time into their performance,” Reuthinger said.
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By DAVID GERMAIN
Escandon’s military, civilian legacy are proud tribute
“It’s fun, exciting and challenging,” she said. “You work with what they are able to do and improve on it and suggest other ideas.”
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Fall’s movie lineup looks to action, drama
ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 6,2008
This year, Victoria Marshall and Max Fernandez of the CW hired a choreographer to protect their artistic production. And Salinas and his wife, who are participating this year again, are working with their own choreographer again. “It’s a labor of love because it’s such a beautiful and creative process,” Reuthinger said. Les Norton, a local businessman who has hosted many fundraisers, will serve as master of ceremonies. “We’re just asking for everyone to come out and help the Women’s City Club raise money, all of which will stay in the community,” Reuthinger said. For tickets to “Dancing With the Stars,” call Nancy De Anda at 763-9960 or Molly Martinez at
724-2300. More are expected to be added, but as of press time, the couples are: Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas and his wife, Yolanda Sammy Lozano and Sunni Storm Henry Flores and Sylvia Palumbo Jaime Garza and Ana Maria Montoya Lupita Benavides and Victor Garcia Max Fernandez and Victoria Marshall Carolyn and Ken Schmies LISD Police Chief David Medina and his wife, America Amy Medina (Nick Georgiou may be reached at 728-2582 or nickg@lmtonline.com)
Photo by Sony Pictures | AP
In this image released by Sony Pictures, Daniel Craig stars as James Bond, 007, in pursuit of an Mi6 traitor in a scene from “Quantum of Solace.” didn’t have with the relationship was that quantum of solace.” Also on the action front: “Heat” co-stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino reunite for “Righteous Kill,” playing cops tracking a vigilante serial killer; Mark Wahlberg stars as a cop out to avenge the deaths of his family and partner in the video-game adaptation “Max Payne”; Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen are hired lawmen in the Western “Appaloosa,” directed by Harris and featuring Renee Zellweger; and Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe team for Ridley Scott’s “Body of Lies,” about a CIA hunt for a terrorist mastermind. “It’s rare where you get a piece of material that’s politically pertinent like this but also sort of non-preachy and engaging entertainment for an audience,” DiCaprio said.
Love at first bite “Twilight” is the good-girl,
bad-boy romance based on the first book in Stephenie Meyer’s series about an awkward teen (Kristen Stewart) who falls for a dazzling, eternally young stud (Robert Pattinson). OK, so he’s a vampire, but a nice vampire, from a family of bloodsuckers who eschew gnawing on human necks. “He doesn’t want to be a monster, he doesn’t want to kill people,” said “Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke. “He loves her, but if he gets too passionate, he will want her blood. He will want to kill her.” Other odd romances include “Ghost Town,” a comedy with Ricky Gervais, Tea Leoni and Greg Kinnear, about a misanthropic dentist able to see ghosts who falls for the wife of one of the dead guys haunting him; and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” director Kevin Smith’s tale of destitute best pals (Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks) who do a skin flick to raise cash.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 7
ZFrontera AGENDAEN BREVE SERVICIO SOCIAL LAREDO — El 6 de septiembre se realizará una venta de libros se realizará en la First United Methodist Church, de 1220 McClelland Ave., de 8:30 a.m. a 1 p.m.en el Widener Room.El público está invitado, y no hay cuota de admisión. CIUDAD MIER — El Comité Ciudadano de Saneamiento Integra de Ciudad Mier, invita a la Segunda Reunión Pública el día 11 de septiembre del 2008 a las 7 p.m. en el Casino Arguelles, para informar a la comunidad en general.
CULTURA LAREDO — El 6 de septiembre es la primera transmisión del documental “One Victim Remembers,” por Gerda Weissmann Klein, será de 3 p.m. a 5 p.m. en la Sala de Usos Múltiples H-E-B de la Biblioteca Pública de Laredo (1120 E. Calton Road). Más información en el 795-2400, ext. 2268. LAREDO — El Alpha Celebration Concert será el 6 de septiembre de 7:30 p.m. a 10 p.m., con música de Gina Chavez.El evento será en el Cuadro Café, 1701 Jacaman Road.También se presentará la plática “Is there more to life than this?”.Llame al (956) 722-3399 ext.28 ó 236-5894 para más información. LAREDO — El Center for the Fine and Performing Arts de TAMIU presenta el 8 de septiembre “Migration”,pinturas y textos por el artiste de Fort Worth,Billy Hassell. La exhibición estará en exhibición hasta el 9 de octubre. El horario de la galería de de lunes a jueves de 12 p.m. a 5 p.m. El evento es gratuito y abierto al púbico. Más información llamando a Alma Haertlein en el 326-3041. LAREDO — El 12 de septiembre, el Center for the Fine and Performing Arts de TAMIU será anfitrión del Cello Extravaganza, a las 7:30 p.m. en el FPA Recital Hall.Violonchelistas de escuelas locales se unirán al violonchelista del estudio de Brendan Townsend para interpretar música de cámara. Más información llamando al 326-3039.
SÁBADO 6 de SEPTIEMBRE de 2008
EN INTERNET: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Guerrero mantiene desarrollo Por MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV LAREDO MORNING TIMES
NUEVO LAREDO — Nueva Ciudad Guerrero es un municipio que se suma a la competitividad para alcanzar sus metas de desarrollo. Al menos ese es el plan de trabajo de la Alcaldesa Olga Juliana Elizondo Guerra, ya que dijo, años antes esta ciudad era un área de comercio importante, “pero la transición a la nueva comunidad les cerró las puertas”. Inclusive fue más allá al decir que quizá sus líderes y “no lucharon por recuperar aquel status”. “Nos sumamos al esfuerzo del Gobierno de Tamaulipas para elevar la competitividad y destacar la entidad desarrollada de México”, dijo Elizondo Guerra. “Hoy por hoy, la tarea es reencontrar el
marco de oportunidades, por la cercanía con Nuevo Laredo, Nuevo León y la Carretera 54”. Para la jefa de gobierno, Nueva Ciudad Guerre debe aprovechar la geografía fronteriza con ELIZONDO Texas, que cuenta con una vía de paso gratuita entre México y Estados Unidos. “La tarea es proponer un buen producto y mostrarlo a quienes estén interesados a apostarle a Guerrero”, dijo Elizondo Guerra. “Nos comprometemos a trazar una buena tarea para mostrar un nicho de oportunidades”. La alcaldesa participó en Nuevo Laredo en el marco del Taller Regional de la Agenda para la Competitividad de Tamaulipas, que construye sistemas de trabajo para mejorar
en materia fiscal, económica, ambiental, jurídica, educativa, laboral, infraestructura y bienestar social a los 43 municipios de Tamaulipas, divididos en seis regiones. Ahí, Elizondo Guerra dijo que Guerrero ofrece calidad de vida, tranquilidad, seguridad y diversidad con la naturaleza, además del entorno con la historia y espacios para crecer. En entrevista a Laredo Morning Times destacó la Escuela de Medicina, que refleja la oportunidad a quienes deseen ponderar su vida en el área de la salud. “Tenemos actualmente inversionistas de Estados Unidos, pero buscamos más oportunidades para la juventud y de aquellos que se integren a esta sociedad guerrerense”, dijo Elizondo Guerra. “Tendremos áreas de enfermería próximamente. Hablaremos de ello”. Nueva Ciudad Guerrero se ve favore-
cida con tres grandes presas, La Falcón, Las Blancas y Marte R. Gómez, que le permiten motivar al turismo, un sector que el Gobierno Municipal está ponderando para fortalecer el entorno económico de la región ribereña. Los planes son muchos, por ejemplo, llevar al estado entre los tres primeros lugares en beneficio social, y competitividad, colocando en mejor nivel su municipio, “destacando las bondades naturales”. Elizondo Guerra coincidió con el jefe de gobierno de Nuevo Laredo, Ramón Garza Barrios que la región y el estado tiene posibilidades de escalar los tres lugares nacionales de competitividad, aunque se trata de un reto, pero se trabajará intensamente por este noble objetivo. (Puede localizar a Miguel Timoshenkov llamando al (956) 728-2583 o escribiendo a timo1@lmtonline.com)
López destaca visión de negocios
RÍO BRAVO: CARRERA EN KAYAK
ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
EDUCACIÓN LAREDO — “El mercado para oportunidades de contratación de mujeres en los negocios”, una discusión de mesa redonda al mediodía se desarrollará por el Centro de desarrollo de negocios pequeños de TAMIU y la Oficina de distrito de San Antonio de la Administración de negocios pequeños de EU,el 11 de septiembre de 11:30 a.m. a 1:30 p.m.en el Embassy Suites,110 Calle del Norte. El evento es gratuito y abierto al público,pero se requiere inscribirse.Inscríbase llamando al (956) 326-2827 ó escribiendo a sbdc@tamiu.edu.
ENTRETENIMIENTO NUEVO LAREDO — Artistas a presentarse esta semana en el Teatro Pueblo de la Feria y Exposición Fronteriza: 6 de septiembre, Payasónicos; 7 de septiembre, Costumbre; 8 de septiembre, Los Tres Reyes; 9 de septiembre, La Firma; 10 de septiembre, Teo González; 11 de septiembre, Jesse & Joy; 12 de septiembre,Kika Edgar; 13 de septiembre, Eduardo Capetillo. LAREDO — El 6 de septiembre, seguidores del grupo U2 están invitados a la primera exhibición exhibición de “U2: A Digital Dome Experience”, en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de Texas A&M International University, a las 5 p.m., 6 p.m.,7 p.m.y 8 p.m.La celebración inicia a las 4 p.m., e incluye el concurso de el más parecido a Bono, a las 6:30 p.m. Las puertas abren a las 3:30 p.m.La entrada general es de 6 dólares y 5 dólares para niños ó maestros, personal y exalumnos de TAMIU. Puede inscribirse al concurso en el 326.2668. Puede llamar al planetario al 326.2444. LAREDO — Visite el 6 de septiembre el Centro de Ciencias Ambientales Lamar Bruni Vergara, dentro del Laredo Community College, Campus Fort McIntosh, de 8 a.m. a 12 p.m. para la limpieza del Paseo Del Indio; y de 10 a.m. a 12 p.m. para quienes desean visitar las instalacionesLa entrada es 4 dólares para adultos y 2 dólares para estudiantes y adultos mayores. Más información llamando al 764-5701. NUEVO LAREDO — Grupo de Teatro Expresión del Instituto Tecnológico de Nuevo Laredo presenta el 7 de septiembre la comedia “Convención de mucamos”de Ramón Sarmentero a las 7:30 p.m. en el Teatro Lucio Blanco de la Casa de la Cultura.La cuota de admisión es de 30 pesos. LAREDO — El 12 de septiembre,visite el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de Texas A&M International Universitypara la Noche en Español, y ver “La Patrulla De Zula”a las 6 p.m.y“Nuevos Horizontes”y “Microcosmos” a las 7 p.m. La entrada general es de 5 dólares; niños y estudiantes,personal y maestros de TAMIU pagan 4 dólares. La entrada a los shows principales es de 1 dólar más. Más información en el 326-2444.
(Para informar acerca de eventos y actividades envíe el nombre, fecha, hora y dirección, y un número de contacto a tiempo@lmtonline.com)
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Foto de cortesía/archivo | Gobierno de Miguel Alemán
Amantes de la naturaleza participan en una carrera de kayak. Camargo y Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas, invitan a participar en la carrera de kayak/canotaje de 27 kms. sobre el Río Bravo, el 14 de septiembre. El objetivo es promover las bondades que ofrece el Río Bravo en la zona comprendida entre el sur de Texas y el Norte de Tamaulipas. La carrera será del Puente Internacional de Miguel Alemán al Puente de Camargo. Las personas se pueden registrar el 13 de septiembre en el Auditorio Municipal de Miguel Alemán a las 7 a.m., donde se entregará el itinerario del recorrido. Habrá premios en efectivo para los tres primeros lugares. Más información llamando a los teléfono (897) 972-09- 35, (897) 972-63 40 y en Camargo al (891) 974-00 03.
Coronan Reyes de Tercera Edad ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Agosto es el mes de los adultos mayores. En Ciudad Mier, el 31 de agosto, se llevó a cabo la celebración de la coronación de los Reyes de la Tercera Edad en el Salón Casino Arguelles. El presidente municipal, José Iván Mancías Hinojosa y la presidenta del Sistema DIF, Isabel Cristina Treviño de Mancias, tuvieron a su cargo la coronación de la Reina Teofila I y el Rey Modesto I. “Los felicito y agradezco su esfuerzo que se refleja en cada hijo, en cada nieto y bisnieto, ese cariño sin condición que otorgan sin recibir nada a cambio”, dijo Mancías Honojosa en su mensaje. Por su parte, en Miguel Alemán, el salón “Shecid” fue el marco donde se coronó a la nueva Corte Real de la Casa del Adulto Mayor, encabezada por los reyes Concepción I y Jacinto I. “En lo particular yo no puedo concebir cómo un Municipio puede salir adelante sin brindarles amor a nuestros padres y a nuestros abuelos”, dijo el jefe de gobierno de Miguel Alemán, Servando López Moreno, quien estuvo acompañado de su esposa, Sandra Isela Garza de López. Asistieron al evento como em-
Frontera está de fiesta con Expomex Por MIGUELTIMOSHENKOV TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Foto de cortesía | Gobierno Ciudad Mier
La Reina Teofila I y el Rey Modesto I, hacen su primer baile dentro del evento de coronación de los Reyes de la Tercera Edad, el 31 de agosto, en Ciudad Mier. bajadores, los Reyes de Nuevo Laredo, María Cristina I y Rubén I. Finalmente, Garza de López dijo que este evento era una manera de agradecer “todo lo
que nos han dado en la vida, pues los valores que nos han enseñado y sus ejemplos de vida, sinceramente, son de mucho valor para nosotros”.
Crean consejo para relleno sanitario ESPECIAL PARATIEMPO DE ZAPATA
CIUDAD MIER — El jueves 29 de agosto se llevó a cabo una reunión regional para el Proyecto del Relleno Sanitario. El encuentro celebrado en el Salón Multidiciplinario “Los Presidentes”, ubicado en la Casa de la Cultura, fue el marco donde se tomaron acuerdos para el seguimiento del proyecto del relleno sanitario, entre los
que destacan la formacion del Consejo Ciudadano que el 4 de septiembre tomó protesta en Miguel Alemán. La reunión contó con la presencia de funcionarios de la agencia ambiental para el desarrollo sustentable, como el Director de Proyectos de infraestructura, Moisés Mena; la jefa del Departamento de factbilidad técnico-económico, Teresa Rizo; y los enlaces de los municipios de Diaz Ordaz, Camargo, Miguel Alemán y Mier.
MIGUEL ALEMÁN — Franquicias de origen europeo empezaron a llegar a la frontera chica para sentar sus bases en Miguel Alemán. El 1 de septiembre, el jefe de gobierno, Servando López Moreno, tuvo a su cargo la inauguración de la Tintorería Clyn Member’s, propiedad de Marco y Añadí García. En su mensaje, López Moreno reconoció la visión del matrimonio García “para traer este tipo de empresas generadoras de fuentes de empleo. “Eso demuestra que se respira un ambiente distinto en Miguel Alemán, un ambiente de estabilidad laboral y económica, que les da confianza a los inversionistas a invertir su capital en nuestra región”, dijo López Moreno. Los planes de esta ciudad son crecer en infraestructura, por lo que el jefe de gobierno dijo que está buscando más apoyos para crear las condiciones necesarias para que este tipo de empresas sigan recomendando a la región como una oportunidad para invertir sus capital.
NUEVO LAREDO — El viernes por la noche inició la Feria y Exposición Fronteriza de Nuevo Laredo, en los terrenos de Expomex. Abrió Carlos Cuevas en el Teatro del Pueblo. Así arrancaron oficialmente los 51 años de celebración mismas que concluirán el 21 de septiembre. La soberPEÑA ana de Expomex 2008-2009, Cindy Anahí Peña García, fue coronada en el Teatro del Pueblo, el viernes, después de la inauguración oficial. Estuvo acompañada por su corte real, la princesa Laura Melissa Flores Valdez y Duquesa Zaida Jazmine Cárdenas. “Acompáñenos a nuestra máxima celebración”, dijo Peña García. “Usted y su familia podrán encontrar diversión y espectáculos”. El Presidente de Expomex Carlos Fernando Garza González dijo que además de la acostumbrada presencia de artistas, la ciudadanía tendrá la opción de disfrutar, sin costo alguno, de un espectáculo ecuestre internacional a cargo de Carlos Alcocer, en el Palenque y con entrada libre. Se trata de una actividad cien por ciento familiar y de alta calidad en la que destaca un ballet ecuestre, la exhibición de caballos de alta escuela e impresionantes acrobacias a caballo, además de imitadores, comedi-
TEATRO DEL PUEBLO 6 de septiembre – Payasónicos 7 de septiembre – Costumbre 8 de septiembre – Los Tres Reyes 9 de septiembre – La Firma 10 de septiembre – Teo González 11 de septiembre – Jesse & Joy 12 de septiembre – Kika Edgar 13 de septiembre – Eduardo Capetillo 14 de septiembre – Sonora Santanera 15 de septiembre – Espectáculo mexicano ‘Viva México’ 16 de septiembre – Rodolfo Sebastián y Marisol 17 de septiembre – Sonora Dinamita 18 de septiembre – Nicho Hinojosa 19 de septiembre – Myriam 20 de septiembre – Los traileros del Norte 21 de septiembre – Ninel Conde antes, animadores e incluso sesiones de equinoterapia independientes al show. El horario del espectáculo ecuestre será de de lunes a viernes a partir de las 8 p.m. y los sábados y domingos, de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m. Cada noche, en el palenque, a partir de las 10 p.m., también habrá un espectáculo diario de rodeo tipo americano presentado por el mejor equipo de jinetes y campeones juveniles del norte del país. La entrada también será gratuita. Además de los artistas del Teatro del Pueblo, los stands de las cervecerías contarán con sus propios artistas. Cada noche se contará con fuegos mecánicos, exposiciones, exhibiciones, y la quema de fuegos pirotécnicos. No podrá privarse del sabor de México en sus diferentes manifestaciones con la variedad de antojitos mexicanos en los Restaurantes y en el Pabellón Ganadero los mejores ejemplares Bovino, Equino y muchas atracciones más, declaró Garza.
Zbusiness
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 6,2008
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
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Oil prices drop as jobs data add to demand worries By MADLEN READ ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Oil prices sank to a five-month low Friday as a jump in the U.S. unemployment rate signaled to traders that Americans might keep paring back their energy use to save money. The Labor Department said the economy lost jobs in August for the eighth consecutive month — and at a faster-thanexpected pace. The unemployment rate spiked to 6.1 percent from 5.7 percent in July, above the 5.8 percent rate analysts forecast. “There’s been a terrific amount of growing concern about the outlook for de-
mand globally,” said John Kilduff, senior vice president of risk management at MF Global LLC. “Today’s employment report emboldened that concern.” Light, sweet crude for October delivery fell $1.66 to settle at $106.23 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange — its lowest settlement since early April. During the session, it fell as low as $105.13. Since surging to a record $147.27 a barrel July 11, crude has tumbled by over $40, or more than 27 percent. What could possibly stanch the drop is a cutback in production. Investors are waiting to see if OPEC decides to restrict oil output at its meeting next week in Vi-
enna in response to the two-month plunge in prices. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has indicated it may take action to defend the $100-a-barrel level for crude. But with the dollar on the rebound, many analysts say even a production cutback could prove ineffectual in boosting oil prices. The dollar weakened modestly against the euro and pound on Friday after the employment report, but rose against the yen. The dollar’s recent comeback has helped accelerate oil’s price decline. Commodities were bought by many funds to hedge against inflation and weakness in the U.S. currency, so when the dollar re-
Stocks mostly rise as financials nabbed By TIM PARADIS ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Stocks reversed a steep sell-off to end mostly higher Friday as fears about a worrisome jobs report gave way to bargain hunting in sectors like financials and consumer staples. Wall Street initially fell after the Labor Department reported that payrolls shrank more than predicted last month and that the unemployment rate reached a five-year high. But stocks that had been pounded lower, including a huge drop on Thursday, were suddenly more attractive to investors willing to make some bets. The Labor Department said payrolls shrank by 84,000 last month, more than the 75,000 economists predicted, and higher than the 51,000 jobs lost in July. The unemployment rate rose to a five-year high of 6.1 percent from 5.7 percent.
U.S. rig count down by 18 ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States fell by 18 this week to 2,013. Of the rigs running nationwide, 1,586 were exploring for natural gas and 416 for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. Eleven were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,814. Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Oklahoma gained four rigs, Colorado added three and Alaska, North Dakota and Wyoming added one each. Texas lost 20 rigs, New Mexico lost five and California lost one. Arkansas and Louisiana were unchanged. Baker Hughes has tracked rig counts since 1944. The tally peaked at 4,530 in 1981, during the height of the oil boom. The industry posted several record lows in 1999, bottoming out at 488.
The report confirmed Wall Street’s fears that the economy continues to weaken. The nation has lost nearly 550,000 jobs so far this year, eroding investors’ hopes for a late-year recovery. “This was an ugly number that pretty much confirms that our economy continues to trend downward,” said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer of Harris Private Bank. “I had thought things were stabilizing, and this just knocks the legs out of any hope of seeing much economic improvement right now.” But investors snapped up stocks hit in a sell-off Thursday, particularly banks and insurers. According to preliminary cal-
culations, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 32.73, or 0.29 percent, to 11,220.96; the blue chips had been down 150 points at their lows of the session. Broader stock ended mixed. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 5.48, or 0.44 percent, to 1,242.31, and the Nasdaq composite index fell 3.16, or 0.14 percent, to 2,255.88. Friday’s moves follow a dismal performance on Thursday, with all three major indexes moving back into bear market territory, defined as a 20 percent drop from a recent peak. The Dow plunged more than 340 points in a selloff underpinned by disappointing economic news and lackluster sales reports from retailers.
bounded, funds unwound those hedges, thereby driving commodities prices lower. The jump in the dollar and the decline in oil has also been driven by signs of economic weakness in developing countries around the world — particularly those in Western Europe. “It’s sort of a race to the bottom among the leading economies — Europe is ahead at the moment. That’s pumping up the dollar, or making the dollar economy seem much less worse,” Kilduff said. Heating oil futures fell 5.59 cents to $2.9678 a gallon on the Nymex, where gasoline prices dropped 6.19 cents to $2.6785 a gallon. Natural gas for October
delivery edged up by 4.1 cents to $7.363 per 1,000 cubic feet. In London, October Brent crude fell $2.25 to $104.14 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange. In addition to economic indicators and OPEC, traders are keeping an eye on storms developing in the Atlantic. Forecasters do not expect Hanna, Ike or Josephine to head for key oil facilities in the Gulf of Mexico, but the hurricane season is not officially over until the end of November. The Energy Department’s weekly U.S. oil inventory report, released Thursday, showed a smaller-than-expected decline in gasoline inventories last week.
10A | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
It’s time again to remember those who sacrificed on 9-11 I
GENERAL VISITS SCHOOL
Courtesy photo
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, center,visited students at Villarreal Elementary School. Shown with him are Counselor Claudia Garza and students Laura Garza,Andrea Garza, Selene Garza, Claudia Garza, Marc Garcia, Cesar Benavides, Louie Lopez and David Chapa.
State Extension Service offers help in negotiating oil and gas leases SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
MARSHALL – Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Harrison County Farm Bureau will hold a seminar, “Hints On Negotiating An Oil and Gas Lease,” from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Sept. 18 at the Marshall Civic Center. “The main purpose of the seminar is to inform landowners about their rights and tell them how to best protect and utilize those rights,” said Randy Reeves, AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Harrison County.
The featured speaker for the evening will be William J. Fambrough, attorney and senior lecturer from the at Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, College Station. Fambrough has more than 30 years experience in real estate law, Reeves noted. Some of the questions covered at the seminar will be: How are leases handled when minerals rights are jointly owned? If a landowner leases his or her mineral rights, how are surface rights affected? What rights does a landowner
have if he or she only owns the surface rights, and a mineral lease is signed by a third party? How often must the oil company pay royalty checks? If the oil company overpays royalties, who is liable and for how long? Can terms of an oil and gas lease be kept confidential? What is the difference between a lease covenant versus a lease condition? The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call Reeves in Harrison County at (903) 935-8413, or visit http://harrison-tx.tamu.edu
AgriLife offers wildlife seminar SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Helping landowners make the most of wildlife value is the goal of the "Making Dollars and Sense of Your Wildlife Resources" workshop to be held Sept. 12 in Uvalde, the program’s coordinator said. The day-long workshop will be at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1619 Garner Field Road. Registration is at 8 a.m. and it ends shortly after 4:30
p.m. Topics will include: creating a diversified enterprise, community-driven nature-based tourism, presentations relating to quail, turkeys, doves, deer, feral hogs and exotics, landowner liability issues, and tools for economic and operational planning. Registration is $30 and will include a catered lunch. The deadline for registration is Sept. 8. Register online at http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu or call (979) 845-2604.
n just a few days, Americans across this nation will commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Seven years ago, as overwhelmed as we were by the sense of evil and the scenes of destruction and death, we were at the same time fortified by the sense of goodness and scenes of heroism in so many of our fellow citizens. As tens of thousands were running out of the Twin Towers, brave firefighters, police officers and chaplains were running in. Husbands, dads and boyfriends flying above central Pennsylvania gave their lives to protect others on the ground. The first instinct for many of us was to ask, “How can I help?” Within hours of the attack, ordinary Americans stood in line for hours to give blood. Many of us gathered in prayer and attended special Masses for the victims. Others rendered patriotic songs from sea to shining sea.
The easiest way to ensure a child’s safety in the water is to make sure they wear a life jacket that fits. But children’s growth spurts, and last-minute changes to the roster of invited guests, do not always make that easy. However, your boat club or local waterfront business may be able to help if it works with the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water Life Jacket Loaner Program. Since the program began in 1997, three children’s lives have
been saved as a result of wearing a BoatU.S. loaner life jacket, and today over 90,000 life jackets are borrowed — at no cost — for the day or weekend at over 350 clubs and businesses each year. There is no cost to become a loaner site, but applications will be accepted only until Sept. 30, 2008. “Demand for this program has been up 22 percent in the last two years because we make it so simple to use,” said Alanna Keating, BoatU.S. Foundation grant program manager. “The loaner life jacket kit consists of 12 jackets of various sizes in a plastic storage
tub, with easy-to-use sign-out sheets to help us track usage. “All we ask for in return is that you make the life jackets available to the boating public in a readily accessible but secure location, and periodically let us how the program is going. Photos of kids wearing the jackets are also appreciated.” Signage for the exterior of the club or business is included. To download an application to become a Life Jacket Loaner Pro-
And in the midst of the dusty darkness of one of the worst days in American history, the rays of light from the best of Americans began to radiate. A glimmer of that same light shines bright in our community on a daily basis. Everyday, our first responders — members of local, state and federal law enforcement along with the fire departments — protect us from harm. Everyday, unbeknownst to us, these brave men and women spring into action safeguarding our community. Everyday they offer comfort and aid to ordinary people like you and me throughout our com-
Social photos, information are accepted THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Zapata Times accepts photos of and information about weddings, engagements, anniversaries, baptisms, quinceañeras, bridal showers, parties and other social events. There is no cost for this service. Deadline for Saturday publication is the previous Monday. Submit your photo and information via e-mail to
editorial@lmtonline.com or mail it to: Zlife; 111 Esperanza Drive; Laredo, Texas 78041. For party photos, there should be no more than six people in the picture. Be sure to include the correct spelling of each person’s name; the date, time and place of the party; and the reason for the party (50th birthday, graduation, new job, art opening). For all submittals, include a phone number in case we have questions.
THE BLOTTER ACCIDENT A one-vehicle accident occurred near San Ygnacio last Saturday at about 8:43 a.m.AZapata man struck a guardrail near the 750-mile marker on U.S. 83, according to the police report. A two-vehicle accident occurred in Zapata last Saturday at about 12:57 p.m. The driver of one vehicle took a turn too closely and collided with the back corner bumper of the second vehicle. The accident occurred in a parking lot at the intersection of Texas 16 and 1st Street.
BURGLARY A burglary was reported at Faith
Help with children’s life jackets is available SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
BISHOPJAMES TAMAYO
munity. This noble action brought forth by our American spirit generates hope for all of us. Their spirit of self-giving sacrifice helps protect, and sometimes even rebuild, our community. I’ll never forget the many good deeds done for our brothers and sisters. They are all a living example of the Good Samaritan helping the stranger in need. On this the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we prayerfully recall the many victims and their loved ones as well as those who responded to a call for help. On this day, let us also pray and give thanks for our community’s first responders. Give thanks to God for bestowing upon us these guardians who bravely set forth everyday and care for our community Todo Con Amor! (Bishop James A. Tamayo heads the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laredo. The diocese covers Webb, Zapata and five surrounding counties.)
gram site or for more information, visit www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJ LP. Founded in 1981, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of the 650,000 members of BoatU.S. It provides safe, smart and clean boating resources for boat owners nationwide.
Academy Christian School, Lincoln Street and FM 496, last Monday at 1:48 a.m.The perpetrator might have used a crow bar to enter the building, but the report did not list anything missing and no evidence was collected. A burglary was reported in the 1800 block of Willow Cove Drive last Wednesday at about 9:55 a.m. The complainant told sheriff’s deputies unknown perpetrators broke into a home and garage and stole unspecified items. A burglary was reported in the 600 block of Medina Street last Thursday at about 12:27 a.m. The complainant told
sheriff’s deputies that unknown perpetrators used a rock to break into a home, but did not report anything stolen.
THEFT A Zapata High School student told the sheriff’s department unknown perpetrators stole an I-Pod and $21 from his backpack while it was in the boy’s looker room.
HITAND RUN A case of hit and run was reported at Los Ebanos Golf Course parking lot last Thursday at about 4:40 p.m. No one was injured.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 11A
OBITUARIES
AFGHANISTAN VISIT
RAUL FLORES August 4, 1907
Our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Raul Flores, born in Guerrero Viejo over 101 years ago, passed away this week on Sept. 4, 2008. He was the firstborn of Regulo Flores and Otila Montalvo Flores’ 10 children, father of three children, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of eight. He was the devoted husband of our loving “Vivi,” Viviana Ramirez Flores, who predeceased him in 1997. Raul was a carpenter and building contractor who built many a good home in Laredo and Zapata. He was also a proud World War II veteran who loved his native Mexico and his adopted country, the United States. Nothing in his life, however, made him prouder than his three children, Maria Elia (Ico) Gonzalez, Raul Jr. (Maria Consuelo Cardenas) and Jaime Luis (Alma Nora), and his grandchildren, Mary Ann (Patrick) McElwain, Jimmy (Mary Alice) Johnston, Connie (Christopher) Jones, Cristina (Alejandro) Mejia, Alina (Scott) Hager, Jaime Jr. (Christian) and Ricardo Raul Flores. Papa is also survived by his loving sister Beatriz (+Reynaldo) Garcia, his brothers Rodolfo (Lola) Flores and Roberto (+Socorro) Flores, and many dear nephews and nieces. Gone before him to be with the Lord are his sisters Delia (Alfredo) Villarreal and Maria (Rafael) Garica and his brothers Regulo (Chata) Flores, Ruben (Melida) Flores, and
Rene (Lourdes) Flores. All who came to know and love this man during his long and blessed life can testify to the Lord that he was a good and honest, hardworking man who taught by example and who gave of himself completely to his family. He left everyone he met with a memory of a man of integrity, honesty, strength, a great sense of humor and a deep, if quiet, love for “El Señor Jesucristo.” We, his three children, live by his and Mama’s principles and guidance and along with saying our final goodbye to Papa, we carry on with his sage advice in our hearts: “Take it easy.” We want to sincerely thank everyone who cared for him, especially Dr. Jose R. Garcia, Dr. Larry Sands and the staff at the Falcon Lake Nursing Home in Zapata. Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas. Committal services will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rosegardenfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata, Texas.
ZCISD | Continued from Page 1A concurrent courses in algebra and English that give them college credit, he said. The school district also offers
continuing adult education classes. (Paul S. Martinez may be reached at (956) 728-2566 or paul@lmtonline.com)
BUDGET | Continued from Page 1A budget, but he has still made cuts in his requests. He said he has cut $1 million for “Las Palmas” project, which calls for sewage infrastructure a mile north of Zapata along U.S. 83. “It’s an investment as businesses continue to open in the area,” he said. He is leaving $500,000 for the project in the budget and is confident he can get grants to cover the $1 million cut out of the budget, he said. However, a $1.4 million paving and drainage project in San Ygnacio might be on the chopping block, Villarreal said. There is money for re-paving, but without the $1.4 million the county won’t be able to install storm drainage in San Ygnacio, Villarreal said. Pct. 1 Commissioner Jose Emilio Vela said he was disappointed the final draft of the proposed budget issued Friday was identical to the one issued about a month earlier. “There is no way I’m going to vote for a budget that is $4 million over the revenue,” he said. County commissioners approved a budget last year that was about $900,000 more than the county’s estimated revenue with plans to make up the difference with the general fund balance. “I voted against that budget and will vote against any budget that goes over the estimated revenue,” Vela said. Vela said its better to save as the county is set to incur two long-term loans worth a combined $20 million for a new water plant and a sewage treatment facility. More than 92 percent of Zapata County’s $3.4 billion tax base is in mineral wealth, which fluctuates in value, Vela added. Pct. 3 Commissioner Joseph Rathmell said he doesn’t want to go into the general fund to cover expenses that exceed the county’s expected revenue. He also voted against last year’s budget. Pct. 4 Commissioner Norberto Garza said he is open for discussion on the budget, and he hasn’t made up his mind on whether or
Adolfo “Pope” Gonzalez Jr., former Zapata County Commissioner for Precinct 3, left, and Laredo Police Officer Jose Cuevas, right, visit with the sergeant major of the U.S. Army, Kenneth O. Preston, in Afghanistan. Gonzalez and Cuevas are in Afghanistan as part of the 436th Chemical Company.
September 4, 2008
Budget consultant Ramiro V. Martinez, a former Webb County auditor, said it is not unusual to go into a general fund balance to make up a disparity between a budget and the estimated revenue. not he would approve a budget that goes over the expected revenue. Budget consultant Ramiro V. Martinez, a former Webb County auditor, said it is not unusual to go into a general fund balance to make up a disparity between a budget and the estimated revenue. While there are no laws that dictate it, Martinez said the general rule of thumb is to keep two months’ worth of operating expenses for the county in the general fund balance. For Zapata County, that would be about $4 million, Martinez said, less than a third of the entire balance. The county plans to keep the tax rate at 73.6 cents to help fund infrastructure and other projects, officials said. With the same tax rate and the higher appraisals, the county will collect about $1.4 million more in taxes. No member of the public spoke at the two public hearings dealing with the tax rate. The average value of a Zapata County home increased from $34,402 last year to $37,832 this year, according to the Zapata County Appraisal District. At 73.6 cents per $100 valuation, the tax on the average home increases from $253 to about $278. (Paul S. Martinez may be reached at (956) 728-2529 or paul@lmtonline.com)
Courtesy photo
August rainful greens Texas pastures By BETSY BLANEY ASSOCIATED PRESS
LUBBOCK, Texas — Debbie Davis kept her fingers crossed for months, hoping rains would finally bring life to pastures at her ranch near San Antonio this year. As time passed and rainfall didn’t materialize she was forced to send some of her Longhorns elsewhere to graze. About three weeks ago, rain finally soaked at her 1,900-acre ranch. “And it’s greened up and looks real good,” Davis said. “It was a little late but it did come.” Davis wasn’t alone. Though final numbers for August were not tallied by Friday, last month will probably turn out to be the 10th wettest on record, said Victor Murphy of the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. Early in the month, tropical storm Edouard hit the upper Texas coast and its remnants rolled across Central Texas. But the main culprit was an unusually strong nontropical upper-level low-pressure area which dropped south from North Dakota and parked itself over Texas on Aug. 15 and remained for a week, he said. All but Far West Texas got daily downpours. “That one week was basically a statewide deluge,” Murphy said. Waco recorded its wettest August ever with 10.33 inches, 8.48 inches above it normal of 1.85 inches. On Aug. 18 and 19 Waco got 7.24 inches, the most ever in a 48-hour period.
“And it’s greened up and looks real good. It was a little late but it did come.” LUBBOCK RANCHER DEBBIE DAVIS
Del Rio got 11.32 inches for the month, its second wettest on record, and McAllen had its third wettest August on record with 6.84 inches, 4.11 inches above its normal of 2.73 inches. The top three wettest locations in the state were Baytown (13.30 inches), Orange (12.85 inches), and Tyler (11.53 inches). “It was not wet everywhere in the state but where it was wet, it was very wet,” said .John Nielsen-Gammon at Texas A&M University, the state climatologist. That’s quite a turnaround from the first half of 2008, when Texas experienced its 23rd driest first six months. The statewide average for January through June was 10.94 inches, 2.93 inches below the normal of 13.87. In mid-July about 88 percent of the state was in some stage of drought, with about 4.4 percent in the most severe category — exceptional, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. By late August, 6 percent of Texas faced exceptional drought. This week, only about 57 percent had some drought designation and no areas were in exceptional drought. “It’s much better conditions than it has been statewide,” said
Travis Miller, a drought specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service. “That Dolly brought a lot of moisture all the way up to Corpus Christi.” And about a week ago, the western outer bands of Hurricane Gustav brought “another big dose” of rain, he said. This time East Texas was the beneficiary as Gustav moved south to north through the region. A couple of areas around the state remain in extreme drought, however. In West Texas, Andrews and Martin counties were in the second most severe drought stage. In Central Texas, all or parts of Burnett, Blanco, Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis, Bastrop, Lee and Williamson counties also are in extreme drought. That’s where most of the 113 public water systems (out of 4,668) in Texas with restrictions are located. While ranches and lands gained moisture last month, the same cannot be said for lake levels around the state, said Barney Austin, director of surface water resources at the Texas Water Development Board. Of the 109 lakes the Texas Water Development Board monitors, 42 were at least 90 percent full, according to the most recent
monthly report. That compares with 83 in late May. Summertime temperatures contribute to evaporation. One bright spot is Lake Meredith in the Panhandle, which helps supply water to 11 communities in West Texas. On Thursday, it was at 50.92 feet, up from a record low of 45.25 feet July 8. Meredith went from having just 4 percent of its 500,000 acre feet capacity to 11 percent in the most recent surface water report. Austin said Meredith had risen about 4 feet. “When you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel, 4 feet is a big thing,” he said. For those who raise cattle or grow cotton — Texas leads the nation in production of both — the August rains in the southeast, the Gulf Coast, East Texas and parts of North Texas were a Godsend. “It’s just a gift,” Miller said. “We’ll have some grazing and some hay coming. It wasn’t uniform by any stretch of the imagination. It’s spotty. There aren’t any big dry areas in the state; there’s lots of little spots.” That’s the case in Van Horn in Far West Texas where rancher Jon Means raises Angus cattle. There are spots that still need rain and water levels in stock tanks are down, he said. “We’re in excellent shape for the most part,” said Means, president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. “We have not had any big rains but we have had lots of small rains. Just kind of a grass rain not a downpour.”
LAKE VIEW | Continued from Page 1A Laredo; Three Sister Settlements” by Rogelia O. Garcia; “Epigrafia de Revilla y Ciudad Guerrero” by Manuel Ignacio Salinas Dominguez; Guerrero Viejo by Elena Poniatowski and Richard Payne; and “The Kingdom of Zapata” by Virgil N. Lott and Mercurio Martinez. A segment of the McVey publication (“Many of the Vela Family Have Served as Alcalde”) cites the names that appear most frequently. These are Benavides, Cuellar, Flores, Garcia, Garza, Gonzalez, Gutierrez, Ramirez, Treviño, Uribe and Vela. The Vela name appears in 34 different years of service, from 1831 to 1952-54. Lorenzo de la Garza had developed the official list in 1952 when his document became part of the Guerrero Viejo archives. Santiago Vela, for instance, served as alcalde three different times (1831, 1836, 1846).
Trinidad Vela served for the first time in 1841 and went on to serve four more terms in 1845, 1850, 1854 and 1862. Manuel Vela Ramirez probably got into Ripley’s Believe or Not with a dozen mayoral runs. He started in year 1879 and went on to be alcalde in 1882, 1885, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1900, 1902, 1905, 1906, 1910, and 1911. According to historian Jose Maria Peña (“Inherit the Dust from the Four Winds of Revilla”), the Nuevo Santander Report in the national archives places Revilla’s founding date as Oct. 15, 1750, with about 40 families numbering some 200 men, women and children. Jose de Escandon authorized the name of Villa del Señor San Ignacio de Loyola de Revilla. The name was changed to Ciudad Guerrero on November 2, 1827, in honor of Vicente Guerrero, an ally of Father Hidalgo in the war
for independence from Spain. History tells that the original Revilla settlement was relocated several times, each time moving to higher ground because of flooding of the Rio Grande. Having been renamed Ciudad Guerrero, it soon became known as Guerrero Nuevo. The land grant porciones, 32 on the U. S. side and most of the 47 on the Mexican side, were swallowed by rising Rio Grande waters as Falcon Lake filled with the creation of Falcon Dam. The dam became operational on Oct. 19, 1953. On that day, Presidents Adolfo Ruiz Cortines and Dwight D. (Ike) Eisenhower came to the site to open the gates. Evacuation of the inhabitants had been completed Oct. 11, 1953. (Odie Arambula can be reached at oarambula@stx.rr.com)
PLAN | Continued from Page 1A and involves a series of trade-offs,” Umphres Moffett said. “But smart and thoughtful growth involves weighing the trade-offs involved in development in order to make an informed choice, rather than simply letting things happen and complaining afterward.” The plan began in 2006 with surveys addressing the needs and wants of residents and businesses in Zapata County. Umphres Moffett also enlisted the expertise of researchers and economic development specialists from the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas A&M International University. The end result is an illustrated, 57-page report split into three sections.
The first section describes the county’s natural environment and history from pre-Colombian times through the present. There also is an indepth discussion of Zapata County’s architectural tradition, particularly in San Ygnacio. MOFFET The second part deals with the policy recommendations of the master plan, which includes policy positions on education, tourism, telecommunications, infrastructure, economic development and quality of life issues The third part deals with Zapata County’s
current information such as demographics, housing, economy and education. The first step is to publish the master plan, she said, as she reviewed a final draft with The Zapata Times on Thursday. The public will have a chance to review the plan and give their input at a series of town hall meetings that will include all the stakeholders involved in the proposal. After the input phase, the master plan will be revised by the Zapata County Planning Commission, a board of county commissioner-selected community leaders who are spearheading the development effort. Umphres Moffett said the master plan should go before Commissioners Court sometime in the first three months of 2009.
12A | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
The Zapata Times SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 6,2008
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors HAWKS TAKE IT
Lady Hawks joust Laredo schools By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES
The Lady Hawks’ 2008 volleyball season continued last weekend with one win and three losses at the Alexander High tournament in Laredo. Team captains Tessa Moss and Lynda Leyva continued to lead the team, but the Lady Hawks couldn’t overcome the larger Laredo school. The Hawks beat St. Augustine (25-19, 19-25, 25-13), but lost to Laredo Martin (17-25, 16-25), Laredo Cigarroa (11-25, 16-25) and Laredo United South (22-25, 14-25). Against St. Augustine, Moss had 16 kills and Brandi King added 14. King added four serve aces. Moss added 16 digs, King 12, Adriana Pena 11, and Clarissa Solis 10. Alexis Garza added 32 assists. Tuesday, the Lady Hawks again traveled to Laredo for a tri-
match against Martin and St. Augustine. And with results similar to the past weekend, the Lady Hawks beat St. Augustine (27-25, 22-25, 25-20, 25-14) and lost to Laredo Martin (18-25, 15-25, 12-25). Moss had 16 kills and 16 digs against St. Augustine. King added 14 kills, four serve aces and 14 digs and five blocks. Pena added 11 digs and Solis, 10. Against Martin, Moss had six kills and eight digs. Leyva had four kills and seven digs. Garza added 16 assists. This weekend, the freshmen and junior varsity volleyball teams will be in Laredo for the United I.S.D. Tournament, while the varsity team has an open date. The next game for the Lady Hawks will be Tuesday at Nixon High School. Game time is 7 p.m. District play for the Lady Hawks will start Saturday, in Progresso.
Photo by Keith Martin | The Zapata Times
Zapata Hawks varsity team members line up in formation during a practice earlier in the week as the team prepared for last night’s game against Laredo LJB High School.
Enthusiastic Zapata team beats relentless LBJ Wolves in driving, tense game By KEITH MARTIN fter an incredible performance, from the Zapata Hawks last week in La Joya, the quest for another district title continued into week 2 with yet another win against the Laredo LBJ Wolves, 34-14. Hosting the Wolves, the Hawks got in the first licks. No. 17 Isaac Patterson got things rolling as he dashed downfield 80 yards for the Hawks’ first score of the game. Then quarterback Meliton Trejo hooked up with tight end Herardo Buentello on a 35-yard touchdown pass
A
for the team’s second score of the quarter. But the Wolves from Laredo LBJ couldn’t be denied as they answered the LBJ Hawks with their own touchdown, from running back Herardo Cruz. With the Wolves down only 14-7, the Hawks moved the ball downfield for their third score of the first half, with Sergio Quintanilla running in from 8 yards out. But the Wolves wouldn’t quit, scoring another touchdown to end the second quarter, and the LBJ team was now trailing by only a touchdown.
ZAPATA
THE ZAPATA TIMES
34 14
The Hawks went into the half up 21-14. Taking the second half kickoff, quarterback Trejo led the offense, with 60 yards rushing, as the Hawks scored mid-way through the third quarter, as halfback George Gutierrez dashed in from 6 yards out. But into final period, as both ball clubs had trouble holding onto the ball, the Hawks scored the last touchdown of the game, with Gutierrez scoring his second touchdown of the game 6 yards out. Then with their last point after attempt failing, the Hawks ended the game with an interception from Chris Buentello. The Hawks took their second victory of the season, 34-14. Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
Zapata Lady Hawks defenders Kat Garcia (7) left and Lynda Leyva (1) defend as Samantha De La Cruz of United South hits the ball Tuesday at the USHS Gym.
Serna, Hawks varsity cross country running for No. 1 By KEITH MARTIN THE ZAPATA TIMES
What sport would anyone want to be a part of where there’s no Friday night lights, no sounds from a marching band or cheers from cheerleaders on the sideline? The sport of cross-country running just isn’t for anyone. The Zapata Hawk boys’ varsity cross-country team, after placing second in its first cross-country meet, traveled to Edinburg last weekend and won its first meet of the season. “I’m very proud of the job that
the boys did,” boys’ coach Luis Escamilla said. “The guys are working very hard in practice every day, to reach our goals, and we’re looking very good this far into the season.” Senior Raul Serna, the varsity boy’ No. 1 runner, is back leading his team after a successful junior year. During his junior year, he not only qualified for regional, but he also advanced to state as an individual. Serna first started running while he was in the sixth grade and has been running both cross-
“The guys are working very hard in practice every day, to reach our goals, and we’re looking very good this far into the season.” COACH LUIS ESCAMILLA
country and track ever since. He has been on the varsity team all four years that he has been in high school, and according to his coach, is on the right track towards getting an athletic scholarship for college.
If that were to happen, Serna would be the third Zapata crosscountry runner to compete on the college level since 2007. Escamilla also ran cross-country and track in college. From 2000-2004, he ran for the Javeli-
nas at Texas A&M Kingsville. After graduating from Laredo Martin High School in May 2000, and after he graduated from Texas A&M Kingsville in May 2004 with his bachelors and masters degree, Escamilla then went on to teach and coach at Bishop High School. But after a brief employment at Bishop, Escamilla was hired at Zapata in August 2007. “I have to give credit to each and every one of my runners because they make my job a little easier,” he said. “They come to practice ready to work, and I feel
that this team has the talent and determination to help us achieve our goals as a team.” Results from the Hawks’ meet in Edinburg last weekend are as follows: 1. Raul Serna; 4th place, 17:41; 2. Danny Garcia, 5th place, 17:58; 3. Chino Olvera, 10th place, 18:20; 4. Horacio Vela, 18th place, 18:46; and 5. Edgar Hernandez, 20th place, 19:08. Ricky Aguillar finished 24th, and Jerry Chapa, 39th. The Zapata boys’ and girls’ teams will be in Laredo this weekend at the Texas A&M International Meet.
Zscores National League All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB New York Philadelphia Florida Atlanta Washington
79 76 71 61 54
61 64 69 80 87
.564 — .543 3 .507 8 .433 18½ .383 25½
Central Division W L Pct GB Chicago Milwaukee St. Louis Houston Cincinnati Pittsburgh
85 80 75 74 62 59
55 60 65 66 78 80
.607 — .571 5 .536 10 .529 11 .443 23 .424 25½
West Division W L Pct GB Arizona Los Angeles Colorado San Francisco San Diego
71 70 66 60 54
68 70 75 79 86
.511 — .500 1½ .468 6 .432 11 .386 17½
Thursday’s Games Cincinnati 8, Pittsburgh 6 Atlanta 2, Washington 0 San Diego 5, Milwaukee 2 Friday’s Games Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m. Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati, 7:10 p.m. Washington at Atlanta, 7:35 p.m. San Diego at Milwaukee, 8:05 p.m. Florida at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m. Houston at Colorado, 9:05 p.m. Arizona at L.A. Dodgers, 10:05 p.m. Pittsburgh at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m. Saturday’s Games Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets, 3:55 p.m. Arizona at L.A. Dodgers, 3:55 p.m. San Diego at Milwaukee, 7:05 p.m. Washington at Atlanta, 7:10 p.m. Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati, 7:10 p.m. Florida at St. Louis, 7:15 p.m. Houston at Colorado, 8:05 p.m. Pittsburgh at San Francisco, 9:05 p.m. Sunday’s Games Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati, 1:15 p.m. Washington at Atlanta, 1:35 p.m. San Diego at Milwaukee, 2:05 p.m. Florida at St. Louis, 2:15 p.m. Houston at Colorado, 3:05 p.m. Pittsburgh at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. Arizona at L.A. Dodgers, 4:10 p.m. Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets, 8:05 p.m.
American League All Times EDT East Division W L Pct GB Tampa Bay Boston New York Toronto Baltimore
85 82 75 73 63
53 57 65 66 76
.616 — .590 3½ .536 11 .525 12½ .453 22½
Central Division W L Pct GB Chicago Minnesota Cleveland Detroit Kansas City
78 77 67 67 60
61 63 71 73 79
.561 — .550 1½ .486 10½ .479 11½ .432 18
West Division W L Pct GB Los Angeles Texas Oakland Seattle
85 69 63 54
54 72 77 85
.612 — .489 17 .450 22½ .388 31
Thursday’s Games L.A. Angels 7, Detroit 1 Kansas City 5, Oakland 4, 10 innings, 1st game Kansas City 9, Oakland 6, 2nd game Toronto 9, Minnesota 0 Tampa Bay 7, N.Y. Yankees 5 Friday’s Games Oakland at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m. Tampa Bay at Toronto, 7:07 p.m. Boston at Texas, 8:05 p.m. Detroit at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m. Cleveland at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m. L.A. Angels at Chicago White Sox, 8:11 p.m. N.Y. Yankees at Seattle, 10:05 p.m. Saturday’s Games Oakland (Smith 6-14) at Baltimore (Olson 8-7), 1:05 p.m., 1st game Tampa Bay (Shields 12-8) at Toronto (Marcum 8-6), 1:07 p.m. Detroit (Verlander 10-15) at Minnesota (Baker 8-4), 3:55 p.m. Oakland (Outman 0-0) at Baltimore (D.Cabrera 8-8), 7:05 p.m., 2nd game L.A. Angels (Lackey 11-3) at Chicago White Sox (G.Floyd 15-6), 7:05 p.m. Cleveland (Jackson 0-1) at Kansas City (Meche 10-10), 7:10 p.m. Boston (Wakefield 8-9) at Texas (Harrison 6-3), 8:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (Ponson 7-5) at Seattle (Rowland-Smith 4-2), 10:10 p.m. Sunday’s Games Tampa Bay at Toronto, 1:07 p.m. L.A. Angels at Chicago White Sox, 2:05 p.m. Detroit at Minnesota, 2:10 p.m. Cleveland at Kansas City, 2:10 p.m. Boston at Texas, 3:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees at Seattle, 4:10 p.m.
Bowie St. at Nicholls St., 7 p.m. Grambling St. at Northwestern St., 7 p.m. South Dakota at SE Louisiana, 7 p.m. MVSU at Southern U., 7 p.m. Jackson St. at Tennessee St., 7 p.m. Alcorn St. at Troy, 7 p.m. Rice at Vanderbilt, 7 p.m. VMI at William & Mary, 7 p.m. North Texas at LSU, 8 p.m. Cal Poly at McNeese St., 8 p.m. MIDWEST Louisiana-Lafayette at Illinois, Noon Iowa St. at Iowa, Noon Florida Atlantic at Michigan St., Noon Montana St. at Minnesota, Noon S. Illinois at Northwestern, Noon Nevada at Missouri, 12:30 p.m. Ball St. at Akron, 1 p.m. Franklin at Butler, 1 p.m. Fordham at Dayton, 1 p.m. Toledo at E. Michigan, 1 p.m. Delaware St. at Kent St., 2 p.m. Wis.-LaCrosse at North Dakota, 2 p.m. Cent. Michigan at Ohio, 2 p.m. Concordia, Wis. at Valparaiso, 2 p.m. Charleston Southern at Miami (Ohio), 3 p.m. Michigan at Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m. Oregon at Purdue, 3:30 p.m. Central St., Ohio at Youngstown St., 4 p.m. William Penn at Drake, 7 p.m. Indiana St. at E. Illinois, 7 p.m. New Mexico St. at Nebraska, 7 p.m. W. Illinois at S. Dakota St., 7 p.m. SOUTHWEST Washington St. at Baylor, 12:30 p.m. Air Force at Houston, 3:30 p.m. Arkansas at Texas, 3:30 p.m. Cent. Arkansas at Ark.-Pine Bluff, 7 p.m. Southern Miss. at Arkansas St., 7 p.m. Prairie View at Sam Houston St., 7 p.m. Kentucky Wesleyan at Stephen F.Austin, 7 p.m. Stanford at TCU, 7 p.m. SMU at Texas Tech, 7 p.m. Missouri St. at Oklahoma St., 7:05 p.m. Shaw vs. Texas Southern at Sacramento, Calif., 7:05 p.m. FAR WEST N. Dakota St. at Wyoming, 3 p.m. S. Utah at Montana, 3:05 p.m. UCLA at BYU, 3:30 p.m. Hawaii at Oregon St., 4 p.m. W. Michigan at Idaho, 5 p.m. S. Oregon at Sacramento St., 5:05 p.m. Oklahoma at Washington, 7:45 p.m. Bowling Green at Boise St., 8 p.m. Arizona at New Mexico, 8 p.m. San Diego St. at San Jose St., 8 p.m. Ohio St. at Southern Cal, 8 p.m. Utah at Utah St., 8 p.m. Dixie St. at Weber St., 8:05 p.m. UNLV at Arizona St., 10 p.m. Portland St. at UC Davis, 10:05 p.m. Wisconsin at Fresno St., 10:30 p.m.
National Football League All Times EDT AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Buffalo 0 Miami 0 New England 0 N.Y. Jets 0
0
0 .000
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
South W L T Pct PF PA Houston 0 Indianapolis 0 Jacksonville 0 Tennessee 0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
North W L T Pct PF PA Baltimore 0 Cincinnati 0 Cleveland 0 Pittsburgh 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 .000 0 .000 0 .000 0 .000
0 0 0 0
West W L T Pct PF PA Denver 0 Kansas City 0 Oakland 0 San Diego 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 .000 0 .000 0 .000 0 .000
0 0 0 0
NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF
College Football Schedule All Times EDT Subject to change Thursday, Sept. 11 EAST North Carolina at Rutgers, 7:30 p.m. SOUTH Concordia, Ala. at Tenn.-Martin, 7 p.m. MIDWEST Tennessee Tech at SE Missouri, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 SOUTH Kansas at South Florida, 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 EAST Temple at Buffalo, Noon New Hampshire at Rhode Island, Noon Merrimack at Bryant, 1 p.m. Furman at Colgate, 1 p.m. Coastal Carolina at Monmouth, N.J., 1 p.m. Bucknell at Robert Morris, 1 p.m. Marist at St. Francis, Pa., 1 p.m. Lehigh at Villanova, 1 p.m. Iona at Wagner, 1 p.m. Penn St. at Syracuse, 3:30 p.m. West Chester at Delaware, 6 p.m. Georgetown, D.C. at Lafayette, 6 p.m. Stony Brook at Maine, 6 p.m. Albany, N.Y. at Hofstra, 7 p.m. Virginia at Connecticut, 7:30 p.m. SOUTH N.C. State at Clemson, Noon Navy at Duke, Noon California at Maryland, Noon UAB at Tennessee, 12:30 p.m. Campbell at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Towson at Richmond, 3 p.m. East Carolina at Tulane, 3 p.m. Massachusetts at James Madison, 3:30 p.m. Georgia at South Carolina, 3:30 p.m. Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m. Chattanooga at Florida St., 3:45 p.m. N.C. Central at Morgan St., 4 p.m. N. Carolina A&T at Norfolk St., 4 p.m. Bethune-Cookman at S. Carolina St., 4 p.m. Morehead St. at E. Kentucky, 6 p.m. Presbyterian at Elon, 6 p.m. Northeastern at Georgia Southern, 6 p.m. Howard at Hampton, 6 p.m. Liberty at W. Carolina, 6 p.m. Savannah St. at Winston-Salem, 6 p.m. W. Kentucky at Alabama, 7 p.m. Gardner-Webb at Austin Peay, 7 p.m. Middle Tennessee at Kentucky, 7 p.m. Davidson at Lenoir-Rhyne, 7 p.m. Alabama A&M at Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m. Memphis at Marshall, 7 p.m. Samford at Mississippi, 7 p.m. Auburn at Mississippi St., 7 p.m. Illinois St. at Murray St., 7 p.m.
0 0
PA N.Y. Giants 7 Dallas 0 Philadelphia 0 Washington 16
1
0
01.000 16
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
1
0 .000
7
South W L T Pct PF PA Atlanta 0 Carolina 0 New Orleans 0 Tampa Bay 0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
North W L T Pct PF PA Chicago 0 Detroit 0 Green Bay 0 Minnesota 0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
West W L T Pct PF PA Arizona 0 San Francisco 0 Seattle 0 St. Louis 0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
0
0
0 .000
0
Thursday’s Games N.Y. Giants 16, Washington 7 Sunday’s Games N.Y. Jets at Miami, 1 p.m. Detroit at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Houston at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Seattle at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Kansas City at New England, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Arizona at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m. Carolina at San Diego, 4:15 p.m. Dallas at Cleveland, 4:15 p.m. Chicago at Indianapolis, 8:15 p.m. Monday’s Game Minnesota at Green Bay, 7 p.m. Denver at Oakland, 10:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 Green Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Chicago at Carolina, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Washington, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. Baltimore at Houston, 4:15 p.m. New England at N.Y. Jets, 4:15 p.m. Miami at Arizona, 4:15 p.m. San Diego at Denver, 4:15 p.m. Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 8:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 Philadelphia at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
GROUP ONE GP W D L GFGA
NFL Injury Report NEW YORK — The updated National Football League injury report, as provided by the league: Sunday ARIZONA CARDINALS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — CARDINALS: DOUBTFUL: DT Alan Branch (ankle), C Al Johnson (knee), DT Gabe Watson (knee). QUESTIONABLE: TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring). PROBABLE: T Mike Gandy (knee), TE Ben Patrick (ankle). 49ERS: PROBABLE: DT Aubrayo Franklin (knee), LB Parys Haralson (shoulder), S Michael Lewis (back), TE Delanie Walker (calf). CAROLINA PANTHERS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — PANTHERS: OUT: QB Matt Moore (fibula), WR Ryne Robinson (knee). PROBABLE: RB Nick Goings (hand), WR D.J. Hackett (toe), G Geoff Hangartner (ankle). CHARGERS: OUT: C Nick Hardwick (foot), T Marcus McNeill (neck). PROBABLE: TE Antonio Gates (toe), LB Shawne Merriman (knee), DT Jamal Williams (knee). CINCINNATI BENGALS at BALTIMORE RAVENS — BENGALS: OUT: RB Jeremi Johnson (knee), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Pat Sims (toe). DOUBTFUL: WR Andre Caldwell (toe). PROBABLE: DE Jonathan Fanene (illness), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring), LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring), WR Chad Johnson (shoulder), DE Antwan Odom (foot), QB Carson Palmer (nose), DT John Thornton (knee), RB Kenny Watson (hamstring). RAVENS: OUT: QB Troy Smith (illness). DOUBTFUL: DT Kelly Gregg (knee). QUESTIONABLE: S Ed Reed (neck). PROBABLE: T Oniel Cousins (back), TE Todd Heap (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), G Marshal Yanda (thumb). DALLAS COWBOYS at CLEVELAND BROWNS — COWBOYS: OUT: WR Miles Austin (knee), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot), LB Anthony Spencer (knee). QUESTIONABLE: CB Terence Newman (groin), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder). BROWNS: OUT: LB Kris Griffin (elbow), TE Martin Rucker (knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB Beau Bell (knee), WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), G Rex Hadnot (knee), RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring), S Brodney Pool (concussion), G Ryan Tucker (hip). PROBABLE: K Phil Dawson (back), S Sean Jones (knee). DETROIT LIONS at ATLANTA FALCONS — LIONS: PROBABLE: TE Dan Campbell (hamstring), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb). FALCONS: DOUBTFUL: C Alex Stepanovich (back). QUESTIONABLE: S Thomas DeCoud (ankle), LB Coy Wire (ankle). HOUSTON TEXANS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS — TEXANS: DOUBTFUL: LB Xavier Adibi (Achilles). QUESTIONABLE: T Rashad Butler (shoulder). PROBABLE: DE Earl Cochran (back), T Ephraim Salaam (knee). STEELERS: OUT: TE Sean McHugh (ankle). JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at TENNESSEE TITANS — JAGUARS: OUT: DT Derek Landri (quadricep), C Brad Meester (biceps), WR Jerry Porter (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: CB Scott Starks (pectoral). PROBABLE: TE Greg Estandia (knee), T Maurice Williams (knee), WR Reggie Williams (hamstring). TITANS: QUESTIONABLE: RB Quinton Ganther (hamstring), DT Jason Jones (elbow). PROBABLE: QB Vince Young (hamstring). KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — CHIEFS: OUT: LB Napoleon Harris (knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR William Franklin (knee), WR Maurice Price (thigh). PATRIOTS: OUT: WR Sam Aiken (knee). DOUBTFUL: TE Benjamin Watson (knee). QUESTIONABLE: C Dan Connolly (knee), G Russ Hochstein (groin), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee). NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI DOLPHINS — JETS: OUT: WR David Clowney (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot), T Damien Woody (shoulder). DOLPHINS: QUESTIONABLE: CB Michael Lehan (ankle). SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at BUFFALO BILLS — SEAHAWKS: OUT: WR Deion Branch (knee), WR Bobby Engram (shoulder). DOUBTFUL: T Sean Locklear (knee). PROBABLE: DE Baraka Atkins (back), LB Lofa Tatupu (knee). BILLS: OUT: LB Angelo Crowell (knee), TE Derek Fine (hand), TE Matt Murphy (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: LB Paul Posluszny (ankle). PROBABLE: DT Spencer Johnson (back). ST. LOUIS RAMS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES — RAMS: OUT: WR Donnie Avery (knee). PROBABLE: CB Fakhir Brown (shoulder), RB Brian Leonard (shoulder), C Brett Romberg (hand). EAGLES: OUT: DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia). DOUBTFUL: WR Reggie Brown (hamstring). PROBABLE: RB Lorenzo Booker (hip), DE Chris Clemons (calf), S Sean Considine (hand), S Brian Dawkins (ankle). TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — BUCCANEERS: OUT: G Davin Joseph (foot). QUESTIONABLE: RB B.J. Askew (foot), WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (chest), WR Joey Galloway (groin), DT Jovan Haye (groin), LB Matt McCoy (groin), S Sabby Piscitelli (knee), DT Ryan Sims (thigh). PROBABLE: QB Jeff Garcia (calf, right hand), CB Aqib Talib (illness), TE Ben Troupe (foot). SAINTS: OUT: DT Hollis Thomas (triceps). QUESTIONABLE: LB Troy Evans (ankle), RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), LB Mark Simoneau (back), RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), DT Brian Young (foot). CHICAGO BEARS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — BEARS: OUT: T Chris Williams (back). PROBABLE: DE Mark Anderson (thumb), TE Desmond Clark (knee), DT Dusty Dvoracek (calf), DT Tommie Harris (knee), G Terrence Metcalf (knee). COLTS: OUT: G Mike Pollak (knee), C Jeff Saturday (knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder), WR Roy Hall (knee), DE Curtis Johnson (shoulder). PROBABLE: QB Peyton Manning (knee). Monday DENVER BRONCOS at OAKLAND RAIDERS — BRONCOS: OUT: C Tom Nalen (knee), RB Ryan Torain (elbow). QUESTIONABLE: LB Boss Bailey (ankle), LB Louis Green (hamstring). PROBABLE: DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (back), WR Darrell Jackson (ankle), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), QB Patrick Ramsey (right elbow), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee). RAIDERS: QUESTIONABLE: S Rashad Baker (ankle), DE Kalimba Edwards (groin), WR Javon Walker (hamstring). MINNESOTA VIKINGS at GREEN BAY PACKERS — VIKINGS: OUT: S Madieu Williams (neck). DOUBTFUL: RB Maurice Hicks (foot). PROBABLE: WR Robert Ferguson (ankle), QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee). PACKERS: OUT: G Josh Sitton (knee). DOUBTFUL: WR James Jones (knee). QUESTIONABLE: LB A.J. Hawk (chest), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring), C Scott Wells (back). PROBABLE: S Atari Bigby (ankle), T Chad Clifton (knees), DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring), DE Jeremy Thompson (groin), LB Tracy White (ankle).
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 6,2008 U.S. Open Results Friday At The USTA Billie Jean King Na tional Tennis Center New York Purse: $20.657 million Surface: Hard-Outdoor Singles Women Semifinals Jelena Jankovic (2), Serbia, def. Elena Dementieva (5), Russia, 6-4, 64. Serena Williams (4), U.S., def. Dinara Safina (6), Russia, 6-3, 6-2. Doubles Men Championship Bob/Mike Bryan (2), U.S., def. Lukas Dlouhy, Czech Republic/Leander Paes (7), India, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (10). Women Semifinals Cara Black, Zimbabwe/Liezel Huber (1), U.S., def. Anabel Medina Garrigues/Virginia Ruano Pascual (5), Spain, 6-1, 6-4. Champions Invitational Round Robin Men’s Singles Todd Martin, U.S., def. Pat Cash, Australia, 6-4, 6-4. Women’s Singles Martina Navratilova, U.S., def. Jana Novotna, Czech Republic, 6-3, 63. Mixed Doubles Group A Robin White/Luke Jensen, U.S., def. Iva Majoli, Croatia/Andres Gomez, Ecuador, 6-2, 6-7 (4), 10-2 tiebreak. Group B Ilana Kloss, U.S./Guillermo Vilas, Argentina, def. Anne Smith/Stan Smith, U.S., 9-7. Junior Singles Boys Quarterfinals Devin Britton, U.S., def. CedrikMarcel Stebe (11), Germany, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Filip Krajinovic, Serbia, def. Henri Kontinen (4), Finland, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5). Grigor Dimitrov (3), Bulgaria, def. Chase Buchanan, U.S., 6-4, 6-3. Yang Tsung-hua (1), Taiwan, def. Rhyne Williams, U.S., 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3. Girls Quarterfinals CoCo Vandeweghe, U.S., def. Tamaryn Hendler (11), Belgium, 6-2, 6-0. Melanie Oudin (2), U.S., def. Madison Brengle, U.S., 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Kristina Mladenovic (12), France, def. Gail Brodsky, U.S., 5-7, 7-6 (8), 64. Gabriela Paz Franco, Venezuela, def. Elena Bogdan (5), Romania, 6-3, 6-0. Junior Doubles Boys Semifinals Henri Kontinen, Finland/Christopher Rungkat (2), Indonesia, def. Marcelo Arevalo, El Salvador/Alex Llompart, Puerto Rico, 6-3, 6-1. Nikolaus Moser, Austria/CedrikMarcel Stebe, Germany, def. Peerakit Siributwong/Kittipong Wachiramanowong (6), Thailand, 6-2, 3-6, 11-9 tiebreak. Championship Nikolaus Moser, Austria/CedrikMarcel Stebe, Germany, def. Henri Kontinen, Finland/Christopher Rungkat (2), Indonesia, 7-6 (5), 3-6, 108 tiebreak. Girls Semifinals Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, Thailand/Sandra Roma (3), Sweden, def. Beatrice Gumulya/Jessy Rompies, Indonesia, 6-3, 5-7, 10-8 tiebreak. Mallory Burdette/Sloane Stephens, U.S., def. Richel Hogenkamp/Arantxa Rus (5), Netherlands, 7-6 (2), 6-3. Championship Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, Thailand/Sandra Roma (3), Sweden, def. Mallory Burdette/Sloane Stephens, U.S., 6-0, 6-2.
Sprint Cup-Chevy Rock & Roll 400 After Friday’s qualifying race Sunday At Richmond International Raceway Richmond, Va. Lap length: 0.75 miles (Car number in parentheses) (Note: Qualifying canceled due to weather lineup set with rule book) 1. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 2008 owner points, 1st. 2. (99) Carl Edwards, Ford, 2008 owner points, 2nd. 3. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 3rd. 4. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 4th. 5. (31) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 5th. 6. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 2008 owner points, 6th. 7. (29) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 7th. 8. (20) Tony Stewart, Toyota, 2008 owner points, 8th. 9. (17) Matt Kenseth, Ford, 2008 owner points, 9th. 10. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 10th. 11. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 2008 owner points, 11th. 12. (07) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 12th. 13. (6) David Ragan, Ford, 2008 owner points, 13th. 14. (9) Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 2008 owner points, 14th. 15. (83) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 2008 owner points, 15th. 16. (12) Ryan Newman, Dodge, 2008 owner points, 16th. 17. (8) Mark Martin, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 17th. 18. (1) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 18th. 19. (26) Jamie McMurray, Ford, 2008 owner points, 19th. 20. (2) Kurt Busch, Dodge, 2008 owner points, 20th. 21. (19) Elliott Sadler, Dodge, 2008 owner points, 21st. 22. (42) Juan Pablo Montoya, Dodge, 2008 owner points, 22nd. 23. (43) Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 2008 owner points, 23rd. 24. (28) Travis Kvapil, Ford, 2008 owner points, 24th. 25. (5) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 25th. 26. (38) David Gilliland, Ford, 2008 owner points, 26th. 27. (44) David Reutimann, Toyota, 2008 owner points, 27th. 28. (15) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 28th. 29. (01) Regan Smith, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 29th. 30. (41) Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 2008 owner points, 30th. 31. (84) AJ Allmendinger, Toyota, 2008 owner points, 31st. 32. (22) Dave Blaney, Toyota, 2008 owner points, 32nd. 33. (66) Scott Riggs, Chevrolet, 2008 owner points, 33rd. 34. (55) Michael Waltrip, Toyota, 2008 owner points, 34th. 35. (7) Robby Gordon, Dodge, 2008 owner points, 35th. 36. (77) Sam Hornish Jr., Dodge, 2007 owner win. 37. (21) Bill Elliott, Ford, past champion, 1988. 38. (00) Michael McDowell, Toyota, 2008 attempts, 25-37th. 39. (10) Patrick Carpentier, Dodge, 2008 attempts, 25-38th. 40. (96) Ken Schrader, Toyota, 2008 attempts, 25-39th. 41. (45) Kyle Petty, Dodge, 2008 attempts, 2540th. 42. (78) Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 2008 attempts, 25-41st. 43. (70) Johnny Sauter, Chevrolet, 2008 attempts, 25-43rd.
Failed to Qualify 44. (34) Tony Raines, Chevrolet, 2008 attempts, 21. 45. (09) Sterling Marlin, Chevrolet, 2008 attempts, 5. 46. (02) Joey Logano, Toyota, qualifying draw, 46.
2010 World Cup Qualifying All Times EDT NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN SEMIFINALS Top two in each group advance
Pts Trinidad 3 United States 3 Guatemala 0 Cuba 0
1 1
0
0
3 1
1 1
0
0
1 0
1 0
0
1
0 1
1 0
0
1
1 3
Saturday’s Games At Port-of-Spain, Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago vs. Guatemala, 5:30 p.m. At Havana Cuba vs. United States, 8:11 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Bridgeview, Ill. United States vs. Trinidad and Tobago, 8:11 p.m. At Guatemala City Guatemala vs. Cuba, 10 p.m. GROUP TWO GP W D L GFGA Pts Mexico 3 Canada 1 Jamaica 1 Honduras 0
1 1
0
0
2 1
1 0
1
0
1 1
1 0
1
0
1 1
1 0
0
1
1 2
Saturday’s Games At Mexico City Mexico vs. Jamaica, 6 p.m. At Montreal Canada vs. Honduras, 8 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico Mexico vs. Canada, 9 p.m. At San Pedro Sula, Honduras Honduras vs. Jamaica, 9:30 p.m. GROUP THREE GP W D L GFGA Pts Costa Rica 3 Haiti 1 Suriname 1 El Salvador 0
1 1
0
0
1 0
1 0
1
0
2 2
1 0
1
0
2 2
1 0
0
1
0 1
Saturday’s Games At San Salvador, El Salvador El Salvador vs. Haiti, 9:30 p.m. At San Jose, Costa Rica Costa Rica vs. Suriname, 10 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Paramaribo, Suriname Suriname vs. El Salvador, 3:30 p.m. At Port-au-Prince, Haiti Haiti vs. Costa Rica, 6 p.m. EUROPE Winners qualify Top eight second-place teams ad vance to European playoffs GROUP ONE GP W D L GFGA Pts Albania 0 Denmark 0 Hungary 0 Malta 0 Portugal 0 Sweden 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Tirana, Albania Albania vs. Sweden, 12:45 p.m. At Budapest, Hungary Hungary vs. Denmark, 1:45 p.m. At Ta’Qali, Malta Malta vs. Portugal, 2 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Stockholm, Sweden Sweden vs. Hungary, 2:15 p.m. At Tirana, Albania Albania vs. Malta, 2:45 p.m. At Lisbon, Portugal Portugal vs. Denmark, 3:45 p.m. GROUP TWO GP W D L GFGA Pts Greece 0 Israel 0 Latvia 0 Luxembourg 0 Moldova 0 Switzerland 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Tiraspol, Moldova Moldova vs. Latvia, noon At Ramat Gan, Israel Israel vs. Switzerland, 1:55 p.m. At Luxembourg Luxembourg vs. Greece, 2:15 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Chisinau, Moldova Moldova vs. Israel, 1:30 p.m. At Riga, Latvia Latvia vs. Greece, 2:15 p.m. At Zurich, Switzerland Switzerland vs. Luxembourg, 2:30 p.m. GROUP THREE GP W D L GF GA Pts Czech Republic 0 Northern Ireland 0 Poland 0 San Marino 0 Slovakia 0 Slovenia 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Wroclaw, Poland Poland vs. Slovenia, 11 a.m. At Bratislava, Slovakia Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday’s Games At Serravalle, San Marino San Marino vs. Poland, 2:30 p.m. At Belfast, Northern Ireland Northern Ireland vs. Czech Republic, 2:45 p.m. At Maribor, Slovenia Slovenia vs. Slovakia, 2:45 p.m. GROUP FOUR GP W D L GFGA Pts Azerbaijan 0 Finland 0 Germany 0 Liechtenstein 0 Russia 0 Wales 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Cardiff, Wales Wales vs. Azerbaijan, 10 a.m. At Vaduz, Liechtenstein Liechtenstein vs. Germany, 2:45 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Baku, Azerbaijan Azerbaijan vs. Liechtenstein, noon At Helsinki, Finland Finland vs. Germany, 1:35 p.m. GROUP FIVE GP W D L GF GA Pts Armenia 0 Belgium 0 Bosnia-Herz. 0 Estonia 0 Spain 0 Turkey 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Yerevan, Armenia Armenia vs. Turkey, 2 p.m. At Liege, Belgium Belgium vs. Estonia, 2:45 p.m. At Murcia, Spain Spain vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, 4 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Istanbul, Turkey Turkey vs. Belgium, 2 p.m. At Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Estonia, 2:15 p.m. At Albacete, Spain Spain vs. Armenia, 4 p.m. GROUP SIX GP W D L GFGA
Pts Kazakhstan 3 Belarus 0 Croatia 0 England 0 Ukraine 0 Andorra 0
1 1
0
0
3 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
1 0
0
1
0 3
Saturday’s Games At Lviv, Ukraine Ukraine vs. Belarus, 1 p.m. At Barcelona, Spain Andorra vs. England, 2 p.m. At Zagreb, Croatia Croatia vs. Kazakhstan, 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. Sept. 10 At Andorra La Vella, Andorra Andorra vs. Belarus, 1 p.m. At Zagreb, Croatia Croatia vs. England, 3 p.m. At Almaty, Kazakhstan Kazakhstan vs. Ukraine, TBA GROUP SEVEN GP W D L GFGA Pts Austria 0 Faeroe Islands 0 France 0 Lithuania 0 Romania 0 Serbia 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0 0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Cluj, Romania Romania vs. Lithuania, 2 p.m. At Vienna, Austria Austria vs. France, 2:30 p.m. At Belgrade, Serbia Serbia vs. Faeroe Islands, 2:15 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Torshavn, Faeroe Islands Faeroe Islands vs. Romania, 12:30 p.m. At Saint-Denis, France France vs. Serbia, 1 p.m. At Marijampole, Lithuania Lithuania vs. Austria, 1:30 p.m. GROUP EIGHT GP W D L GFGA Pts Bulgaria 0 Cyprus 0 Georgia 0 Ireland 0 Italy 0 Montenegro 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Podgorica, Montenegro Montenegro vs. Bulgaria, 2 p.m. At Larnaca, Cyprus Cyprus vs. Italy, 2:45 p.m. At Mainz, Germany Georgia vs. Ireland, 6 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Podgorica, Montenegro Montenegro vs. Ireland, 1 p.m. At Udine, Italy Italy vs. Georgia, 2:50 p.m. GROUP NINE GP W D L GFGA Pts Iceland 0 Macedonia 0 Netherlands 0 Norway 0 Scotland 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0 0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Skopje, Macedonia Macedonia vs. Scotland, 9 a.m. At Oslo, Norway Norway vs. Iceland, 1 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Reykjavik, Iceland Iceland vs. Scotland, 2:30 p.m. At Skopje, Macedonia Macedonia vs. Netherlands, 2:30 p.m. SOUTH AMERICA Top four teams qualify Fifth-place team advances to playoff against CONCACAF fourth place GP W D L GFGA Pts Paraguay 13 Argentina 11 Colombia 10 Chile 10 Brazil 9 Uruguay 8 Venezuela 7 Ecuador 5 Bolivia 4 Peru 3
6 4
1
1
13 5
6 3
2
1
9 3
6 2
4
0
4 2
6 3
1
2
9 9
6 2
3
1
8 4
6 2
2
2
15 6
6 2
1
3
9 10
6 1
2
3
7 13
6 1
1
4
7 17
6 0
3
3
3 15
Saturday’s Games At Buenos Aires, Argentina Argentina vs. Paraguay, 3 p.m. At Quito, Ecuador Ecuador vs. Bolivia, 5:10 p.m. At Bogota, Colombia Colombia vs. Uruguay, 7:20 p.m. At Lima, Peru Peru vs. Venezuela, 9:30 p.m. Sunday’s Game At Santiago, Chile Chile vs. Brazil, 9 p.m. Tuesday’s Game At Asuncion, Paraguay Paraguay vs. Venezuela, 8 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Montevideo, Uruguay Uruguay vs. Ecuador, 4:40 p.m. At Santiago, Chile Chile vs. Colombia, 6:40 p.m. At Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Brazil vs. Bolivia, 8:50 p.m. At Lima, Peru Peru vs. Argentina, 10:30 p.m. ASIA FINALS Top two teams in each group qualify Third-place teams in each group ad vance to playoff GROUP A GP W D L GFGA Pts Australia 0 Bahrain 0 Japan 0 Qatar 0 Uzbekistan 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Manama, Bahrain Bahrain vs. Japan, 2:30 p.m. At Doha, Qatar Qatar vs. Uzbekistan, 3 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Tashkent, Uzbekistan Uzbekistan vs. Australia, 11:30 a.m. At Doha, Qatar Qatar vs. Bahrain, 3 p.m. GROUP B GP W D L GFGA Pts Iran 0 North Korea 0 Saudi Arabia 0 South Korea 0 Utd Arab Emir. 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Saturday’s Games At Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates vs. North Korea, 2:15 p.m. At Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia vs. Iran, 3:15 p.m. Wednesday’s Games At Shanghai, China North Korea vs. South Korea, 8 a.m. At Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates vs. Saudi Arabia, 2:15 p.m. AFRICA SECOND ROUND Winners and top eight second-place
2B
SPORT SHORTS Border Flag Football League The Border Flag Football Adult League will start tomorrow. The league is sanctioned by T.F.F.A. The league will be a four-division pro-football type format. All games will be played at the Father McNoboe Park on Sundays. Contact Arturo Santos, league president, at (956)791-9736 or 285-0057 for more information.
Laredo Adult Baseball League Team and individual registration for the Laredo Adult Baseball League will start on Monday. There are three divisions: Major/Open (young adults up to 34 year olds), Veterans (35-47 year olds) and Masters (48-years plus). For more information, contact Marco Escamilla at 333-9005 or Jesse Montemayor at 333-6935. nations advance GROUP ONE GP W D L GF GA Pts Cameroon 10 Cape Verde Islds. 9 Tanzania 2 Mauritius 1
4 3
1
0
7 1
4 3
0
1
5 3
4 0
2
2
2 4
4 0
1
3
2 8
Saturday’s Games At Curepipe, Mauritius Mauritius vs. Tanzania, 7 a.m. At Praia, Cape Verde Islands Cape Verde Islands vs. Cameroon, 1 p.m. GROUP TWO GP W D L GFGA Pts Guinea 7 Kenya 7 Zimbabwe 5 Namibia 3
4 2
1
1
6 3
4 2
1
1
5 2
4 1
2
1
2 2
4 1
0
3
3 9
Saturday’s Game Nairobi, Kenya Kenya vs. Namibia, 9 a.m. Sunday’s Game At Harare, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe vs. Guinea, 9 a.m. GROUP THREE GP W D L GFGA Pts Benin 9 Angola 7 Uganda 7 Niger 0
4 3
0
1
8 4
4 2
1
1
6 4
4 2
1
1
5 5
4 0
0
4
1 7
Sunday’s Games At Contonou, Benin Benin vs. Angola, 11 a.m. At Niamey, Niger Niger vs. Uganda, 11:30 a.m. GROUP FOUR GP W D L GFGA Pts x-Nigeria 12 South Africa 4 Sierra Leone 4 Equat. Guinea 3
4 4
0
0
6 0
4 1
1
2
4 4
4 1
1
2
1 3
4 1
0
3
3 7
x-advanced to third round Saturday’s Games At Port Elizabeth, South Africa South Africa vs. Nigeria, 9 a.m. At Freetown, Sierra Leone Sierra Leone vs. Equatorial Guinea, 12:30 p.m. GROUP FIVE GP W D L GF GA Pts Libya 12 Ghana 9 Gabon 6 Lesotho 0
5 4
0
1
7 3
5 3
0
2
8 5
4 2
0
2
4 3
4 0
0
4
2 10
Friday’s Game At Tripoli, Libya Libya 1, Ghana 0 Sunday’s Game At Bloemfontein, South Africa Lesotho vs. Gabon, 9 a.m. GROUP SIX GP W D L GFGA Pts Algeria 9 Senegal 8 Gambia 5 Liberia 1
5 3
0
2
7 4
5 2
2
1
8 6
4 1
2
1
2 2
4 0
2
2
4 9
Friday’s Game At Blida, Algeria Algeria 3, Senegal 2 Saturday’s Game Gambia vs. Liberia, 1 p.m. GROUP SEVEN GP W D L GFGA Pts Ivory Coast 8 Botswana 5 Mozambique 4 Madagascar 3
4 2
2
0
6 1
4 1
2
1
3 6
4 1
1
2
5 4
4 0
3
1
1 4
Sunday’s Games At Antananarivo, Madagascar Madagascar vs. Botswana, 7:30 a.m. At Maputo, Mozambique Mozambique vs. Ivory Coast, 9 a.m. GROUP EIGHT GP W D L GFGA Pts Morocco 9 Rwanda 9 Ethiopia 6 Mauritania 0
4 3
0
1
10 4
4 3
0
1
8 4
4 2
0
2
8 6
4 0
0
4
2 14
Saturday’s Game At Nouakchott, Mauritania Mauritania vs. Rwanda, 1 p.m. Sunday’s Game Ethiopia vs. Morocco, ppd. GROUP NINE GP W D L GFGA Pts Burkina Faso 12 Tunisia 9 Burundi 3 Seychelles 0
4 4
0
0
11 4
4 3
0
1
6 3
4 1
0
3
2 5
4 0
0
4
3 10
Saturday’s Games At Victoria, Seychelles Seychelles vs. Burundi, 8:30 a.m. At Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Burkina Faso vs. Tunisia, 1:59 p.m. GROUP 10 GP W D L GFGA Pts Mali 9 Rep. of Congo 6 Chad 3 Sudan 3
4 3
0
1
11 6
4 2
0
2
6 6
3 1
0
2
3 5
3 1
0
2
3 6
Saturday’s Game At Cairo, Egypt Sudan vs. Chad, 3 p.m. Sunday’s Game At Brazzaville, Republic of Congo Republic of Congo vs. Mali, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday’s Game At Cairo, Egypt Chad vs. Sudan, 3 p.m. GROUP 11 GP W D L GFGA Pts Swaziland 4 Zambia 4 Togo
3 1
1
1
2 2
3 1
1
1
1 1
2 1
0
1
2 2
3
Eritrea withdrew Wednesday’s Game At Chililabombwe, Zambia Zambia vs. Togo, 8 a.m. GROUP 12 GP W D L GFGA Pts Congo 9 Malawi 9 Egypt 9 Djibouti 0
4 3
0
1
13 3
5 3
0
2
12 4
4 3
0
1
8 2
5 0
0
5
2 26
Friday’s Game At Djibouti Malawi 3, Djibouti 0 Sunday’s Game At Kinshasha, Congo Congo vs. Egypt, 10:30 a.m. OCEANIA SECOND ROUND Top two teams advance GP W D L GFGA Pts New Zealand 9 New Caledonia 8 Fiji 1 Vanuatu 1
3 3
0
0
8 2
4 2
2
0
11 4
3 0
1
2
3 9
4 0
1
3
3 10
Saturday’s Games At Ba, Fiji Fiji vs. Vanuatu, 11 p.m. Friday At Noumea, New Caledonia New Caledonia vs. New Zealand, 2 a.m. Wednesday’s Games At Port Vila, Vanuatu Vanuatu vs. Fiji, 11 p.m. Tuesday At Auckland, New Zealand New Zealand vs. New Caledonia, 3:35 a.m.
PGA-BMW Championship Friday At Bellerive Country Club Course St. Louis Purse: $7 million Yardage: 7,456- Par: 70(35-35) First Round Camilo Villegas 65 Steve Stricker 66 Kenny Perry 66 Tim Herron 66 Andres Romero 66 Stuart Appleby 66 Tim Clark 67 Chez Reavie 67 Brian Gay 67 Fredrik Jacobson 67 Dudley Hart 67 Ernie Els 68 Anthony Kim 68 Phil Mickelson 68 J.B. Holmes 68 Sergio Garcia 68 Jay Williamson 68 Lucas Glover 68 Charley Hoffman 68 Stephen Ames 68 Padraig Harrington 69 Hunter Mahan 69 Trevor Immelman 69 Brandt Snedeker 69 Geoff Ogilvy 69 Steve Marino 69 Mike Weir 69 Bart Bryant 69 Martin Laird 69 Dean Wilson 69 Mark Wilson 69 Adam Scott 69 Justin Leonard 69 John Senden 69 Woody Austin 69 Angel Cabrera 69 Nicholas Thompson 70 Vijay Singh 70 Eric Axley 70 Mathew Goggin 70 Ben Curtis 70 K.J. Choi 70 Jim Furyk 70 Kevin Sutherland 70 Ken Duke 70 Ben Crane 70 Kevin Streelman 70 D.J. Trahan 71 John Mallinger 71 Aaron Baddeley 71 Jonathan Byrd 71 Robert Allenby 71 Heath Slocum 71 Boo Weekley 71 Tommy Armour III 71 Carl Pettersson 72 Johnson Wagner 72 Ryuji Imada 72 Rory Sabbatini 72 Scott Verplank 73 Chad Campbell 73 Billy Mayfair 73 Bubba Watson 73 Stewart Cink 73 Briny Baird 73 Jerry Kelly 74 Brian Davis 75 John Merrick
31-34 33-33 32-34 33-33 33-33 33-33 33-34 35-32 33-34 33-34 33-34 34-34 34-34 33-35 34-34 35-33 33-35 35-33 35-33 36-32 35-34 34-35 35-34 35-34 36-33 37-32 35-34 34-35 36-33 35-34 35-34 34-35 35-34 33-36 34-35 33-36 35-35 34-36 35-35 33-37 36-34 33-37 34-36 34-36 37-33 32-38 35-35 38-33 33-38 37-34 36-35 35-36 36-35 35-36 33-38 35-37 36-36 34-38 37-35 36-37 37-36 36-37 36-37 36-37 37-36 35-39 36-39 39-37
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3B
HINTS BY HELOISE Dear Heloise: Here is my favorite cat hint: Instead of buying specialized cat-box liner bags, I just use kitchen trash bags (13gallon size). I found that the cat doesn’t scratch through the thick bags, and they are much cheaper than buying cat-box liners. — ElizaHELOISE beth, via e-mail Elizabeth, you’re right — this can save your household budget a few dollars. — Heloise Dear Readers: Betty Boyer of Munster, Ind., sent a photo of her wire fox terrier, Zeeman (which means “sailor” in Dutch), sitting comfortably, resting his leg on the arm of a sofa. Betty says, “He is 11 years old and is a wonderful pet and companion.”
HOROSCOPES | BY FRANCIS DRAKE ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a wonderful day for travel, education and adventure. You’ll get great pleasure from learning something new. Matters with politics and religion will run quite smoothly. T A U R U S (April 20 to May 20) Your health feels good today. Or to put it another way, you feel good today! Those of you at work will get along well with co-workers. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) This is a lovely day for romance, parties, sports, social events and just schmoozing in general. Playful activities with children will delight you. Enjoy your day! CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might want to shop for beautiful things for your home or for family members. You’re certainly in the mood to do some redecorating, or at least find the floor in your bedroom.
LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) This is a pleasant day for conversations with everyone, especially relatives and siblings. It’s also a good day for contracts, negotiations, and buying and selling. VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) You might boost your earnings today, and you also might spend your money on beautiful things. Whatever you buy could perhaps increase in value in the future. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) You’re full of charm and diplomacy today. Get out and enjoy the company of others, especially partners and close friends. You feel warm and friendly to everyone. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Solitude in beautiful surroundings will delight you today. Your busy social schedule has been demanding, and now you need a rest! Run away, and hide somewhere.
S A G I T T A R I U S (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Enjoy the company of friends today, especially female acquaintances. The Moon is in your sign, making a lovely aspect to Venus, and this always promotes social occasions and the enjoyment of beauty and good times. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Some kind of hidden assistance or a favor from an unlikely source could help you make a good impression on someone, especially someone important. Alternatively, you might like some time by yourself today. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Share the good times with friends, especially female friends today. Discussions with someone from another culture or a different country could be fascinating. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Some aspect of your private life will be made public today. However, you won’t mind, because it casts you in a favorable light.
Zclassified HOMES FOR SALE
ANUNCIOS
1
REAL ESTATE
HOMES FOR SALE
61
HOMES FOR SALE
61
Homes new Schools In Laredo. 3/2 low D.P. & low mthly. $$ 285-6358
3305 Saint Catherine, 2story 4bd/2.5ba/1cg, 1780sqft. $110,000 Call 771-4768
New home Located in Laredo. Lots of details, Bad Credit, no Credit or Foreclosure! No problem. 740-0597
CONDOS FOR SALE 64
61
Moving Must Sell! North Laredo 2 story, 3/3, den, gated area, 1402 sqft, corner condo, pool, 1000 Ranchway, $120,000 (Negotiable). Great Investment. Call 763-7097
MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 67 Vendo trailer 3/2 16X66,renovado y pintadndo adentro y fuera.. $19,500 Cash or $4,000 enganche. 286-6531
LOTS FOR SALE 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
70
2 lots, side by side, 1 acre each, Loop 20 @ Hwy 359. Zoned B-4 in Laredo. Separate or together. 740-0597
Stop paying rent! Make your dreams of owning your own home a reality today. Beautiful homes throught Laredo ready to move in. No Credit? Let me help you. Call Laura Melissa Garza for more information @ (956)401-8633 or at (956)523-8964
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 82 Excel. invest. opp. Newly open cleaners 4sale. Great location new develop.area off Jacaman Rd. 237-5858. $200k OBO Restaurant/Sports Bar 820 Convent Downtown, Equipped, $4,000/mo. Call 206-7529
HELP WANTED
122
HELP WANTED
122
Sell it Fast With Classified! HELP WANTED
122
LOOKING FOR DRIVERS FLATBED EXPERIENCE Clean MVR Call Steel Trucking @ (956) 242-7978 HELP WANTED
122
Experienced Mudlogger / Geologist needed to work in South Texas Oil & Gas Industry. Must be a self motivated individual and have the ability to work with others in a team setting. Must be able to live and work in remote locations for extended periods of time in provided living quarters. Must be computer literate, especially Microsoft Office suite and data entry related applications and have reliable transportation. Bachelors degree in the Natural Science preferred, (Geology, Geoscience, Biology, etc.) but not required. Competitive pay with mileage. Serious inquires only. Call Tom at 956-572-0975.
HELP WANTED
ON THE WEB: THEZAATATMES.COM 122
PETS & SUPPLIES
ATC Transport is seeking OTR Drivers, starting pay at 35 cents p/mile, and Owner Operators starting 1.40 p/mile. Dedicated runs, Home on weekends. All you need is Class CDL, clean record, 2yrs OTR min. exp. 956-722-3147
PETS & SUPPLIES
128
Anaconda snake 4 ft long. $200, call (956) 206-6020
MISCELLANEOUS
122
Elizabeth Pine Christmas Tree, 12ft (366)cm pre-lit easy assembly, 7,486 branche tips are pre-assembles onto the tree, w/ 2400 clear lights. Cost $500 will sell for $100, 206-0051
Hewlett Packard Laser Jet black/white printer, Q 5928A, Print speeds to 22pgs. p/min Auto. 2 sided printing ensure efficiency from start-finish. Cost $449, Sell For $250, 206-0051
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136 08’ Intuit QUICK BOOKS program, w/ start up & quick reference guide, Cost $365, Sell for $150, 206-0051
HELP WANTED
ARTICLES FOR SALE 136
Excellent cond. A/C elect. w/gas furnace 3 ton, 2.5 ton outdoor $499 OBO 319-8759
HELP WANTED
122
PD-MD (pd-md.com)is dedicated to providing quality patient care for America's professional truck drivers through a nationwide network of clinics. Clinic Administrator / Office Manger - Responsible for overall supervision of the clinic, including profitability, business development, training, scheduling, and communications.
Magicolor 2300, Dell Laser Printer, High Capacity, Cost $799, Sell for $299, 206-0051 Maytag Electric Clothes Dryer, Excellent Working Cond., $90 OBO Call: 489-9580
Mesquite Firewood logs, Full pick up load approx. 1 cord in San Ygnacio $125 Call 763-1320 Original AB Lounge Abdominal fitness machine w/ video, brand new, still in box, Cost 150, Sell for $75. 206-0051
TRANSPORTATION
Nurse Practitioner / PA-C - Candidates will be responsible for routine DOT services, injury and illness treatment, patient follow-up, and facilitating other emergency care. Cert. Med. Asst - MA certification & 1 year exp. in front / back office. Flexible hours - Full & part time Must be fluent in English / Spanish
RENTALS
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
122
Great opportunity, south Laredo. Lease to own or owner finance. Irma 285-6358
* San Ygnacio Tx, 30 Mins Older Remodeled 3bd/1ba New Stove, Refrig, & Washer, 7 blks sch. $56K, 15% down $542 MO, 15 yrs or $46,000 Cash 903 Morelos 956-763-1320
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
HELP WANTED
BY PHONE: (956) 728-2527
Submit your resume to kmandel@pd-md.com or by fax to 865.675.0186 fax
BOATS
HEAVY EQUIPMENT 192 Utility Trailer Double Axel Heavy Duty, Asking $1200 w/ free slide-in camper. In San Yganacio Call 763-1320
MOTORCYCLES 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
Start your subscription now by calling 728-2555
UNFURNISHED HOUSES 100 1116 Lane 3bd/1ba, stove, cvrd. patio, W/D hkps $500/m $300/dp 319-7453; 319-7452 Lg.3bd/2ba, CAH,covered patio & parking, w/d rm, fenced 2902 Diaz $625m $400d 763-0927
Beautiful homes from 3-4 bedrooms in surrounding areas of Laredo. Prequalification and consultation at no hassle. Call Joe Mata at 334-8656 cell or 724-1818 office.
Now you can make the news come to you.
190
17ft 1995 fish & ski boat 115h trolling mtr, depth/fish fndr $5500 OBO 956-645-3625
HELP WANTED
196
1996 Harley Davidson Sportster many extras $6000 956-645-3625 Yamaha 426 2001 , $1,500 firm. Call:(956)206-6020
TRUCKS FOR SALE 198 00 Nissan Frontier XE, 57K Miles, A/C, Auto, Good Condition, $5,500 OBO. Call 337-4571 or 744-3381 05 Trail Blazer, 6 cyl, A/C, 4x4 $6,800 Call: 635-4249
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
HELP WANTED
122
Our Office Assistants Average $25K per Yr. Zapata, TX
CANSADO DE RENTAR Le han negado al credito? Dejeme ayudarle a hacer Su sueno realidad, cases Al Norte, Sur y centralmente Localizada, hableme para Mas informacion, fondos Limitados, 236-5136 & 717-1668
Seeking a highly motivated individual to join or team in our trucking field office. Responsibilities include: Office clerical, reports, tracking, A/R, A/P, and other duties. Must have strong verbal and computer skills. Previous Oil and Gas exp a plus. Ken.Sellers@nabors.com Fax 281-775-4386 EEO/M/F/D/V
1985 S-10 Blazer, 2dr, Auto, Fresh High Performance 350, Racing Rims & Tires. Body Work Done, Needs Paint. $1,995 Call for details 956-285-6964 ‘04 Silverado, blk., single cab, stepside, 5.3, 27k. original mi., headers, Diablo sport programmer, $16,000 obo. Call:(956)285-6964. Yellow ATV 110cc in good cond. $450 new bat./tune up call 220-5963 or leave msg
CARS FOR SALE
200
73 Chevy Vega, 350 V8 Alum Heads. TH350 Trans, 10-Bolt Posi 4.10 Gears. $4,650 OBO. Also Have Chevy Hi-Perf Parts. 956-206-7184 ‘98 Honda Civic EX 2drs, 5 spd, sunroof, new tires, new cd, tint & power windows 4 cyl. 1.6 motor $3700 OBO, Owner Finance. 286-0258 Classic 2002 Ford T-Bird Conv. 2-Dr Blk Body+Wite Top $17,000 BBkValu 235-3733
4 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
8 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES
SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008
SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008
Osteoporosis
L M T
Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, primarily those 50 and older. In the United States today, an estimated 10 million people already have the disease. -- National Osteoporosis Foundation
NAPS
ACCENT ON HEALTH
Light walking may hike elders’ brainpower By KELLI MILLER STACY SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Older adults who take a brisk stroll just three times a week could boost their brainpower and reduce the risk of memory-robbing illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research published in this week’s issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association is believed to be the first to show that home-based exercise improves cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a stage between normal aging and dementia. MCI is marked by mild forgetfulness, language difficulties, and other cognitive problems that are noticeable but do not interfere with everyday tasks.
Memory problems Nicola T. Lautenschlager, M.D., of the University of Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues wanted to see if physical activity would reduce the rate of cognitive decline among older adults at risk for dementia. Their study involved 138 adults aged 50 and older with self-reported memory problems but who did not meet criteria for dementia. The average age was 69. Researchers randomly assigned study participants to education and usual care or a 24-week home-based exercise program. The team encouraged those in the exercise group to get at least 150 minutes of moderate intense activity each week, broken down into three, 50-minute sessions. Walking was the most frequently recommended type of activity.
About 20 minutes a day Those assigned to the activity program exercised 142 more minutes each week, or 20 more minutes per day, than those in the usual care group. “At six months, participants in the physical activity group were walking about 9,000 steps a week more than the usual care group,” the team writes in the journal article. Those in the exercise group scored higher on cognitive tests and had better delayed recall. For example, they could more accurately remember a list of words after a certain amount of time had passed than those in the other group.
See WALKING | PAGE 2
Photo by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
2 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES
Seminar set on weight loss surgery
SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008
New test targets breast cancer By MARILYNN MARCHIONE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008
LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 7
New food pyramid for those 70-plus
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
If you are struggling to shed pounds or you yo-yo back and forth from one fad diet to the other, then you may be a candidate for surgical weight loss at Doctors Hospital of Laredo. The Wellness and Weight Loss Center — the only program of its SCHWARTZ kind in Laredo — is helping obese and overweight patients shed unwanted pounds. To learn more about these procedures, Doctors Hospital will be hosting a Bariatric Surgery Forum on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. at Doctors Hospital Cafeteria. Dr. Charles Schwartz, D.O., medical director of the Doctors Hospital Wellness and Weight Loss Center, will talk on how bariatric surgery helps you lose weight and improve health. Schwartz performed the first lap band procedures on April 8. Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for people living with morbid obesity — especially for those who have not experienced longterm weight loss success through other means. Often referred to as weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery has transformed the health and lives of more than 800,000 people in the past six years. Bariatric surgery is the clinical term for several different procedures, which help patients lose weight and improve or resolve comorbid conditions. To register for the free public forum, call 523-2290. To learn more about these procedures or to see if you’re a candidate for surgery, call the Wellness and Weight Loss Center at 795-1991.
A radioactive tracer that “lights up” cancer hiding inside dense breasts showed promise in its first big test against mammograms, revealing more tumors and giving fewer false alarms, doctors reported Wednesday. The experimental method — molecular breast imaging, or MBI — would not replace mammograms for women at average risk of the disease. But it might become an additional tool for higher risk women with a lot of dense tissue that makes tumors hard to spot on mammograms, and it could be done at less cost than an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. About one-fourth of women 40 and older have dense breasts. “MBI is a promising technology” that is already in advanced testing, said Carrie Hruska, a biomedical engineer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., which has been working on it for six years. She gave results in a telephone news briefing Wednesday and was to present them at an American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Washington, D.C., later in the week. Mammograms — a type of X-ray — are the chief way now to check for breast cancer. MBI uses radiation, too, but in a different way. Women are given an intravenous dose of a short-acting tracer that is absorbed more by abnormal cells than healthy ones. Special cameras collect the “glow” these cells give off, and doctors look at the picture to spot tumors. Researchers tried both methods, on 940 women who had dense breasts and a high risk of cancer because of family history, bad genes or other reasons. Thirteen tumors were found in 12 women — eight by MBI alone, one by mammography alone, two by both methods and two by nei-
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Courtesy photo/The Mayo Clinic | AP
This shows a standard mammogram, left, and molecular breast imaging (MBI), right, from a study performed on a 45-year-old patient in the clinic’s screening of women with dense breasts. The mammogram was interpreted as being negative while the MBI image shows a cancer indicated by the arrow.
On the Web: www.asco.org, www.cancer.net ther. (The two missed cancers were found on subsequent annual mammograms, physical exams or other imaging tests.) Looked at another way, MBI found 10 out of 13 tumors, missing three; mammograms detected three out of 13 tumors and missed 10. Using both methods, 11 out of 13 tumors would have been detected. “These images are quite striking. You can see how the cancers would be hidden on the mammograms,” Hruska said. Mammograms gave false alarms — led doctors to conclude that cancer was present when it was not — in about 9 percent of
patients, compared to only 7 percent for MBI. The MBI tests led to more biopsies than mammograms did, but they more often revealed cancer. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation and Bristol-Myers Squibb, which makes the imaging agent used in the study, paid for the work. The next test will be to see how MBI stacks up against MRI. The federal government is paying for a new study Mayo is leading that compares the two in 120 high-risk women with dense breasts. MRI is often used now for women with dense breasts, but it
gives many false alarms that lead to unnecessary biopsies. Doctors hope MBI will prove more accurate and cost less — under $500 versus more than $1,000 for an MRI. “We all know that mammography is, in and of itself, an imperfect tool, and we clearly need to do better in the future,” said Dr. Eric Winer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Center in Boston, a spokesman for the oncology group. “It is fair to say that MRI will not solve all problems either.” One drawback of MBI: It uses about 8 to 10 times the radiation of mammograms, a dose that engineers like Hruska are trying to lower with newer technology. Other medical centers also are testing MBI.
WALKING | Continued from Page 1
ON THE COVER Dr. Manuel Gonzalez, right, and his surgical team monitor the progress of a procedure to repair an aortic aneurysm at Doctors Hospital. Shown left to right are Ken Ferguson, Monico Cavazos, Eddie Elizondo and Gonzalez. See story, pages 4-5.
By DANIEL J. DeNOON
Researchers also noted lower Clinical Dementia Rating scores among those who were more physically active. Lautenschlager says the benefits could be seen after six months and that they lasted for at least a year after the program’s end. “Unlike medication, which was
found to have no significant effect on mild cognitive impairment at 36 months, physical activity has the advantage of health benefits that are not confined to cognitive function alone, as suggested by findings on depression, quality of life, falls, cardiovascular function, and disability,” the authors say in a news release.
Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable brain disease that robs a person of the mental abilities that affect memory and learning. It is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 5 million people in the United States live with the
condition. However, the number is expected to substantially increase in the coming decades as America’s baby boomers reach their golden years. Study authors say delaying the onset of illness by one year would dramatically reduce the number of cases seen around the world.
A prominent nutrition group has updated its food pyramid for over70 adults, stressing nutrient- and fiber-rich foods over supplements. People tend to become less active and to eat less as they age. This makes them vulnerable to getting too few nutrients, note Tufts University nutrition expert Alice H. Lichtenstein, Sc.D., and colleagues. Moreover, older adults may not be as Internet savvy as younger adults, making it more difficult for them to use the USDA’s official, Web-based “MyPyramid” food guide. So Lichtenstein’s team has updated their 1999 “Modified Food Guide Pyramid” for older adults to create their new “Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults” in print form. “The basic message in the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is that it is preferable to get essential nutrients from food rather than supplements,” Lichtenstein said. However, a little flag flying atop the pyramid signals seniors that
supplements or fortified foods — particularly those containing calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin B-12 — may be helpful for many seniors but not for all. At the bottom of the pyramid are icons representing physical activities appropriate for healthy seniors. Next comes a row of water glasses, stressing the importance of fluid intake for older people. Above these rows, the different food groups portray healthy choices in forms — such as packages of frozen vegetables — easily accessible to seniors. Emphasis is on: Whole grains and a variety of grains. Variety and nutrient-density of fruits and vegetables. Low-fat and non-fat dairy foods, including milk products with reduced lactose. Oils low in saturated fats and lacking trans fats. Low-saturated fat and vegetable choices in the meat-andbeans food group. Fiber-rich foods in all food groups.
Feds seek tougher alert on arthritis drugs By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration ordered stronger warnings Thursday on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections. The drugs — Enbrel, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia — work by suppressing the immune system to keep it from attacking the body. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the treatment provides relief from swollen and painful joints, but it’s “a double-edged sword,” said the FDA’s Dr. Jeffrey Siegel. That’s because the drugs also lower the body’s defenses to various kinds of infections. Siegel, who heads the office that oversees arthritis drugs, said the FDA became concerned after discovering information that doctors
appeared to be overlooking a particular kind of fungal infection called histoplasmosis. Of 240 cases of the infection reported to the FDA, a total of 45 patients died — about 20 percent. The infection, which mimics the flu, is prevalent in much of the middle part of the country. It can have particularly grave consequences if it isn’t caught early and spreads beyond the respiratory system to other organs of the body. FDA officials searched the agency’s database and found the 240 cases of patients taking the medications who had also developed the fungal infection. Of those, at least 21 appeared to involve a late diagnosis. And 12 of these patients — more than half — ultimately died. Siegel said the FDA’s order Thursday means that the risk of histoplasmosis will be flagged in a “black box,” the strongest warning information in a drug’s prescribing literature.
6 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES
SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008
SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008
Gateway offers after-hours care
MAYOR HONORS SCAN
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Courtesy photo
Before the start of Monday’s Laredo City Council meeting, Mayor Raul G. Salinas recognized the efforts of SCAN (Serving Children and Adolescents in Need) to combat drug abuse in our community, proclaiming the month of September as National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Addiction Recovery Month in Laredo. Joining Salinas were, from left to right, Jennifer Garcia, Debbie Jo Rodrigeuz, Julian Negrete, County Judge Oscar Liendo and Jesse Olivares.
To meet the ever demanding needs of access to care after hours and weekends, Gateway Community Health Center offers an after-hours Minor/Urgent Care Clinic at 1515 Pappas St. “A determining factor for establishing an after-hours, Minor/Urgent Care Clinic in 2005 was due to the fact that over 80,000 people in the community are uninsured, have limited access to after hour care and have limited financial resources,” said Gateway CEO Miguel Treviño Jr. The urgent care clinic is open Monday- Friday, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Services at the urgent care clinic are available to all residents of Webb County. There is a fee for the services offered and the clinic also accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance. No appointment is necessary to obtain services at the urgent care clinic.
Dental care services for children are also available on an appointment basis on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The dental services are offered to allow parents that work Monday through Friday to take their children to the dentist. The Saturday clinic also prevents the children from missing school during the week. Gateway monitors the extent of the population without health insurance or other forms of health care coverage as well as other socio-economic information that indicates a need for additional health care services. According to Treviño, the center’s after-hours Minor/Urgent Care Clinic relieves the care burdens of both community hospitals’ emergency rooms, where many people go for after-hour care, most of which is non-emergent in nature and can often be treated sooner and more cost-effectively in a primary care setting. For more information, call 7958100 or 523-3620.
LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 3
TOP EMPLOYEES FOR AUGUST
Courtesy photo
Paramedic Del Treviño reviews CPR techniques with a class participant.
Courtesy photo
Elmo Lopez Jr., Doctors Hospital CEO, congratulates Ruben Raya from the Engineering Department, representing Business and Support Departments; Eduardo Tijerina from the Surgery Department, representing all Nursing Departments; and Gabriela Jantscek from Radiology, representing all Ancillary Departments. The three were honored as Employees of the Month for August.
Doctors, LFD plans ‘CPR Day’ this fall SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Enriquez joins Gateway’s staff SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Gateway Community Health Center recently announced the addition of Dr. Angela Marie Enriquez, DDS, to the team of dental providers. “Dr. Enriquez is a welcomed addition to this area where there is a great need and demand for oral health care,” said Gateway CEO Miguel Treviño Jr. Enriquez first came to Gateway as a dental student from the University of Texas Health Science
Center at San Antonio. She trained under the auspices of the Dr. Claudia Cavazos, dental director; Dr. Erika Zarate, dental ENRIQUEZ associate director; and Drs. Christian Cabellos and Lorena Salcedo. Enriquez completed her training in May 2008 and immediately returned to work at Gateway in
June 2008. Enriquez is board certified by the Texas Board of Dental Examiners. Originally from Lansing, Mich., she earned a bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to being accepted to dental school, Enriquez was a dental assistant. Enriquez will provide service primarily to pediatric patients at the Gateway Community Health Center’s main clinic, located at 1515 Pappas St. To reach the dental clinic, call 795-8100 or 523-3652
Gateway’s Salcedo earns certification SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Gateway Community Health Center has announced that Dr. Lorena Salcedo, DDS, recently completed her certification examinations and is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. The mission of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is to verify that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed both an advanced educational program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and a volun-
SALCEDO
tary examination process designed to validate the knowledge, application and p e r fo r m a n c e requisite to the delivery of proficient care in pediatric den-
tistry. Miguel Treviño Jr., chief executive officer of Gateway, said Salcedo began working as a general dentist in July 2002. After completing her two-year National Health Service Corp obligation, Salcedo was accept-
ed at the Loma Linda Pediatric Residency Program in California. Upon completion of that program, she returned to Gateway as a pediatric dentist. Salcedo now practices pediatric dentistry at Gateway Community Health Center. from two sites: 1515 Pappas St. and 2007 S. Zapata Hwy. The office numbers are 7958100 (main clinic) and 795-8101 (south clinic). The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is the only certifying Board recognized by the American Dental Association for the specialty of pediatric dentistry.
The Laredo Fire Department and Doctors Hospital will host a “Community CPR Day” on Saturday, Oct. 25, featuring two separate classes: one in English, and one in Spanish. This is a Heartsaver with AED CPR class, using the latest version of the American Heart Association’s guidelines. Participants will learn how to take care of an adult, child or infant who is choking, stops breathing, or whose heart stops beating. The
instruction will be given by Laredo Fire Department paramedics and EMT’s who are certified CPR instructors. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the classes will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants must be 18 years of age to register. This class is free of charge. Call 523-2132 to register. If you get the voice mail, leave your name, phone number, number of people that will be participating, and English/Spanish preference. By leaving this message, you will be registered to take the class.
SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008
4 | LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES
LAREDO MORNING TIMES/THE ZAPATA TIMES | 5
GIVING HEARTS NEW LIFE Vascular surgery repairs aneurysms to avoid serious harm Editor’s note: A version of this story was published Sept. 1, 2008 in Laredo Morning Times.
By JASON BUCH LAREDO MORNING TIMES
atients suffering from aortic aneurysms, a potentially fatal bulge in one of the body’s main arteries, have in the last few years been given the opportunity for a much less invasive surgery than was previously available. By inserting wires and tubes into two small incisions, doctors are now able to operate on those suffering from aortic aneurysms without the risks of older surgeries that involved opening up the chest or abdomen. As people age, their blood vessels lose elasticity, according to the Mayo Clinic. This makes them more susceptible to aortic aneurysms, which are rare in people under 60. Smokers and people with high blood pressure are at an increased risk of suffering an aneurysm, according to the clinic. Dr. Manuel Gonzalez, vascular surgeon and a member of the Doctors Hospital medical staff, performs the delicate operation in Laredo.
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Eagle eye
Photos by Cuate Santos | Laredo Morning Times
Ken Ferguson, right, points to a measurement as the procedure is in its final stages.
Gonzalez watched dye flowing through his patient’s arteries on a computer screen at Doctor’s Hospital during a recent surgery, looking for the renal artery. A tube inserted into the patient’s aorta, the large artery that runs from the heart to the groin, was releasing dye that doctors were using to try to map their charge’s blood vessels. Gonzalez pointed out where the dye was flowing off to the left of the screen, the renal artery. “It’s my eagle eye, from hunting,” he said, drawing chuckles in the operating room. Just below the renal artery and on the opposite side of the aorta was an aneurysm, where the wall of the patient’s blood vessel had become weak and was bulging, risking potentially fatal rupture. Gonzalez and the staff at Doctors Hospital were in the midst of a surgery to implant a stent, a tube covered with titanium mesh in the pattern of a Chinese finger trap, into the patient’s aorta and prevent rupture. The stent will effectively act as a new aortic wall, and greatly reduce the chance of a rupture. Someone who suffers a rupture of an aortic aneurysm at home has about a 20 percent chance
Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms A pulsating sensation near the navel Tenderness or pain in the abdomen or chest Back pain SOURCE: www.mayoclinic.com
of survival, Gonzalez said. People who make it to the emergency room are about as likely to survive, he said. The aorta ruptures, and the patient bleeds to death internally. It’s excruciatingly painful, Gonzalez said.
Major advances In the past, surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm involved opening the patient up sternum to groin and down each leg, said Nurse Dolores Boswell. The surgery was long and messy, required a major bypass, and carried large risks. Patients would be in surgery for five to six hours and would be in the hospital for a week. Aug. 29’s surgery, which involved two small incisions on each side of the groin, took about an hour and a half. After the surgery, Gonzalez proudly said the patient was already awake and eating, and would likely leave the hospital the next day. The old surgery method had about a five percent mortality rate and a high risk of complications after surgery, Gonzalez said. The minimally invasive surgery Gonzalez performed Aug. 29 carries much less risk, he said. For more than five years, he’s been using the new form of surgery, one that he said can only be performed by a vascular surgeon. “This particular type of surgeries is not done just anywhere,” Gonzalez said. “It’s done in specialized centers that have facilities, trained personnel and a trained surgeon to do them. And we have it at Doctor’s Hospital.” The surgery was endovasculary; that is, everything occurred within the blood vessels he said.
Delicate work Wires were inserted into the blood vessels through the incisions next to the patient’s groin, then were worked through the vessels until they reached the area of the aneurysm. Doctors and nurses closely watched the X-ray images of their progress.
They had to be careful to place the stent where it would cover the aneurysm, but not block off arteries carrying nutrients and oxygen to other parts of the body. “We had to be sure that we did not cover or block off arteries to the kidneys and also arteries to the intestines,” Gonzalez said. “We had to be very careful not to block them off. That’s why we took time. Imagine if you knock those off. You’re in trouble, don’t you think?” Once the blood vessels were mapped out, the team could start inserting the stent. Each instrument inserted into the patient was threaded on the wires already running through the blood vessels from the incision. They gently ran the stent, wrapped in a casing to keep it from expanding, into position. Ken Ferguson, a vendor with Medtronic, the stent’s manufacturer, looked on. Once the stent was in place, just below the renal artery, the doctors began to remove the casing, allowing it to expand. “Steady deployment,” Ferguson said, as the stent began to open up. “Steady, steady,” Gonzalez echoed.
Stent procedure Once the first stent was in place, Gonzalez and his team continued the process, adding two more to shore up patient’s iliac arteries, which branch off at the end of the aorta and run to the legs, and prevent aneurysms there. Ferguson marked the computer screen displaying the X-ray images throughout the operation as the doctors slowly placed and expanded each stent. “What’s really amazing and interesting with these types of surgeries is it’s like playing a video game, almost.” Boswell said. “Of course, that’s oversimplifying it.” Once the stents were in place, they had to be affixed to the aorta’s walls. Doctors slid balloons into the aorta and pumped a saline solution into them, expanding the balloons inside the stint, until they had pushed the tube up against the blood vessel’s sides. “We don’t want any blood to go between the (stent) walls and the aneurysm,” Gonzalez said. Before the balloons were used to expand the stent, dye could be seen swirling between it and the blood vessel walls. Afterward, the dye flowed through the artery unobstructed. (Jason Buch may be reached at 728-2547 or jbuch@lmtonline.com)
The aortic aneurysm is clearly visible on the monitor at the start of the operation as Medtronic representative Ken Ferguson prepares to work with the medical staff at Doctors Hospital Firday afternoon.
Surgery technician Eddie Elizondo, elft and Dr. Manuel Gonzalez begin the surgical procedure by threading wires into the artery.