P1
THE DAILY TEXAN Serving the University of Texas at Austin community since 1900
Freshman golfer shooting lows practically unheard of, sending Longhorns to new heights
POP INDEX
222.7577
As much as we love to hate, you can’t hate our capacity to love
ls! test specia to see the la
LIFE&ARTS PAGE 10
SPORTS PAGE 6
>> Breaking news, blogs and more: www.dailytexanonline.com
@thedailytexan
Friday, November 18, 2011
facebook.com/dailytexan
Phishing scams scare UT faculty
WEEKEND FRIDAY “Dirty Martini & the New Burlesque” Screening
By Jillian Bliss Daily Texan Staff
1931. The building is home to the Classics Department and several “classic” bathrooms reflecting the vintage ’30s style. Rumors floated online of a secret tunnel once existing in the women’s bathroom on the third floor, although the door leading to it no longer exists. The men’s bathroom also lacks urinals.
The number of phishing scams within UT computer systems has risen since previous months, but campus security officers are doing what they can to make sure members of the UT community don’t get hooked. “Phishing” describes a form of hacking which uses a “bait and lure” technique. Hackers, hiding under the guise of email addresses, websites and screen names appearing to be official, phish for confidential information pertaining to computer users, such as account passwords. The UT Information Security Office sent an email Nov. 3 describing phishing attempts which targeted 17 UT faculty and staff members during the month of October. According to the email, the number of attempts had risen from just two in September. Chief Information Security Officer Cam Beasley said the University has developed techniques to ward off phishers, but those behind the attacks are constantly learning new methods to keep up with security systems. “There have been a few target-
POTTY continues on PAGE 2
PHISH continues on PAGE 2
Spiderhouse Cafe (29th St. Ballroom) will host a screening of the award-winning documentary film at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Burlesque performances to follow. The show is 21+ and tickets range from $15-20.
La Luna Negra
Chicago’s Luna Negra Dance Theatre will be performing tonight at the Bass Concert Hall from 8-10 p.m., delivering richly textured and highly original contemporary dance in a distinctive style blending the discipline of ballet with the fiery energy of Latin and AfroCaribbean forms and rhythms.
Caven Lacrosse Center opening
Attend the official reopening and dedicaiton ceremony of the Caven Lacrosse & Sports Center at Clark Field at 3:00 p.m. The eent is open to the public.
Graduate Student Potluck
The Graduate Student Assembly is hosting a potluck night of food and games with fellow graduate students. The potluck will start at 7 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the SAC. Bring a recipe card with your dish!
SATURDAY Texas Socialist Conference
The Austin branch of the International Socialist Organization will be holding a day-long conference on the relevance of Marxism to current issues. Registration is $5 to $20 at 11:30 a.m. in MEZ 1.306. http://on.fb.me/ tWDFiA for more information.
Today in history In 1307 William Tell shoots an apple off his son’s head to spare both of their lives.
‘‘
Quote to note “I know people roll their eyes and snicker about those creepy Twilight Moms. But have you helped a soldier today or raised money for a children’s cancer research group? And taken three kids to school.” — Candace Wheeler Austin Twilight Moms member LIFE&ARTS PAGE 10
Lin Zagorski | Daily Texan Staff
When nature decides it’s time to drop trou, consider our list of the best stalls on the way By Jillian Bliss & Nick Hadjigeorge Whatever the reason for one’s visit, a feature stands out on campus as were built during the 1930s, inDaily Texan Staff Daily Texan staffers have compiled it is more commonly found at ne- cluding Waggener Hall, built in
Sometimes the “urge to go” comes when one may be in an unknown area of campus, standing outside a building never before entered but which hopefully has decent facilities. Sometimes, perhaps after finding issues with long lines or crossing paths with a former roommate from hell, one may want to switch up their pit stop routine.
a list of the top 10 most interesting on-campus bathrooms. 1. Jogging through campus and need to make a pit-stop? Homer Rainey Hall offers restrooms with convenient exterior entry so runners can avoid sweating through the halls in search of relief. Whether the original architects meant the exterior entry for this purpose is debatable, but such
glected gas stations. 2. The 10th floor men’s bathroom in the stairwell of Robert Lee Moore Hall offers a handy hangout for students sick of living with roommates, as it provides lockers and a small shower. The bathroom’s location in the stairwell creates convenient (and hidden) access between classes. 3. Several buildings on campus
Ultimatum could Tobacco-users to be encouraged mean no Formula 1 to move away from bus stops racetrack in Austin By Jody Serrano Daily Texan Staff
Plans for Austin’s Formula 1 racetrack have met some unexpected turbulence this week, and Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone released an ultimatum to the company building the track Thursday: Sign the contract by the end of next week or say goodbye to the U.S. Grand Prix for 2012. Circuit of the Americas, the company building the Formula 1 track, halted construction on the South Austin racetrack Monday. Circuit of the Americas claimed Formula 1 had failed to provide a contract assuring that the U.S. Grand Prix will be held at the track in 2012, according to the company’s press release. Tavo Hellmund, CEO of the promotion company Full Throttle Productions, has known Ecclestone since he was young, according to the Circuit of the Americas website. Hellmund originally won the contract from Formula 1 to bring the race to Austin, and proceeded
to get Circuit of the Americas to fund the track for Formula 1. According to “The Telegraph,” a London-based paper, Ecclestone said the halt in construction resulted from stalled negotiations over whether Circuit of the Americas would pay up-front for the cost of bringing the race to Austin next year. “Everything was signed and sealed, but we kept putting things off like the dates, various letters of credit and things that should have been sent, but nothing ever happened,” Ecclestone said. In a press conference on Thursday, Hellmund said the financing of the project was not his role at all. He said his role in everything was to be chairman of the Grand Prix, a position he hasn’t been paid for in the last couple of months. Hellmund said the main issue lay with Circuit of the Americas. “The likelihood of actually making a deal happen is now only 50 percent,” Hellmund said.
RACECAR continues on PAGE 2
Elisabeth Dillon | Daily Texan Staff
Work stopped Tuesday at the construction site of a new Formula One track in Del Valle. Circuit of the Americas investors suspended the construction because they don’t have rights for the race yet.
Thomas Allison | Daily Texan Staff
Rebecca Jinks smokes a cigarette while waiting for her bus outside the Hancock Center HEB Thursday afternoon. Capitol Metro announced that it will discourage smoking within fifteen feet of bus stops starting next month.
By Megan Strickland Daily Texan Staff
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority will begin asking riders to keep any tobacco use at least 15 feet away from their bus stops beginning next month. New signage designating all 2700 of Capital Metro bus stops in Austin, including 150 at UT, as tobacco free zones will be installed after the board of directors secured funding and voted Wednesday to instate a ban, said Michael Nyren, Capital Metro risk management director. While the new signs will impose a voluntary ban on all tobacco, Nyren said the ban primarily targets smokers. “When we say tobacco free, we’re referring to all forms of tobacco, but the main purpose is to reduce the effect of secondhand smoke on
our riders,” Nyren said. Nyren said riders should note Capital Metro is not asking people to quit smoking altogether, but instead to quit smoking when in the vicinity of non-smoking riders. “We’re not asking people not to smoke,” Nyren said. “We’re just asking them to smoke a reasonable distance away from the bus stop and be considerate to fellow riders.” Capital Metro spokeswoman Erica McKewen said the company had wanted to institute the smoking ban at bus stops for two years, after surveys conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services and Capital Metro indicated bus riders and Travis County residents support the ban. “Overwhelmingly the community and our riders supported a tobacco ban at bus stops,”
McKewen said. McKewen said Capital Metro couldn’t cover the $230,000 needed to purchase and install signage until funding became available through money the city of Austin received through the national Communities Putting Prevention to Work program. McKewen said the program began as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The only caveat is that Capital Metro must install all signage by February, she said. McKewen said Capital Metro does not currently have the resources to enforce the policy, however she believes the signage will reduce smoking, based on a pilot project instituted in June. The pilot project installed signs at some Capital Metro stops, including all UT
SMOKE continues on PAGE 2
P2
2
NEWS
Friday, November 18, 2011
POTTY continues from PAGE 1 4. A number of students know of the main restrooms in Gregory Gym, sporting showers and a sauna for sweaty students post-workout. Less commonly known facilities, however, are located in the front lobby of Gregory before one even has to swipe their ID, giving an option of a pre-workout potty break without the hustle and bustle of the main bathrooms. 5. Ernest Cockrell, Jr. Hall helps hungry visitors feel more at home with its diner-style decor. Basement level bathrooms are tiled in black, white and red all over. The black and white checkered tiles with red accents are a design rarely encountered elsewhere on campus. 6. Those looking for solidarity can take comfort in the bathrooms down the hall from Texas Union Ballroom in the Texas Union. The women’s stall provides about as much space as an airplane latrine and allows one to close an actual door — not just a stall door — between the sink area and the toilet. 7.Sometimes students struggle through the library, carrying a boatload of books, a loaded backpack complete with study-survival
RAMPIN’ IT UP
THE DAILY TEXAN Volume 112, Number 84
gear and a cup of coffee when the urge to go suddenly hits. The stalls in the Perry Castañeda Library contain convenient shelves built into the walls above and behind each toilet to suppress all fears of dropping that late-night snack on the bathroom floor. 8.The modernistic style of the Student Activity Center continues into bathrooms. Technology such as automatic sinks, automatic soap and lighting that turns off when vacant in addition to oversized mirrors provide an opportunity for optimal usage. 9. Need a nap? Out-dated couches put the “rest” in the restrooms of the Tower. Other couches are scattered across campus as well, but the Tower’s central location provides easy access from all areas of campus for those looking to relieve themselves in more than one way. 10. For a room with a view, check out either the men’s or the women’s restrooms on the upper level on the “A” side of the Communications Building. The floor to ceiling glass windows situated near the sinks make one feel as if they are standing on a high-rise balcony overlooking the city.
CONTACT US Main Telephone: (512) 471-4591 Editor: Viviana Aldous (512) 232-2212 editor@dailytexanonline.com Managing Editor: Lena Price (512) 232-2217 managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com News Office: (512) 232-2207 news@dailytexanonline.com Multimedia Office: (512) 471-7835 dailytexanmultimedia@gmail.com Sports Office: (512) 232-2210 sports@dailytexanonline.com Life & Arts Office: (512) 232-2209 dailytexan@gmail.com Photo Office: (512) 471-8618 photo@dailytexanonline.com
PHISH continues from PAGE 1
Comics Office: (512) 232-4386 dailytexancomics@gmail.com
ed phishing attacks as of late which have masqueraded as the campus HelpDesk or University IT administrators,” Beasley said. “Campus users should know that legitimate University IT services will never ask for their password and should always be suspicious when such a request is made.” Beasley said his office also provides a website to worried
Retail Advertising: (512) 471-1865 joanw@mail.utexas.edu
“
There’s a market for email and password lists. You can sell people’s information for money.
“
— Cam Beasley, Chief Information Security Officer
users with tips for safeguarding their information. Computer science senior Nick Johnson said those who take part in phishing typically have financial motivation. Johnson said he has been interested in computer programming since age six and spends a lot of time learning about systems. He said users
often provide similar passwords to multiple online accounts, which simplify phishing efforts. “If someone can phish a password through a UT account they’ll try the same password on accounts and websites associated with that person,” Johnson said. “There’s a market for email and password lists. You can sell people’s information for money.” Beasley said personal information appropriated through phishing attempts can be used directly through online accounts containing personal information to create identity theft scenarios. Biochemistry junior Shohreh Abedinzadeh said one of her friends fell victim to a phishing scam unrelated to the UT attacks and found the problem stressful. “Her credit card information got taken,” Abedinzadeh said. “She had to file an identity theft claim and it took a few months to clear up.” Beasley said in addition to personal information, those behind the UT attacks may be after specific data accumulated through University research. Beasley said although numbers have risen since September, the total amount of phishing victims is small compared to the campus population. Recent scams targeted faculty and staff, but students should be wary of the issue as well, he said.
THE DAILY TEXAN
This newspaper was printed with pride by The Daily Texan and Texas Student Media.
Permanent Staff
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viviana Aldous Associate Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew Daley, Shabab Siddiqui Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lena Price Associate Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sydney Fitzgerald News Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Stottlemyre Associate News Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Pagan, Colton Pence, Huma Munir Senior Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jillian Bliss, Liz Farmer, Allie Kolechta Copy Desk Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Myers Associate Copy Desk Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elyana Barrera, Ashley Morgan, Klarissa Fitzpatrick Design Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexa Hart Senior Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Nuncio, Chris Benavides, Bobby Blanchard, Lin Zagorski Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Torrey Associate Photo Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Edwards, Shannon Kintner Senior Photographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Allison, Mary Kang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence Peart, Fanny Trang, Danielle Villasana Video Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rafael Borges Associate Video Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackie Kuenstler Senior Videographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Dillard Senior Video Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben Smith Life&Arts Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aleksander Chan Associate Life&Arts Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie Stroh Senior Life&Arts Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ali Breland, Benjamin Smith, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julie Rene Tran, Aaron West, Alex Williams Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trey Scott Associate Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Laymance Senior Sports Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nick Cremona, Christian Corona, Lauren Giudice, Chris Hummer Comics Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria Elliot Web Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gerald Rich Associate Web Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Sanchez Editorial Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doug Warren
Issue Staff
Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jody Serrano, Omar Gamboa, Megan Strickland Sports Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Sblendorio, Stefan Scrafield Life&Arts Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah-Grace Sweeney Copy Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arleen Lopez, Chelsea DiSchiano Page Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaime Cheng, Allie Kolechta, Betsy Cooper Comic Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremy Johnson, Betsy Cooper, Andrew Craft, Brianne Klitgaard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Liz Moore, Chris Davis, Lin Zagorski, Marshall Dungan Columnist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen Hansen Web Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bicente Gutierrez, William Snyder Photographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Allison, Elisabeth Dillon, Rebeca Rodriguez, Batli Joselevitz
Advertising
(512) 471-1865 advertise@texasstudentmedia.com Director of Advertising & Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jalah Goette Business Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lori Hamilton Business Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Ramirez Advertising Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CJ Salgado Broadcast & Events Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carter Goss Campus & National Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan Bowerman Student Advertising Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Ford Student Assistant Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veronica Serrato Student Acct. Execs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Lee, Adrian Lloyd, Morgan Haenchen, Emily Sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paola Reyes, Fredis Benitez, Hwanjong Cho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zach Congdon, Cameron McClure, Edward Moreland Student Office Assistant/Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rene Gonzalez Student Marketing Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maryanne Lee Student Buys of Texas Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lindsey Hollingsworth Senior Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Felimon Hernandez Junior Designers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Rogers, Bianca Krause, Aaron Rodriquez Special Editions Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adrienne Lee Student Special Editions Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jordan Schraeder
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, Monday through Friday, during the regular academic year and is published twice weekly during the summer semester. The Daily Texan does not publish during academic breaks and most Federal Holidays. and exam periods. Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, TX 78710. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Daily Texan, P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713. 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. classified display advertising, call 471-1865. For classified word advertising, call 471-5244. Entire contents copyright 2011 Texas Student Media.
The Daily Texan Mail Subscription Rates One Semester (Fall or Spring) $60.00 Two Semesters (Fall and Spring) 120.00 Summer Session 40.00 One Year (Fall, Spring and Summer) 150.00 To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call 471-5083. Send orders and address changes to Texas Student Media', P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713-8904, or to TSM Building C3.200, or call 471-5083. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Texan, P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713.
Texan Ad Deadlines
11/18/11
Monday .............Wednesday, 12 p.m. Thursday.................Monday, 12 p.m. Tuesday.................Thursday, 12 p.m. Friday......................Tuesday, 12 p.m. Word Ads 11 a.m. Wednesday................Friday, 12 p.m. Classified (Last Business Day Prior to Publication)
Classified Advertising: (512) 471-5244 classifieds@dailytexanonline.com
Batil Joselevitz | Daily Texan Staff
A BMX cyclist rides his bike on one of the ramps at Austin BMX and Skate Park on Thursday afternoon. The park officially opened on June 16, 2011.
SMOKE continues from PAGE 1 stops, instructing riders how to use smart phone applications to find Capital Metro information such as bus schedules. Based on the dramatic increase of usage of the app, she said she thinks the signage will be effective. Bilingual education freshman Arinda Rodriguez sat by one of the pilot project signs at a bus stop on Dean Keeton Street on Thursday and said she isn’t a
smoker. She said she thinks the tobacco ban will help keep students safe, people safe and protect the health of the people. Theater studies freshman Madilynn Garcia said she isn’t a smoker and believes the tobacco ban is reasonable. “It’s not something that affects me personally, but I do think that if you are standing at a bus stop it’s reasonably respectful to
COPYRIGHT stand a ways away from everyone else,” Garcia said. Glen Martin, senior systems administrator for Information Technology Services, said he always tries to distance himself from other people when smoking and doesn’t feel the ban infringes upon his rights as a smoker. “It seems reasonable to me,” Martin said.
RACECAR continues from PAGE 1 “Lots of families have bickering. I’m hopeful that all three of us want to make this happen.” In a statement Thursday, Circuit of the Americas responded to Ecclestone and said if he is considering moving the event to 2013 the company would still be interested and have time to prepare. Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, helped author the 2009 legislation that facilitated the process for projects like Formula 1 to receive state support and said no state incen-
GOT PARKING? Assigned Garage Parking Available! THE CASTILIAN RESIDENCE HALL across the street from UT 2323 San Antonio St. 478-9811 (ask for Heather) www.thecastilian.com
SPACES ARE LIMITED & GOING FAST!
TSM BOARD MEETING Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 Executive Committee: 12:30 p.m. Full Board Meeting: 1 p.m. College of Communications CMA, LBJ Room #5.160 2600 Whitis Avenue
The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely. I f we have made an error, let us know about it. Call (512) 232-2217 or e-mail managingeditor@dailytexanonline.com.
tives have been given to the project. He said funds will only be given after the race has taken place. “It has always been incumbent on the race organizers to show that such a massive event can actually be held,” Watson said. “That it would transparently provide the economic windfall they promised and that it would yield real tangible benefits to the people, that obligation remains.” Mark Wise, team manager for the Formula SAE team at UT, said he’s been watching Formula 1 since he was 4 years old and that the industry has a complex political system in which there are a lot of different players. “What I’m interested in seeing is how New Jersey plays into this,” Wise said. “Bernie wants more money and now that New Jersey is at the bidding table it could have
Copyright 2011 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in the print and online editions, are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission.
TOMORROW’S WEATHER High
82
Low
69
Female dog is the new black, female dog.
some repercussions.” Bill Dollahite, a retired race car driver and founder of the local race track, Driveway Austin, said he is cautiously optimistic about the situation. Dollahite said he would love to see the racetrack in Austin because his racing academy could greatly complement the venue. He said although his business could vastly increase if the track comes to Austin and he hopes the parties work it out, it won’t hurt his business if the track doesn’t happen. “I would be disappointed for all the people who have put so much into it and because I know what it would mean for our community on the world stage and economically,” Dollahite said. “I’ve spent my whole life in this business and what it could do for Austin is huge.”
Architecture graduate student Kevin Olsen said he has confidence the track will be completed. Olsen is the co-founder of the Austin Grand Prix, a local racing website created to bring Formula 1 news to Austin fans. Bernie is known for his very close and very extensive relationships with people, Olsen said. What people are witnessing right now is a high-stakes negotiations deal and they’re playing hardball, he said. Olsen said many people were very upset because the media sensationalized the situation. “The major reaction was, ‘we wanted this so bad, why is this happening,’” Olsen said. “But people have calmed down and realized this is going to be okay.”
Hundreds of demonstrators gather at Capitol to protest cuts to public, higher education By Chris Tomlinson The Associated Press
AUSTIN — More than 200 Occupy Austin demonstrators rallied at the Texas state Capitol, focusing on education issues. Speakers called for more spending on education, particularly for public
school teachers. Others repeated slogans calling for an end to bank bailouts and the normal Occupy protest chants of “We are the 99 percent.” Protester then marched the length of downtown Austin to the City Hall, where the Occupy Austin camp is located. So far there have been no seri-
ous clashes between police and protesters. The city has a designated free speech zone in an outdoor amphitheater. That is where the protesters are based. Both the mayor and the police chief have said they have no intention of shutting down the protest. Organizers say there have been 38 arrests since the protest began.
Visitors Welcome We encourage any community member who has any kind of temporary or permanent disability to contact Texas Student Media beforehand so that appropriate accommodations can be made. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Thirteen arrested peacefully at Occupy Houston The Associated Press
HOUSTON — Houston police have arrested 13 people during a downtown march that was sponsored in part by Occupy Houston protesters. Police spokesman Kese Smith says during the Thursday march, which also included individuals rep-
resenting unions and other groups, a dozen individuals were arrested after they sat down, linked arms and blocked an intersection during rush hour traffic. All were charged with obstructing a roadway. A thirteenth person was arrested for interfering with the duties of a public servant. Kese says all the arrests took
place without incident. All those arrested will be taken to the Harris County Jail for arraignment. All are facing misdemeanor charges. Kese says the march, attended by a couple hundred individuals, was mostly peaceful and police have had a good relationship with members of Occupy Houston.
W/N P3
World&NatioN
3
Friday, November 18, 2011 | The Daily Texan | Austin Myers, Wire Editor | dailytexanonline.com
NEWS BRIEFLY Russia says rising local conflicts could trigger the nuclear option MOSCOW — Russia is facing a heightened risk of being drawn into conflicts at its borders that have the potential of turning nuclear, the nation’s top military officer said Thursday. Gen. Nikolai Makarov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces, cautioned over NATO’s expansion eastward and warned that the risks of Russia being pulled into local conflicts have “risen sharply.” Makarov added, according to Russian news agencies, that “under certain conditions local and regional conflicts may develop into a full-scale war involving nuclear weapons.” A steady decline in Russia’s conventional forces has prompted the Kremlin to rely increasingly on its nuclear deterrent. The nation’s military doctrine says it may use nuclear weapons to counter a nuclear attack on Russia or an ally, or a large-scale conventional attack that threatens Russia’s existence.
Germany launches investigation after neo-Nazi killing spree
BERLIN — Germany will fully investigate how a group of neo-Nazis managed to operate under the radar of authorities for years, allegedly killing 10 people and robbing a string of banks, the justice minister promised Thursday. Minister Sabine LeutheusserSchnarrenberger acknowledged wide criticism — focused on the domestic intelligence agency — of authorities for apparently letting the gang slip through their hands for years. The case came to light earlier this month when two founding members apparently committed suicide after police closed in on them following a bank robbery. “We are all asking how it could be that the security authorities allowed it to be possible for a known group of neo-Nazis to go underground at the end of the ‘90s and apparently over 13 years murder people in various German cities, carry out bombing attacks, and lethally attack police officers,” she said. The group called itself the National Socialist Underground — a clear reference to the full name of the Nazis, a contraction of “National Socialists.” It is suspected of murdering eight people of Turkish origin, one person with Greek roots and a policewoman. The crimes have caused an outcry and soul-searching across the country, especially among immigrant groups who maintain that authorities were too quick to dismiss the murders as regular street crime rather than extremism.
Occupiers take on exchange Idaho man attempts
Obama assassination By David Rising The Associated Press
Mary Altaffer| Associated Press
Police officers shove demonstrators affiliated with the Occupy Wall Street movement as they block the entrance to the New York Stock Exchange on Broad Street on Thursday.
NEW YORK — Two days after the encampment that sparked the global Occupy movement was cleared by authorities, demonstrators blocked traffic into New York’s financial district on Thursday and promised mass gatherings in other cities. Hundreds of protesters clogged the streets leading to Wall Street in lower Manhattan, bringing taxis and deliver y vehicles to a halt. Police in riot helmets watched the protesters from behind barricades. “All day, all week, shut down Wall Street!” the crowd chanted. At the corner of Nassau and Pine streets protesters were sitting on the ground and refusing to move. The protest remained peaceful, and the demonstrators and police were still allowing workers to get to their offices. The day of action had been planned before the city and park owners cracked down on the encampment in Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan, but took on added importance to the protesters after tents, tarps and sleeping bags were cleared out early Tuesday and the granite plaza was cleaned for the first time since the group arrived. “This is a critical moment for the movement given what happened the other night,” said Paul Knick, 44, a software engineer from Montclair, N.J. “It seems like
Brown though said Thursthere’s a concerted effort to stop the movement and I’m here to day that the situation “just became untenable.” make sure that doesn’t happen.” Demonstrator Michael Curtis, Occupy Dallas Evicted 58, of Dallas, said he was sleeping DALLAS —Occupy Dallas pro- at the campsite last night when testers were evicted early Thurs- he got word that the police were day morning after the demonstra- clearing it out and he left the site. tion at a campsite near City Hall “They could have said ‘Thursreached a “tipping point” that day, be out by 9 a.m.,’” he said. included an offsite dispute between two participants, escalat- Occupy London Faring Well ing offenses and unsanitary conLONDON —Protesters camped ditions, Dallas police Chief David outside St. Paul’s Cathedral in LonBrown said. don said Thursday they are staying Brown said police arrested 18 put as a deadline passed for them people for violating the city or- to take down their tents or face ledinance against people sleeping gal action. or being on public property from London officials attached evicmidnight to 5 a.m. He said that tion notices to the tents Wednespolice gave protesters about 90 day, demanding they be reminutes to clear out before officers moved from the churchyard by made arrests. 6:00 p.m. Thursday. The city last week accused proThe Occupy London group said testers of violating an agreement no one had left by the deadline, to allow the campsite near Dallas and marked its passing with a ralCity Hall by putting up semi-per- ly and a minute of silence outside manent structures and signs, us- the cathedral. ing City Hall restrooms and not “The general feeling is exciteproperly collecting trash. ment at the moment,” said proA federal judge on Tuesday re- tester Nathan Cravens, 27. “It’s fused to issue an order that would brought us together.” have blocked removal of the The City of London Corporacampsite, but Jonathan Winocour, tion says that if the tents are not who represents some of the pro- removed it will go to court seeking testers, had said Wednesday that an eviction notice. The first hearthey’d reached an agreement with ing will likely be next week, but the city that they could stay four the process could take months. more weeks as long as they obeyed —Compiled from Associated Press reports the law.
BOISE, Idaho — An Idaho man accused of firing an assault rifle at the White House believed he was Jesus and thought President Barack Obama was the Antichrist, according to court documents and those who knew him. At one point, he even suggested to an acquaintance the president was planning to implant computer tracking chips into children. Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez, 21, was charged Thursday with attempting to assassinate the president or his staff. He is accused of firing nine rounds at the White House last Friday night — one of them cracking a window of the first family’s living quarters — when Obama and the first lady were away. If convicted, Ortega faces up to life in prison. Ortega was arrested Wednesday at a western Pennsylvania hotel when a desk clerk there recognized him and called police. Ortega’s public defender, Christopher Brown, declined comment after his first court hearing in Pennsylvania. Ortega’s mother has said he has no history of mental illness, though when authorities were looking for him, they reported he had “mental health issues.” In Idaho Falls, where Ortega is from, a computer consultant told
The Associated Press that the two met July 8 after Ortega asked for help editing a 30-minute infomercial. Monte McCall said that during the meeting at Ortega’s family’s Mexican restaurant, Ortega pulled out worn sheets of yellow paper with handwritten notes and started to talk about his predictions that the world would end in 2012. “He said, ‘Well, you know the president is getting ready to make an announcement that they’re going to put GPS chips in all the children, so they’re safe,’” McCall said. “... And then he said, ‘That’s just what the Antichrist is going to do to mark everybody.’” At his first appearance in court in Pennsylvania, Ortega sat quietly, his hands free but his feet shackled. He said only, “Yes, ma’am” when he was asked if he understood that he would be going back to Washington to face the charge. According to a court document released after the hearing, authorities recovered nine spent shell casings from Ortega’s car, which was found abandoned near the White House shortly after the shooting. An assault rifle with a scope was found inside. A person who knows him subsequently told investigators that he had become increasingly agitated with the federal government and was convinced it was conspiring against him, the document said.
The app that’s gone viral with all of the lights.
Seriously, up to a MILLION colors. DOWNLOAD NOW IN THE APP STORE AND GET DOWN!
FOR iPHONE
Israel turns to eastern Africa for alliance against Islamicism JERUSALEM — Israel has identified eastern Africa as an important strategic interest and is stepping up ties with nations in the region in a joint effort to control the spread of Islamic extremists, officials said Thursday. In effect, Israel would become a player siding with Christian-led African nations in conflicts with Muslim movements, a fault line that has sharpened around the continent in recent years. Israeli moves come as the United States as well has hiked up military support for African governments, in large part to combat al-Qaida-linked groups. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, hosted the leaders of Uganda and Kenya earlier this week, following a meeting at the United Nations in September with the president of the newly liberated South Sudan, the mainly Christian and animist nation that gained independence from Muslim Arab-led Sudan in July. The outcome of the meetings — and the extent of Israel’s moves to ally with the Africans — remains murky. Kenya’s leader went so far as to say Israel promised to provide security assistance to his country to help protect its borders Israeli officials say such claims are premature, but say an alliance with Kenya and other eastern African countries is natural. “We have joint interests and we believe that mutual cooperation can be beneficial to us all,” said Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev. —Compiled from Associated Press reports
“Sky” Brown ’12 Where I’m Headed: Public Interest Law “I want to run a nonprofit agency eventually. The pro bono clinic at South Texas gives you a lot of opportunities to participate in various fields of law, and the school goes out of its way to help place you for clerkships.”
S OU T H TE X A S C OLLEGE
OF
L AW
in downtown Houston puts you in the center of everything you need for a bright future. We’re near the Houston Pavilions, Discovery Green, Toyota Center and the offices of 6,000 practicing attorneys.
We offer the excellent legal education that will help you get where you want to go. You will find relevant skills training, the finest facilities, educational cocurricular activities, friendly and helpful administrative staff and flexible course options at one of the most affordable private law school tuition rates in the U.S.
Contact our Admissions Office at 713-646-1810 or w w w.stcl.edu Deadline for Fall 2012 admission is February 15, 2012 Get on the path to your future now!
SOUTH TEX AS COLLEGE OF L AW / HOUSTON
4
OPINION
Friday, November 18, 2011 | THE DAILY TEXAN | Viviana Aldous, Editor-in-Chief | (512) 232-2212 | editor@dailytexanonline.com
The Firing Line: Valuing the arts
Samian Quazi Daily Texan columnist, nursing graduate student
LEGALESE Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan are those of the editor, the Editorial Board or the writer of the article. They are not necessarily those of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees.
SUBMIT A FIRING LINE Email your Firing Lines to firingline@dailytexanonline.com. Letters must be more than 100 and fewer than 300 words. The Texan reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, clarity and liability.
RECYCLE
Please recycle this copy of The Daily Texan. Place the paper in one of the recycling bins on campus or back in the burnt-orange newsstand where you found it.
Andy Young Undeclared junior
It was with great disappointment that I read Quazi’s Nov. 16 column. The opinions expressed within have been said over and over ad nauseam. As a student of both the liberal and fine arts, I have heard this criticism before and know that I will again. I took the greatest issue with the following statement: “But the arts have traditionally been the patronage of the wealthy a n y w a y. ” True, specific arts — Rachel Gilbert, Graduate student survived at many points in history because of the support of patrons. But while we wouldn’t have Shakespeare without Queen Elizabeth I, the surviving words now belong to the people. Instead of focusing on the monetary or career value of an education in the fine arts, we should consider the importance and value of fine arts to the human soul. I am loath to think that Quazi would like to attend an institution that doesn’t value art, that didn’t make such wonderful art available to students or that didn’t realize that the purpose of learning is not to trade your diploma for dollars.
“
[We] should consider the importance and value of fine arts to the human soul.
Rachel Gilbert Theater and dance graduate student
I am extremely ashamed of having The Daily Texan as my school newspaper for allowing columnists to write absolute garbage. That in no way makes the Texan a quality piece of journalism. I expected much, much better from this publication and the editors that reviewed this piece before going to print. There are rants suited for op-ed columns, and there are rants suited for Facebook and blog posts. I would’ve thought that you all could distinguish which is which.
Lauren Hundley Journalism junior
Standard but not equal By Helen Hansen Daily Texan Columnist
The past decade has seen a growing movement to remove the SAT from college admissions requirements. In its place, colleges and universities would require applicants to take three or four SAT subject tests. More colleges and universities should throw out the SAT and make subject tests the focus in the admissions process. My initial response to the SAT relevance debate was to staunchly support the SAT, the standardized test that I studied so hard for in a six-week prep course. I still remember the day my score was posted online. To me, that score validated all the hard work, money and time that my parents and I put into preparing for the mother of all college admissions tests. But that is exactly what is wrong with the SAT. Charles Murray, the W.H. Brady Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, wrote in his essay “Abolish the SAT” that “far too many students see a high score on the SAT as an expression of their own merit, not an achievement underwritten by the dumb luck of birth.” The “dumb luck of birth” Murray is referring to, in part, a student’s parents. Statistically, “approximately 90 percent of students with 700+ scores had at least one parent with a college degree” and “over half had a parent with a graduate degree,” according to a 2006 report by the College Board. I did well on the SAT because my parents could afford a prep course and one-on-one coaching. Many have argued — students, teachers and parents alike — that expensive coaching is the only way to succeed on this test of tricks, and my SAT experience confirms this. My score increased by more than 300 points from the first pre-coaching practice test to the actual SAT. My coach did not teach me anything about literature or trigonometry or
grammar. Instead, he taught me how to recognize a certain kind of problem and how to know which tools to pull out of my bag to solve it. SAT subject tests, on the other hand, reflect an applicant’s real knowledge, and they require a serious application to a subject the student has studied in high school. There is nothing tricky about knowing what the Monroe Doctrine is for the U.S. History subject test. Students can study chemistry or Spanish on their own and still succeed on these tests. Murray also sees an added benefit of colleges emphasizing subject tests over the SAT. “The substitution of achievement tests for the SAT will put a spotlight on the quality of the local high school’s curriculum,” Murray said. “If achievement test scores are getting all of the parents’ attention in the college admissions process, the courses that prepare for those achievement tests will get more of their attention as well, and the pressure for those courses to improve will increase.” Having SAT subject tests as the keystone of college admissions would have a plethora of benefits. Students would save themselves a whole lot of useless studying and gain deserved confidence in their academic ability; parents would save money by not having to hire expensive coaches; high schools would be pressured to improve their academics and colleges; and universities would admit more socioeconomically and culturally diverse students. Several top national universities have already made the switch to SAT subject tests. Some of the most notable include Wake Forest, Kansas State, DePaul, George Mason and the Unviersity of Mississippi. Perhaps it is time for the University of Texas to consider adding itself to the list. Hansen is a Plan II and public relations freshman.
Pear t Lawr ence
I am absolutely furious that The Daily Texan would publish this article and call it journalism. I use the term “article” loosely because frankly, a Wikipedia article would have more concrete evidence. I’m a working filmmaker and, let me tell you, the creative fields are doing fine. We’re hit as badly as everyone else, but as long as there is a need for entertainment, there will be a need for fine arts programs in our schools. Writing an opinion that they are not needed is fine so long as the writer has facts to support his opinion. I’d be happy to give Quazi a lesson in the real economic realities of our field if he wants to drop me a line. However, tell him the next time he wants to try and blindly tear down something he doesn’t have the credentials to discuss in a public medium, he had better turn the lights on and bring a much bigger hammer.
“
On Wednesday, The Daily Texan published my opinion column, “The questionable value of arts programs.” Since that publication, many within the UT community felt compelled to write their own responses to an admittedly controversial viewpoint. I’m grateful to hear your passionate, articulate and diverse viewpoints. In particular, I’d like to thank those in our fine arts programs for responding to an issue very close to their educational and career goals. I concede that I was taken aback by the outcry generated by many fine arts students and alumni to my article. After all, the Texan reported on potential budget cuts to the fine arts in February, yet the community’s response was tepid at best. If my opinion column elicits coherent arguments in favor of the arts, then I can only hope fine arts’ proponents will continue to advocate for their beliefs in public forums. We’re all aware of our nation’s prolonged high unemployment, and recent news stories on debt-burdened college graduates unable to find relevant employment are all the rage in the mainstream media. Much of the public discussion has focused on whether there are too many liberal arts and fine arts graduates in a market supposedly saturated with such majors. In turn, public officials have questioned whether continuing to fund such programs is still relevant given the current economic dynamics. Florida Gov. Rick Scott, for instance, called for universities in his state to reallocate funding to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. He argued that many of the other fields weren’t economically beneficial to Florida. Scott asked in a speech in October, “Do you want to use your tax dollars to educate more people in anthropology? I don’t.” In Kansas, Gov. Sam Brownback eliminated all state funding for the Kansas Arts Commission, saying funding the arts was not a core function of state government. Even our state’s governor Rick Perry has targeted federal spending on the National Endowment for the Arts in his presidential bid. Is it fair that so many politicians are singling out arts programs, including those at public universities, as wasteful spending? I’d venture to say no. But there is a strong perception among many in the public that the arts are an amenity whose costs aren’t justified during tough economic times. It’s also fair to presume that arts advocates have not been as forthright in assuaging the public’s concerns that sustained taxpayer support is justified. I encourage the UT community to continue this discussion on a national issue that has been given too little attention. I also encourage readers to submit replies to The Daily Texan in the form of firing lines on this and issues to come.
| Dail y Tex an St aff
Editor’s note: Daily Texan columnist Samian Quazi wrote an opinion piece that was published in Wednesday’s paper questioning the value of fine arts programs. Below are several of the many firing lines we’ve received as well as a response from Quazi.
Journalism is important to help people connect with one another, but it is important that journalists interrogate and investigate stories and present society with facts. In Quazi’s column, many of these journalistic qualities were lacking, as there was no attempt to verify sources. For example, Samian said, “Parents of public school children often adamantly defend school programs in music, visual arts, dance and theater. The parents argue such programs impart creativity, foster discipline and expose children to fundamental aspects of human culture. And I agree with that.” This is an assumption and a generalization. Even opinion articles should have clear, factual sources. Good journalism is not presumed, it is researched. I could keep going, as this article is littered with unfounded claims and grandiose presumptions that devalue an entire sector of the work force and the University. This article has done nothing but create anger and defensiveness. I have seen very little constructive debate about what is a very real issue because the author offered no facts to debate about. The online comments in response to the column are mostly angry tirades of artists feeling that they have to defend themselves.
Rowan Doyle Theatre graduate student
Quazi seems to criticize more than the value of state university-supported arts programs throughout his column. However, his arguments are questionable. People seldom work in the area of their college major. However in college, students find an area of study that attracts them strongly enough and to which they will devote four or more years. They will likely change jobs many, many times in a lifetime of career and personal and economic changes. Finely-honed artistic craft is actually a marketable and useful skill with income potential — much more than many other types of majors. A drama graduate may be more skilled at negotiating contracts. A visual arts graduate may be better at design and, therefore, marketing campaigns. A strong, healthy state institution must have course offerings in a very broad range of subjects, and it must have departments strong enough to train teachers and educators in all fields, especially those such as the arts that are shown to enhance student creativity, discipline and academic success. Employment and career success is very related to the discipline — and not the subject — learned in college. No undergraduate has finely-honed self-discipline. A UT education should empower students to adapt to any circumstance, to make educated decisions throughout their lives and to creatively solve their own problems. Frankly, I can’t think of any college program that is better than fine arts for that purpose.
Marilyn Harris Research assistant, cell and molecular biology
Quazi’s column has disturbing implications. Beyond its dangerous simplicity and poor understanding regarding the internal workings of UT’s budget, it implies two things. First, that fine arts — and all other studies for that matter — should be scrutinized solely for their “real economic benefit” and second, that individual career choices should be weighed by their monetary rewards. The value of a university education is clearly more than economic benefits. Moreover, the arts are a foundational component of our modern society. Throughout human history, we have found value in creating, performing and constructing for its own sake, receiving inspiration from new forms of expression. There is also a very tangible value that art brings to society as a whole. When society suffers trauma, art can be an alternative form of expression. A nonprofit decided to use art as therapy for children displaced by Hurricane Katrina, providing these children with a critical emotional outlet that would otherwise be unavailable. The second implication of Quazi’s argument is equally disturbing. Quazi may be advised to drop out of nursing and begin studies in finance. This reasoning forgets that there are other factors in career choice beyond maximizing personal income. As Harvard sociologist Daniel Bell once noted, “Art is an end in itself. Its values are intrinsic.” If there are sacrifices to be made to the quality of academic programming, it would be a tragedy for the University to ignore the inherent value of fine arts.
Luis Soberon First-year law student
Quazi’s column contains no facts and no research. It struck me as particularly mean-spirited and irresponsible. I and many others are starting to wonder if “Samian Quazi” is a real person or if this article was authored by a full-time staff member of The Daily Texan or the University. It has been suggested by other outraged members of the College of Fine Arts that it was actually written by a member of the governor’s office. Is it possible that it was written by an outside entity and yet slid by your editorial staff? Your paper printed that “Quazi is a graduate nursing student,” yet this person’s name does not appear in the UT directory, and the registrar’s office confirmed to me today that no such student is enrolled in the university. The student may have requested to keep this information private, but I wonder how much fact-checking the Texan did before this article ran. The inclusion of this article in the Texan is wildly irresponsible, primarily because no equal space was afforded to the opposing viewpoint in the same issue of the paper. I support free expression and a free press, but kicking an entire industry while it’s down seems to me the height of arrogance and pettiness and a lack of oversight by the Texan has added fuel to an unnecessary fire.
Lane Harder Assistant instructor, music graduate student
UNIV P5
news 5
Friday, november 18, 2011
Local bookstore owners discuss futures By Omar Gamboa Daily Texan Staff
The emergence of digital and online textbooks will not limit the value of bookstores in Austin, Steve Bercu, the owner of BookPeople, said Thursday. As part of its current exhibition “Banned, Burned, Seized, and Censored,” the Harry Ransom Center presented a public discussion with Bercu, Russell Etchen, director of Domy Books, and Susan Post, the owner of BookWoman about the future of their local businesses. Part of the discussion also touched on how new technology will impact their businesses. “B oth Susan [Post] and I, through our websites, sell ebooks right now,” Bercu said. “We would hope that soon everyone would know that we charge the exact same price as everyone else who sells digital books.” Etchen said while Domy Books doesn’t sell electronic books, his store’s future is not at risk. The store follows a contemporary art bookstore style and is considered an information source, he said. “Personally, I’m more interested in putting books on people’s shelves — to develop the mentality that you should have books in your home,” Etchen said. “There’s this little John Waters meme going around in the Internet saying ‘If you go home one night with somebody and they don’t have books on their shelves, don’t sleep with them.’” The event also coincided with the Ransom Center’s Greenwich Village Bookshop Door exhibition. Almost 240 artists, writers, publishers, and others from New York City’s Greenwich Village neighborhood signed a door to a back room in the bookstore between 1921 and 1925, which was once a part of an artistic hot spot. Molly Schwartzburg, Harr y
Batli Joselevitz | Daily Texan staff
Steve Bercu holds a flyer for Susan Post of Book Woman as they discuss the future of independent bookstores in Austin. The discussion was held at the Harry Ransom Center Thursday evening.
Ransom Center curator, said the relationship between the speakers and the door provides a lesson about how bookstores have added to their communities throughout history. “The relationship shows small
bookstore owners involved in the store and the day-to-day activities that it provides,” Schwartzburg said. “They are focused on what a particular community wants, adding to a better process of selection for the customer.”
Child psychiatrist accused of sexual abuse By Paul Weber The Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO — A child psychiatrist fired over allegations that he sexually abused two residents at a state hospital for the mentally ill had been accused of sexually abusing patients several times during his 21 years working there, state officials said Thursday. State investigators looked into all of the allegations of sexual abuse involving Dr. Charles Fischer when they were made, but they found no confirmation of abuse until last month, said Patrick Crimmins, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. Fischer was fired Monday from the Austin State Hospital, where he worked in a supervisory role at the Child-Adolescent Psychiatric Services Unit. Austin police said Thursday that Fischer, 59, is under investigation but has not been charged. He did not immediately respond to a phone message left Thursday at his Austin
home, and it was not clear whether he had an attorney. State officials declined to release even the most basic details of the allegations against Fischer, including how many people accused him of sexual abuse and how old they were when the alleged abuse occurred. “We are all heartbroken over these allegations. We’re investigating the situation and considering our next actions,” Texas Department of State Health Services spokeswoman Carrie Williams said. “These kids come to us to heal, and the situation is very sad and extremely troubling for everyone involved.” Disability Rights Texas, a federally funded nonprofit tasked by the government to help monitor state facilities for the mentally ill and disabled, said its records indicate there have been as many as eight allegations against Fischer. Beth Mitchell, an attorney for the organization, said there is indication the allegations go back a decade. Mitchell said her organization is now trying to uncover why previ-
ous allegations against Fischer were unfounded. Mitchell said that while she doesn’t believe the state’s standard for “confirming” an allegation is too high, she said investigations commonly end with the alleged victim being discredited. Mitchell said Fischer has never popped up on her organization’s radar before. Fischer had worked since 1990 at Austin State Hospital, which is part of a system of 11 state hospitals for people with mental illnesses. Crimmins said state caseworkers have received “several reports alleging sexual abuse by Dr. Charles Fischer dating back several years,” but would not elaborate. Last year, state investigators confirmed 39 cases of sexual abuse in facilities that are either state-run or contracted by the state. Yet investigators “confirming” an allegation of abuse are rare: Fewer than 2 percent of more than 2,100 abuse allegations made in state psychiatric hospitals in 2010 were confirmed by the state.
Federal court issues new redistricting maps By April Castro The Associated Press
AUSTIN— A federal court on Thursday issued temporary political maps for the 2012 election in Texas that some say will give Democrats a greater chance of winning seats in the Legislature. The maps, which still must be given final court approval, will remain in place for state House and Senate districts until there is a resolution to lawsuits filed over the Legislature’s proposals — likely through the 2012 elections. The court is expected to also release a proposal for new congressional districts. Republicans have acknowledged they are not likely to hold on to the 101-49 supermajority they have in the Texas House. Still Democrats argue that the GOP map drawers went too far in trying to preserve their power. Attorneys were still analyzing the maps Thursday evening. The court order from a three-judge panel in San Antonio requested that parties file comments and objections by noon Friday. A spokeswoman for Texas Attor-
ney General Greg Abbott, who is representing the state, said the office is reviewing the maps. “We’ve received the court’s proposed interim maps and we’re reviewing them and working to prepare a response as requested by the court,” said Abbott spokeswoman Lauren Bean. One of the biggest changes was in Senate District 10, which Republicans had drawn so that Democrat Sen. Wendy Davis would face little chance for re-election. Davis had argued before the federal court that the map discriminated against minorities in her district. The court apparently agreed, and largely restored her district to its original boundaries. “These maps are a step forward for Texas voters and underscore the importance of the Voting Rights Act,” said Anthony Gutierrez, spokesman for the Texas Democratic Party. “We’re pleased that the judges took all the evidence into consideration and stood up for the voters.” Democrats and minorities have complained that the maps drawn by the Republican-controlled Legisla-
ture prevent minority groups from electing their choice of candidate. A resolution in the San Antonio case is being held up by a separate case in Washington, in which a federal court refused to approve the maps. That court agreed with the U.S. Department of Justice that there was sufficient evidence to question whether the new maps hurt minority representation. That cleared the way for a trial and all but guarantees the 2012 elections will be conducted with temporary, court-drawn maps. District boundaries are redrawn every 10 years to reflect changes in census data. The legal fight centers around a requirement in the 1965 federal Voting Rights Act that certain states with a history of discrimination, including Texas, be granted “preclearance” before changes in voting practices can be enacted. The legal standard is whether proposed changes have the purpose or effect of diminishing voting rights based on race or color. The Justice Department contends Texas’ legislative and congressional maps are retrogressive, meaning minority voters’ ability to elect their candidates of choice is diminished.
Etchen said Domy Books’ style is unique and has some adult themes. He said he did not want to create a traditional bookstore and wanted to cater to a more modern audience. “You really have to be your
own marketer,” Etchen said. “It’s every man for themselves.” Post said while BookWoman is generally a feminist bookstore, only ten percent of the books in the store deal with that topic. She said being able to sell children’s
books and activities in store is a large component of her business. “Part of the reason [children’s books] sell so well is that they’re just fun,” Post said. “You’ve got to have a store where children can just go read and play.”
SPTS P6
SPORTS
6
Friday, November 18, 2011 | THE DAILY TEXAN | Trey Scott, Sports Editor | (512) 232-2210 | sports@dailytexanonline.com
Spieth sizzles as season starts up
SIDELINE NFL
By Peter Sblendorio Daily Texan Staff
JETS
Entering his first season at the University of Texas, freshman golfer Jordan Spieth set a goal to become the top collegiate golfer in the NCAA. He just did not expect it to happen so soon. Just three events into his Longhorn career, Spieth has surpassed his high expectations for this season, rising to the top spot of the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings as college’s No. 1 individual golfer on Oct. 31. Spieth has finished among the top-six individual golfers in every event he has competed in so far, including a first-place finish at the Ilseworth Collegiate Invitation on Oct. 25, where he shot a 205 (-11) to led the field by eight shots. Not coincidentally, the Longhorns have won each of the three tournaments that Spieth has played in, and Texas has climbed to the top spot in the national rankings. As a team, the Longhorns golfers have performed extremely well overall in 2011, and Spieth is pleased that he has been able to provide immediate contributions. “I set goals coming in that
BRONCOS
NCAAB TEXAS A&M
MISS. STATE
NCAAF UNC
Lawrence Peart | Daily Texan Staff
VIRGINIA TECH
A two-time U.S. Amateur champion, freshman Jordan Spieth has quickly become one of the Longhorns’ most prolific golfers. In just four tournaments this year, Spieth has already recorded his first collegiate win and is currently ranked as the No. 1 individual golfer in the NCAA.
SPIETH continues on PAGE7
BASKETBALL TICKETCITY LEGENDS CLASSIC
SOUTHERN MISS
OREGON STATE VS. TEXAS
MEN’S
Freshmen prepare for road trip By Nick Cremona Daily Texan Staff
Horns rely on veterans, look to improve record By Stefan Scrafield Daily Texan Staff
For the 10th season in a row, the Longhorns have started the season 2-0. After two convincing home wins, Texas now heads to East Rutherford, N.J., to compete in the championship rounds of the TicketCity Legends Classic. Texas will play Oregon State on Saturday evening in the IZOD Center, the former home of the New Jersey Nets. Since Texas was selected as a regional host for the tournament, it will automatically advance no matter the result against the Beavers. North Carolina State and Vanderbilt also played host and will advance as well. This will be the sixth meeting between the Longhorns and Beavers, with Texas holding a 4-1 series lead. The Longhorns’ quick start can be largely accredited to the play of the six new freshmen, two of which have experience playing on the Eastern seaboard. Point guards Myck Kabongo
GIBBS continues on PAGE 7
WOMEN’S
Lawrence Peart | Daily Texan Staff
A native of Scotch Plains, N.J., Sterling Gibbs will head back to his home state when the Longhorns take on Oregon State Saturday.
The Longhorns (1-1) will look to cap off an excellent week with their second consecutive win when they take on the Alcorn State Lady Braves on Sunday afternoon. Texas, who signed highschooler Imani Stafford — the 10th overall recruit in the nation — and got their first win of the season earlier this week, are hoping to get their second win of the season before they head to Honolulu for the Waikiki Beach Marriott Rainbow Wahine Showdown next weekend. The Longhorns got away with some sloppy plays against Southeastern Louisiana on Monday night and will need to be much better if they want to make a statement at the Frank Erwin Center on Sunday. “It was very difficult to see that many turnovers,” said head coach Gail Goestenkors. “It’s
hard to watch. They weren’t forced turnovers. A lot of our turnovers were just mental errors, lack of focus.” Texas shot just 40 percent and turned the ball over 10 times in the first half of Monday night’s game, but were able to get into their set offense in the second half and were much more effective. “We didn’t really make any adjustments at half,” Goestenkors said. “But we were able to run more of our motion in the second half and our guards were able to get into a rhythm.” Texas is going to need more of the same from their veteran guards against the experienced Lady Braves. Alcorn State has nine upperclassmen on their roster, including all five of its starters, and will be hoping to take advantage of Texas’ mistakes. In order to be successful, Texas will also need more from
BRAVES continues on PAGE 7
Vick, Tebow better suited on the bench Longhorns take on Missouri, sights set on postseason run
By Chris Hummer Daily Texan Staff
By Lauren Giudice Daily Texan Staff
It’s week 11 and the start of the home stretch of your fantasy season, so here is some advice on who to start and who to sit.
The No. 9 Longhorns (19-4, 12-1 Big 12) are heading to Missouri this weekend with a lot of momentum pushing them towards a Big 12 conference victory. With just three games left in conference play, the Longhorns have definitely hit their stride and are making progress as a team. They won their elev-
Start 1. C arson Palmer, Oakland Raiders — Palmer had a bit of a rough start in his first two games in Oakland, but last week against San Diego he came through and led the team to an important division win. His numbers were good. He threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Chargers defense. This week Palmer goes against the fourth-worst passing defense in the league Minnesota, making Palmer a smart start or wavier pickup. 2. Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins — Don’t look now but the Dolphins are playing well, winning two of their last three, and Reggie Bush is a big part of that. He has seen lots of touches in both the running and passing game, and has scored three touchdowns. This week
enth straight match on Wednesday against Baylor. As with any team there are setbacks, and this team seems to be injury prone. But, the team doesn’t seem to be letting it bother them and players like Michelle Kocher, Madelyn Hutson and Haley Cameron are getting the opportunity to see the court.
MIZZOU continues on PAGE 7
Gregory Bull | Associated Press
Fresh off his three month “retirement,” Carson Palmer has returned to lead the Oakland Raiders to a 5-4 record so far this season.
the Dolphins face the Bills, who have a poor rush defense, giving up 169 yards on the ground to Dallas plus passing yards to backs out of the backfield their last time out. So Bush has an excellent matchup this week. Sit 1. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles — The Eagles are reeling and have started off the season 3-6, despite the expectations they accrued in the offseason. On top of that, Vick has a pair
of broken ribs to deal with this week, which is painful for any position and especially tough for a quarterback. Don’t expect much from Vick this week — if anything at all — because he might not even play. 2. Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos — The list this week has its share of high profile and overly discussed players on it, but none of the previous three have Tebow level hype. Tebow
TEBOW continues on PAGE 7
Fanny Trang | Daily Texan Staff
Freshman Haley Eckerman (10) rises up to block an Missouri players’ shot in a recent game. Eckerman has led No. 9 Texas to a 19-4 record.
UAB
TWEET OF THE WEEK MB Texas Football @MBTexasFootball
“Longhorns place 23 on Academic AllBig 12 Team with 14 on the first team to lead the conference in both categories.”
SPORTS BRIEFLY Tigers coach suspended this week after DWI arrest Thursday night COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri suspended football coach Gary Pinkel without pay for the final home game of the season Thursday and froze his salary for a year following his overnight arrest on suspicion of drunken driving. Athletic director Mike Alden said Pinkel would miss Saturday’s game against Texas Tech and the coach will donate a week’s worth of his base salary and guaranteed incentives — approximately $41,000 — to a campus alcohol-awareness program when he returns. The disciplinary measures include a total of approximately $306,000 in penalties and 50 hours of community service by next summer. If Missouri (5-5) makes it to a bowl game, Pinkel won’t get the $75,000 bonus his contract stipulates. He forfeits a $100,000 annual payment for meeting certain team academic and social goals. And he loses an automatic $50,000 raise at the end of the year. “Gary is someone with tremendous character and integrity,” Alden said. “He’s built something pretty special here at Mizzou over the course of the last 11years. We do not want one incident certainly to tear down what’s taken place. However, this absolutely goes against everything we stand for, and everything that he teaches his players in regard to their social responsibilities.” Boone County Sheriff’s Office records show that deputies pulled Pinkel over in Columbia, Mo., and jailed him Wednesday night on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. He was released from the county jail after posting a $500 bond. — The Associated Press
SPTS/CLASS P7
SportS 7
Friday, November 18, 2011
MIZZOU continues from PAGE 7
Jorge Corona | Daily texan Staff
Redshirt sophomore Cokie Reed (45) takes a shot against Southeastern Louisiana. Reed has returned from offseason foot surgery last year.
BRAVES continues from PAGE 7 sophomore Cokie Reed on the offensive end. Reed got in foul trouble early and had just seven points and five rebounds in limited minutes against SE Louisiana. She will have the height advantage over the undersized Lady Braves frontcourt and will have to take
advantage. “I have to be able to stay on the court for longer without getting tired,” Reed said. “They’re probably going to have to double team and I’ve learnt that I need to look for my guards when the double team does arrive be-
GIBBS continues from PAGE 7 and Ashton Sterling Gibbs both spent time in high school around the New Jersey area. Kabongo played at St. Benedict’s Prep for a year before transferring to Findlay Prep, another prestigious basketball school located in Las Vegas. Essentially New Jersey is Kabongo’s third home, after his hometown of Ontario, then Las Vegas. The tournament will be a homecoming of sorts for Gibbs. He was born in Scotch Plains, N.J., and played his high school basketball in nearby West Orange, N.J. In his senior season, Gibbs averaged 21 points, four assists and two steals per game. He’s very familiar with the area and is excited to play near his old stomping grounds. “I’m expecting family [in New Jersey]. And friends. Hopefully, I’ll get some good playing time in front of them but that doesn’t mat-
ter so much as we bring the trophy back with us,” Gibbs said. Senior forward Alexis Wangmene also has ties to the area. After playing for two years at Central Catholic in San Antonio, he spent his senior season at Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J. Former Longhorn and current assistant also attended Blair Academy. Wangmene holds the honor of being one of the most experienced players on the team, and he knows the importance of early season tournaments such as the Legends Classic. “These are the kind of games that get you ready for the Big 12,” Wangmene said. “It’s such a pleasure to go back to New Jersey.” “I’m anxious, if anything,” Gibbs said. “Going to the airport, getting out of class early, spending the weekend with your teammates. We
Every player on the team can be subbed in at any time and the team doesn’t miss a step. Hutson came into the game on Wednesday and had two kills in the second set and two assisted blocks. She was a key part in the team’s 25-19 second set victory. Kocher, who has been impressing head coach Jerritt Elliott in practice, has earned more playing time as the season has progressed. She came into the game in the third set and had eleven assists and helped the team hit .464 with 14 kills. Kocher and Hutson have an impressive connection on the court that led to Hutson’s six kills on the night. “It’s just conveying what we do in practice on the court in the games,” Hutson said. “We work hard every day, so it’s great to be able to show it.” The rest of the Longhorns are hitting their stride. On Wednesday against Baylor, Sha’Dare McNeal had nine kills and Haley Eckerman had a team high of 10. As the season comes to a close, no one can deny that this team is a force to be reckoned with. They face Missouri on Saturday, who they swept earlier this season. “I l i ke ou r te am ,” E l l i ott said. “I think we’re getting better. I think we’re able to make good decisions.”
have a really strong bond.” Gibbs has averaged almost 12 minutes of playing time through the first two games of the season, but he knows he could be called upon at any time to produce for his team. “I’m still learning the game,” Gibbs said. “All coaches expect things from freshmen, so I have to work on some things.” With J’Covan Brown’s recent point-surge, Gibbs may not have to become a star just yet, but the talent is certainly there — it’s just a matter of him harnessing it. “Sterling is a very, very good shooter,” said assistant coach Rob Lanier. “With all the young guys, the challenge is to stay on the floor so that you can shoot with confidence, so he needs to get better at some other things so he can stay on the floor.”
SPIETH continues from PAGE 7 wentalong with the team goals, and I’m just happy that I’m playing well individually and helping the team win,” Spieth said. “We are where we want to be, and we are better than we expected [at this point] and, individually, I’m just trying to do my job.” Spiet h’s success at Texas should not come as much of a surprise. As the U.S. Junior Amateur champion in 2009 and 2011, Spieth joined Tiger Woods as the only golfer to win the championship multiple times. In 2009, he was named Rolex Junior Player of the Year, and before turning 18, he held the top spot in the Polo Golf Rankings. In his junior and senior years at Dallas Jesuit College Preparatory, Spieth accepted an exemption to compete in the PGA Tour’s HP Byron Nelson Championship, where he made the cut both years and finished in a tie for 16th place in 2010 and in a tie for 32nd in 2011. In September, Spieth competed with 20 of the top amateur golfers in t he world when he represented the Unit-
ed States in 2011 Walker Cup, where he finished as the nation’s leading scorer. Despite all of his accomplishments at the amateur level, Spieth believes that he has elevated his play even more since joining the Texas golf team, and he credits his teammates for much of this improvement. “I think that since I’ve gotten to UT, I’ve gotten better and probably the biggest factor has been being able to learn from the [other Longhorn golfers],” Spieth said. “When you’re playing against these guys everyday, it’s going to make you better, along with the guidance of [Texas head golf coach John Fields].” And while Spieth has tried to learn as much as possible from the more experienced golfers on team, senior Dylan Frittelli believes that the standout freshman’s personality and work ethic have helped make everyone else on the Texas roster better as well. “He’s really energetic,” Frittelli said. “He’s not necessarily bouncing off walls, but he is
very intense, very energetic and this correlates to good results. He’s a great player and he basically spurs you on days you play with him because you are just trying to compete with him.” The Longhorn coaching staff has been equally impressed with Spieth and they believe that he has been an extremely strong addition to an already skilled team. “He’s definitely meant a lot [to the team] in terms of his desire and confidence,” Fields said. “It was already a good team that he joined, with two All-Americans in Dylan Frittelli and Cody Gribble, and he has invigorated the program. He’s had a positive impact on the team, and that is including the coaches.” Looking forward, Spieth has high aspirations of being the top player on the PGA Tour, and his dream is to win the Masters. For now, though, the freshman is focused on continuing to help the Longhorns win tournaments and compete for a national title, and no player will likely be more important in obtaining that team goal than Spieth himself.
SPORTS BRIEFLY
“I want to go to rehab to get help,” Jolly told the judge as he wiped away tears with a tissue. Jolly, 28, was charged with possession of a compound containing codeine, a controlled substance, after a traffic stop in Houston in October. He also was charged with tampering with evidence for attempting to conceal the substance from the investigating officers. Jolly’s truck was pulled over after he was seen throwing a bag out the window. The bag wasn’t recovered, but Jolly was seen dumping a cup believed to contain codeine on the floor. Two bottles believed to contain codeine were recovered from the vehicle. The arrest put Jolly in jeopardy of receiving prison time because in April he had pleaded guilty to a co-
deine possession charge in a deal that wiped out an earlier charge and spared him from prison unless he stumbled again. After the hearing, Jolly’s attorney, Letitia Quinones, told The Associated Press that the player spent eight weeks in court-ordered rehab after his second arrest, but has only recently faced up to his codeine addiction. “I don’t look at Johnny as a criminal,” Quinones said. “I look at him as an addict.” Jolly, who grew up in Houston, was a sixth-round draft pick of the Packers in 2006 after playing at Texas A&M. He was a starter for the Packers in 2008 and 2009. However, he sat out the 2010 season after being suspended by the NFL indefinitely the previous July.
Ex-Packer headed for jail time, sentenced for drug possession HOUSTON — Suspended Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday for violating the terms of his probation for a drug conviction. State District Judge Denise Bradley imposed the sentence despite tearful pleas from Jolly and his mother, Phyllis Jolly, to allow the 6-foot-3, 325-pound lineman to be treated for his addiction to codeine instead of going to prison. Jolly’s aunt, agent and drug counselor also testified on his behalf.
— The Associated Press
TEBOW continues from PAGE 7 has performed well in his time as a starter going 3-1, while being an above average fantasy player as well. But this week he comes
UNS AD IRNE FOR ONL
E! E R F d wor
ad s
on l y
130 Condos-Townhomes
530 Travel-Transportation
360 Furn. Apts. 2 BEDROOM FLAT FOR RENT Our newly remodeled apartment home feature brand new white cabinetry, new counter tops and contemporary light and plumbing fixtures throughout the apartment home.
COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK Breckenridge • Vail • Keystone Beaver Creek • Arapahoe Basin
breckenridge
20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price.
FROM ONLY
plus t/s
370 Unf. Apts.
4 BLOCKS FROM CAMPUS Classic 2 bedroom 2 bath loft style apartment, 1300 a month, One year lease. dhays2000@mac. com x ID 3078686
425 Rooms ROOM TO RENT SOUTH LAMAR Quiet house in lovely location. Suit graduate student. Shared kitchen and bathroom. $500 per month. 512-771-3447
Suspended Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly cries as he testifies in court on Thursday in Houston, sentenced to six years in prison for violating the terms of his probation on a drug charge.
CLASSIFIEDS
Self-serve, 24/7 on the Web at www.DailyTexanOnline.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HOUSING RENTAL
David J. Phillip | Associated press
CLASSIFIEDS THE DAILY TEXAN
REAL ESTATE SALES CAP-METRO STOP AT CONDO NICE 2BDRM/1.5BATH, $69,500. FLOORPLAN:OPEN, APPLIANCES:CONVEY, FIREPLACE, PATIO, POOL/CLUBHOUSE.
Kansas City last week, and going up against a stellar Jets secondary, 1 he might not even get one. Sit him this week.
WWW.UBSKI.COM
1-800-SKI-WILD • 1-800-754-9453 600 West 28th St, Suite #102
keep an eye out for the
super TUESDAY COUPONS clip and save!
every week
SEE WHAT OUR
ONLINE SYSTEM
has to offer, and place YOUR AD NOW! PICK UP DOUBLE COVERAGE TODAY!!
DailyTexanClassifieds.com
day, month day, 2008
up against the Jets defense, a much stiffer test than any of the other opponent he has seen thus far. He only completed two passes against
recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle recycle
All Transportation, Announcements, Services and Merchandise ads are 50 percent off regular rates and appear online at no additional charge, unless you opt for enhancements that will incur additional nominal charges. For more information or assistance please call the classifieds clerk at 512-471-5244, or e-mail classifieds@dailytexanonline.com
3B
ADVERTISING TERMS There are no refunds or credits. In the event of errors made in advertisement, notice must be given by 10 am the fi rst day of publication, as the publishers are responsible for only ONE incorrect insertion. In consideration of The Daily Texan’s acceptance of advertising copy for publication, the agency and the advertiser will indemnify and save harmless, Texas Student Media and its officers, employees and agents against all loss, liability, damage and expense of whatsoever nature arising out of the copying, printing or publishing of its advertisement including without limitation reasonable attorney’s fees resulting from claims of suits for libel, violation of right of privacy, plagiarism and copyright and trademark infringement. All ad copy must be approved by the newspaper which reserves the right to request changes, reject or properly classify an ad. The advertiser, and not the newspaper, is responsible for the truthful content of the ad. Advertising is also subject to credit approval.
COMICS P8
8
COMICS
Friday, November 18, 2011
SUDOKUFORYOU
D U OR U
6 3 5 4
Yesterday’s solution
1 5 6 1 4
8 5 5 8 2 7
8 6 3 7 3 9
9 6 7 4 1 1 4 6 8
4 2 5 6 8 9 7 3 1
6 3 7 1 2 5 9 8 4
8 1 9 7 3 4 2 5 6
5 7 6 9 1 3 8 4 2
1 4 2 8 5 7 3 6 9
3 9 8 2 4 6 5 1 7
2 5 4 3 7 1 6 9 8
7 6 1 5 9 8 4 2 3
9 8 3 4 6 2 1 7 5
Arrr matey. This scurrvy beast is today’s answerrrrrr. Crop it out, or it’ll be the the fishes for ya!
6 9 4 7 3 8 5 2 1
3 5 1 2 6 4 8 7 9
7 2 8 1 9 5 3 6 4
4 1 5 8 2 7 6 9 3
2 3 6 4 1 9 7 8 5
Dying
8 7 9 6 5 3 4 1 2
1 4 2 3 8 6 9 5 7
9 8 3 5 7 1 2 4 6
5 6 7 9 4 2 1 3 8
WINES · SPIRITS · FINER FOODS W (512) 280-7400 · specsonline.com (5 CHEERS TO SAVINGS
ENT P9
Life&Arts 9
friday, November 18, 2011 MOVIE REVIEw
Melancholia
Alexander Skarsgaard, left, Kirsten Dunst, center, and Charlotte Gainsbourg are shown in a scene from “Melancholia.”
Christian Geisnaes Magnolia Pictures
‘Melancholia’ features strong performances from all-star cast By Alex williams Daily Texan Staff
It’s an understatement to say Lars von Trier films are not for everyone. His Björk vehicle “Dancer in the Dark” is widely credited with being one of the most devastating films ever produced and “Antichrist” gained quite a reputation at 2009’s Fantastic Fest for its bizarre imagery and content. However, “Melancholia” finds von Trier reining in many of his more self-indulgent qualities and makes for a unique, discussionworthy experience. It’s well noted that von Trier has suffered from depression in the past and “Melancholia” portrays the condition with harsh, brutal honesty through Justine (Kirsten Dunst), a newlywed attending her reception at sister Claire’s (Charlotte Gainsbourg) massive estate. With everyone, including brotherin-law John (Kiefer Sutherland), waiting for Justine to dip into her
familiar well of crippling depression, the impending apocalypse threatened by approaching planet Melancholia goes mostly unnoticed. That is, until the film’s second half, which focuses on Claire’s mental disintegration as the planet threatens to collide with Earth, a disaster which oddly makes Justine much more serene. While von Trier often goes through great lengths to punish his lead actresses (especially Gainsbourg, who was absolutely fearless in “Antichrist”), Kirsten Dunst manages to escape much of the director’s notorious wrath. Her Justine is a delicate creature, sent on an emotional downward spiral for the slightest of reasons and Dunst easily gives the best performance of her career here. It’s easy to get frustrated with Justine, but Dunst’s despair over just how easy it is for her to fall apart is affecting enough to let us understand her, if not like her.
In the film’s second half, when Justine’s fear of inevitable doom is confirmed and she takes on a calmer demeanor, Dunst isn’t quite as prominent, but still just as effective. Meanwhile, Gainsbourg almost gives two different performances, playing annoyed and frightened for her sister very well in the film’s first half before she embarks on her own sobering descent as Melancholia approaches. Gainsbourg shines in both halves, often playing a character more fully realized but a bit less magnetic than Dunst’s Justine. Sutherland proves to be a strong supporting player as Claire’s husband, and Alexander Skarsgaard brings his familiar “True Blood” charm to Michael, Justine’s new husband who finds himself not entirely prepared for the condition his wife surrenders herself to over the course of their reception. Wedding planner Udo Kier brings sorely needed com-
ic relief with his growing frustration with Justine’s shenanigans and John Hurt is equal parts funny and heart-breaking as the girls’ dodgy father. Lars von Trier makes “Melancholia” less of a typical disaster movie, starting the film off with a gorgeous (but self-indulgent) opening showing the planet colliding with Earth and preferring to focus on the psychological trauma the end of the world has on its characters. “Melancholia” is Lars von Trier in relatively noncontroversial mode, focusing on telling a small, intimate story about a family dealing with various emotional apocalypses as a literal one barrels towards them. The film is very well shot and the final moments in particular have a striking beauty to them that makes the film more than worth seeking out in theaters. While its first half is much stronger than its second, “Mel-
Melancholia
Lars von Trier
Genre: science fiction Runtime: 136 min. For those who like: Antichrist, Deep impact
Grade: B+ ancholia” boasts some incredibly strong performances (including one that could possibly redefine Kirsten Dunst’s spotty career) and mostly restrained work from Lars von Trier. The film is equal parts experience and narrative, and while its loose threads may frustrate some viewers, Lars von Trier provides a memorable catharsis with his finale that makes “Melancholia” something that can leave you elated, shattered or just entertained.
TV REVIEw
In Showtime’s compelling new political thriller “Homeland,” Claire Danes portrays Carrie Matheson, a CIA agent convinced that recently recovered prisoner of war Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) has aligned his loyalty with Al Qaeda and is a part of planned attack on American soil.
hoMeland
Showtime finds success with political thriller Katie Stroh Daily Texan Staff
Much of Showtime’s original programming falls into the trap of overreliance on a central conceit, without which they generally struggle, having little substance outside that conceit on which to build a thematically strong story. “Dexter” would have little to stand on if the title character swore off serial killing, and if suburban mom Nancy Botwin ditched the pot business for good, “Weeds” would certainly flounder. However, Showtime’s new paranoid political thriller “Homeland” defies that reliance. It is a subtly crafted show that expertly balances its many themes — the ethicality of government surveillance, Americans’ perception of Islam and its relationship with terrorism, the crippling mental effect of war on soldiers — with both ambiguity and delicacy, while also carrying off some spectacular plotting and character twists. “Homeland” centers on Carrie Matheson (Claire Danes), a young CIA agent who, although doggedly committed to her job, is emotion-
ally and mentally unstable. Carrie lives with the unending guilt over not having caught a clue that might have prevented the 9/11 attacks and this guilt both motivates and handicaps her work. When Carrie is given a tip from an interrogation subject that an American solider has turned to alQaida, she immediately zeroes in on Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a recently recovered American prisoner of war who spent eight years being interrogated by the Iraqi regime of Abu Nazir (a fictional and vaguely bin Laden-like terrorist leader). Carrie uses all the government power she can scrounge up to investigate Brody, beginning by setting up a surveillance system in his house and scrutinizing his every move. In contrast with all the political intrigue involved in “Homeland,” the show also manages to make its portrayal of its characters’ domestic lives just as compelling. Carrie’s slow descent into paranoia, fueled by her asyet unnamed mental illness builds tension, and Danes’s manic portrayal of a woman consumed in turns by jittery paranoia, self-doubt and fierce
Homeland
Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa Starring: Claire Danes and Damian Lewis Airs: sundays at 9 p.m. on showtime
Grade: A righteousness is blistering. Sgt. Brody’s wife Jessica’s (Morena Baccarin) indecision over whether or not to tell Nick that she’s fallen in love with his best friend while she took him for dead in his absence is also anguishing. It’s the delicate ambiguity with which “Homeland” treats subjects like American surveillance, mental illness and the revelation of Brody’s conversion to Islam that make the show so remarkable. Paradoxically, the show’s hesitance to make any hard-and-fast moral statements about these subjects make “Homeland” all the more bold in its ambivalent assessment of post9/11 America. The show also sets itself apart by
Photo courtesy of Showtime
constantly defying viewers’ expectations about the typical twists and turns of a political thriller. For instance, any other serial drama might have drawn out Carrie’s surveillance of the Brody household for an entire season. However, the show dispenses with this plot device within four episodes as Carrie’s warrant expires, forcing her into more and more morally dubious situations in order to keep track of Brody.
Now that “Homeland” has been officially renewed for a second season and Showtime has confirmed that the enigmatic P.O.W. Sgt. Brody will be present for at least another season, it’s all the more uncertain what direction “Homeland” will take in seasons to come. Luckily for us, uncertainty is what “Homeland” does best.
New Year’s Eve in Sicily: Dec. 26-Jan. 4 Rome, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Capri Island: June 14-23 Elsa Gramola — Italy Tours • Italian Language • Cooking Classes 512-345-8941 • www.ATasteofItalyInAustin.com
The 2012 CAMPAIGN Starts Today, Apply Now! We are raising money for progressive causes like the Democratic Party, the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood Federation of America to protect a woman’s right to choose, and have fought to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” with the Human Rights Campaign. New campaigns with other great causes are starting every day! * Average Pay $11-$12/hr * Full or Part Time * 16-40 hrs/week * Eves/Afternoons/Weekends *Students Welcome
MOM continues from PAGE 10 manager at Cisco, has been a member of the group since 2009. She read the books after the second “Twilight” movie, “New Moon,” sparked her curiosity. The love story of Edward and Bella captured her attention and also brought a new dynamic to her own relationship. “It led to me seeing our relationship differently, what I expected and what I wanted out of things,” Cooper said. “My husband and I both understood that protective nature [of Edward] and the need to do anything for the other person.” The Twilight Moms group has even helped some mothers rediscover their sense of self, that they are someone beyond just a ride to dance practice or Boy Scouts. “It’s helped my to see the importance in developing myself as a person,” Wheeler said. “I didn’t pay attention to music, movies or have hobbies or girlfriends. I didn’t do things for me and it made me happy to do something again.”
REVIEW continues from PAGE 10 has done good work in other films), but the film’s attempt to have her play seductive — or, really, anything but angsty, — fail miserably. The two romantic leads haven’t fared any better as the series has developed. Pattinson has always been “Twilight’”s weakest link and here, he’s characteristically stiff and mopey to a fault, bringing little personality or charm to a cardboard cut-out character. Meanwhile Taylor Lautner, probably the best of the main three, brings a tiny bit of likability to the similarly starchy role of Jacob, but still crumbles under the weight of his character’s dramatic arc. Splitting a book that would have been insipid but entertaining in one breakneck rollercoaster ride of a film into two prolonged installments proves to be a fatal mistake, especially when this film seems to conclude Bella and Edward’s story rather definitively — that is, until a mid-credits one-off creates a new conflict for the next installment. If there wasn’t a second part already announced, it would be easy to close the proverbial book on the “Twilight” franchise with the last shot here. Instead, the first half of “Breaking Dawn” is a mess of a film, all too happy in allowing itself to get bogged down in flat dramatic tension. Much of the film’s back half centers on Lautner and his werewolf tribe — thankfully more clothed and looking much less like the Village People than they have in previous films — struggling to decide how to proceed with the issue of Edward and Bella’s procreation, and just as the film reaches its tepid climax, the conflict is explained away via the arbitrary invention of a rule that just so happens to render the battle null and void. “Twilight” films don’t all have to be disasters. Director Bill Condon’s restraint here proves to be the biggest of “Breaking Dawn”s’ many flaws, never clearer than in the many scenes Edward is fully in view of the sun but there’s nary a sparkle to be found. What is a “Twilight” film without sparkling vampires, campy performances and situations, and boatloads of hilarity? More than anything else, it’s boring, and that makes for a truly disappointing addition to the series.
Need to have your wisdom teeth removed? Don’t lace up your skates. We have a research study. Right now, PPD is looking for qualified participants for a post-surgical pain relief research study of an investigational medication. Surgery for qualified study participants will be performed by a board certified oral surgeon. Receive up to $500 upon study completion and the surgery is performed at no cost.
For information, call
462-0492
Text “PPD” to 48121 to receive study information
ENT P10
10
LIFE&ARTS
Friday, November 18, 2011 | THE DAILY TEXAN | Aleksander Chan, Life&Arts Editor | (512) 232-2209 | dailytexan@gmail.com
MOVIE REVIEW
BREAKING DAWN
Fourth installment lacks character development By Alex Williams Daily Texan Staff
After three films, there is no middle ground for the “Twilight” franchise — you’re either Team Edward or Team Jacob. The first film was a hilariously awful disaster, and things have been everso-slowly improving with each consecutive film, but the “Twilight” franchise remains saddled by its overwrought source material and weak principal actors. While “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” is full of potential for campy ridiculousness, the decision to split the film in two makes for a slog of a film that’s a distinct step down from the very nearly passable “Eclipse.” Picking up where “Eclipse” left Thomas Allison | Daily Texan Staff
Bill Condon
‘Twilight’ saga inspires local moms It is a little off-putting to most people at first, the idea of moms obsessing over a teenage romance novel. But with Edward Cullen’s golden eyes and chivalrous gestures, he can be irresistible even to the strictest of mothers. “The Twilight Saga,” by Stephenie Meyer, is a four-part series about a forbidden romance. The hero of the story, Edward Cullen, just so happens to be a devastatingly handsome vampire in love with an average human girl named Bella Swan. While he constantly wants to drink her blood and is actually forbidden to tell her his true identity, their love overcomes all. The four novels tell of their struggles and journey together. The best-selling books have
since been adapted into films and the latest, “Breaking Dawn Part I,” opened today at midnight. While the novels and movies are marketed to a teen girl audience, the appeal has spread to include their mothers. “Being older, we had real life experiences to relate to the feelings we had about the book,” said Austin Twilight Moms member Candace Wheeler. “I read ‘Twilight’ in one day, a Monday. I felt like I had to know what’s next. It was a need.” Fan club Austin Twilight Moms met through the website twilightmoms.com after realizing there was a large group of mother “Twilight” fans in Central Texas. They now host premiere parties for the movies, DVD release parties and other lunch and dinner dates for occasions such as Bella’s Birthday.
The group has also started raising money for charities such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which benefits childhood cancer research. “I know people roll their eyes and snicker about those creepy Twilight Moms,” Wheeler said. “But have you helped a soldier today or raised money for a children’s cancer research group? And taken three kids to school.” The moms are aware of the stereotypes out there, but it does not seem to bother them all that much. The moms are of all ages, from 20s to 50s, and their professions range from teacher to nurse or doctor. Some of the members are not even mothers, just older than the typical teenage “Twilight” fan. “Most people think Twilight Moms are middle-aged women who are stay-at-home moms trying to relive the past or recapture
Alumna lands role in ‘Breaking Dawn’ By Jody Serrano Daily Texan Staff
UT alumnus Marlane Barnes only had a vague idea of what the “Twilight Saga” was about before she went in to audition for an opportunity many would kill for: a part in “Breaking Dawn,” the fourth installment of the saga. Officials gave her the scene and put her on tape — the audition took 30 seconds. Three days later, Barnes found out she got the job. “Over 20 years to prep for that 30 seconds,” Barnes said. “I think the secret is I didn’t bother wanting the job. I didn’t think there was any chance in hell I would get it, so I did my prep watching the movie and reading up on the character and then went in and did it for me.” Barnes landed the role of Maggie, a new vampire that knows when individuals lie to her in “Breaking Dawn: Part 2,” to be released next year. She graduated from UT in 2010 with a Master of Fine Arts in acting and moved to Los Angeles after graduation to join her boyfriend at the University of Southern California. Barnes said her agents got her the audition because “Twilight” officials were looking for low-profile actors to play the new characters. Barnes said UT helped prepare her for the movie industry by teaching her to dedicate time to work on her craft and allowed her to experience a taste of the real world. “The opportunity to make mistakes is really important,” Barnes said. “And it should be in school, on your time, not someone else’s.” Theater and dance professor Franchelle Dorn said when she first met Barnes she thought she had a certain spark that lit up the room whenever she entered it. Dorn said it was this spark that motivated her to pursue Barnes
UT alumnus Marlane Barnes has a small role in Bill Condon’s “Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.”
their youth,” said April Cleaver. “People think we tend to be pretty aggressive, at least when it comes to the stars of the movies and there are some of those.” Cleaver is one of the members of the group who is not a mom, but “just a grown up.” She works as a controller at The Blood Center in Austin and began reading “Twilight” after her boss encouraged her to do so. She became “infected” after just three chapters of the first book, she said. “Bella is the every girl, so she reminded me a lot of me when I was that age,” Cleaver said. “And it reminded me of when I first got married and I’ve been married 27 years. It brought back all of that new love, which was fun.” Ji l l i an C o op e r, a proj e c t
MOM continues on PAGE 9
Genre: Romance Runtime: 117 min. For those who like: Twilight, True Blood
Grade: D
Andrew Cooper | Summit Entertainment
In this image released by Summit Entertainment, Kristen Stewart, right, and Robert Pattinson are shown in a scene from “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.”
POPindex POPindex BY ALEKSANDER CHAN
HORNS UP
Garrett Gilbert. Don’t count him out yet.
The first direct English translation of Witold Gombrowicz’s “Cosmos.” Translator Danuta Borchardt opens the Polish classic up to a whole new world.
Photo courtesy of Marlane Barnes
in the University Resident Theatre Association nationwide auditions. In this process, Dorn said, 30 or more schools travel around the country and see more than 400 students interested in professional training at graduate programs. “I know the Twilight series has gotten mixed reviews,” said nursing senior Jillian Ricciardi, a “Twilight” fan who has seen all of the movies at midnight premieres. “At the same time, I think many people will still support [Barnes] because UT has a lot of pride and supports alumni.” Theatre and Dance lecturer Lyn Koenning said she was happy she had the opportunity to work with Barnes and felt Barnes was a very focused and serious student who seemed more than willing to work hard. Koenning said her most prominent memory of Barnes was coaching her through her “Glee Project” audition song, “Don’t
Rain on My Parade.” “[I hope this inspires students] to hang on to their dreams of performing and to understand many artists’ success is many hours of study and practice, hard work, tenacity, sacrifice and determination.” Barnes said she would advise any students looking to be successful in the business to create their own opportunities first. Because there is time and money riding on every project, Barnes said, to get anywhere in this business you have to be trustworthy, dependable and able to build genuine relationships. “No one wants to hear about how much you want to be an actor, they want to see you doing it,” Barnes said. “Being prepared, on time, know your type, taking care of yourself and being able to talk about something other than acting.”
REVIEW continues on PAGE 9
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn
Kristyn Chambers hugs a life-sized cutout of Twilight character Jasper Hale Thursday night in the IPIS theater at the Domain in North Austin. A watching party was hosted by local fan club Austin Twilight Moms before the midnight premier of the latest installment in the hit saga.
By Sarah-Grace Sweeney Daily Texan Staff
off, “Breaking Dawn” starts with the elaborate wedding of Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson), and quickly moves into their honeymoon. After an extremely carefully shot sex scene (after all, a little sideboob could forever scar the malleable young minds who are busy swooning over a 108-year-old soulless monster), Bella finds herself pregnant with a creature of indeterminate origin. Easily the greatest weakness of the “Twilight” series is its main characters and the unfortunate souls tasked with portraying them. Kristen Stewart has done her best to inhabit Bella Swan, a character that’s essentially a blank slate (and
Darren Aronofsky’s series of anti-meth P.S.A.’s. They are disturbingly, frighteningly effective.
“Melancholia.” Lars Von Trier directs the end of the world and it’s more than fine.
The trailers for the competing Snow White films. One looks like “Lord of the Rings,” the other has Julia Roberts laughing.
This map of a fantasy Austin subway system. A dream solution to our growing traffic and population.
Overreaction to “Community” not being on NBC’s midseason schedule. It isn’t cancelled, so calm down nerds.
Bill Crystal is hosting the Oscars. He’s sort of like a Muppet, right?
Grand Canyon ban on disposable water bottles blocked. After Coca-Cola, whose bottles make up 30 percent of the Canyon’s litter, complained.
Senate bill wants to count pizza sauce as a vegetable serving. While we’re at it, let’s count the cream filling in Twinkies as dairy.
The shunning of Thanksgiving. Based on everywhere, the holiday doesn’t exist.
A&M is taking “horns down” too far.
HORNS DOWN