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LIFE&ARTS PAGE 12
‘Wonder’ women offer up crafty fun
SPORTS PAGE 7
Big 12 proves unpredictable as Lady Horns face Sooners
NEWS PAGE 6
Professor deems Haiti relief efforts ‘ineffective’
THE DAILY TEXAN Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Serving the University of Texas at Austin community since 1900
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Powers in the line of fire Community addresses changes to UT’s budget in town hall meeting
alumni constituted the majority of the more than 200 attendees who packed the Avaya Auditorium, most of them speaking out against the Texas Union Board’s By Shabab Siddiqui decision to phase out the CacDaily Texan Staff tus Cafe and the informal classes President William Powers Jr.’s program by August. The board tuition recommendations and up- cited cost reductions and repurdates on possible budget cuts posing resources to “better serve were out-clamored by sentiments student needs” as its reasons for to save the Cactus Cafe during the decision in a statement rethe president’s town hall meeting leased on Friday. Tuesday afternoon. “I believe the Cactus Cafe is a Community members and special place,” said architecture se-
nior Adam Gates. “And my commitment to the preservation of special places will not let me watch it fall silently into history.” Powers said he understands the value of the cafe but said the board has a governance structure, and he supports the decision it reached. The president opened the meeting by announcing his decision to present the Tuition Policy Advisory Committee’s recommendations to the UT System Board of Regents, who will set tuition. The committee’s report recommended
a 3.95-percent increase in tuition each year for the next two years. Powers has the ability to make his own recommendations but said he believes the committee acted responsibly and submitted a reasonable proposal. Powers also talked about the Jan. 15 letter from Gov. Rick Perry’s office that asks all state agencies, including the UT System, to Tamir Kalifa | Daily Texan Staff submit a plan preparing for a possible 5-percent reduction from the UT President William Powers Jr. listens to concerns raised by students, alumni and Austin residents during a town hall meeting organized to address University-wide issues. PROGRAM continues on page 2
CONSTRUCTION JUNCTION
Group voices concerns at open meeting, stresses cultural value of cafe
Wichita Street
University Avenue University Avenue
NORMAN HACKERMAN BUILDING Construction dates: Winter 2008 – Fall 2010
24th Street Speedway Street
Guadalupe Street
Dean Keaton Street
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING BUILDING South Wing Construction dates: Fall 2010 completion goal
FLAWN ACADEMIC CENTER Renovation Construction dates: Summer 2009 – Winter 2011
22th Street
STARK CENTER Construction dates: Spring 2010 completion goal
STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER AND LIBERAL ARTS Phase I Construction dates: Summer 2008 – Fall 2010
San Jacinto Boulevard
Whitis Avenue
27th Street
BELO CENTER FOR NEW MEDIA Construction dates: Winter 2010 – Winter 2012
21th Street
University aims for sustainability with building projects By Audrey White Daily Texan Staff UT is building a new standard for sustainability with its current and future construction projects. All new buildings on campus are now expected to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards. The LEED system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a nationally recognized approach to green building that follows a process of ensuring efficient energy and water use, low waste and resource conservation. “Everything that has a crane on it has a green-building ethic surrounding it,” said UT sustainability director Jim Walker.
Students demand answers from SG for Cactus closure
Students across campus can see the array of construction projects in process, ranging from the south wing of the biomedical engineering building, scheduled for completion in October, to the Belo Center for New Media, a communications school building that has been under consideration for 20 years and will be completed in spring 2012. There are four LEED ratings: platinum, gold, silver and certified. Buildings earn points with different efficiency components, and the total score determines whether the building earns an appropriate LEED rating. Walker said UT is seeking a LEED rating of at least silver for all new buildings. Steps toward achieving LEED rat-
By Audrey White Daily Texan Staff A small but vocal group of students took advantage of the open-forum portion of Tuesday’s Student Government meeting to demand accountability from SG in its role in closing the Cactus Cafe. Most of the students present also attended the town hall meeting Tuesday afternoon that addressed closing the Cactus, canceling informal classes, tuition increases and budget cuts. Those who spoke at the SG meeting emphasized the impact of the Cactus on students and the University. “A lot of people haven’t been to the Cactus Cafe, but it has been a significant part of my experience as a UT student, and it’s an important fixture in the American music scene,” said Daniel Miller, a chemical engineering graduate student. “It fosters a good relationship between the University and the Austin community as a whole. I think the name should stay, and I think the music should stay.” Students also voiced their concerns regarding the cancel-
lation of informal classes at the SG meeting. Established in 1971 as a community education program, informal classes are open to the Austin community and offer courses in subjects such as Web design, hip-hop dance and dog obedience. “Informal classes is a program where people can go to a completely conducive, no-grades learning environment,” said Michael Bowman, a theater and dance senior. “It doesn’t make sense that the makers of this institution think they serve students by getting rid of something they can learn from.” SG President Liam O’Rourke said only he and Universitywide Rep. Nathan Bunch were directly involved in the decisions, since they serve on the Texas Union Board that acted in an advisory capacity regarding the plan. Miller said that because SG members knew about the meetings to discuss the cuts, they were still responsible for playing an active part in events and activities that directly impact students. “Many of you said you knew meetings were happening to discuss this, but I didn’t know about it.” Miller said to the assembly. “Remain more
SG continues on page 2
ings include the construction methods used while building and the installation of energy-efficient lighting, high-performance thermostat systems and automatic toilets, Walker said. He said these building standards allow for more durable buildings and contribute to utility-bill savings and other cost reductions. Although savings may not translate directly into tuition cuts for current students, Walker said the longterm benefits will serve students, the University and the state. “Students may not see a financial benefit, but as an agency of the state, UT has a responsibility to be a steward of state resources it is given,” he said.
CAMPUS continues on page 2 Illustration by Thu Vo | Daily Texan Staff
Tamir Kalifa | Daily Texan Staff
Assembly members and students listen as speakers address the crowd in the Glenn Maloney Room during an open forum on campus issues at the Student Government meeting Tuesday evening.
iPad may allow for cheaper textbook option
Marcio Jose Sanchez | Associated Press
The Apple iPad is examined after its unveiling at the Moscone Center in San Francisco on Jan. 27. The device’s e-book technology could be used by students after its release in about two months.
By Karishma Hossain Daily Texan Staff Apple’s upcoming launch of the iPad may present students with a cheaper alternative to the conventional textbook — an initiative already in the works by the University with other digital readers. The California-based company announced its latest innovation on Thursday. The 9.7-inch tablet computer will be available to the public, who can use the device to access e-books, in about two months when the product is released. Because e-books are cheaper than traditional books, students
with the iPad and other e-book readers may save money each semester, said business professor Prabhudev Konana. Still in its early phase of growth, the e-book market has the potential to cut production and distribution costs of traditional textbooks and make education more affordable in the long run, Konana said. “Traditional textbooks are static whereas e-books make reading more dynamic,” Konana said. “With e-books, teachers will be able to embed electronic video tutorials and sound clips within the text, making reading textbooks more engaging for students.”
The Texas Language Technology Center in the College of Liberal Arts received a $263,000 two-year grant in October from the U.S. Department of Education to develop an online publishing model for foreign language textbooks and instructional materials. Aside from the iPad, other ebook providers, such as Amazon’s Kindle DX, offer alternatives to the traditional textbook. Konana said though the e-book market is taking off slowly, bookstores, including the University Co-op, may suffer from decreased sales due to e-books. Customers would purchase texts straight
from the publishing company rather than through the bookstore, she said. Although e-books are cheap compared to their textbook counterparts, the devices needed to access them can be costly, Konana said. The cost of the iPad can range from $499 for 16 gigabytes of memory to $829 for a 64-gigabyte tablet with 3G access. Architecture freshman Farhana Maredia said she downloads ebooks to her iPod to read for leisure but does not download electronic textbooks.
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PROGRAM: Cuts prompt public criticism
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part of the budget composed of state revenue. He said the cuts, which apply to all institutions in the UT System, would cost the University about $29 million, of which the System would cover between $7 million and $9 million. He said half of the remaining $20 million would be paid off through cash reserves acquired from athletic revenue, and the other half would likely come from making cuts. He said cuts would be mostly administrative as opposed to academic. The discussion quickly shifted from tuition and budget to the Cactus Cafe and informal classes. Texas House Rep. Elliott Naishtat, who serves University and its surrounding area, previously said the closing of the cafe and the informal classes program goes beyond UT and could potentially damage community life. “The Travis County delegation and the Legislature are always supportive of UT, and we’ve worked together on a lot of issues,� Naishtat said. “Let’s work together to saving these, too.� Singer and performer Guy
Editor: Jillian Sheridan (512) 232-2212 editor@dailytexanonline.com Managing Editor: Ana McKenzie (512) 232-2217 managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com News Office: (512) 232-2207 news@dailytexanonline.com Sports Office: (512) 232-2210 sports@dailytexanonline.com Life & Arts Office: (512) 232-2209 lifeandarts@dailytexanonline.com Photo Office: (512) 471-8618 photo@dailytexanonline.com Retail Advertising: (512) 471-1865 joanw@mail.utexas.edu Classified Advertising: (512) 471-5244 classified@dailytexanonline.com
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CORRECTION In the Tuesday, Feb. 2 edition of The Daily Texan, there was an error in the photo caption on Page 7 with the story titled “Rugby gives women adrenaline rush.� The caption should have read: “Two Texas A&M rugby players participate in a drill for the Texas Rugby Union tryouts Saturday at Pillow Elementary School.� The Texan regrets the error.
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saves money ‘in long run’ for UT From page 1 “We have to consider how well the building is going to operate now and 50 years from now.� Lily Alderman, an architectural engineering senior and chairwoman of Students for a Sustainable Campus, said these measures represent a move toward the environmental consciousness that she said is becoming increasingly important to students. “LEED buildings are a little more expensive up front, but in the long run you save money,� Alderman said. “You’re saving on operating costs because they’re more efficient.� The green-building program extends beyond new buildings into renovations and day-to-day maintenance, Walker said. In January 2009, UT completed a $15.1 million upgrade of campus water and lighting components. The upgrade saves the University $2.7 million per year in utility costs. Bob Rawski, the UT System’s regional program manager for UT, said ingenuity in architecture and innovative projects will be a great asset as UT seeks LEED scores. He cited the Student Activities Center slated for completion in spring 2011 as a prime example. The center will be outfitted with efficient rooftop land-
THE DAILY TEXAN Permanent Staff
This newspaper was written, edited and designed with pride by The Daily Texan and Texas Student Media.
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jillian Sheridan Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ana McKenzie Associate Managing Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin Mulvaney, Sean Beherec, Erik Reyna Associate Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremy Burchard, Dan Treadway, David Muto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lauren Winchester, Roberto Cervantes News Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blair Watler Associate News Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pierre Bertrand, Lena Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claire Cardona, Viviana Aldous Senior Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Rich, Audrey White, Alex Geiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shabab Siddiqui, Bobby Longoria, Priscilla Totiyapungprasert Copy Desk Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nausheen Jivani Associate Copy Desk Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cristina Herrera, Vicky Ho, Matt Jones Design Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Olivia Hinton Senior Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shatha Hussein, Taylor Fausak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Veronica Rosalez, Mustafa Saifuddin Special Projects Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thu Vo Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Young Associate Photo Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bryant Haertlein, Peter Franklin Senior Photographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Kang,Tamir Kalifa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peyton McGee, Daniela Trujillo, Bruno Morlan Life&Arts Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Wermund Associate Life&Arts Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber Genuske Senior Entertainment Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rob Rich, Frankie Marin, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Ross Harden, Lane Lynch, Kate Ergenbright Features Entertainment Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gerald Rich, Audrey Campbell, Mary Lingwall Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blake Hurtik Associate Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Sherfield Senior Sports Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Hurwitz, Laken Litman, Austin Ries, Chris Tavarez Comics Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carolynn Calabrese Multimedia Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juan Elizondo Associate Multimedia Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kara McKenzie, Rachael Schroeder Senior Videographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blas Garcia
Issue Staff
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karisha Hossain, Laura Kandle, Nishas Wagle, Bianetth Valez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Burkhart, Amanda Martin, Fabiola Mejia, Eric Ou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ryan Betori, Sameer Bhuchar, Allistair Pinsof, Madelein Crum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calum Sloan, Joshua Avelar, Michael Murphy, Mosettee Lorenz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Briana Rogers, Brenna Cleeland, Laura Lambert, Andrea Shyong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Miller, Emery Ferguson, Gabe Alvarez, Nam Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyler Suder, Katie Carrell, Michael Bowman, Xavier Salinas
Advertising
Director of Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jalah Goette Retail Advertising Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brad Corbett Account Executive/Broadcast Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carter Goss Campus/National Sales Consultant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan Bowerman Assistant to Advertising Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.J. Salgado Student Advertising Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathryn Abbas Student Advertising Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Ford, Meagan Gribbin Student Account Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anupama Kulkarni, Ashley Walker, An Ly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cameron McClure, Daniel Ruszkiewkz, Lauren Aldana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laci Long, Tommy Daniels Classified Clerks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teresa Lai Special Editions, Editorial Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elena Watts Web Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny Grover Special Editions, Student Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kira Taniguchi Graphic Designer Interns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Thomas, Lisa Hartwig Senior Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Felimon Hernandez The Daily Texan (USPS 146-440), a student newspaper at The University of Texas at Austin, is published by Texas Student Media, 2500 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78705. The Daily Texan is published daily except Saturday, Sunday, federal holidays and exam periods, plus the last Saturday in July. Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, TX 78710. News contributions will be accepted by telephone (471-4591) or at the editorial office (Texas Student Media Building 2.122). For local and national display advertising, call 471-1865. For classified display and national classified display advertising, call 471-1865. For classified word advertising, call 471-5244. Entire contents copyright 2009 Texas Student Media.
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Forsyth said the club provides a rowski said relocation would take professional quality that is un- away from the cafe’s legacy. matched. “You can’t just move the Cac“I’ve been all over the world, tus Cafe and get the same acousand very few places have the en- tics,� Kobierowski said. “Also, vironment conprivatizing and ducive to perforturning it profmances like the itable will take Cactus Cafe,� away the soul of Forsyth said. the venue.� Our association is “There is strength T h e Te x a s in charge of keeping of the musical exUnion Board arperience that rived at its decithe traditions of the transpires in that University alive, and sion in a closedroom.� door executive the Cactus Cafe is an session following Jim Boon, executive director its first meeting entity that affected of the Texas Exes of the semester. the lives of a lot of alumni organiLike all other colstudents.� zation, said the leges and entities group is willing the Universi— Jim Boon at to open discusty, the Union was executive director of asked to cut a resions about relocating the cafe to the Texas Exes alumni curring 2 percent the Etter-Harbin its budget. organization of Andy Alumni Center Smith, on campus. executive direc“Our associator of University tion is in charge Unions, presentof keeping the traditions of the Uni- ed the board with four ways to cut versity alive, and the Cactus Cafe is approximately $120,000 from the an entity that affected the lives of a budget. One proposal would be a lot of students,� Boon said. direct cut from the Student Events Austin resident David Kobie- Committee budget, which funds
CAMPUS: Plan for green buildings
The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely. If we have made an error, let us know about it. Call (512) 232-2217 or e-mail managingeditor@dailytexanonline.com.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Monday .............Wednesday, 12 p.m. Thursday.................Monday, 12 p.m. Tuesday.................Thursday, 12 p.m. Friday......................Tuesday, 12 p.m. Classified Word Ads 10 a.m. Wednesday................Friday, 12 p.m. (Last Business Day Prior to Publication)
scaping, called “green roofs,� and rainwater harvesting. The building, which is expected to receive a silver LEED rating, will have an auditorium, a blackbox theater, eateries, a ballroom and offices for student organizations. “It’s going to be amazing,� Rawski said. “I’ve walked through the construction and just thought, ‘Golly, I wish I were a student.’� The constant stream of large construction projects may be slowing down as UT starts to run out of space, said David Rey, the director of campus planning. However, he said he could not speculate about any specific projects beyond those already scheduled. “I’ve been on campus for 25 years, and construction seems to come in waves,� Rey said. “There will be times that are slower and faster than others because we have a very dynamic campus. The last two years have been fairly busy from a construction perspective.� Walker said that with new buildings and new sustainable standards, it is necessary to develop a new campus culture centered around a commitment to the elements that make earning LEED ratings possible. “For any green building to work, the people who occupy that building, who have offices and meetings and classes there, have to change their behavior to operate the building in the way it was designed in order to realize the benefits,� Walker said. “If you design green lighting but then leave the lights on all night, it won’t succeed.�
breckenridge
20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price.
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Starbucks recalls glass bottles after reports of shattering Less than a month after putting them on the market, Starbucks is recalling its glass water bottles. On Jan. 28, Starbucks issued a voluntary recall of more than 12,000 glass water bottles sold at Starbucks, Safeway and Target locations in the United States and Canada. The 20-ounce glass water bottles are labeled “Glass Water Bottle� in blue letters. They are made in Taiwan and were sold nationwide starting in January. There were 10 confirmed reports since their release of the bottles or glass stoppers shattering when the stopper is inserted or removed, threatening those who buy the bottles with possible hand lacerations. Starbucks is offering a full refund along with a complimentary beverage to any customers who return their bottles. No receipt is necessary to return the product, according to the coffee chain’s Web site. Starbucks officials would not return phone calls and did not report the number of recalled bottles sold in Austin. When asked about the recall, a Starbucks barista at the Union location had no knowledge of anyone coming in to return a bottle. — Laura Kandle
Ransom Center acquires archive By Nihas Wagal Daily Texan Staff The papers of American writer Andre Dubus will be housed at UT, the alma mater of the author’s son. Dubus, who has written several works, including “Separate Flights,� “Finding a Girl in America� and “We Don’t Live Here Anymore,� is considered by many to be a master of the short story. His papers, purchased by the Harry Ransom Center in the fall, will be available to the public after they are processed. Dubus’s son, writer Andre Dubus III, is a 1981 graduate of the University. “[The elder] Dubus was one of the most important and influential short-story writers in
contemporary American literature,� said assistant English professor Coleman Hutchison. “He was a rare author in that he was popular among general readers, critics, professors and fellow writers.� The archived documents that were purchased contain not only his stories but also his personal documents, including his manuscripts, personal letters, diaries, divorce papers, letters to his mother and papers of his honorable discharge from the military. “Archives are not only about work but also about the person. These cover a wealth of his life,� said Molly Schwartzburg, curator of British and American literature at the Ransom Center. Schwartzburg said the papers
SG: O’Rourke supports
location, staff changes
of usage for the space.� The significant changes connected to the people you will include removal of the represent.� bar and changes to the way O ’ R o u r k e w a s g i v e n a the cafe is staffed, he said. space on the agenda to speak Ideas for future use include about the cafe’s closing at the frequent student open-mic meeting but addressed the nights, a feature of the Cactus group before his scheduled that was formerly popular, time to quell and access as a fears that the venue for stuCactus would dent groups to cease to exist hold events. in any form. rke We don’t go through s aOi d’ Rhoe u w “We don’t as go through the budget and glad students the budget were willing to cut at random. We and cut at engage in disprioritize.� random. We cussion about prioritize,� he the decisions at — Liam O’Rourke said. “We had the SG meetto make cuts, SG president ing. Although and it came the Cactus Cafe down to the will cease to opCactus Cafe erate as it does, and informal he said there are classes. But is the Cactus go- opportunities for compromise ing to lose its soul and flavor? and ways to move forward. Absolutely not. There will be “Students will get a lot no third-party vendors. This more out of it if we can keep move will increase student these discussions going,� access to that venue for music O’Rourke said. “The best way and increase different types to get involved is to contact me or Nathan Bunch and give your input, and we’ll take it to the Union board to have serious discussions about feasibility.�
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all of the Union’s programs and events, from bringing in speakers to hosting cultural celebrations. The second proposal would keep the Union open for fewer hours each day. The third proposal suggested cutting staff members. Andrew Nash, president of the SEC and member of the board, said board members voted for the fourth option — which was phasing out the cafe and informal classes — because it was the only option that affected the least number of students. “We accepted ... Mr. Smith’s recommendations based on that funds weren’t being taken from students, and full-time staff weren’t being taken away from their positions,� Nash said. Nash said the board simply makes recommendations that are acted upon by the administration. He said the board will meet in the next few days to plan how to move forward with the decision while keeping people informed. “When students hear what we have to say, I think they’ll understand better,� Nash said. “We [also] owe it to the city of Austin to at least explain ourselves a little bit more.�
NEWS BRIEFLY
will be available after the archives are documented, rehoused and checked for contraction problems, such as mold. “We feel that the papers are here because of the strength of the literary pieces that are housed here,� Schwartzburg said. “We have a community of writers that specialize in fiction, and Dubus will fit in very well.� Dubus’s story “Killings� was adapted for the 2001 Academy Award-nominated film “In the Bedroom.� “We Don’t Live Here Anymore� and “Adultery� were incorporated into the 2004 film “We Don’t Live Here Anymore.� “Dubus had deftness with his stories,� Hutchison said. “He was able to put a lot of information into short stories.�
TABLET: Format
may alter view of scholastics From page 1
“I wouldn’t buy an iPad [right now] because many e-books are already accessible on my iPod,� Maredia said. “I would consider investing in an e-book device if electronic textbooks were more accessible.� Joseph Washington, business honors and Plan II freshman, said the University could establish a rental program for devices with e-book access, the cost of which could be included with tuition, to make e-books more accessible to students. “If it’ll drive down the price of textbooks, I’m all for it,� Washington said. Strict copyright laws, including those that forbid the printing of e-books and prohibit the sharing of e-book files, present the drawbacks of switching from traditional to electronic textbooks, Konana said. “This transition [from traditional to electronic textbooks] calls for a behavioral change for both faculty and students,� he said. “It will be tough for the older generation to adopt new technologies and learn how to use them. Should they introduce electronic textbooks? Yes. But the question is: When is the best time?�
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
T HE DAILY T EXAN
Prosecutors to file complaint against Jackson’s doctor By Linda Deutsch & Thomas Watkins The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors investigating Michael Jackson’s death plan to file a criminal complaint charging the singer’s doctor with involuntary manslaughter rather than seek a grand jury indictment, The Associated Press learned Tuesday. The strategy shift will give an eager public an earlier look at evidence. While there is no public timetable for charges to be filed against Conrad Murray, there are strong indications the move is imminent. Murray and lawyer Edward Chernoff have traveled to Los Angeles from Houston, where Murray
practices, and the attorney said his client is prepared to turn himself in. “If they tell him to surrender in 10 minutes, he’ll go surrender,” Chernoff said. “He’s never hidden, he’s always been available.” Jackson, 50, hired Murray to be his personal physician as he prepared for a series of London comeback performances. His death on June 25 in Los Angeles came after Murray, tending to Jackson in the star’s rented mansion, administered the powerful anesthetic propofol and two other sedatives to get the chronic insomniac to sleep, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, which ruled the death a homicide.
Conrad Murray arrives at his clinic in Houston on Nov. 23. Michael Jackson’s physician has arrived in Los Angeles in anticipation of a decision from the district attorney’s office on whether to charge him for the singer’s death, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
Vahid Salemi | Associated Press
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, submits next year’s budget bill to the parliament speaker Ali Larijani, in Tehran, Iran on Jan. 24.
Iran to send uranium overseas By Nasser Karimi The Associated Press TEHRAN, Iran — Iran said on Tuesday it was ready to send its uranium abroad for further enrichment as requested by the U.N. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced the decision in an interview with state Iranian television. He said Iran will have “no problem” giving the West its lowenriched uranium and taking it back several months later when it is enriched by 20 percent. The decision could signal a major shift in the Iranian position on the issue.
Pat Sullivan Associated Press
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Still, it was unclear how much of a concession the Ahmadinejad comments represented, even though he appeared to say for the first time that Iran was willing to ship out its enriched uranium and wait for it to be returned in the form of fuel for its Tehran research reactor. But his time frame of four or five months appeared to fall short of the year that Western officials say it would take for Iran’s enriched fuel to be turned into fuel rods for the reactor. If that difference cannot be bridged, it could allow Iranian officials to assert that the deal failed due to Western foot-drag-
ging, despite their readiness to accept the proposed formula of shipping out the bulk of their enriched uranium and waiting for it to be returned as fuel. Ahmadinejad also did not address whether his country was ready to ship out most of its stockpile in one batch — another condition set by the six world powers endorsing the fuel swap. If Iran were to agree to export most of its enriched uranium in one shipment, it would delay its ability to make a nuclear weapon by stripping it of the material it needs to make the fissile core of a warhead. Experts believe it would need
at least a year to replenish its stockpile at its present rate of uranium enrichment. For months, Iranian officials have used the media to criticize the plan and offer alternatives. The West suspects that Iran’s nuclear program is geared toward acquiring atomic weapons. Iran denies the charge and says the program is for generating energy. “If we allow them to take it, there is no problem,” Ahmadinejad said. “We sign a contract to give 3.5 percent enriched uranium and receive 20 percent enriched one after four or five months.”
OPINION
4 Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Editor in Chief: Jillian Sheridan Phone: (512) 232-2212 E-mail: editor@dailytexanonline.com Associate Editors: Jeremy Burchard David Muto Roberto Cervantes Dan Treadway Lauren Winchester
T HE DAILY T EXAN
Party foul
GALLERY
VIEWPOINT
Shut out
As soon as Juan Gonzalez, vice president for student affairs, told the Austin American-Statesman on Monday that he is “not thinking of turning back” the Texas Union Board’s decision to close the Cactus Cafe, it was readily apparent that the board’s smug nature smacked of disrespect for students and an outright hostility to the Cactus Cafe’s history. “This is not a placebo to test public receptivity to these kinds of cuts,” Gonzalez continued. “This is for real.” What is also real is the public blacklash the board’s members are receiving from the community. We saw it firsthand Tuesday, when President William Powers Jr. held a town hall meeting to discuss the University’s budget and the proposed plan to close the famed cafe. It is a constant struggle to get the University administration and Student Government — the latter of which has acted more like an arm of the administration than the students’ representative assembly — to understand that student input does not entail merely hosting public forums after decisions have been made behind closed doors. It serves no purpose — save maybe to embolden their egos — to act like selfless punching bags every time a closed-door decision finally is revealed to the indignant public. We hate to sound like a broken record, but asking for student and community input, rather than student backlash, really is that important. At a Student Government meeting after the president’s town hall meeting, SG President Liam O’Rouke told the attendees that he and the Texas Union Board had been considering ways to cut the Student Services Budget. Yet in all that time, their ideas were never broadcast to the larger student population. At the meeting, O’Rourke defended himself, “There’s a lot of people saying ‘my voice wasn’t heard,’ but we were elected to do the best we could with our information, and we made a decision based on that.” But he was not elected to do the best he can with the information the administration gives him. That is not the job he promised students he would do one year ago during his campaign. “There is not enough dialogue there,” O’Rourke told The Daily Texan last February. “I think the administration could maximize their efforts if they worked more closely with the students.” “I want to change the culture of Student Government,” O’Rouke continued. “If we can give a voice to a lot of people instead of concentrating it in the hands of a few, that is where I think the most work can be done.” He told us that he would make a concentrated effort to include us in the discussion, and yet he has excluded us at every level — failing to pass crucial information from the secretive decision-making boards he sits on to the student body until it is much too late. Assistant English professor Snehal Shingavi noted at the meeting that the University has been pushing a crisis narrative that has driven many of the costcutting initiatives of the past months. There is no doubt that fear of the unknown in this down economy is forcing many institutions — not to mention students — into a belt-tightening mode. But an economic downturn is not a warrant for the administration and student leaders to abandon all pretense of transparency and accountability. If anything, tough times require more inclusive governance. The power structure of this University, as exhibited by the slew of budget decisions made recently, is one that favors the opinions of established students — those who, time and again, the administration chooses to be on these boards to save face, and the students on them have complied in feigning any truly democratic role. — The Editorial Board
THE FIRING LINE
By Calvin Sloan Daily Texan Columnist
at $14,416 for in-state residents as opposed to our $8,930 for the same demographic. So, with these new tuition increases, some feel we may actually catch up to Penn State’s tuition rates. However, as The Daily Collegian — Penn State’s independent student newspaper — reports, the Penn State Board of Trustees recently predicted a tuition increase ranging anywhere between 2.9 and 4.9 percent. These proposed increases would raise the tuition rate up to $15,125. UT’s other neighbor on the 47th spot is the University of Florida at Gainesville. UF’s average annual tuition rate, according to U.S. News and World Report, is absurdly low at $4,373 for in-state residents. Even though native Floridian students at UF seem to pay just a drop in the bucket compared to what native Texans at UT pay, they have also had their fair share of tuition increases as well. UF’s tuition rose from $125.09 per credit hour to $145.76 per credit hour in the fall, according to UF’s student newspaper, The Independent Florida Alligator. That amounts to a 16.5 percent increase of tuition in just one semester’s worth of time. UT students pay both a lot more and a lot less than their counterparts on this ranking, but all three student bodies will find themselves deeper in debt than they had anticipated. If the University wants to blame the state of the economy for so many budget cuts, then the evidence surrounding our fellow strong, state universities seems to suffice in providing some justification. They have answered why these increases must happen, but the burden of providing solutions to these budgetary problems is falling on entities that are, quite frankly, too small to handle them. It is times like this when devolution to state powers and University administrators is not enough. At this point, any new program that could be effective at producing “Tuition relief-NOW” — as was so often chanted on this campus just a year ago — can only come from the federal government.
Before I start this diatribe, I need to state for the record that it’s not my intention to try to stop people from having a good time. Our college years are numbered yet eternal in memory. Before we know it, we’ll be looking back upon our young adult lives with a sense of nostalgia. So please, if you want to rage during your time here at UT, by all means, get down! However, the manner and context in which we party should always be taken into consideration, and critiqued if need be. Generally, when ‘themes’ and their subsequent costumes go too far, the UT community responds accordingly, and the incidences are brought to light. The University, and the South in general, has a long history with such occurrences. For example, the act of wearing blackface (applying black makeup to darken a face) is a notorious ritual that occasionally surfaces here at UT during the Halloween season or at “ghetto”-themed parties. As a community, we understand that it is unjust, cruel and pathetic to engage in such practices, for by doing so, we are denying our history, leaving in its place a morphed, inaccurate interpretation of the present moment. If we were to let the practice of blackface slide, we’d be ignoring the centuries of enslavement, the Jim Crow laws, the exploitive minstrelsy shows, and the pervasive racism that to this day define the black American experience. So, we simply don’t condone it. When students are caught in the act, they are expelled from their organizations and reprimanded. So why is it that other egregious themes, like the annual Mekong party that Delta Tau Delta threw this past weekend, go unnoticed? Why do we draw the line at racism, yet celebrate our bloody, imperial history? For clarification’s sake, the Mekong Delta is a southern region of Vietnam that held extensive fighting between the Viet Cong and American troops during the Vietnam War. The Mekong River is one of the largest in Asia, passing through — among other countries — Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In what many view as America’s most atrocious foreign policy blunder of the 20th century, an estimated 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War, and more than 300,000 were wounded. Aggregate Vietnamese and U.S. fatalities from the war are on the order of 5.4 million. That appalling statistic does not include the deaths that occurred in Laos and Cambodia, where covert U.S. bombing campaigns killed countless others. The lasting effects of the herbicide Agent Orange are still present in the region, and have caused cancer and birth defects for an estimated 3 million Vietnamese. Given these facts, one has to ask, what the hell is there to celebrate about the Vietnam War? The answer is, clearly, nothing. Many will respond that parties like Mekong are innocent and that the theme is not meant to be taken seriously. Although aspects of such reasoning are true – the Delts clearly don’t have bad intentions in throwing the party – that does not make up for the fact that the theme itself is deleterious. A failure to understand the true history of Vietnam, and the savagery that war entails, can only lead down troubling roads. I would argue that we’re already far down those roads as it is. Others will reply that the Vietnam War lies far enough in the past that a party like Mekong is suitable, but a simple thought experiment disproves that argument as well. I heard that a couple months back a fraternity held a “Pearl Harbor”-themed party. Now think, what would we make of a “9/11” party, even if it was 70 years from now? Although time distances events, it does not alter their significance. Undoubtedly, there are loads of current UT students and alumni who’ve had a blast at Mekong, or similarly themed parties, and want future Longhorns to take part in the tradition. But, we should ask ourselves, are all traditions worth upholding? If the answer were yes, one could only imagine what UT, the South and America would look like today.
Avelar is a government senior.
Sloan is a government senior.
Help! UT needs U.S. aid By Joshua Avelar Daily Texan Columnist
Concern about tuition increases has surfaced on this campus. The budget crunch amidst the unstable economy has led to many sacrifices from within UT — from discontinuing the use of The Daily Texan’s printing press in May 2009, to the recently announced closure of the Cactus Cafe set to take place in August. Many would like to designate certain offices with the responsibility of creating a cure for this budget crisis, but their search for solutions may be misdirected. Some of the most defining characteristics of UT and Austin culture have succumbed to slashing. The Cactus was an important part of the Austin music scene and the printing press was one of the proudest aspects of this highly decorated newspaper. Dozens of reports have surfaced that tell of the state’s strong financial performance during these tough times as compared to other states, but UT has felt whatever symptoms of the recession that the state may be carrying. However, one must consider just how this recession has affected our peers to justify the financial constraints under which UT students will be for the coming years. U.S. News and World Report ranks America’s best colleges every year, and the publication is often considered the highest authority on judging the merit of institutes of higher learning. UT ranks at what many — including myself — think is a very inaccurate 47th. But regardless of how any of us Longhorns feel about how great an academics program UT has, plenty of high school seniors are making their decisions based on this ranking. One of the institutions joining us in the 47th spot is Pennsylvania State University at University Park. With an academic ranking mirroring ours, Penn State’s current tuition rate exceeds UT’s, clocking in
sense approach to a leviathan
— David Hillis government is to reduce its size. In Professor, integrative biology the words of Thomas Paine, “That
UT’s misplaced priorities
A refreshing alternative
I agree with the general public sentiment that mourns the elimination of the Cactus Cafe and informal classes. But where is the similar public outrage over UT’s elimination of critical academic programs, faculty and staff? The closing of the Cactus Cafe and the elimination of informal classes will save more than $100,000 per year. That is one-twentieth of the raise that UT just gave the football coach. So if make 20 such cuts, we will have enough to pay for his raise. Put in similar terms for the academic side of the university, $2 million (the coach’s raise) would be enough to keep us from having to fire 144 graduate TAs (the UT average annual salary of a TA is $13,889). The fact that we pay the football coach more every day of the year ($13,972 in base salary/day for 365 days, not including bonuses and other compensation) than we pay a graduate teaching assistant for an entire year is a sad commentary on the state of higher education.
In yesterday’s front-page article, “Debate fuels gubernatorial race,” Geoffrey Geiger was quoted as saying, “At the end of the day, the debate is between Coke and Pepsi.” An editor even went so far as to display this quote as the feature line of the whole article. Maybe I was watching the wrong debate, but I’m pretty sure there were three candidates — Coke, Pepsi and Pepsi Throwback. Much like the old days when sugar, instead of high-fructose corn syrup, dominated the soda sweetener industry (which changed thanks to a sugar tariff enacted in 1982), Debra Medina’s run and subsequent rise to legitimacy is a throwback to days of genuine prosperity, personal responsibility and a limited constitutional government. Sadly, today’s overextended government is detrimental to our economy and liberties (just like fructose, especially in excess, is detrimental to our bodies). As a common sense approach to weight loss is to cut out soda, a common
government is best which governs least.” For those that watched the same debate I did, I think that Perry had the best line of the night, “…where I would want to go, any better than being the governor of the state of Texas? That place hadn’t been made yet.” However, Perry supported the Trans-Texas Corridor, and Hutchison supported the bailouts. I could go on with countless examples, but the bottom line is that both view more government as the solution to our problems. As a fan of limited government and a holder of the belief that the ingenuity of people, not government, will lead us out of this crisis and into a future rooted in a sound economic foundation, I consider Debra Medina a refreshing alternative.
— Jeff Gauthier Structural engineering grad student
Science requires an open mind In her column, “Challenge science, but do so intelligently,” Emily
Grubert writes that the purpose of science is to challenge and question statements. That may be what it has become to many researchers, but the purpose of science should be to expand our knowledge and understanding objectively. If the results challenge conventional wisdom, so be it, but we should go where our findings lead us, not shape them into what we want them to be. This is, as she points out, nearly impossible today because scientific conclusions (not to mention research funding) are highly politicized, and probably none more so than those of climate research. Mark Twain referred to “lies, damned lies, and statistics,” which likely sums up the skeptic’s view: We can use statistics to make data say just about anything we want. The recent climate study controversies Grubert mentions only reinforce that notion. This is why in all of science, and especially an area as important and polarizing as climate study, we must be thorough and honest about what we assume and how we arrive at a conclusion; otherwise, our work lacks credibility, which — especially in public affairs — severely damages its usefulness. The only way to ensure scientific
integrity is to investigate with an open mind and follow the results to the most reasonable conclusion. When the result flies in the face of what we believe, it absolutely deserves a closer — but equally careful — look.
— Clay McPheeters Visiting UCSD grad student
I’m all for keeping the venue. However, since the bar is currently supported in part by my tuition and fees, I am disinclined to bail out a bar for old-timers at the expense of broader student interests and needs.
— Thomas Ewing Economics and kinesiology senior
Students should not fund Cafe
Cactus important to Austin, UT
I attended the town hall meeting Tuesday night. It seems like I was the only person in the room, aside from President William Powers Jr. and his cronies, who agreed with the decision to close the Cactus Cafe. I feel that I speak for the majority of students when I say, “I don’t care about the Cactus Cafe.” Most of my friends have never heard of the Cactus Cafe, and I don’t know a single person who has seen a concert there. From those who spoke out at the town hall meeting, it appears to me that the majority of Cactus Cafe patrons are not students, but older Austinites. If these supporters of the Cafe are willing to infuse the Cafe with enough cash to support itself and contribute to the student body,
Something about ditching the Cactus Cafe does not seem right to me. The powers that be at UT (including Bill Powers) are savvy enough to know that the goodwill and exposure created by the Cactus within Central Texas and all around the nation are invaluable. The $122,000 saved by closing the Cactus and ending informal classes is miniscule in UT’s budget. For UT, the Cactus creates good relations with the Austin community, UT parents (I am one), UT alumni (I am one) and a good, enduring slice of the American music community. Anyone with any business acumen will tell you the Cactus is worth more than gold to UT.
— Nina Butts Austin
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Please remember to recycle this copy of The Daily Texan by placing it in a recycling bin around campus or back in the burnt-orange stand where you found it.
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NEWS
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Haiti relief efforts prove inefficient, professor claims By Laura Kandle Daily Texan Staff Despite wide-spread attention to the destruction following the Jan. 12 earthquake, Haiti relief efforts have proved ineffective, according to a presentation made by an assistant anthropology professor Tuesday. Jemima Pierre described to more than 20 attendees the devastation she and three fellow volunteers — including satellite radio host and writer Kevin Alexander Gray — witnessed firsthand on a recent trip to Haiti. The Teresa Lozano Long Institute for Latin American Studies sponsored the discussion, which provided insight on the impact of the earthquake and the relief situation in and around Port-au-Prince. Pierre said the team’s mission was to “see if we could access what was going on on the ground.” Pierre and Gray traveled to Haiti through one of the country’s local youth organizations, Fondation Avenir. They traveled by van for four days through Port-auPrince, Gressier and Léogâne, the location of the earthquake’s epicenter, to investigate the devastation. They also evaluated the efforts of nongovernmental organizations, the U.N., the U.S. government and local aid groups to assist the victims of the earthquake. More than 2 million Haitians are currently displaced, and most no longer have jobs to earn money for supplies, such as food, water, shelter and cooking supplies, Pierre and Gray said. Despite media coverage and multiple relief efforts of many popular nongovernmental organizations, including Oxfam America and UNICEF, Gray said
he saw Doctors Without Borders, a French-based nonprofit organization, more than any other organization. He also said he noticed “more of a Red Crescent presence than a Red Cross presence.” During their trip, Pierre and Gray said they encountered U.S. military in tanks and jeeps, although there were no chaotic circumstances in the area. Relief organizations and the U.S. military distributed rice to victims, but they did not provide them with cooking supplies. “The failure of the U.S. government in the relief matter is just massive,” Gray said. Haiti does not need a large and long-lasting military occupation and poorly distributed aid from the United States but rather locally based aid, Pierre and Gray said. “We sent soldiers but not shovels,” Gray said. Pamela Neumann, a Latin American studies graduate student, said her previous background in relief and development programs in Central America has helped spark her interest in Haiti disaster relief. Neumann said it was important for her to hear a firsthand account of the disaster in Haiti to get a different perspective and a full understanding of what is happening in the country. Immediate needs include either precooked food or cooking supplies for food and monetary donations to local aid organizations to immediately circulate money into the community, they said. Victims also need tents or more permanent solutions, such as container housing, which can shelter Haitian victims from rainy-season weather.
Fabiola Mejia | Daily Texan Staff
Writer Kevin Gray, center left, and assistant anthropology professor Jemima Pierre, center right, discussed the progress and support available in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at Sid Richardson Hall on Tuesday.
Daniela Trujillo | Daily Texan Staff
Rob Ormand points out a creek that passes through his land near the South Boggy Creek Greenbelt on Tuesday. Ormand was cited by the city for illegally removing approximately 20 trees from his property.
Tree-cutting evokes law revision By Alex Geiser Daily Texan Staff Beyond the fence separating his salvage yard from the rest of his heavily wooded land, a south Austin business owner found makeshift camps littered with garbage. Between the trees, he found piles of human feces crudely covered by dirt and leaves. In addition to the waste, he found piles of materials he believed were stolen from his yard — aluminum scraps, metal parts and car batteries. “I had a potential ticking time bomb of a health hazard down there,” yard owner Rob Ormand said. “I didn’t even think about getting a permit. I just thought about getting these people off my property.” Ormand, who has owned Capitol City Auto Parts for 28 years, was cited Thursday for illegally removing approximately 20 protected trees from his property along South Boggy Creek. A protected tree is one 19 inches in diameter or larger, according to the Tree and Natural Area Preservation Code, which has not been amended since its 1983 passage. The maximum fine for removing a protected tree without a permit is $2,000 per tree, said city arborist Michael Embesi. “There aren’t many things we can do to keep this from occurring again, but there are measures we can do to help prevent it,” he said. Ormand said he has been re-
moving trees from his property to prevent trespassers since late December or early January, and approximately five acres have been cleared. While he was out of town briefly in late January, Ormand said he instructed his employees to clean out the trespassers’ campsites and was shocked when he returned to find protected trees cut down as well. He said his employees in charge of the bulldozing have been demoted. “I had no intention of coming
‘‘
a permit. Two days later, when the construction company saw what had been done, it shut the project down and reported the error to the city. In lieu of fines, the city required the construction company to replace each inch of tree they destroyed. The city revisited the issue in June 2008 when Austin resident Alan Watts made a presentation to the members of the Environmental Board, who were surprised to discover the city had not fined the construction
I had a potential ticking time bomb of a health hazard down there.”
— Rob Ormand, yard owner
down here and decimating my land,” Ormand said. “I’ve been trying to preserve my land.” He said the city is treating him differently in this case than they would if a corporation had performed the illegal removal. One incident Ormand and his attorney have been looking over in preparation for court has been deemed the Oak Hill Tree Disaster. In March 2008, Cadence-McShane Corp. hired an excavation crew to clear land near Williamson Creek. The crew removed at least 20 protected trees without
company. The city filed charges against the company in February 2008, but the case was dropped later that month when the prosecuting attorney left the case for an unknown reason, Watts said. Ormand said larger corporations such as Cadence-McShane get off the hook more easily than individuals such as himself. He said he has already been cited by the city for the unpermitted tree removal, and he expects to be given a few more citations before the case is closed. Donna Tiemann, vice chair of
the Zoning and Platting Commission, said City Council will vote on the Heritage Tree Ordinance — a stronger tree preservation ordinance — in its Thursday meeting. Tiemann said the changes that would strengthen the code have been in the works for about three years now. The new ordinance would be similar to the one in existence, but the phrasing would be clearer in order to prevent developers from finding loopholes. “Those in the development community do not want to see any limitations on what they can and cannot do to trees on their land,” Tiemann said. “But people who really feel that it’s important to protect those large, iconic trees want to provide an extra layer of protection.” She said the proposed ordinance has been through the Environmental Board, the Urban Forestry Board and the Planning Commission, and they have all decided it needed to be strengthened. The boards, along with additional city groups, have looked over the proposed ordinance and supplied recommendations. “When you look at existing protections, there are some subtle strengths, but there are also some potential weaknesses,” Tiemann said. “We’ve gotten general support, but the devil is always in the details.” City Council will vote on the recommendations and the proposed changes to the ordinance after a public hearing Thursday.
Coalition, volunteers facilitate homeless count Filmmakers select Austin By Rachel Burkhart Daily Texan Staff Nearly 200 community volunteers canvassed Travis County streets, bridges, parks and other public spaces Tuesday night to count and survey the county’s homeless. The Austin/Travis County Homeless Count will be used to track agencies’ effectiveness in providing services for homeless people and in applying for federal or private aid to help the homeless. Complete data from the count will be available at the end of this month. The project was headed by the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, a group that coordinates the efforts of local government agencies and several nonprofit groups. In addition to conducting the annual homeless count, the coalition helps homeless individuals receive affordable housing, employment and public benefits, including substanceabuse and mental-health treatment, according to the coalition’s Web site. Last year’s homeless count estimated that there were 2,585 homeless people living in the Austin/Travis County area, a 22-percent decrease from the number of homeless reported in the 2007 count, according to the coalition’s Web site. Elliot Brown, a team leader in past counts and the volunteer coordinator for this year’s project, said last year’s count may have underestimated the number of homeless people living in Travis County. Unlike past years’ initiatives, the 2009 homeless count introduced a field survey that
for environment, festivals
The commission offers producBy Bianetth Valdez tion incentives and tax exempDaily Texan Staff Aside from being home to more tions for films that meet certain crithan 50,000 UT students, Austin is teria, including a 15-percent reimone of the best cities to make mov- bursement to filmmakers who fulies, according to the latest issue of fill specific requirements. Among MovieMaker, a film-industry pub- other requirements, the filmmaker must shoot at least 60 percent of lication. In the past, Austin has served as his or her film in Texas and hire a the backdrop in films by Quentin production crew and cast with at Tarantino, Wes Anderson and the least 70 percent Texas residents. Coen Brothers. “[Prospective] filmmakers are “Austin has a not all out there support network by themselves,” and a built-in auHudgins said. dience [with] a lot But Dawson refof interest in loerenced advertiseFilm is very alluring ments on Craigcal arts, whether it be film or mu- to people. And Austin slist from directors sic,” said Christian looking for work. is very liberal and Huey, a radio-tele“I don’t think very comfortable for there’s sufficient vision-film senior. Journalism lecfunding, not at artsy people.” turer Katherine this point,” she — Katherine said. Dawson said UT’s prestigious film Despite the lack Dawson program draws of funding, AusJournalism lecturer tin’s laid-back encreative aspiring filmmakers to the vironment seems city. inviting to film“Film is very almaking hopefuls, luring to people,” Dawson said. Dawson said. The strong creative “And Austin is very liberal and community leads to a variety of very comfortable for artsy people.” film types, including documentaThe city is home to many film ries and narratives, she said. festivals, including the Austin Film Huey, who has also studied in Festival, South by Southwest and San Diego, said he would rather Fantastic Fest, all of which allow be in Austin than in the Los Angehopefuls the opportunity to show- les area. case their films. “Filmmakers are more likely to The Texas Film Commission of- get more experience and more exfers resources to filmmakers, easing posure [in Austin],” Huey said. the networking process, said Bob “Who you know makes a big difHudgins, the commission’s director. ference.”
‘‘
Eric Ou | Daily Texan Staff
Doug Conrad, a volunteer for the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, collects information from Albert Overton that could help efforts to accommodate the needs of the homeless. slowed down volunteers’ activities, Brown said. In order to improve the count’s accuracy and compensate for time lost conducting the survey, the coalition recruited 175 volunteers, about 100 more than last year, Brown said. The volunteer turnout would have been greater if the count had not been postponed six days due to inclement weather, he said. Mario Cortez, project co-coordinator, recruited volunteers from the UT School of Social Work, LBJ School of Public Affairs, HustonTillotson University and Austin Community College.
“We were looking at socialwork students to do the survey piece,” Cortez said. “It takes a lot more skill to engage folks in a 10to 15-minute survey.” Jaycee Wilemon, a social-work graduate student, volunteered in the count Tuesday. Wilemon said she wanted to increase her comfort level with the homeless population and help the city plan its social programs. Volunteers completed a training session prior to embarking on the count and worked together in groups of three. Coordinators taught volunteers to be aware of
their surroundings and to respect homeless people’s space. “A person living in a campsite, whether an individual or a group — that is their home,” said Rick Rivera, one of the count’s head volunteers. Last year, homeless individuals and groups were friendly toward the volunteers, Cortez said. “We always talk in training about the risk you run into with campsites and personal survey questions,” Cortez said. “But they were generally accommodating, welcoming and open, with maybe one or two exceptions.”
7 SPTS
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Sports Editor: Blake Hurtik E-mail: sports@dailytexanonline.com Phone: (512) 232-2210 www.dailytexanonline.com
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
T HE DAILY T EXAN
SIDELINE
Angele Cooper competes in the 400 meter hurdles last spring. Before coming to Texas, Cooper had never jumped over a hurdle.
NCAA Men’s Top 25 Mississippi 75 No. 3 Kentucky 85 Providence 68 No. 4 Syracuse 85 Seton Hall 71 No. 2 Villanova 81 No. 11 Kansas State 76 Nebraska 57 TCU 56 No. 12 Brigham Young 76 No. 5 Michigan State 49 No. 16 Wisconsin 67
NBA Memphis 89 Cleveland 105 Toronto 115 Indiana 130 Milwaukee 82 Orlando 99 Detroit 97 New Jersey 93 LA Clippers 90 Chicago 82 Atlanta 99 Oklahoma City 106
Paul Chouy Daily Texan Staff
Cooper brings heart, energy to the track By Ryan Betori Daily Texan Staff If the first thing you notice about sophomore Angele Cooper isn’t her grin — which is as big as her potential on the track — then you’re sure to feel her presence, which is filled with perpetual energy. A member of the national championship 4x400 meter relay team, she’s quick to laugh, joke and chatter. Cooper never seems to let up, and it is this quality that defines her as much on the track as off it. “Heart,” said head coach Beverly Kearney without hesitation. “That’s what Angele brings to the team.” Never was this clearer than at last weekend’s upset of topranked Texas A&M. The meet was tied heading into the final
event — the 4x400 relay. The winner of the relay would take the title, and Cooper was the final runner. All she had to do was outpace A&M’s Jessica Beard, the youngest member of a U.S. national team that took 4x400 relay gold at last summer’s world championship. “It was all about aggression and fight,” Cooper said. Cooper can land some devastating blows when she’s focused. She out-kicked Beard in the final leg of the race and secured a Texas victory in the process. Kearney said, half-joking, that if anyone would’ve witnessed Cooper’s mechanics during that final stretch, they would understand how completely the win came from sheer drive and determination. Such a thought is not nearly
as much a slight as it is a compliment. After all, Cooper is still new to track. She did not start running until the eighth grade, and even then, she wasn’t serious about the sport until her junior year of high school, when she realized she had the talent to succeed. “It just sort of happened,” Cooper said about her track progression. “I guess I just got sick of people doubting me, so I decided to do something.” What Cooper did at California’s Woodrow Wilson Classical High School was win two state championships in the 4x100 meter and 4x400 meter relays. Despite the success, Cooper feels she wasn’t that much of a standout in high school. Colleges seemed to feel the same way, and for the most part, Cooper went unnoticed. However, after talking with
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Golden State 97 Houston 119
NHL Washington 4 Boston 1 New Jersey 0 Toronto 3 Tampa Bay 2 Atlanta 1 Vancouver 2 Montreal 3 Minnesota 2 Dallas 4 Phoenix 1 Nashville 0 F/SO
Lauren Gerson | Daily Texan Staff
Sophomore Angele Cooper sprints in a 4x400 relay last season. Cooper’s fight and aggression will be beneficial to Texas this spring.
Columbus 1 Colorado 5
Cooper’s high school coach, Kear- genius,” Kearney said. ney decided to take a chance. Kearney’s right. Considering the “Thank goodness, because now she’s making me look like a TRACK continues on page 8
NY Rangers 1 Los Angeles 2 Detroit 4 San Jose 2
MEN’S GOLF
Horns start spring season in Hawaii By Blake Hurtik Daily Texan Staff Most college students are met with the harsh reality of school and responsibilities after their monthlong winter break. The Texas men’s golf team has enjoyed an extra-long break — three months — since it last hit the links. But the Longhorns won’t be starting the season by hitting rocks at a municipal course like Hancock Golf Course. Instead, golfers will get a bit of an extended vacation as they open the spring season at the Mauna Lani Invitational in Kohala Coast, Hawaii. The team will play 54 holes in the tournament, which begins today
and runs through Friday. Texas, ranked No. 15 in the final Golf World/Nike Coaches’ Poll of 2009, will face some stiff competition as the 22-team field features 12 teams ranked in the top 25, including familiar foes Oklahoma State (No. 1), TCU (No. 7) and Texas Tech (No. 19). The Longhorns bring a mix of experience to the tournament. The team is led by senior Charlie Holland, who had a top-10 finish at September’s Topy Cub, and sophomore Dylan Frittelli. Frittelli, from South Africa, was UT’s best golfer during the fall season. He had two top-five finishes, including a second-place
showing at the UT-San Antonio Invitational. Junior Bobby Hudson also adds experience to the team’s starters. But Texas’ hopes for a win may ride on the shoulders of a pair of inexperienced freshmen in Cody Gribble and Johnathan Schnitzer, who is making his first career start. Gribble experienced much success in the fall. The two-time Class 4A high school champion has transitioned well into collegiate golf, with top-five finishes in three of his first four tournaments. The Longhorns were last in action in October, garnering an eighth-place finish at the Baylor Invitational.
MEN’S BASKETBALL COLUMN Sara Young | Daily Texan Staff
Junior guard Kathleen Nash looks to pass to her sister, Kristin, Sunday against Baylor. Nash has been one of the most beneficial, dominating players for the Longhorns this season.
Longhorns look to contain Sooners’ offensive threats By Sameer Bhuchar Daily Texan Staff If predictability means anything in sports, guessing the outcome of tonight’s matchup between No. 17 Texas and No. 13 Oklahoma should be easy. The formula should read: Texas (14-6, 3-3 Big 12) beat Baylor on Sunday, and Baylor beat Oklahoma (15-5, 5-2 Big 12) earlier in the season, so Texas should beat Oklahoma. But senior guard Brittainey Raven knows that there is no such thing as predictability in the Big 12. “In this conference, every team beats every team. There really isn’t any way to predict,” Raven said. “Just because we beat
Baylor, and they beat Oklahoma, doesn’t mean we are going to win this. Oklahoma is a good team, and they are going to try to protect their home court, and we have to be prepared.” Traveling to Norman poses some potential problems for the Longhorns. Texas will have to contain Oklahoma’s two high scorers, Danielle Robinson and Nyeshia Stevenson. The two are ranked ninth and 13th in scoring in the Big 12, respectively. “We will have to look at this game the way we did against Oklahoma State because they had a similar situation,” Raven said. “But great scorers will score, so we will have to do the best we can do to simply contain them.”
WHAT: No. 17 Texas (14-6, 3-3 Big 12) vs. No. 13 Oklahoma (155, 5-2 Big 12) WHERE: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, Okla. WHEN: Tonight, 7 p.m. The key to Texas’ success begins with the upperclassmen. Junior Kathleen Nash has been among the best all-around Big 12 players this year and has proven to be a deadly shooter from behind the arc. She is currently fourth in the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage with 50.6 percent.
RAVEN continues on page 8
Pittman lacking the domination factor eryone is getting their feet wet. Texas was rolling over teams and Laken Litman remained undefeated. I figured, along with most Texas fans, that Daily Texan Pittman and the rest of the thenColumnist No. 2 Longhorns would only get better from there. Sometimes I like to reminisce Can someone please explain how a guy who is 6-foot-10 and 290 pounds gets only one rebound in a basketball game? I would think that a guy like DexPittman said he ter Pittman would be getting 20 was going to take rebounds per night, but maybe that’s asking too much. on the persona of Before this season started, PittTransformers character man said he was going to take Optimus Prime. on the persona of Transformers character Optimus Prime and be that type of dominant force on the court. He was going to be the player whom opponents would about the North Carolina game have to think about before taking back in December, when Pittthe ball inside. man torched the Tarheels with For the first 14 games of the 23 points and 15 rebounds, 12 of year, Pittman was just that. He av- which were offensive. After the eraged 11.6 points per game and game, UNC coach Roy Williams 5.9 rebounds per game, which is said, “Dexter Pittman kicked our not bad for a center — especially tailpipes.” at the start of a season when evBut in the past eight games,
Pittman hasn’t been kicking anyone’s tailpipe. Since Big 12 play has started, the Longhorns’ big man is only averaging 6.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. That doesn’t make any sense. An athlete of his stature should be owning the paint. Opponents should be afraid to take him on. Remember the 2006 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat? Let me jog your memory: It was game two in Dallas, and the Mavs were leading the series 1-0. Dirk Nowitzki took the ball inside for a layup and was smacked down to the hardwood by Shaquille O’Neal. Nowitzki, who is one of the best players in the NBA, didn’t go inside the rest of the series, and Miami ended up winning the title in six games. To this day, Nowitzki still appears a tad hesitant when he takes the ball into the paint. Pittman should find footage of old games featuring Shaq —
STRUGGLE continues on page 8
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
RAVEN: A win in Norman
would boost confidence From page 7 Texas will also rely on Raven’s steady scoring in order to stay on the right path. Raven leads the Longhorns in scoring during conference play with 15.7 points per game. Individual accomplishments, however, have not always translated into surefire successes. To navigate a team through the competitive minefield of the Big 12, victories only seem to come with a total team effort — something that has been tough for Texas. The Longhorns are only a meager 2-5 against ranked opponents, a record much too low for a team that hopes to gain elite status. “As a team, we can only take
it game by game,� Raven said. “There are so many good teams in this league, so all you can do is focus on the next one.� Texas is currently tied for fifth place in the Big 12 while its foes to the north are in third place, so there is no doubt that this game has big implications in the Big 12 standings. But a victory for the Longhorns against one of their fiercest rivals could mean so much more than an extra number in the win column. “The Sooners are one of our biggest rivals, and a win against them would do a lot for us. It would be such a confidence booster to steal one on their court,� Raven said. “A win would not only move us up in the Big 12, but also nationally.�
NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL Peter Franklin | Daily Texan Staff
Senior center Dexter Pittman looks for the basket in the Longhorns’ win over Texas Tech last week. Despite the win, throughout conference play, Pittman has struggled to stay out of foul trouble and grab rebounds.
STRUGGLE: Pittman needs to rebound From page 7
Pittman’s idol — in his prime and take notes. No one should enter his house and get away with points. When Pittman had just one rebound against Baylor, he also had zero personal fouls. As a big man, you have to watch yourself so you don’t foul out, but we all know
that if you are that big, you’re going to get called a few times. And that’s OK as long as you are smart about it. He had zero calls because he wasn’t trying to grab any rebounds. He sat back and watched Damion James, who ended the night with a career-high 19 rebounds, do all the work. The best part — or worst, depending on how you want to look
at it — occurred during the press conference after the game, when Pittman was asked about his lack of boards. “We’ve got a great rebounder on our team in Damion,� Pittman said. “I just box my guy out, and I know he’s going to come get it.� Pittman also said that it’s hard not to get out of control and have fouls called when there are so
many players swarming him, but he can’t just sit back, relax and watch the Damion James show. That’s a fan’s job. If Texas wants to seep deep into March, Pittman is going to have to start channeling his inner Shaq, or Barnes and Co. will have to find a new game plan that doesn’t revolve around Pittman, stat.
TRACK: Cooper becomes remarkable for Texas in just a year and run for Team USA at the IAAF World Junior Championships. Perlack of experience and hype, what haps her most incredible feat is beCooper has accomplished at Texas is coming the team’s most dangerous nothing short of remarkable. hurdler. At last year’s USA Outdoor In her short career, the sopho- National Championships, Cooper more has already earned two All- placed ninth, even though she had American honors, been part of a never jumped a hurdle before comnational championship relay team ing to Texas.
From page 7
“Never in my life had I been over a hurdle,� Cooper said. “So I just started to run and jump. It was shocking.� What also might come across as shocking is Cooper’s demeanor on the track. Before a meet, Cooper is calm, listening to Linkin Park or Eminem on her iPod and keeping
Outstanding Student and Cactus Goodfellow Awards The Cactus Yearbook is soliciting nominations for their Outstanding Student and Cactus Goodfellow Awards. For your convenience, we have placed the nomination forms on the Cactus web page: http://www.cactusyearbook.com All rules and instuctions are included, so all you have to do is either print the nomination form from our web page or pick up one at the William Randolph Hearst Building (HSM), 25th and Whitis Ave., Room 3.304. The deadline for nominations is February 26th, so send us your applications today. Please call 471-1084 for more information.
to herself. She is reflecting, getting focused for the task at hand. Then, once she actually steps onto the track, the calm before the storm breaks. “I start yelling at myself, and people think I’m crazy,� Cooper said. This yelling is also supplemented with a healthy dose of chestpounding, emphatic movement and an array of sounds that Cooper describes as “vampire-like.� But all of this serves a vital, twofold purpose for the track team. In addition to pumping herself up, all of Cooper’s passion helps her teammates to reach a new level. “She fights so hard that it makes you want to fight harder,� Kearney said. Relay teammate Judy Nwosu agreed, saying that Cooper helps to constantly energize and loosen up the team. For Big 12 teams and track coaches around the country, the scariest part of all this is the fact that Cooper is just now coming into her own as an athlete. Kearney calls her “a work in progress�, and Cooper readily admits that she struggles with confidence issues on the track. Cooper has found her success to be equal parts blessing and surprise. But for Kearney and her Longhorn team, the arrival of Cooper and her achievements are far from a surprise. “If she can keep on her work boots and hard hat, she’s destined for greatness,� Kearney said.
Lauren Gerson | Daily Texan Staff
Baylor center Ekpe Udoh goes up for a block in last week’s win over Texas in Austin. Udoh’s domination has given Baylor an edge.
Udoh has transformed Baylor with his presence By Stephen Hawkins The Associated Press WACO — Ekpe Udoh was in a spirited practice while redshirting last season when one of his Baylor teammates said something about his dominating presence. “I’m a nightmare,� Udoh responded. Now the rest of the Big 12 and other opposing teams are getting to know the post player with a self-proclaimed nickname. The former Michigan player wearing No. 13 is no longer confined to the practice court for the 20thranked Bears (16-4). “That’s a nice guy to pick up as a transfer,� Massachusetts coach Derek Kellogg said after Udoh had 23 points and seven rebounds against the Minutemen two weeks ago. “As much as anything, he dominates the game by just being out there. His presence is really what separates him.� Having the 6-foot-10, 240-pounder in the middle has certainly helped transform Baylor, who last season made it to the NIT championship game depending primarily on its outside shooting. While the perimeter game with LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter is still a big part of the Bears offense, Udoh — whose name is pronounced
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EPP’-ay YOO’-doh — has provided an added inside dimension on both ends of the court. Udoh averages 13.7 points a game while shooting 50 percent from the field with 10.7 rebounds per game, both secondbest in the Big 12. He leads the league with 4.2 blocks (fifth nationally) and 4.3 offensive boards a game. The Bears have 150 blocked shots, already a school record and four more than in twice as many games last season. Outrebounded a year ago, Baylor is now first in the Big 12 and fifth nationally with a plus-8.7 rebounding margin. “Ekpe’s impact on the floor, it’s obvious,� said coach Scott Drew. “The impact that people don’t know about is the mental approach he has to the game, the leadership. ... The same thing with how he affects the game when he doesn’t block shots, but alters them or intimidates them or changes people’s game plan.� Baylor students have started wearing horror film-inspired hockey masks while cheering on Udoh and the Bears, who are home against Iowa State on Wednesday night. “You see masks everywhere. It’s crazy,� said Udoh, who often salutes the fans by flashing the school’s traditional “Bear Claw� hand signal. Udoh is more than a big man who slams balls or swats them away, though his 84 blocks are only 14 shy of the single-season school record and seventh on the career list. He is the only Baylor player with an assist in every game, and his 54 are second on the team behind Carter ’s 100, a fact that surprised even Udoh — “Really? Wow,� he said. Udoh spent two seasons at Michigan, leaving a year after coach Tommy Amaker departed. He had to sit out last season in Waco, when the Wolverines made it to the NCAA tournament and Baylor advanced to the NIT final at Madison Square Garden. While his dream has always been to play in the NBA, the son of Nigerian immigrants who grew up in Edmond, Okla., hasn’t said yet if he will enter the draft this summer or come back for his senior season at Baylor. Udoh has a consistent answer when asked about his plans by reporters or anxious fellow students passing him on campus. “I’m at Baylor right now, that’s all I’m thinking about,� he said. “I just want to embrace this. If I can get to the [NCAA] tournament, that would mean the world to me.�
9 CLASS
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
NOMS: Streep, Bullock top picks for actress From page 12 actor who knows exactly where his wheelhouse is; he’s the Denzel Washington of dramedy. As for Bridges, “Crazy Heart� is his finest performance and makes it surprisingly easy to love a film about country music that isn’t “Walk the Line.� The best actress category is perhaps the most intriguing of this year’s awards. In one corner, we have the perennial heavyweight Meryl Streep, an amazingly humble genius of the screen. In the other corner stands Sandra Bullock, whose performance in “The Blind Side� was undoubtedly the best of her career — and in all likelihood, her best possible chance for winning an Oscar. To complicate matters, the category also features powerhouse newcomer Gabourey Sidibe for “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire� as well as Helen Mirren (“The Last Station�) and Carey Mulligan (“An Education�), making the category a veritable free-for-all. One can only hope that Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds�) takes home the trophy for best supporting actor, if only for the privilege of hearing another of his off-the-wall, overly metaphorical acceptance speeches, which were highlights of the Golden Globes and the SAG awards. Last year’s “Slumdog Millionaire� triumph seemed an obstacle for this year’s ceremony to overcome in terms of noteworthiness, but with these nominations, it has done so by a mile. The main categories are stacked, and the rest of the ballot list is just powerful, setting the stage day,as month day, 2008 for one of the most memorable Academy Awards we’ve seen. Just keep your fingers crossed and hope that “Avatar� doesn’t take home theRgrand TISE prize.
Virginia Mayo | Associated Press
Film director James Cameron poses for photographers prior to the opening of the movie Avatar in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 28. It was announced Tuesday that the science-fiction sensation “Avatar� and the war-on-terror thriller “The Hurt Locker� lead the Academy Awards with nine nominations each, including best picture and director for James Cameron and ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow.
Oscar nominations BEST PICTURE “Avatar� “The Blind Side� “District 9� “An Education� “The Hurt Locker� “Inglourious Basterds� “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire� “A Serious Man� “Up� “Up in the Air� ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE Jeff Bridges (“Crazy Heart�) George Clooney (“Up in the Air�) Colin Firth (“A Single Man�) Morgan Freeman (“Invictus�) Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker�)
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Matt Damon (“Invictus�) Woody Harrelson (“The Messenger�) Christopher Plummer (“The Last Station�) Stanley Tucci (“The Lovely Bones�) Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds�)
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE PenĂŠlope Cruz (“Nineâ€?) Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Airâ€?) Maggie Gyllenhaal (“Crazy Heartâ€?) Anna Kendrick (“Up in the Airâ€?) Mo’Nique (“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphireâ€?)
DIRECTING James Cameron (“Avatar�) 1 Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt LockACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE er�) Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side�) Quentin Tarantino (“Inglourious Helen Mirren (“The Last Station�) Basterds�) Carey Mulligan (“An Education�) Lee Daniels (“Precious: Based on the Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious: Based LASSIFIEDS Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire�) on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire�) Jason Reitman (“Up in the Air�) Meryl Streep (“Julie & Julia�)
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BOOK REVIEW
Novel glamorizes criminal lifestyle during Depression By Kate Ergenbright Daily Texan Staff There is a certain mysticism surrounding early-20th century crime culture that fuels American society’s attraction to the corrupt business dealings, bootlegging and fashionable appearance of gangsters during the ‘20s and ‘30s. Think sharply dressed men in pin-striped suits, tilted fedoras and plump cigars clustered on street corners or in the back rooms of their favorite speakeasy, plotting their next heist. In Thomas Mullen’s second novel, “The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers,� Depression-era gangsters Jason and Whit Fireson commit a series of carefully calculated bank robberies, applauded by their adoring public in classic Robin Hood fashion as “brazen, heroic counterpunches ... at a broken system.� Mullen’s intelligent novel dives straight into the action as the brothers wake up naked in a police station with mysterious bullet wounds and bruises — and no memory of how they got there. With no recollection of any of the previous night’s events or how their bodies became riddled with bullet holes, the brothers venture to their hometown to recover their lost memory and escape the iron grasp of the law by hiding out in their childhood home. Jason’s magnetism leaps off the page as Thomas Mullen expertly recreates Hollywood’s version of the dashingly handsome 1930s gangster. It will not take long to
conclude that this novel contains the stereotypical aspects of Depression-era crime fiction, but thankfully, it doesn’t stop there. Mullen manages to maintain historical accuracy while simultaneously exploring what led the Firefly brothers to pursue a life of crime and the effect the Great Depression has on their family and American society as a whole. For anyone with a fondness for the mystique and glamour of the early 20th century, “The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers� will not disappoint as readers are quickly immersed in the Firesons’ lives and root for their survival as they continue to narrowly escape death’s grasp.
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CRAFTS: Mobile lessons, do-it-yourself project kits appeal to artist in everyone Contact Joan at 512-232-2229 or email joanw@mail.utexas.edu From page 12
tography and resin jewelry; and both Albrecht and Sae-Eua have a knack for fashion design. The women decided to open a store that utilized these skills to create an all-inclusive artistic experience for customers. “We were brainstorming the best place in Austin for an art store, but we couldn’t decide, so we decided to go everywhere,� Albrecht said. Admittedly inspired by Aus-
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tin’s recent food-cart fixation, the women purchased and renovated an Airstream trailer, which allows them to attend events and customized parties in addition to offering classes. The women lovingly refer to their trailer as Stella. “We sort of saved her in a way,� Albrecht said. “She was being used for storage. We brought her to life and gave her a purpose.� Though the women only conceptualized their business in July and started teaching classes in October, The WonderCraft has al-
ready been invited to a slew of local events. However, The WonderCraft’s journey has not been without a few bumps in the road. Each of the four women also owns and operates a personal craft company, ranging from screen printing to recycling children’s toys. These separate projects have graced them with entrepreneurial and promotional skills, but they also make time management a challenge. “You could spend all of your time doing homework,� Albrecht said. “But there are also dirty dish-
es in the sink, and your dog wants to be played with.� Fortunately the business has been met with overwhelming support from other creative companies. “Austin loves quirk,� Sae-Eua said. “And the atmosphere for local businesses here is great. People who would be considered our competitors elsewhere are our friends here.� One such friend is The Art Pad’s Carole Schatz Robberson, who allows the women of The Wonder-
Craft to park their trailer behind her store and provides them with supplies. The WonderCraft will be celebrating its partnership with The Art Pad on Feb. 25 by hosting a necktie-themed party to which attendees can bring neckties to screen print, embroider and craft into unique statement pieces. The women are strong advocates of using recycled, or “upcycled,� supplies for their products and classes. “Upcycling is like recycling, but instead of just creating something
CLASSIFIEDS THE DAILY TEXAN
new or different, you create something better,� Hempton said, acknowledging her floral necklace crafted from an aluminum can. Another unique component of The WonderCraft is that the women sell do-it-yourself merchandise, such as floral chokers and paper stars. “We want to inspire people to make things with their hands,� Bryan said. “Plus, it’s really interesting that you can give a kit to several people, and the final product will always look different.�
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
11 ENT
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LIFE&ARTS
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
STI testing keeps disease Parody, old-school visuals at bay, leads to safer sex sure to please retro gamers VIDEO GAME REVIEW
HUMP DAY By Mary Lingwall
“Why do you think you chose to not use a condom those times?” asked the counselor at the Travis County Seton East Health Center while we waited for the results of my HIV rapid blood test. “Oftentimes we associate the trust and love of a relationship with our perception of ‘safety.’ But those are usually two very different kinds of safety.” The handful of instances when I have failed to use a condom can’t unilaterally be described as “associated with the trust and love of a relationship,” but I think the counselor was onto something by asking me an important question that I had been avoiding. Condom use is not popular. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard friends or peers lament about how much they “hate” using condoms, how they don’t need to use condoms because they are “safe” in a monogamous relationship or that they or their partner is on birth control. My reason for failing to use condoms every time I have sex is no better than anyone else’s, especially since the best excuse I can come up with is sheer laziness. And for the longest time, my laziness kept me from another long-overdue milestone of sexual maturity and a necessity before sex without protection: getting tested for sexually transmitted infections. Darcy Krues, a women’s and gender studies junior and former healthy sexuality peer educator, was more vigilant in her quest for STI testing services. “I have been to both [University Health Services] and the Travis County Health Department,” Krues said. “I was very nervous about getting tested for the first
time. All the worst scenarios ran through my head, but when I received my results, I felt so much better and was really happy I had [done] it for the safety of me and my partner.” I conferred with a few friends about getting my own STI test, and their responses ranged from supportive enthusiasm to disgusted remarks such as, “You don’t think you’re clean?” But when high school sex-education classes show slides of horribly maimed genitalia in the discussion of sexual health, they miss a pretty substantial possibility: asymptomatic infections. “Students, like most people, tend to think that they would just know if they had an STI,” said Guli Fager, coordinator of the Healthy Sexuality Peer Educator program at UT. “There is this perception that you can tell, but, in reality, that is rarely the case.” Approximately two of three STI infections are asymptomatic, according to the UHS Web site. Curable bacterial STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most prevalent on campus. With annual testing, potentially harmful effects of untreated bacterial infections — including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies and infertility — can easily be avoided. When I arrived at Seton East, a clinic on the east side that contains some of the offices of the Travis County Health Department, I was escorted into a colorful, inviting room, devoid of the stereotypical posters illustrating just how horrible HIV is and the associated risks of other STI infections. As I left the clinic I felt as though a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. My HIV results came before I left the office, and the other test results would be ready in about two weeks. I began to wonder why I hadn’t done this earlier. “I don’t hear my peers talking about [STI] testing at all,” Krues
said after I asked for her thoughts on why people often go years without seriously looking into testing options. “I feel like people are often more concerned about getting pregnant.” Recent UT graduate Liz Aiello, used to be one of those people. “[My partner] and I used condoms when we first got together because he initiated [it],” Aiello said. “But as soon as I started back on my [birth control] I told him he didn’t have to use condoms anymore. I could kick my younger self.” After years of being in a monogamous relationship, Aiello realized that testing could be a good thing-a positive thing for her life with her boyfriend. They did it together in remembrance of World AIDS Day. “We did get tested, and we are STI-free — miracle of miracles,” Aiello said. Now Aiello and her boyfriend can confidently continue the condom-free sex they already enjoyed together. “Having sex without condoms can be fantastic,” Fager said. “So if getting tested can make that happen, then I don’t think it should be looked at as a bad thing.” Testing still carries a bit of a stigma. Most of us still hold to the idea that getting tested means you’re “unclean,” or if it doesn’t burn when you pee, you must be fine. The payoffs of a 30-minute annual STI test versus ignorance are incomparable. “Getting tested once a year, whether you have symptoms or not, will significantly lower your chances of irreversible damage caused by STIs, and it will keep you informed about your own body,” Krues said. Her sentiment reminded me of the counselor who tested me. “Love is awesome, and sex is awesome,” he said before I left his office. “But this testing thing is about you.”
By Allistair Pinsof Daily Texan Staff
“VVVVVV” (PC/Mac) There was a time when games were confined by their hardware and found inspiration through imposed limitations. While Activision and Nintendo continue to expand their staff and resources, the indie gaming scene knows this history all too well. “VVVVVV” is the latest game by prolific indie designer Terry Cavanagh, and has become his first commercial and most successful game. The visual and play styles feel like Mario trapped within Mega Man levels on a Metroid planet. The player controls are as simple as running and “jumping” (you actually flip the pull of gravity). The real charm of the game comes through the amount of personality and ingenuity Cavanagh has managed to store into the restrained design. Each room has a clever subtitle, each area has its own memorable soundtrack and each section has its own unique challenge. Ninety minutes and 786 deaths later, I have finished “VVVVVV.”
Wednesda
a crude parody of Japanese games and the culture that surrounds them. While retro gamers will get the most laughs out of the story, its wacky sense of humor will appeal to anybody who has a soft spot for Adult Swim’s programming. It’s hard not to dwell on its stylistic choices since the game play often feels like an afterthought. The core of the game is like an old-school beat-‘em-up translated to 3-D, but this time the game is complemented by many worthwhile distractions that come in the form of throwbacks to 8-bit arcade games. Essentially, these games represent jobs you need to perform that will earn you money to buy new gear, but they are incredibly fun in their own right. Grade: A “No More Heroes 2” unfortunately suffers from the same repetition of the original, but I No More Heroes 2: Desperate found that the story and additions kept me interested until Struggle (Wii) the end. Its mechanics and story There is no proper place to can often feel crude, but even the start explaining “No More Heweak points of the game have roes 2: Desperate Struggle,” their own charm. as it refuses to be defined. EvGrade: B ery plot point of the game is As much as my cramped fingers and brain-turned-mush are relieved, I am a bit saddened by this. Like a roller coaster that rattles you to the core and hurts your shoulder, I’m too thrilled by the experience to let the pain factor in just yet. “VVVVVV” is a burst of punkrock energy in game design. It takes elements of the things we love from Nintendo and Commodore 64 platforms, delivering each challenge at a rapidfire pace that leaves the player stuck in an endless loop of tension and gratification. If it were not so brilliantly crafted, I would feel violated. “VVVVVV” is now available at thelettervsixtim.es for $15. There is also a demo at the Web site.
Courtesy of “VVVVVV”
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Life&Arts Editor: Ben Wermund E-mail: lifeandarts@dailytexanonline.com Phone: (512) 232-2209 www.dailytexanonline.com
T HE DAILY T EXAN
Sci-fi flick ‘Avatar’ Crafts trailer revs up art scene expected to sweep Academy Awards By Robert Rich Daily Texan Staff The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the nominations for the 82nd annual Academy Awards on Tuesday — leaving “Avatar� poised to be this year’s big winner, with a total of nine nominations. The biggest of those nominations is, of course, the best picture category, which features a stellar lineup of 10 films: “Avatar,� “The Blind Side,� “District 9,� “An Education,� “The Hurt Locker,� “Inglourious Basterds,� “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,� “A Serious Man,� “Up� and “Up in the Air.� If there’s any justice in the world, and I have a strong feeling there isn’t, the win will go to something other than Cameron’s sci-fi epic — preferably “Inglourious Basterds.� Quentin Tarantino’s exploration of an alternate
resolution to the Nazi business of decades past is a much more wellrounded film. The fact that “Avatar� lacks a nomination in the best original screenplay category is telling. For all the visual firepower the film packs, it lacks the total package in terms of storytelling and writing to deem it the best picture. There’s no question that the film should — and probably will — win in the art categories it’s nominated for: art direction, cinematography and visual effects, among others. Elsewhere, the race for best actor — although it features five nominations — is undoubtedly a competition between Jeff Bridges (“Crazy Heart�) and George Clooney (“Up in the Air�). Say what you will about Clooney, but the man is a consistently brilliant
NOMS continues on page 9 Photos by Andy Phung | Daily Texan Staff
Above, the founders of The WonderCraft, a mobile art studio and crafts trailer, share stories and art with reporter Madeleine Crum on Saturday evening. Below, co-founder Beth Albrecht, left, shows reporter Madeleine Crum how to make a button with recycled materials.
WonderCraft women take creativity on tour throughout Austin
Francois Duhamel | Associated Press
The film “Inglourious Basterds� was nominated Tuesday for an Oscar for best picture. The 82nd Academy Awards will be presented March 7.
By Madeleine Crum Daily Texan Staff The muted silver exterior of the Airstream trailer that sits behind a row of retail shops on Burnet Road is deceivingly commonplace. Inside, you won’t find camping supplies or tacky ‘70s decor, but electric-orange walls, elegant brass jewelry, do-it-yourself screen-printing kits, handmade stationery and four women enthusiastic about art. “Come on in!� said Beth Hempton, one of the founders
of The WonderCraft, a mobile art studio and craft shop. “And you can’t leave until you make a button.� Hempton met the other founders — Beth Albrecht, Jenifer Bryan and Kimberly Sae-Eua — through Etsy Austin, a local craft group that sells its handmade items on Etsy. com. There, they recognized their various talents. Hempton enjoys drawing and sewing; Bryan’s focus is on pho-
CRAFTS continues on page 9