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TH HE DAILY TEXAN SPORTS PAGE 7
LIFE&ARTS PAGE 12 A couple of green thumbs
Longhorns push defense Friday, December 4, 2009
Serving the University of Texas at Austin community since 1900
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Medical deal could benefit UT System Plan aims to bring more medical school graduates to Austin for residencies
Erik Reyna | Daily Texan Staff
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. David Dolinak brings answers to families by examining bodies for the cause of death. He said the process is “not as easy as they make it seem on TV.”
Examiner looks for the cause ALONG FOR THE RIDE By Bobby Longoria Editor’s Note: This is the second installment in a series that explores law and order in Travis County. In a room filled with fluorescent lighting, tinted grey by concrete floors, stands a lone doctor — scalpel in hand. He is looking down at a cold body lying on an even colder metal stretcher. This doctor is not concerned with saving lives — he wants to know how they were taken.
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office was established in 1977 with the purpose of investigating sudden, violent, suspicious or unnatural deaths. The three-story facility, located south of University Medical Center Brackenridge, houses a morgue, autopsy room, toxicology department, histology laboratory and administrative offices where medical examiners investigate deaths that occur in 43 counties across the state. With a staff of four medical examiners and several technicians, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. David Dolinak strives to bring closure to family members and law enforcement officials. “We are very curious people. We have to know why things happen and how deaths come about,” Dolinak said. “It
Perry officially kicks off 2010 re-election bid By Jordan Haeger Daily Texan Staff After months of back-andforth with his expected primary opponent, Gov. Rick Perry officially began his re-election campaign Thursday. Perry promised to continue creating jobs and to keep taxes and spending low. “The 2010 [gubernatorial]
elections are occurring at a watershed moment in American history,” Perry said. Perry signed the election papers on the first day of the filing period at the Texas Republican Party headquarters with his wife, Anita, by his side. With the country facing
PERRY continues on page 2
Bruno Morlan | Daily Texan Staff
Gov. Rick Perry holds a press conference to sign the documents to make his re-election bid official.
gets tough, depending on the uniqueness of the case. We will work with what we got and try to get as much information from the body as possible.” Dolinak said the office first responds to incidents with on-scene investigators, who record observations of the body and the area around it, before it can be disturbed. He said the education required to become a medical examiner is very rigorous, including a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree and pathology training, followed by completion of several national tests. According to the office’s 2008 annual report, it handled 4,112 cases, of which
AUTOPSY continues on page 2
HOSPITAL continues on page 9
Jordy Wagoner | Daily Texan Staff
Dr. Timothy George, pediatric neurosurgeon at the Dell Children’s Medical Center, speaks on Thursday afternoon.
Demonstration criticizes gas-leak damages By Alex Geiser Daily Texan Staff A row of bodies shrouded by white sheets lay across the West Mall on Thursday, symbolizing those who died in a deadly gas leak in India 25 years ago. The sixth annual Mass Die-In at UT, organized by the Austin chapter of the Association for India’s Development, was intended to bring awareness to the University about the ongoing death and destruction caused by the leak, said Vinay Pandey, leader of the Bhopal Campaign and member of the association. In 1984, 27 tons of poisonous gases leaked from a Union Carbide Corporation pesticide factory in Bhopal, India, and left 8,000 dead and thousands more poisoned. Many activist groups, including those who staged Thursday’s demonstration, blame the Dow Chemical Company, an American chemical manufacturer and the current owner of Union Carbide, for the deaths. Scott Wheeler, Dow spokesman for the Bhopal issue, said the company never owned nor operated the plant. “Dow acquired the shares of Union Carbide Corporation more than 16 years after the tragedy, and 10 years after the $470 million settlement agreement — paid by Union Carbide Corpo-
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By Shabab Siddiqui Daily Texan Staff A new partnership between UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and the Seton Family of Hospitals could benefit UT in the long term and train more doctors in Central Texas, said leaders from the UT System Thursday. Business, civic and higher education leaders spoke about the prospects of the partnership, which aims to increase the number of post-medical school residents in the Austin area. The Seton Family of Hospitals hosted a celebratory luncheon Thursday
at its administration building. “The best thing you can say about an organization is that it does what it does best, and it creates partnerships with groups in areas it doesn’t do the best,” said Charles Barnett, president and CEO of the Seton Family of Hospitals. “We are very fortunate to make a partnership with one of the top medical schools in the country.” The 15-year agreement will be administered by a joint council consisting of representatives from Seton, UT-Southwestern and the UT System. Seton will expand its residency programs, adding to its presence in medical research. In addition to treating patients,
Members of AID, the Association for India’s Development, lie in the West Mall as part of the sixth annual “Die-in,” held in remembrance of a poisonous gas leak that killed 8,000 in Bhopal, India.
Kari Rosenfeld Daily Texan Staff
ration and Union Carbide India, Limited — was approved by the Indian Supreme Court,” Wheeler said in a written statement. Dow was pulled back into limelight after an Oct. 27 gas leak at a Dow plant in Freeport, Texas. Residents were notified of the leak within a couple of days and more than 65 families were evacuated to a hotel, paid for by Dow. Pandey said the chemical company’s double standard reveals its lack of interest and failure to take responsibility for the incident. The UT Student Government and the Graduate Student Association both passed resolutions
with AID in 2006, resolving to collaborate in an effort to convince University President William Powers to write a letter to Dow addressing the Bhopal incident and asking the company to spend matching funds for the environmental cleanup. The resolution between AID and the Graduate Student Assembly supports the complete disassociation of the University from Dow, said Sreangsu Acharyya, engineering graduate student and AID member who participated in the demonstration. He said UT has received a large amount of money from Dow for
research, but he is unclear about the amount and the specific uses of the money. He said AID filed a Freedom of Information Act requesting to see how much of the money goes where, but was blocked by Dow’s lawyers, who said the information is private. Acharyya said the organization’s ultimate goal is to place enough pressure on Dow that they finally turn themselves in and submit to a criminal trial in India. “We want to send a message to Dow that they cannot avoid their liabilities by forcing their way through the issue,” Acharyya said.
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THE DAILY TEXAN Volume 110, Number 126 25 cents
Friday, December 4, 2009
Cyclist injured in campus collision
CONTACT US Main Telephone: (512) 471-4591 Editor: Jillian Sheridan (512) 232-2212 editor@dailytexanonline.com Managing Editor: Stephen Keller (512) 232-2217 managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com News Office: (512) 232-2207 news@dailytexanonline.com Web Office: (512) 471-8616 online@dailytexanonline.com Sports Office: (512) 232-2210 sports@dailytexanonline.com Life & Arts Office: (512) 232-2209 lifeandarts@dailytexanonline.com Photo Office: (512) 471-8618 photo@dailytexanonline.com
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Emergency units respond to a cyclist who was hit by a car near the intersection of Dean Keeton Street and Harris Park Avenue on Thursday.
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From page 1
ter of the room is a cold chamber dure is performed carefully to enthat Dolinak said can hold up to sure the family of the deceased can 1,011 occurred in Travis County. 15 bodies at a time. still have an open-casket funeral. The deaths in Travis County inExaminers face many dangers cluded 419 accidents, 392 natural during the procedures, such as accauses, 112 suicides, 34 homicides cidental cuts and fluid contamiand 18 deaths from undetermined nation from the body, which may There is a lot of selfcauses. contain blood-borne diseases such imposed pressure we “It’s good to have another set of as HIV and hepatitis. eyes because when people die and Dolinak said that, depending on put on ourselves as bodies start to change, things are the conditions around the body, it investigators.� more obvious,� said Chris Smyth, may be preserved for examination an Austin Police Department hoanywhere from a few days to sev— Chris Smyth, micide detective. “There is a lot of eral weeks after death. homicide detective self-imposed pressure we put on He said identification of the body ourselves as investigators. Somecan be determined with DNA samtimes we do miss something, and ples, dental records, fingerprint rethe medical examiner catches it at cords or even a chip of bone, but the exam.� After making initial observa- answers do not come within the Smyth said the partnership be- tions of the body, medical exam- time span of a commercial break, tween APD and the medical ex- iners make a Y-incision across it, as seen on popular TV shows. aminer’s office leads to more ac- cutting from the shoulders to the After all examinations are done, curate investigations. He said the breast bone and through the bel- an autopsy report is made and redecomposition of bodies and un- ly button. They also make an in- viewed by the entire medical exknown causes of death pose the cision behind the head, and then, aminer staff. greatest challenge for the homi- one by one, the examiners in“There can be a lot of uncertaincide unit, and the office is able to spect the brain, heart, lungs, liver, ties about a death that we provide help in these cases. answers to,� Dolinak said. “The spleen and kidneys. The autopsy room contains Dolinak said that, contrary to answers may not come right away, two stations with knives, hoses popular belief, medical examin- but once they do come, it’s very and suction tubes for bodily flu- ers do not destroy the bodies dur- satisfying to give people those anids. Only a few feet from the cen- ing the autopsy, but that the proce- swers that they desire.�
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3B;HEM @IL NB? G?GILC?M The University Unions Student Events Center congratulates its graduating members! Thank you for your hard work to make this semester a success! Gilberto CalderĂłn Montiel Mexican American Culture Committee
Rikki Hardy Music & Entertainment Committee
Kevin Nguyen Forty Acres Fest Committee
Phillip Paquette Music & Entertainment Committee
Kris Robles Music & Entertainment Committee Distinguished Speakers Committee
Josh Vangeest Music & Entertainment Committee
5)& 6/*7&34*5: 6/*0/4 456%&/5 &7&/54 $&/5&3
The Student Events Center houses ďŹ fteen committees and organizations. Our student leaders coordinate an incredible variety of programs for the University community, from concerts and speakers to movie screenings and cultural events. There are always opportunities for involvement, so visit utsec.org or call 475-6630 for more information.
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Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jillian Sheridan Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stephen Keller Associate Managing Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David R. Henry, Ana McKenzie Associate Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeremy Burchard, Dan Treadway, David Muto, Lauren Winchester News Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Beherec Associate News Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pierre Bertrand, Austen Sofhauser, Blair Watler Senior Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viviana Aldous, Bobby Longoria, Rachel Platis, Lena Price Enterprise Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Kreighbaum Enterprise Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hudson Lockett Copy Desk Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert Green Associate Copy Desk Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cristina Herrera, Nausheen Jivani, Matt Jones Design Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thu Vo Assistant Design Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shatha Hussein Senior Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taylor Fausak, Lynda Gonzales, Olivia Hinton Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May-Ying Lam Associate Photo Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bryant Haertlein, Peter Franklin, Caleb Miller Senior Photographers . . . . Lauren Gerson, Mary Kang,Tamir Kalifa, Peyton McGee, Sara Young Life&Arts Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leigh Patterson Associate Life&Arts Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad Barry, Francisco Marin Jr. Senior Features Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audrey Gale Campbell, Lisa HoLung, Ben Wermund Senior Entertainment Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Doty, Mary Lingwall, Robert Rich Senior DT Weekend Writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber Genuske Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Talbert Senior Sports Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Will Anderson, Wes DeVoe, Blake Hurtik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Hurwitz, Laken Litman, Michael Sherfield, Chris Tavarez Comics Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carolyn Calabrese Web Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annika Erdman Associate Web Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Reyna Multimedia Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juan Elizondo Associate Multimedia Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kara McKenzie, Rachel Schroeder Editorial Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard Finnell
Amid busy traffic, a bicyclist was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Dean Keeton Street and Harris Park Avenue Thursday afternoon. Warren Hassinger, spokesman for Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, said a call came to EMS at 2 p.m., and within five minutes, paramedics were on scene. The 18-year-old cyclist was struck by a Chevrolet Trail Blazer and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, said Austin Police Department Cpl. Scott Perry. A passerby made the initial call, and after paramedics treated the cyclist on scene, he was transported to University Medical Center at Brackenridge. Perry said it is unclear whether or not the accident occurred in the middle of the intersection or who was at fault. The accident occurred just a month after the city of Austin passed an ordinance that went into effect Nov. 2, which requires motorists to give a 3-foot clearance when passing bicyclists, runners, pedestrians or someone in a wheelchair. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis Traffic Safety report, 53 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in Texas in 2008. Nationally, 716 cyclists were killed, accounting for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities during the year, and an additional 52,000 were injured in traffic crashes. — Bobby Longoria
PERRY: Controversial highway
endorsement could hurt bid From page 1 economic struggle, high levels of unemployment and two foreign wars, the state elections are going to be particularly important next year, he said. “As the nation works its way out of its current dire straits, we need strong Texans more than ever,� he said. Perry said he hopes that undecided voters will look at his conservative record when making their decisions. “There have only been two state budgets since World War II that cut general revenue spending in Texas, and I signed both of them,� Perry said. “I’ve also line-item vetoed more than $3 billion of unnecessary spending — more than all Texas governors combined.� Republicans Larry Kilgore, Debra Medina, and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, have all announced their candidacy. Houston hair-care billionaire Farouk Shami, musician Kinky Friedman and rancher Hank Gilbert are among those running for the Democratic nomination. There is also speculation that Houston Mayor Bill White, a Democrat, may soon announce that he is switching to the governor’s race, after months of campaigning for Hutchison’s Senate seat. Hutchison has made clear her intent to oppose Perry in the March primary, but has not yet officially filed to run. She revealed on Nov. 13 that she would not relinquish her Senate seat until after the primary. College Republicans President Mikael Garcia said the group will not pick sides in the primary, but will support whoever wins the Republican nomination. “I certainly think Gov. Perry has a proven record,� Garcia said. “If we compare Texas to any other state in the U.S., we can see that the executives have governed Texas in a responsible manner.�
Garcia said he thinks Perry’s biggest challenges will be Sen. Hutchison and his support of the Trans-Texas Corridor, a planned superhighway that both Republicans and Democrats have criticized for potential use of eminent domain. The initiative could potentially displace many Texans who live in its path, Garcia said. The Trans-Texas Corridor goes against the principles of the Republican party, undercutting Perry’s conservative credentials, he said. Hutchison has promised to kill plans for the highway if elected governor. Perry has repeatedly questioned her conservative credentials, pointing to her vote for the federal bank bailout last fall. Government professor Andrew Karch said he thinks Perry has done a good job appealing to the Republican primary voter, for the most part. “The only time he’s really been out of step with the primary constituency was during the controversy over the executive order to require the HPV vaccine in 2007,� Karch said. “I’m surprised that Sen. Hutchison hasn’t attempted to get more mileage over that, because I think that’s one of the rare times he’s been out of step with Republican primary voters.� University Democrats spokesman Ben Freed, a Middle Eastern studies and pre-journalism junior, said he thinks that Perry has failed as governor. Texas ranks near the bottom of all 50 states in health care and education and has not risen in those ratings during Perry’s tenure, he said. Although he has served longer than any governor in Texas history, Perry said he’s not ready to quit yet. “Mack Brown has been the coach at Texas for longer than I’ve been governor and I don’t hear anybody calling for him to step down,� Perry said.
Issue Staff
Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Alex Geiser, Hannah Jones, Shabab Siddiqui, Nihas Wagal Photographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruno Merlan, Kari Rosenfeld, Jordy Wagoner Life&Arts Writers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Kate Ergenbright Columnist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Player Copy Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Gottlieb, Carolyn Webb, Kelsey Crow Sports/Life&Arts Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vicky Ho Wire Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Chandler Page Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Veronica Rosalez, Mustafa Saifuddin Comics Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ryohei Yatsu, Alex Diamond, Sammy Martinez, Michael Bowman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Ferguson, Claudine Lucena, Kathery Mcnafee, Monica Tseng Sports Writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jordan Goodwin Web Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ? Videographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlos Medina
Advertising
Director of Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jalah Goette Retail Advertising Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brad Corbett Account Executive/Broadcast Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carter Goss Campus/National Sales Consultant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan Bowerman Assistant to Advertising Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.J. Salgado Student Advertising Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathryn Abbas Student Advertising Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Ford Acct. Execs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Aldana, Anupama Kulkarni, Ashley Walker, Natasha Moonka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taylor Blair, Tommy Daniels, Jordan Gentry, Meagan Gribbin, Darius Meher-Homji Classified Clerks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teresa Lai Special Editions, Editorial Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elena Watts Web Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny Grover Special Editions, Student Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kira Taniguchi Graphic Designer Interns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Thomas, Lisa Hartwig Senior Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Felimon Hernandez The Daily Texan (USPS 146-440), a student newspaper at The University of Texas at Austin, is published by Texas Student Media, 2500 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78705. The Daily Texan is published daily except Saturday, Sunday, federal holidays and exam periods, plus the last Saturday in July. Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, TX 78710. News contributions will be accepted by telephone (471-4591) or at the editorial office (Texas Student Media Building 2.122). For local and national display advertising, call 471-1865. For classified display and national classified display advertising, call 471-1865. For classified word advertising, call 471-5244. Entire contents copyright 2009 Texas Student Media.
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T he Daily Texan
Holiday festivities limited in midst of financial slump By Tracie Cone The Associated Press FRESNO, Calif. — It's beginning to look a lot like... any other day. In some cities and towns across America, tight budgets have become a cruel Grinch, forcing drastic cutbacks in the municipal holiday displays and celebrations that people have enjoyed for generations. The second Christmas since the financial meltdown is coming without the ribbons, holly, wreaths and bows. It's coming without lights, decorated lamp posts and parades. Trees with all the trimmings have either been shrunken down or eliminated entirely. "It's just so sad. Why not put a little holiday spirit into us?" said Joan Wilson, a part-time receptionist, bemoaning the decision in Fresno to forgo the rite of December in which thousands of residents gather for the lighting of a six-story tree freshly cut from the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. The decision to call off the ceremony was just the latest disappointment for an impoverished region already battered by drought, recession and the housing crisis. Fresno's unemployment is nearly 16 percent, almost 6 percentage points higher than the national average. But after city layoffs and the prospect of a $28 million budget shortfall, spending public time and money on a tree would only cause more financial hardship. "We're trying to be good fiscal stewards," Fresno spokesman Randy Reed said. "We have to use our resources more appropriately." In Chicago, the $350,000, 56foot blue spruce in Daley Plaza would be dwarfed by last year's tree, which stood 90 feet tall and cost more than $1 million. Critics have described the
new tree as "shabby." City officials said they also saved money by lighting it on the day before Thanksgiving, breaking the 55-year tradition of doing so on the following day, which is more crowded. The tree at the South Carolina Statehouse is 6 feet shorter than in the past, competing in stature with the Confederate soldiers' monument on the capitol's front lawn. "We've got to be a little more careful with our money," said Jane Suggs with the Columbia Garden Club, which has been erecting the tree along one of the city's busiest streets for several years. In Orlando, Fla., officials decided to leave 800 lamppost trees in storage so they could cut $250,000 in setup and electricity costs. When the city also snuffed out plans for its downtown tree, someone quickly donated two of them, including a 31-footer from a North Carolina farm that private companies pitched in to transport and set up. But instead of standing at Orlando City Hall, the larger tree is in a downtown park next to the ice-skating rink. Volunteers and the Orlando Magic basketball team are helping to decorate it this weekend. "The holiday spirit came out in people right away," said Heather Allebaugh, spokeswoman for Mayor Buddy Dyer. "These are things that give you hope during the holidays." After 35 years, Somerset County, N.J., canceled its Festival of Trees, which was already cut last year from 65 to 40 firs because of dwindling finances and volunteers. For 43 years, Austin, Texas, has held an annual Trail of Lights, a mile-long promenade that costs $1 million and draws 300,000 people. This year lights have been dimmed to scale back.
Dmitry Astakhove | Associated Press
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev shakes hands with Pope Benedict XVI during their meeting at the Vatican. Medvedev revealed his stance in running against Putin in the upcoming 2012 presidential election.
Putin hints return to presidency
By David Nowak The Associated Press MOSCOW — Wagging his pen and gazing directly into the camera, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent his strongest signal yet Thursday that he plans to return to Russia's presidency, telling millions of TV viewers that he will consider running in 2012. The former KGB spy, who retains huge power despite formally stepping down after his eightyear presidency in 2008, turned in an electric performance during his annual marathon call-in show — cementing his high rating among the electorate and his reputation as Russia's No. 1 leader. Asked if he was leaving the political stage, Putin grinned and said: "Don't hold your breath." The St. Petersburg native declared he would "think about it, there is still enough time," when questioned on his intent to run again for president. Although his words were short of an outright declaration, the fact
that he would admit to considering a run underlined his steely ambition. There is almost no doubt Putin would win — because of his genuine popularity and the overwhelming political dominance of his United Russia party. "While he coyly said it's too early for a decision, it certainly looked like he has already decided" to return to the presidency in 2012, said Nikolai Petrov, an analyst with the Carnegie Moscow Center. President Dmitry Medvedev, on a visit to Italy, told reporters after the call-in show that "if Putin doesn't rule out running, neither do I rule myself out" for 2012. He also said that he and Putin will act as "responsible politicians" and reach agreement on the 2012 election to avoid "elbowing one another" — echoing previous comments by Putin. Putin's demeanor was no less presidential than any of his appearances from 2000 to 2008. He switched tones effortlessly from
coarse to lighthearted, from flippant to wise. In dealing with questions from a mostly sycophantic audience in the slick, stage-managed event, Putin was at times the efficient bureaucrat, concerned father and learned economist. A return to the president's corner office in the Kremlin would mark an end to the power-sharing arrangement he engineered with Medvedev. Putin, 57, has remained Russia's consummate leader since constitutional term limits forced him to step down in 2008. He named Medvedev as his anointed successor and, shortly after the election, Medvedev named him prime minister. The premiership had been a comparatively low-profile position, but Putin has pushed it into the spotlight, logging more TV time in the Medvedev era than the president himself. Medvedev has appeared to be little more than a figurehead and placeholder.
In the past year, Medvedev has made tentative forays out of Putin's long shadow, with somewhat veiled criticisms of the corruption that plagued Russia under Putin. But his mild manners and legalistic, often-opaque remarks have been no match for Putin's vigorous, tough-guy image and slangy remarks. Putin didn't disappoint during the four-hour call-in show Thursday, deriding Russians who flaunt their wealth. "There are those so-called nouveau-riche — those who suddenly got rich and don't know how to behave," he said, noting that in Soviet times, gold-capped teeth were considered the way to show you were well-off. "Well, these Lamborghinis and other such frivolous knickknacks are just like those same gold teeth.” Putin said, obviously enjoying the limelight. Viewers posed what officials said was about 2 million questions by telephone and Internet.
NATO predicted to deploy 30,000 more troops
Peter Franklin | Daily Texan
Austin celebrates the holiday season in 2008 on Congress Ave. and 11th Street. Cities nationally will not be displaying as much holiday cheer this year as a result of the current recession.
WORLD BRIEFLY UN delays Serbian EU bid for failure to arrest wanted man UNITED NATIONS — The chief U.N. war crimes prosecutor for former Yugoslavia says Serbia is cooperating with the tribunal despite its failure to arrest former Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic. Serbia's bid to join the European Union has been stalled because Europe's most wanted fugitive remains at large. Prosecutor Serge Brammertz's assessment of Serbia's cooperation with the U.N. tribunal is considered very important when the EU decides on Serbia's integration into the bloc. Brammertz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that Serbia's cooperation with his office has continued to progress. He said the most critical issue in Serbia's cooperation is the need to apprehend Mladic and the other remaining fugitive, Goran Hadzic, a former leader of rebel Serbs in Croatia.
Gore cancels Copenhagen talk because of scheduling conflicts COPENHAGEN — Climate campaigner Al Gore has canceled a lecture he was supposed to deliver in Copenhagen. The former vice president and Nobel Peace Prize winner had
been scheduled to speak to more than 3,000 people at a Dec. 16 event hosted by the Berlingske Tidende newspaper group. The group says Gore canceled the lecture Thursday, citing unforeseen changes in his schedule. Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider says the decision was made because of “all the events going on with the summit.” Dec. 16 is a key date for the meeting because that’s when the ministerial segment starts. Chief editor Lisbeth Knudsen says it’s a “great disappointment” that Gore canceled and that all tickets will be refunded.
Rome streets viewed clearly through Google Street View ROME — Internet users can now walk the streets of Pompeii without dusting up their shoes with the volcanic ash that buried the Roman city nearly 2,000 ago. Italy’s Culture Ministry said Thursday it had worked with Google to add to the Street View application images of the avenues, villas, temples and theaters of the ancient town. The application allows Internet users to view panoramic street-level pictures of more than 100 cities around the world. Pompeii was destroyed in A.D. 79 by a cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that killed thousands of people. Compiled from Associated Press reports
By Slobodan Lekic The Associated Press BRUSSELS — U.S. special envoy Richard C. Holbrooke acknowledged Thursday that the war in Afghanistan is unpopular, given "the legacy of Iraq and Vietnam," but he predicted that NATO allies will soon contribute more forces to join the 30,000 additional U.S. troops being deployed there. "We have been very gratified by the strong support of our European allies for President Obama's policy," Holbrooke, the president's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, told journalists. He spoke before a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers that opens later on Thursday. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will brief the ministers on Friday. Obama's new plan for the war in Afghanistan calls for the dispatch of 30,000 more troops, but includes assurances that some of them will begin withdrawing in July 2011. On Thursday, NATO spokesman James Appathurai said pledges from the alliance already have exceeded 5,000 troops. More than 20 nations are expected to make firm commitments at a force-generation conference on Monday,
Geert Vanden Wijngaert | Associated Press
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu arrives at the two-day NATO foreign minister meeting in Brussels. and following the international conference on Afghanistan in January, he said. After Appathurai spoke, Italy — which has 2,800 troops in Afghanistan — announced that it will increase its contingent by about 1,000 soldiers starting next year. That will allow its force to take full responsibility for Western region of Herat, Afghanistan, and reduce the commitment of U.S. and British troops there. Armenia also announced it would send a small contingent of 40 troops to
Afghanistan early next year, its first deployment as part of the international coalition. Still, many European countries have been reluctant to add large numbers of soldiers to a war that often looks unwinnable, and to support an Afghan government tainted by corruption and election fraud. Some leaders are waiting for an international conference on Afghanistan in London next month before promising any more troops. "I understand that the war is
NATION BRIEFLY
vaccination program.
ATLANTA — Health officials are warning the public about fake emails inviting people to sign up for swine flu vaccine registrations. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials this week put out an advisory about the emails, which call for adults to create a personal H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination profile on the cdc.gov Web site. CDC officials say the e-mails appear to be spam messages designed by hackers to spread a computer virus. The CDC does not have such a
on a critical first test, Senate Democrats closed ranks Thursday behind $460 billion in politically risky Medicare cuts at the heart of health care legislation, thwarting a Republican attempt to doom President Barack Obama’s sweeping overhaul. The bid by the bill’s critics to reverse cuts to the popular Medicare program failed on a vote of 58-42, drawing the support of two Democratic defectors. Approval would have stripped out money needed to pay for expanding coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans. The broader legislation aims to
extend health coverage to 31 million who now lack it, while barring insurance industry practices such as denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions. Though the overhaul is estimated to cost about $1 trillion over a decade, the Congressional Budget Office has said it would cut federal deficits by $130 billion over that period.
Democrats pass $460 billion in Flu vaccination scams circulate Medicare cuts by Senate vote internet, ask people to register WASHINGTON — Unflinching
Maine storm knocks out power, creates escalated temperatures PORTLAND, Maine — A storm packing blustery winds and driving rain knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses in the Northeast on Thursday before giving way to sunny skies and record high temperatures — all in the same morning.
unpopular," Holbrooke said. "It's a long way off, and there's the legacy of Iraq and Vietnam." But he also predicted that NATO members would announce more troops for Afghanistan at a series of meetings in the coming weeks. "Some countries may decide to speak tomorrow at the NATO ministerial, others will work it through the force-generation conference on Dec. 7, and others have announced already they are going to work toward the Jan. 28 date for the London conference," Holbrooke said. France, Germany and other West European nations spearheaded opposition to the U.S.led attack on Iraq in 2003, damaging relations between Washington and some of its closest allies. But unlike al-Qaida, the enemies in Iraq and Vietnam did not pose a direct danger to the security of allied nations, Holbrooke said. "Our core objectives in Afghanistan have not changed, but resources to achieve them have been increased," he said. Success will depend on close cooperation between all 43 troop-contributing nations and countries such as Japan, which provide development aid to the government in Kabul.
Utility officials reported sporadic power outages from Maine to New Jersey after wind knocked down trees and power lines early Thursday. Winds reached up to 49 mph in Brunswick, Maine, while the Isle of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire recorded a 61 mph gust. In New Jersey, wind speeds topped out at 45 mph. But the rain and wind that battered the region early Thursday gave way to sunny skies and unseasonably high temperatures by mid-morning. In Boston, the temperature hit 69 degrees, breaking the old record of 65 set in 1932. In Portland, the temperature climbed to 68 degrees. Compiled from Associated Press reports
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T he Daily Texan
Editor in Chief: Jillian Sheridan Phone: (512) 232-2212 E-mail: editor@dailytexanonline.com Associate Editors: Jeremy Burchard David Muto Dan Treadway Lauren Winchester
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OVERVIEW No citations in cases of emergency In 2005, UT freshman Phanta Phoummarath died from alcohol poisoning after a hazing ritual for the fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon. Unfortunately, his case is not unusual. Hazing rituals and college culture in general result in the sometimes deadly overconsumption of alcohol, especially by minors. A new policy enacted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission encourages minors to report cases of alcohol poisoning — without worrying about the legal ramifications. The official policy states that officers will not issue citations to underage drinkers for illegal possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages if there is a medical emergency. Though it may be common practice for officers to refrain from issuing citations in such cases, the policy was not officially written into law. Such a citation, if issued, could result in a $500 fine. As a result, some underage drinkers have been afraid to call 911 when a friend was suffering from alcohol poisoning. TABC spokeswoman Carolyn Beck said the organization “hope[s] this will encourage young people not to be afraid to call 911 if something happens, like if … their friends have had too much to drink,” according to The Daily Texan. While the new policy could be perceived as too lenient, it has the potential to save lives. Not passing out a few deserved Minor in Possession citations is a reasonable step if it alleviates underage drinkers’ fears of turning to the authorities during a medical emergency. Facing an alcohol-related medical emergency will have to be punishment enough for law-breaking students.
BMI requirement for graduation To graduate from most colleges, a student only needs to fulfill course requirements and receive passing grades. Not so at Lincoln University outside of Oxford, Pa. To graduate from this small, historically black liberal arts and sciences college, students with a body mass index of more than 30 must complete an extra requirement: lower their BMI or complete a course that focuses on nutrition, obesity and exercise. This policy may prevent more than 20 students from graduating this spring, according to National Public Radio. The University may have good intentions in educating students about the health problems related to obesity, but its policy is discriminatory and offensive. As UT University Health Services dietitian Amanda Buller told The Daily Texan, BMI is used to “determine rates of obesity for populations, not to designate individuals as obese.” There’s also the obvious point that not all “skinny” people have healthy lifestyles — just fast metabolisms. In effect, the college’s policy singles out individuals who are classified as overweight based on a flawed indicator and then stigmatizes and shames them. Lincoln University’s mission should be to educate its students, not prevent them from receiving their diploma. The college should focus instead on launching a campaign — targeted at all students — that promotes health. For instance, maybe it should consider revamping the allegedly grease-laden cafeteria options to practice what it preaches.
THE FIRING LINE Blue about misinformation I would like to thank you, Student Government communications director Danielle Brown. After reading the Dec. 2 article, “SG focuses on minority recruitment,” it was rather pleasing to learn, as Brown stated, that it’s “SG’s initiative to bring people from different colors and ethnicities together to collaborate on projects.” It is great to know how informed she is as communications director about the diversity on this campus. As a blue person myself, I have found it extremely difficult to find a niche on the 40 Acres. However, due to her refreshing reminder, I am relived that she is contributing to the efforts to include different “colors” in her endeavors. I am sure my fellow greens and purples feel the same way.
Perhaps even other “colors” appreciate this too, since there are different ones. Unfortunately, though, the “minority recruitment” that Brown mentions is not represented by the color wheel, and its roots and backgrounds definitely do not resemble “different colors.” It is embarrassing that as communications director Brown does not recognize the importance of communicating the right information, especially with such a huge and diverse campus. It is not about being politically correct, it is about truly welcoming and embracing the richness that such a diverse student body brings to the University. A good start would be to distinguish the difference between minorities, different ethnicities and rainbow colors, which are not the same thing.
— Violet Blue (Bere Medellin) Geography senior
UT needs to increase tuition By Dave Player Daily Texan Columnist Protesting against tuition increases is the college equivalent of saying no new taxes: Regardless of the merit of the argument, most people are going to agree with you. The issue will be hotly debated this winter on the 40 Acres. On Tuesday, the Tuition Policy Advisory Committee finalized its recommendations to President William Powers, calling for an increase in tuition over the next two years by slightly less than 4 percent per year. Those numbers equate to an additional cost of approximately $240 per student for next semester. UT’s tuition increases are quite modest compared to some peer institutions. The University of California system recently made headlines when its regents announced tuition increases of 32 percent, sparking a series of student protests that turned unruly. Students amassed outside a board of regents meeting chanting slogans such as “no cuts, no fees, education should be free.” As state budgets across the country come under closer scrutiny, higher education has not and will not be spared from cost-cutting measures, resulting in less state support for universities. Students have to be willing to accept either higher costs of education or a drop in the quality of that education as schools scale back their spending. But state public schools are not the only institutions feeling the current economic strain. Last winter, Brandeis University in Boston made headlines when the University put its prized art collection up for auction, citing a major budget deficit brought on by the economic downturn. Private universities are facing major budget short-
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falls as alumni donations and endowment returns fall below past numbers. While universities nationwide are cutting back, now is an ideal time for UT to step up and take a more prominent position in higher education. Texas has fared better than most states during the downturn, which is why the proposed UT tuition increase is less than 4 percent rather than California’s 32 percent. UT is currently ranked No. 47 on US News & World Report’s annual university rankings. That position puts the school behind 13 other public state universities. While the value of those rankings is debatable, they are widely published and acknowledged. And while they are not an accurate indicator of quality of education, a lower ranking can have a dramatic effect on the public perception of UT. The central issue of the debate is where the true value of a college education is derived. While different universities certainly offer differing qualities of education, it is vital to recognize that the subject matter being taught is not entirely unique to that campus. To put it colloquially, whether you learn it at Harvard, UT or Austin Community College, the derivative of X squared is still going to equal 2X. When you pay your tuition, you’re not just paying for the right to attend classes and absorb knowledge, but also the promise of a diploma and, most importantly, the name written across the top of it. A university symbolizes a brand as much as body of knowledge. While a diploma signifies completion of a college education, the quality of that education is a matter of perception. It is the responsibility of the University, its president and the Board of Regents to maintain the perceived value of a UT education and to increase that value whenever possible. But it is dangerous to automatically equate cost of tuition to quality of education. There are plenty of universi-
Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan are those of the writer. They are not necessarily those of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees.
Player is a Plan II honors junior.
Voice your opinion in The Daily Texan the opinions on this page have great potential to affect University policy. It’s no rare occurence for Texan staff members to recieve feedback from local or state Have someting to say? Say it in print officials, or to be contacted by a reader — and to the entire campus. The Daily whose life was changed by Texan Editorial Board is an article. In such instanccurrently accepting applies, the power of writing cations for columnists and for the Texan becomes real, cartoonists. We’re looking motivating our staffers to for talented writers and artprovide the best public serists to provide as much divice possible. versity of opinion as possiYour words I f i n t e re s t e d , p l e a s e ble. Anyone and everyone come to the Texan office can be here. is encouraged to apply. at 25th and Whitis streets Writing for the Texan is a to complete an applicagreat way to get your voice tion form and sign up for heard. Our columnists’ an interview time. If you and reporters’ work is ofhave any additional questen syndicated nationwide, and every issue of the Textions, please contact Jilan is a historical document archived at lian Sheridan at (512) 232-2212 or the Center for American History. Barack editor@dailytexanonline.com. Obama may not be a frequent reader, but a copy of the Texan runs across UT PresiYou can be a Daily Texan columnist or cartoonist. dent William Powers’ desk each day, and By You Daily Texan Columnist
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ties around the country with exorbitantly high tuition rates whose educational quality is not on the same high level. Sarah Lawrence College, a small liberal arts school outside New York City, registered the highest total cost of 2009-2010 with $54,410 per school year. Yet you won’t find it anywhere near Texas on the aforementioned rankings, not because it is a weak school, but because the public does not perceive it to be of the same quality as a Princeton or Berkeley or Texas. In analyzing the merit of the latest tuition hike, we must determine whether that money is to be spent on worthwhile goals that improve the quality of education or public perception of it. Powers has stated that the new revenue will be put toward recruiting and retaining top faculty and graduate students. Critics have attacked the plan as having little relation to the quality of education offered by the University. Renowned professors can offer name recognition and bring positive attention to the school through research but often have minimal interaction with students, especially undergraduates. As students, we have an investment in our University’s perception. As a liberal arts student, I do not take classes from the colleges of business or engineering and pay less in tuition fees than my peers in those schools. Yet I indirectly benefit when those programs earn high national rankings, as they make the University, and thus my attendance, seem more prestigious. If attracting high-profile faculty can accomplish that goal, all students benefit from having them attach the name of the “University of Texas” to their work. Ultimately, it is important to remember that enrollment in an institution of higher learning is a privilege, certainly not an entitlement. And privileges have their costs.
FIRING LINES
E-mail 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.
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Friday, December 4, 2009
Cold weekend may include snow Despite semester’s Students should prepare to protect utilities, other property from freezing By Nihas Wagal Daily Texan Staff Studying for final exams might not be the only reason to stay in this weekend. Weather forecasters predict temperatures in Austin will be in the high 20s and low 30s on Friday and Saturday. “On Saturday morning, the temperature should be about 27 degrees in downtown Austin, and as you get further ... toward the airport, it should be even colder at around 19 de-
grees,� said Paul Jura, the National Weather Service spokesman for the Austin-San Antonio region. “In response to these temperatures, we will be issuing a freeze warning sometime in the next 24 hours.� Austin residents may also see snow. The weather service has issued a snow watch between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday. “Even though temperatures aren’t supposed to be cold enough for snow, because there is a chance of precipitation and the weather is much colder as you go higher up, there is a chance for it to snow here in Austin,� Jura said. In response to this cold cli-
mate, the Austin Water Utility has offered several tips for Austin residents to protect their property during freezing weather. “The main precaution that students and apartment residents in downtown Austin should take is making sure to check in with their landlord or property management to find out what precautions they should be taking to avoid a pipe breakage, and where the water cut-off valve is,� said utility spokeswoman Jill Mayfield. Other suggestions issued by the utility include wrapping all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the
house, removing garden hoses from outside faucets, covering vents around the foundation of your home and setting outside faucets to a slow drip. The utility recommends using these precautions to prevent property damage and uncontrolled water loss due to freezing and broken water pipes. “Taking these precautions will prevent having to deal with the inconvenience of having a broken water pipe since that is something that is damaging to both the apartment and your pocketbook, and it’s especially something no one wants to deal with during finals,� Mayfield said.
Santa is bringing lots of toys Adam McDonald, 10, helps wrap gifts at the Operation Blue Santa warehouse Thursday evening. McDonald and his mother have volunteered with Blue Santa every year.
end, influenza still a risk to students CDC encourages swine flu vaccine despite lower numbers of infections
A September memo from UT Vice Provost Gretchen Ritter to faculty members also encouraged flexibility, but it also said faculty should remind students to not abuse the leniency. By Shabab Siddiqui Bell said students should also Daily Texan Staff U.S. government officials said explore the option of receiving Thursday that although students the H1N1 vaccine, which is difmay be sick of roommates, pro- ferent from the vaccine for the fessors and finals, they should seasonal flu virus. She said retake all possible measures ports of the H1N1 virus mutatto avoid becoming sick with ing beyond vaccine-applied preventability are false. the flu. “There are many kinds of muArne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education, and Sarah Bell, tations that any flu virus can unassociate director for the Cen- dergo, [but] we’ve been watchters for Disease Control and Pre- ing that very, very closely,� Bell said. “The vention, held a strands of the press conference H1N1 match for college mewith those of the dia outlets across vaccine almost the country to reexactly.� mind students to Your best bet is still UHS led a seacontinue taking to wash your hands, sonal-flu preveni n f l u e n z a - p re tion campaign in vention measures cover your coughs, October, during as they wrap up throw away your which 11,000 UT the semester. tissues and keep your students, facul“While we’ve ty and staff were seen a dip in the hands away from vaccinated. SherH 1 N 1 , w e a re your face. And that’s ry Bell, senior not out of the to prevent H1N1, program coorwoods yet,� said dinator at UHS, D u n c a n . “ We seasonal flu and said UT has need students to common colds during 15,000 vaccines stay healthy.� for the H1N1 vithe academic year.� Bell said sturus, a fraction dents need to — Sherry Bell o f w h a t w a s be aware of the H1N1 virus along UHS senior requested from state. with the seasonprogram coordinator theUHS plans to al virus, both start a vaccinaof which are tion campaign still active. next week and “We regularwill notify stuly monitor the number of visits to doctors for dents, staff and faculty before influenza-like symptoms, and it begins. Sherry Bell said peothose visits are going down,� ple interested in the vaccine Bell said. “[But] there is still a should not contact UHS until the vaccination campaign has been lot of flu out there.� According to data from Uni- announced. The first round of H1N1 vacciversity Health Services, the percentage of UT students diag- nations was distributed to those nosed with flu-like symptoms at highest risk for contracting the each week, after being seen at H1N1 virus, such as pregnant UHS, has dropped steadily since women. The University does not August. Although the cam- have enough H1N1 vaccinations pus saw a surge of flu-like cas- to cover everyone, but the most es in October, the number fell effective way to avoid contractfrom about 14 percent at the be- ing the flu is the same as always, ginning of the school year to Sherry Bell said. “Your best bet is still to wash less than 2 percent before the your hands, cover your coughs, Thanksgiving holiday. Bell said it is important for throw away your tissues and keep faculty and administrators at your hands away from your face,� universities to be flexible if a she said. “And that’s to prevent student catches the flu, even H1N1, seasonal flu and common during exam time. colds during the academic year.�
‘‘
Sara Young Daily Texan Staff
Austin Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr and her staff helped wrap toys at the Operation Blue Santa warehouse Thursday. The program, which began in 1972, is an annual toy drive hosted by the Austin Police Department. Every year, APD joins
with the fire department in support of the program. “It always helps to have an extra pair of hands,� said AFD spokeswoman Michelle DeCrane. The fire department will also help deliver the presents and
meals to families on Dec. 19. APD began accepting donations for its annual toy drive in November, and will continue accepting them through Dec. 18. In its first year, the toy drive helped 20 families in the Austin area. This year, Operation Blue
Santa is expected to serve more than 3,500 families. Toy drop-off or volunteer locations are located around the city, including Austin fire stations. There are no drop-off sites on the UT campus. —Lena Price
Texas executes rapist despite claims of mental impairment
punishment. Bobby Wayne Woods received lethal injection about a half-hour after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to halt his punishment, which was delayed briefly until the high court ruled in his case. His lawyers had argued that previous appeals to spare Woods’ life were
unsuccessful because of shoddy work by his lawyer at the time. Tests administered to Woods put his IQ anywhere from the 60s to the 80s. An IQ of 70 is considered the threshold for mental impairment. Woods was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to die for the April 1997 slaying of Sarah Pat-
terson, his ex-girlfriend’s daughter. She and her 9-year-old brother were snatched from their home in Granbury, near Fort Worth. Her brother was beaten and left for dead but survived to testify against Woods. At 6:40 p.m. CST, he was pronounced dead.
HUNTSVILLE — A 44-year-old Texas man was executed Thursday evening for raping and murdering an 11-year-old girl, despite pleas from his attorneys he was too mentally impaired to qualify for capital
—The Associated Press
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Friday, December 4, 2009
Endowment fund for women takes coach’s name Jody Conradt sets an example for basketball players, students alike
Conradt said she sees athletics as a venue for young women to learn the leadership skills and self-sufficiency needed to be successful in the real world. By Jordan Haeger “I think [mentoring] beDaily Texan Staff comes a part of the unwritten The College of Liberal Arts coaching responsibilities,” she recently announced the estab- said. “Over a 30-plus-year time lishment of an endowment span, I had the opportunity to fund, on behalf of the Center work with so many young peofor Women’s and Gender Stud- ple who were at a time in their ies, in the name of Jody Con- lives where they were away radt, former University of Tex- from home for the first time — as women’s basketball coach. they were trying to transition The Jody Conradt Endowed into being self-sufficient.” Excellence Fund is worth Condradt hopes the endow$100,000, but Nancy Ewert, pro- ment fund will do the same gramcoordinatorforthecenter,said thing for young women that that it plans to add to the fund in sports does: give them self confithe future. dence, teach them how to make The endowment will support contributions to society and the Texas Undergraduate Lead- take what they learn in college ership Program and will be dis- and apply it to their roles in life tributed to 10 women from each after graduation. undergraduate class. The award identifies traits that Conradt coached women’s have historically been associatbasketball at UT from 1976 to ed with men — good decision 2007. She is a making and posmember of the itive influence Texas Women’s on others — and Hall of Fame applies them to and Women’s women as well, We just thought Basketball Hall she said. of Fame. She has that she’s a perfect “It’s a tremenwon numerous example of leadership d o u s h o n o r, ” other awards, Conradt said. “I and gender equity.” have really enas well as a National Champithe oppor— Nancy Ewert joyed onship in 1986. tunity that I’ve Center for Women’s had here at UT. Conradt was the first womand Gender Studies It’s a world-class en’s collegiate and I program coordinator university, basketball coach feel very fortuto garner 700 nate to have been wins. She ended associated with it. her career with Certainly, to cross 900, which ranks over from athletthird in wins among all NCAA ics to an academic area is someDivision 1 basketball coaches. thing that most coaches don’t “Because she has always ex- have the opportunity to do.” emplified leadership for young Conradt still works in the women as a coach, it sort of tran- University’s athletic departscended to the academics,” said ment as a special assistant Ewert. “We just thought that she’s where she said it is her job to a perfect example of leadership “tell the story of athletics in and gender equity.” the community.”
The Jody Conradt Endowment Fund is named for the former UT women’s basketball coach who has made an impact on both athletes and students. The endowment will support a leadership program.
Kari Rosenfeld Daily Texan Staff
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in the protest there and at UTEl Paso. Mikael Garcia, president of UT College Republicans, said the event came at a bad time in the academic calendar. By Alex Geiser “We do think it’s a great demDaily Texan Staff Young Republicans at colleg- onstration against the stimulus es and universities across Texas bill that passed,” Garcia said. braved the cold weather Thurs- But he said school was a priorday to protest last February’s ity for students in the UT-Austin chapter. federal stimulus bill. The demonstrations were The protests, which featured young Republican activists not timed to react to any recent dressed in business attire, were events, but they touted Octoheld to bring attention to what ber ’s 10 percent national unthey called “Texas Unemploy- employment rate — the most ment Day.” With temperatures recent unemployment data in Austin dipping into the low available. The Bureau of La40s and final exams approach- bor Statistics will release uneming, UT Republicans opted not ployment data for November on Friday. to participate in the event. “We certainly hope the un“Educating the student body is one of the goals of stu- employment situation gets better,” Garcia said. dent activism,” “We don’t supsaid Tory Sumport a lot of rall, convention the president’s chair of the Texplans for renewas College Republicans, an We should have had ing the job market. But if we are umbrella orgaa surplus three years wrong, and Presnization for Republican orga- ago, but because Bush ident Obama is right, we will nizations at colcut taxes — mostly be the first to lege campuses for the wealthy — we admit it.” in the state. UT economics “The more have a deficit.” professor Dan we can get our — Dan Hamermesh H a m e r m e s h numbers out, the more we can UT economics professor said the stimulus has cut unprovide inforemployment mation regardand that, aling the state though the bill of the econoh a s i n c re a s e d my, the more informed students will be and the federal deficit, it is not the more likely they will be to solely to blame. “During the time when vote wisely.” The organization as a whole we should have had a surdoesn’t support President Ba- plus, Bush ran a large deficit,” rack Obama’s fiscal policies, es- Hamermesh said. “We should pecially last February’s stimu- have had a surplus three years ago, but because Bush cut taxes lus bill. Sumrall said the stimu- — mostly for the wealthy — we lus package has not sufficient- have a deficit.” Hamermesh said to publicly ly strengthened the job market as President Obama promised blame the high unemployment it would and has only dug the rates on Obama’s fiscal policies and the stimulus bill reflects a country further into debt. Sumrall, a political science ju- lack of judgement. “They should not be allowed nior at the University of North Texas, said some College Re- to pull the wool over people’s publicans were participating eyes,” he said.
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SPORTS
Sports Editor: Austin Talbert E-mail: sports@dailytexanonline.com Phone: (512) 232-2210 www.dailytexanonline.com
7
Friday, December 4, 2009
T HE DAILY TEXAN
SIDELINE
TEXAS 3
WEEKEND PREVIEWS
Longhorns advance to second round
VOLLEYBALL
TODAY: TCU (27-6) vs. Texas
(24-1)
FOOTBALL
SATURDAY: No. 2 Texas (120) vs. No. 22 Nebraska (9-3)
WHERE: Arlington, Texas WHEN: 7 p.m. ON AIR: ABC, 1300 AM
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
SUNDAY: No. 17 Texas (5-2) at No. 6 Tennessee
WHERE: Knoxville, Tenn. WHEN: 6 p.m. ON AIR: ESPN2
MEN’S BASKETBALL TOP 25 USC 50 No. 2 Texas 69 No. 10 Washington 92 Texas Tech 99
NBA Boston 90 San Antonio 83 Houston 111 Golden State 109 Miami 96 Denver 114
NCAA FOOTBALL No. 15 Oregon State 37 No. 7 Oregon 33
NFL New York Jets 19 Buffalo 13
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL
NO.2 TEXAS 69, USC 50
Defense steps up in Texas’ victory over USC Problems at free-throw line continue as Horns secure 19-point win
By Jordan Godwin Daily Texan Staff The Longhorns stood tall over their last opponent, Oral Roberts University, and naturally, they used it to their advantage throughout the game. While he didn’t seem too surprised by that result, Oral Roberts head coach Jerry Finkbeiner was ready to get home after a long road trip. “We don’t face those [6-foot4-inch players] in our league, so it was good for us to experience that second line of defense,” said Finkbeiner. “If you shake it in the Summit League, you’ve got a
By Will Anderson Daily Texan Staff With its offense once again on the rocks, No. 2 Texas turned to its defense in Thursday’s 69-50 win over USC at the Frank Erwin Center. Even though the Longhorns (6-0) won by 19, the score was much closer for a majority of the game. It took a 21-6 run by Texas in the game’s final eight minutes to pull away and secure the victory. “We spent two days of practice on defense,” said Texas coach Rick Barnes. “Offen-
HEIGHT continues on page 8
sively, we missed some shots, but if we made some more free throws, we’d feel better about our shooting.” Texas shot 41.4 percent from the field, only slightly better than last week’s season-low 41.2 percent against Rice. The Longhorns’ 68 points were also a season low. “Everybody can’t have a great game every night, if we did then it’d be an easy game,” said Texas’ Damion James. James led his team with a game-high 19 points and added nine rebounds. Mary Kang | Daily Texan Staff “As long as we continue to play our defense then ev- Dogus Balbay attempts to save the ball from going out of bounds erything is going to be okay,” in the first half of the Longhorns 69-50 win Thursday over the USC Trojans as a part of the Big12/Pac 10 Hardwood Challenge. Balbay earned his first start of the season after playing well in practice. DEFENSE continues on page 8
Cowboys Stadium Parking Copeland Road
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Ra nd ol M ill R oa d
Entry A, K, E, F Suite & Club Only Entry B, C, D, G, H, J All Guests
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By Laken Litman Daily Texan Staff After a sluggish defensive performance against Rice last Sunday, head coach Rick Barnes worked his team’s defensive minds this past week. The last two days in particular, Barnes stressed the philosophy that once you have established your defense, offense will come. In the Longhorns 69-50 win over USC Thursday night, the defense showed it can make tremendous improvements in a
PITTMAN continues on page 8
Cowboys Stadium is going to cost you
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Career night defensively for Pittman leads Texas to sixth consecutive win
NCAA FOOTBALL
30
Rangers Cash Lots
Jordy Wagoner Daily Texan Staff
VOLLEYBALL continues on page 8
Tennessee welcomes Horns back to Knoxville
Rangers Pre-Sold Lots
Juliann Faucette prepares to spike the ball in the Longhorns’ sweep of Texas State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Gregory Gym on Thursday.
By Jordan Godwin Daily Texan Staff At 24-1, second-ranked Texas’ regular season could be divided into six-game winning streaks. The Longhorns started the season with a trio of sixgame streaks before then-No. 8 Iowa State handed them their first and only loss of the season. Since then, they’ve rattled off another half-dozen straight as they head into the first round of the NCAA tournament. Now, the only thing that separates the Longhorns from the coveted national title is one last six-game winning streak. They collected the first of six victories with a 3-0 sweep of Texas State on Thursday night. “We stayed undefeated for a long time to start the season, and when we did take a loss, I think it was one that we needed and deserved because we weren’t playing to our full potential,” said senior setter Ashley Engle. “That mentality will help us in the postseason.” Coach Jerritt Elliott said he’s confident that his team is on the right track they need to be. Everyone, including Elliott, seems more than anxious to begin their championship quest. “There’s urgency. There’s excitement. There’s energy,” Elliott said. “We played all year to get to this point, and it’s kind of like a little kid waiting to open presents on Christmas.” While the Longhorns would like no Christmas present more than a national championship trophy, senior outside hitter Destinee Hooker received an early gift Monday when she was named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year. The only problem was, no one told her about it. Hooker was completely oblivious to the accomplishment when she arrived at Tuesday’s practice. “I don’t check stuff like that,” Hooker said. “I’m glad you told me. It’s a great honor to have, and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. I have no light to shine without them.” The Longhorns now face TCU in Gregory Gym tonight after the Horned Frogs easily swept Rice on Thursday. Hooker, who led the team Thursday night with nine kills, said she expects a tough opponent in TCU. “They’re a scrappy team,” Hooker said. “We know they’re going to be very tough competitors, and they’re not going to quit.” Elliott said his team was a little racked with playoff nerves early in the match but that they quickly found their groove. “I think the team is very comfortable with where they’re at right now,” Elliott said. “They’ve been
WHERE: Gregory Gym WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
Cowboys Blue Lots
TEXAS STATE 0
Illustration by Thu Vo
Source: http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/guests/parkingMap.cfm
By Laken Litman Daily Texan Columnist Hey Longhorn fans, are you ready for the Jerry Jones experience on Saturday? I assume the majority of your mouths are watering as you have only been speculating at how potentially awesome the new Cowboys Stadium is. Take it from someone who has been inside the plush Death Star twice — The venue is a trillion times more dazzling than you could conjure up in your wildest dreams. I swear. So I know a lot of people have been complaining about their tickets being in the third or fourth tiers. Don’t fret because, honestly, even the people who are lucky enough to be sitting in the lower-level Club Seats on the 50-yard line will be watching the world’s largest HDTV screen, which looms overhead, instead of the actual field because the screen is so mesmerizing.
As far as eating at the game goes, I suggest you either bring a wad of cash or tailgate beforehand. If you do want to do a little taste-testing, let me tell you that the Green Chile Burger is delicious. I’m embarrassed to admit that I paid $13 for it, but it was a damn good burger. You can also buy a $5.50 hot dog, an $8 Miller Light or a grilled chicken sandwich for $8.50, among other delectables. Speaking of tailgating, if you plan to do so, then you should know that you need a $40 tailgating pass from Ticketmaster. If you didn’t buy that, then you can tailgate over by the Rangers Ballpark in a cash parking lot. Also, if you don’t have a $30 parking pass, there are cash lots on the outskirts of the stadium grounds, which will cost between $15 and $30. Depending on which lot you choose, there may be courtesy shuttles driving fans over to the stadium, unless you prefer to get a mile-long walk or run in before the game. I know we’ll all be watching the SEC Championship game beforehand, but make sure that you get to Cowboys Stadium at least two hours
Directions
to Cowboys Stadium From Austin: • Go north on Interstate 35 • Take the I-20 West exit • Take the 360 North exit • Get off at Abrams and take a left • You will see Stadium Drive and then Collins, and depending on where you’re going to park, take a right at either of those lights. By this time you should see Cowboys Stadium signs, etc. From downtown Dallas: • Take Interstate 35 North to State Highway 183 West • Exit Loop 12 North for Blue Lot parking, or Exit State hIGHWAY 114 for Red/Cash Lots
early. At least, that’s what I’m going to do. Once you’re actually on the grounds, it takes 30 minutes or so to park and get situated.
8 SPTS
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Friday, December 4, 2009
Pittman: Senior
rejects seven Trojan shots on Thursday From page 7
Curt Youngblood | Daily Texan file photo
Forward Ashley Gayle fights for a rebound in the Longhorns 94-80 win over Oral Roberts on Tuesday. Gayle and freshman center Cokie Reed have enjoyed towering over their opponents from smaller conferences, but will be on the opposite end against Pat Summit’s Volunteers.
HeigHt: Horns won’t have advantage From page 7 bucket.” On the other side of the scorer’s table, Texas coach Gail Goestenkors saw room for improvement in the post play. “We certainly had the size advantage, so we knew we wanted to go inside,” Goestenkors said. “We just had a hard time. When we got it in to our posts, they were in such a rush that they weren’t finishing their shots either, so it was a tough combination.” Goestenkors said her team did a better job in the second half of the game, but the Longhorns (52) will need to bring the whole
post package when they visit No. 5 Tennessee (6-0). Texas posts Ashley Gayle and Cokie Reed stand at 6 feet 4 inches tall, but once they take the court in Knoxville, they’ll be tied for second behind the Lady Vols’ 6-foot6-inch center Kelley Cain. Battling injuries, Cain has missed time this season, but Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt expects her to play against the Longhorns. Even without Cain in their last game, the Lady Vols outscored their most recent victim, George Washington University, 54-12 in the paint. At halftime, the points in the paint edge was an uncanny 34-4. Much of that success came
volleyball: Tournament
continues tonight with TCU From page 8 through this tournament numerous times, and they know how to prepare for each individual opponent. We’ll worry about how the bracket falls the way it will if we’re fortunate enough to get by Thursday night.” Although the Longhorns
SPORTS BRIEFLY Artest admits to drinking alcohol at halftime of games Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest has said that he drank alcohol during games when he was a member of the Chicago Bulls. “I used to drink Hennessy at halftime,” Artest said in an interview with Sporting News. “I [kept it] in my locker. I’d just walk to the liquor store [near the stadium] and get it.” Artest also said that he was a “head case” when he broke into
dominated opponents all season in Gregory Gym, posting a 30-1 sets won record, Texas’ seniors hope that their best volleyball performance is yet to come. “This is the time [when] every team wants to peak,” Engle said. “We’re almost there. We just have to have it for the next three weeks.”
the NBA with the Bulls, for whom he played from 1999-2002. The 30-year-old Artest said in the interview that he drank in part because the Bulls lost so often. Artest is now in his first year with the Lakers. Artest also said he’s still ready to fight Detroit center Ben Wallace, the player who shoved him on the play that sparked a brawl with Pistons fans when Artest was with Indiana. “He said he wanted to fight me? You all need to check and see if he’s still drinking,” Wallace said. — The Associated Press
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from the game’s leading scorer, Alyssia Brewer. “Lyssi [Brewer] came in and did a great job in the paint,” said Summitt, who has a 461-45 alltime record at home. “If we can get that kind of scoring from her, along with Kelley Cain, that will be a valuable asset to our team. Those are two posts who know how to use the paint. With the two of them and their size, we can play more zone.” If the post game is ineffective, the Longhorns will look to utilize shooting from Erika Arriaran or work the transition offense. “I think as a team, we’ve all proven that we can drive the
ball, and we drive really well,” said sophomore guard Ashleigh Fontenette. The Oral Roberts game also proved that senior guard Brittainey Raven is growing more comfortable with her role as a bench player after scoring a season-high 16 points. “It really doesn’t bother me not starting,” Raven said. “Sitting on the bench, I feel like I can give more encouragement, and I can talk to my teammates and tell them what we need to improve. When I go in the game, it’s like I know where to pick it up at and do what I would normally do when I started.”
short period of time. “I think the first four minutes of a game are very important,” Barnes said. “We came back from the Rice game and were really working defensively, so we went with the defensive team. We’ve got to set the tone early defensively. We did the things that we talked about doing coming in tonight. We spent two days of practice on defense.” Senior center Dexter Pittman was the epicenter of the Texas defense as he recorded a career-high seven blocks, with five of them coming in the first half. Although he fulfilled his big-man role on defense, he lacked a little mojo on offense. Pittman ended the first half with only six points and two rebounds. Luckily, senior guard Damion James was there to pump up the big man. “He’s progressing as a player, and he can only take so much from the coaches,” James said. “I tell him if he wants to be the best big man in the country, he needs to play like it. Everybody can’t have a great game every night. If we did, then it would be an easy game. So I just tell him, ‘Play hard big guy, you’ll be OK.’” Pittman also missed about six or seven opportunities around the rim. But with so many big bodies in small spaces, it’s hard to maneuver around. Overall, Barnes and Co. were happy with the team’s performance. Though they aren’t focusing as much on offense yet, the Longhorns reached the free
throw line 34 times, and made 55.9 percent of them. “I think we did better compared to our last game against Rice,” said junior guard Dogus Balbay. “We did a better job. We went out there, played hard and pressured the ball. We’re getting better, I can tell.” Balbay is one of the quickest players on this Texas team. His speed was extra beneficial on Thursday because as Barnes tries to put all his puzzle pieces together on defense, someone needs to pick up the offense. Balbay proved he was the man for the job against USC, as he remained strong inside and around the perimeter. “We need a guy like Dogus because he does so much for this team,” James said. “He demands respect when driving to the basket. He drives past defenders and lets them know how good of a guard he is. We wouldn’t be who we are without Dogus.” Balbay forced multiple USC turnovers that resulted in offensive counterattacks for Texas. Late in the second half, Balbay made a steal at mid-court and, before getting tangled in the USC defense, he made a backward pass over his head to freshman Avery Bradley who missed an open-court lay up. Even though the Longhorns didn’t get points off the play, it was defensive effort that led to the drive. “We don’t really worry about [offense] right now because we’re trying to set our defense,” Balbay said. “We know our offense will come if we play good defense. Every-
Defense: Balbay earns his first start of the season From page 8 James said. A woeful 19-of-34 performance from the free-throw line added to Texas’ offensive troubles. “It’s going to be like that some nights,” James said, adding that he wasn’t worried about his team’s ability to hit those uncontested shots in closer games. The Trojans packed the lane, limiting 6-foot-10 Dexter Pittman to 10 points from the floor. The USC defense seemed perfectly content to let the Longhorns take outside shots and Texas repaid that kindness by making just 2 of 11 from beyond the arc. Texas’ defense was a different story. The Longhorns swarmed, trapped and pressed USC for the
full 40 minutes, forcing 17 turnovers and limiting the Trojans to 30 percent shooting from the floor. “We’re just worrying about our defense because we know our offense is going to come,” said Texas guard Dogus Balbay. “Everything starts with defense.” Balbay started for the first time this year because of his defensive work in practice. Balbay and the Longhorn guards played especially well, holding their Trojan counterparts to a combined 25 points. Balbay also had four assists to just one turnover and snagged four rebounds. “He demands respect driving to the basket,” James said about Balbay. “We wouldn’t be who
we are without Dogus.” Texas started the game in the driver’s seat, but USC took the lead just four minutes in. From there it was a game of tag, with the score tied five times and a total of four lead changes. The Longhorns entered the break up 33-27. The Trojans clawed back into contention in the second half, getting within three points with 11 minutes to go. But as the contest wore on, USC couldn’t keep up and found itself in foul trouble. “Their depth finally caught up with us,” said USC coach Kevin O’Neill. “Foul trouble obviously hurts us. We have to dip into our walk-on crew; it really is a problem. When you get down that
low it’s really difficult.” Nikola Vucevic led USC with 18 points but left the game with about 5 1/2 minutes to play when he picked up his fifth foul on Justin Mason. Texas’ bench outscored USC’s 17-6 and helped finish off the Trojans. “Obviously, Texas is a very good basketball team,” O’Neill said. “They had a stretch in the second half when it was tight and they really made some plays defensively, forced some turnovers. We couldn’t knock down any shots and all of a sudden they spurted away there.” USC fell to 2-3 and plays next in Atlanta against Georgia Tech. The Longhorns return to action at home versus Long Beach State next Monday.
NFL
Workers slip on roof of Jerryworld By Jeff Carlton The Associated Press DALLAS — Two workers doing maintenance on the icy roof of the towering Cowboys Stadium slipped and tumbled at least 50 feet Thursday morning before landing on a rain gutter. Authorities said both workers suffered “significant injuries.” The two were working on the top hatch of the retractable-roof venue in suburban Arlington around 7:20 a.m. when they fell, Assistant Fire Chief Don Crowson said. They were not using safety equipment, he said. “I know that it is a common practice that you should be wearing safety gear in a high, elevated position,” Crowson said. “The reports I have right now [say] that they were not using safety equipment.” One worker lost consciousness after breaking a leg and suffering injuries to his head and chest, Dallas Cowboys spokesman Brett Daniels said. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital. The other worker suffered a back injury and was transported by ambulance. Arlington police spokeswoman Tiara Ellis Richard said the men fell from the top of the upper roof to a lower part. Daniels estimated they fell between 50 feet and 75 feet down to what he called a “parapet.”
Tom Fox | The Dallas Morning News
Arlington Fire Department’s rescue crew provide aid to one of the two workers who slipped on top of Cowboys Stadium Thursday morning. “It’s bigger than your average rain gutter,” Daniels said. “It’s a pretty major channel there around the bottom of the [upper] roof.” Although the parapet stopped
the men from falling to a lower roof, it likely caused their injuries, Crowson said. “They got some pretty good speed up, and when they hit that
parapet, they suffered significant injuries,” he said. There was no immediate word on the workers’ conditions from area hospitals, whose officials declined to release information. Crowson said one of the men was in “very, very serious condition.” The injured are iron workers, according to a statement from Birdair Inc., an Amherst, N.Y.-based contractor that specializes in longspan structures. The company said on its Web site that it was the roofing subcontractor for the stadium, which features the “largest, longest and steepest retractable roof ever constructed.” Karen L. Mathews, Birdair’s general counsel, said the company is investigating the accident. The National Weather Service said temperatures were near freezing at the time of the men’s fall. “It was certainly slick up there, and ice was present in the area,” Crowson said. Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said the workers were on the roof for maintenance that will continue through the new year. Live TV coverage showed fire department crews on the roof of the nearly $1.2 billion stadium, where the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys began playing this season. Crews used baskets, lines and ladders to lower the workers in a rescue that took about 90 minutes.
9 CLASS
9
University
Friday, December 4, 2009
Going out with a bang
UT Republican group re-elects former president Ryan Ellis wants to focus on upcoming primaries, mobilizing GOP voters
Jordy Wagoner | Daily Texan Staff
After serving at The Daily Texan for nearly 15 years, editorial adviser Richard Finnell spent his last day in the office on Thursday. His guidance fostered reporting skills for aspiring journalists throughout the years.
Hospital: Academic diversity Caids alliance 1
LASSIFIEDS
day, month day, 2008
UT-Austin because the Universi- cisco Cigarroa said the strength ty provides services and research of the UT-Southwestern promedical residents conduct re- in a diverse number of fields gram should greatly benefit the that could benefit health care city. UT-Southwestern ranks nasearch in their specialties. RTISE Nfrom among the top 30 mediE After graduating medi- advances. T V D Eare required “The most touching problems tionally A D U cal schools for primary care and cal school, students T S N! year of TIOone to complete atIZleast YOUR N A GA practical under the suORresidency pervision of medical professionals at a licensed hospital before There’s no doubt that today is an absolutely they can obtain a medical license. Seton, a nonprofit hospital chain wonderful day for medical care in Austin.” that operates Dell Children’s Hospital and Seton Hospital in Aus— Francisco Cigarroa, tin, currently takes 170 residents UT System chancellor a year, many from a partnership with University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Ken Shine, UT executive vice chancellor are in the field of medicine, as tra- among the top 20 for research, in for health affairs, said the num- ditionally thought of, combined the 2009 rankings from U.S. News ber should double with the new with other disciplines — be it en- and World Report. gineering, sciences, business,” “There’s no doubt that today is partnership. UT-Southwestern President Podolsky said. “All of those disci- an absolutely wonderful day for medical care in Austin,” CigarDaniel Podolsky said he expects plines are here at UT-Austin.” UT System Chancellor Fran- roa said. “UT-Southwestern is one an extensive collaboration with
From page 1
Campus
of the most outstanding medical schools in the nation, if not the world. Aligning with Seton creates unlimited possibilities.” Seton serves 11 counties in the Central Texas area. It operates five medical centers, two community hospitals, two rural hospitals, three primary care clinics for uninsured constituents, one mental health center and several health facilities in under-served areas. Shine said the partnership should increase the number of physicians in the state of Texas, which he said has about 150 physicians per 1 million residents, 100 fewer than the national average. He said the partnership will result in more doctors in Central Texas. “What determines where doctors practice?” Shine said. “It’s not where they go to medical school — it’s where they do their residency.”
CORKBOARD ‘‘
Hannah Jones Daily Texan Staff The UT College Republicans elected Ryan Ellis as president for the spring 2010 semester Thursday night during the organization’s final meeting of the semester. Ellis was unopposed and promised to focus the organization on the Republican primary elections in March. Ellis, a government and political communications senior, served as president in fall 2008. The group does not endorse Republican candidates until after primary elections are decided, but Ellis said he will try to bring as many candidates as possible to speak on campus. “Our focus needs to be the primary elections,” Ellis said. “We’re a little more constrained to endorse candidates, but we can mobilize our members to go out and support the candidates they like.” He said he also plans for members of the organization to help with registering voters. Outgoing president Mikael Garcia said the past semester went very well in terms of media attention and work on health care reform, College Republicans’ main focus.
The group elected Melanie Schwartz, a history sophomore, as vice president in the only opposed race. Schwartz beat out former treasurer Jeremy Grodin, a government sophomore. “There’s already a lot of good things we have planned for next semester, and I just want to help facilitate that,” Schwartz said. “As vice president, there are not specific things to do, so I will help out all of the officers.” Schwartz is also co-chair of Longhorn Students for Kay, which supports the gubernatorial bid of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas. “A lot of people decided not to run in order to allow others the position,” Ellis said. “It’s usually a very peaceful transition of power.” Other new officers include Spanish senior Lauren Pierce as secretary, history junior Geoff Geiger as treasurer, government sophomore Cassie Wright as social coordinator, government freshman Charley Collins as volunteer coordinator, psychology freshman Saul Mendoza as historian and management senior Francisco Cruz as public relations officer. “I’m encouraged we have so many underclassmen who are stepping up in leadership roles,” Ellis said. “There’s a lot of great young people here.”
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College Republicans members discuss the recent officer elections after their meeting.
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Kari Rosenfeld | Daily Texan Staff
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Life&Arts
Friday, December 4, 2009
farm: Boxes supply
high production rate, use water efficiently “So, if the plant drinks onefourth of an inch of water out of develop a service that made it the reservoir, the drip line will easy for people who either don’t drip in just enough water to fill have the time to maintain their it back up to the same level,” own garden, don’t have the Brower said. “The kind of eleknowledge or [don’t have] the gant thing about the self-waterspace,” he said. “We developed ing system is that the plants only this service so that people who receive the exact amount of walive in condos can grow plants ter that they consume. Very little on their balconies or decks.” water is lost to evaporation.” As he developed his food service, Though they are fairly new to Brower had to keep the unpredict- the city, Brower and Kamm alable Texas weather in mind. ready declared “I did plenty of a love for many research before I things Austin, ingot here, but we cluding the marwould have days ket at Boggy that were 100 deWe’re just trying to Creek Farm, daily grees, and then the live in a really simple hikes along Lady next day would be Bird Lake and the manner...” 50 degrees, and occasional dip at then it would rain Springs. — Jesse Kamm Barton 4 inches,” he said. The two are as Co-founder creative a couIn order to ensure that the plants ple as can be. maintain their Brower heads the high-productivity Home Grow Mireputation, Browcro Farms busier begins the potting at his home, ness, Kamm is a women’s clothwaiting for the plants to become ing designer and both work about 6 inches tall before deliver- hard at raising their young son, ing them to clients and personally Julian. Fresh-faced and innovahooking up a watering system. tive, the couple epitomizes mo“We wanted to kind of take some dernity and the idea of a bright of the waiting out of the gardening future, especially the future of process also,” Brower said. food technology. A sensor within the reservoir “We’re just trying to live in a rereads how much water the plant ally simple manner and share the drinks and then monitors the good stuff and enjoy our time here amount of water provided. on this earth,” Kamm said.
From page 12
‘‘
Sara Young | Daily Texan Staff
Wrestler Gerald Olvera, “Superstar Kayleoloni,” practices with Quest for Champions Pro Wrestling/Total Championship Wrestling.
faces: Self-confidence a must for aspiring wrestlers From page 12 named Bobo Brazil. He was [6 feet 6 inches tall] and weighed [more than] 300 pounds, and he beat me from one ringpost to the other. I went on to wrestle [for] 14 years, with everyone from the Briscoes to Dory Funk and Terry Funk. I never became a champion, but I always had a job. There were always tryouts at the arenas I worked at, and a lot of kids who wanted to become wrestlers couldn’t do it because there were no good instructors. I created a school in Orange County and got a TV crew to make a commercial and promote it locally to ESPN. That
same day, I got [more than] 1,500 phone calls from people wanting to be wrestlers. The one thing you have to have to be a wrestler is belief in yourself. You don’t have to be on steroids. You just have to be willing to work. I’m what we call a dream maker. If you want to be a wrestler, I make it happen. I have a passion for seeing somebody make it in this business. You have to come to the school and look at the facility before you start because it becomes your second home. We won’t kill you, won’t demean you, but we train you. Every class is a step on the ladder. It’s a learning process, and it’s a process that makes sure you
don’t get hurt. School takes about a year, but I start putting people in independent shows around Texas within about 3 1/2 to four months. Exposure is the No. 1 thing. The youngest person I’ve taught was 10 years old, and the oldest was 46. I’ve trained schoolteachers, prison guards, housewives, everything. It’s an unbelievable era for people wanting to get in the business. With backyard wrestling, you’re talking about danger. I don’t know why people do such ridiculous stunts. If you feel like you have to do backyard [wrestling], make it as safe as possible. If you go out and hurt yourself, you’ll never see
another match. The current wrestling product is worn out a bit. You have to take everyone, not just those that look like Triple H or Stone Cold. You need someone with an image that’s normal — well-built for sure, but not super huge. The story lines today aren’t reachable. You have to make it simple, something that people can connect with. Give the fans something to reach out to. I’m from an old-school era where strong men would meet each other and fight and humiliate them by winning. That’s what I like to see. I’d like to make Austin the No. 1 professional-wrestling capital of Texas.
Manfest to celebrate all things masculine, medieval Kari Rosenfeld | Daily Texan Staff
Lucas Brower shows off his herb Home Grow Micro Farm on the back deck of his house.
moonlight: Lackluster acting
feels ‘appallingly forced,’ tired From page 12 Louise shows him pictures from an earlier time in their marriage. Still doesn’t love her. To give the actors something else to do, Todd (Justin Long) arrives, burgles the house and tosses a duct-tape-bound Louise in the bathroom with Ian. Of course, Ian finally realizes how much he truly loves Louise, rekindling a longdead marriage, but as the film concluded, I was more than happy to have the usher come by and release me from my duct-tape restraints just so I could get out of the theater. In addition to the awful plot (and perhaps because of it), the acting felt appallingly forced from beginning to end. Ryan’s por-
trayal of Louise comes off as harpy, psychotic and needy, all at the same time. And Hutton’s Ian is a nonconfrontational child trapped in a man’s body — and on a toilet. Filling the actionless void of their immobile story, the actors quibble and yell about the same things for the majority of the film. There is no need to convince me of Shelly’s merit. Having now seen most of her work, I agree that the film industry lost a great talent with her death, but I can’t shake the idea that “Serious Moonlight” was produced because of her death instead of her brilliance. It’s the worst eulogy a true talent could ask for.
By Ben Wermund Daily Texan Staff Live-action role-players carrying swords and shields, 6-foot centaurs and a 5-foot Viking ship bicycle are all expected to stop by Birds Barbershop on South Congress Avenue this Saturday for the third annual Manfest. This year’s theme focuses on all things medieval, drawing inspiration from 1980s films. “There’s a really terrible ‘80s movie, ‘Beastmaster,’ that we kind of used as our jumping-off point for everything for this one,” said Michael Portman, the owner of Birds Barbershop. Portman credited Larry, the 6-foot professional centaur,
at the Academy Awards. “I’m simply overwhelmed with gratitude for the many honors the National Board of Review has bestowed upon ‘Up in the Air,’” Reitman said in a statement. “I’m thrilled for George, I’m thrilled for Anna and, of course, most thrilled for my father.” Reitman’s father, Ivan Reitman, is the famous director of “Ghostbusters,” “Stripes” and other films. He’s also a producer of “Up in the Air.” Added Reitman: “The day before your movie comes out is usually one of anxiety and anticipation. I’d like to thank the NBR for making today perfect.” Best director went to Clint Eastwood for “Invictus,” the story of Mandela’s embrace of the South African national rugby team. Carey Mulligan was chosen best actress for her lead performance in “An Education,” a coming-of-age story set in 1960s London. Woody Harrelson won best supporting actor for “The Messenger.” In the film, the actor
be macho,” he said. “It’s a manfest that celebrates just being a man. We usually toss around fake beards and things. So, how manly do you have to be? The manliness is in your heart.” Dressing up is highly encouraged, as there will be a bartender dedicated to serving every legal drinker in costume. “Chain mail, loin cloths, even fur is not looked down [on] at Manfest whatsoever,” Portman said. “Michael Irvin would fit right at home here. Also, any [liveaction role-playing] stuff — we’ve invited all those guys, so if anyone comes with a sword and shield and helmet, you’ll fit right in.” Portman said he knows the
WHAT: Manfest WHERE: Birds Barbershop, 1902 S. Congress Ave. WHEN: Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. theme may sound nerdy, but he says the shop has taken precautions to make sure it won’t become a Renaissance festival. “We’ll have the turkey legs, but we won’t have sirs and madams talking in ‘Ye Old Speak,’ although that is very encouraged,” he said. “Besides, it can’t be too [involved with live-action role-playing] when the band is an LCD Soundsystem cover band.”
budget: Homemade items, potlucks reduce financial stress From page 12 Don’t waste your money buying holiday cards and wrapping paper. Grocery store paper bags and newspapers make great improvisational gift wrap and give you the opportunity to decorate the recycled paper yourself. Instead of using store-bought seasonal cards this year, try making your own or sending an e-holi-
Film awards offer Oscars preview By Jake Coyle The Associated Press NEW YORK — “Up in the Air” was named best picture from the National Board of Review and won a total of four awards. Directed by Jason Reitman (“Juno,” “Thank You for Smoking”), the film stars George Clooney as a perpetually traveling contractor who fires people for a living. The National Board of Review, which announced its awards Thursday, also chose Clooney as best actor, an honor he shares with Morgan Freeman, who plays Nelson Mandela in “Invictus.” “Up in the Air” also won best supporting actress for Anna Kendrick and best adapted screenplay, penned by Reitman and Sheldon Turner working from Walter Kirn’s book of the same name. Already an Oscar favorite, the win boosts the awards prospects of “Up in the Air,” which opens Friday. The last two NBR winners — “No Country for Old Men” and “Slumdog Millionaire” — have gone on to win best picture
with the idea. “We came across this guy who is a centaur, like, for a living,” Portman said. “You want to ride him. He’s 6 feet tall. He kind of was our inspiration, Mr. Centaur — Larry.” The annual event started as a promotional tool for the shop, which was looking to advertise discounts on men’s products, but has now evolved into an all-day event with turkey legs, Lone Star Beer and Tequila Cazadores, as well as knightly battles, barbaric encounters and swordfights. Portman said despite the event’s title, they hope to have all types of people attend. “Birds doesn’t have a manly reputation, so you don’t have to
plays Captain Tony Stone, who is tasked to inform the families of fallen soldiers. Best animated film went to Pixar’s “Up,” an adventure about an elderly man who has always yearned for adventure and finds it when he flies away in his house with a boy who has stowed away. NBR President Annie Schulhof noted the large number of films — from “The Cove” to “Up in the Air” — that reflected social conscience. The group cited “Invictus” and the documentaries “Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country” and “The Most Dangerous Man in America” for its “freedom of expression” award. Joel and Ethan Coen won best original screenplay for their script to “A Serious Man,” a black comedy set in the 1960s. The National Board of Review, which is composed of film historians, students and educators, was founded in 1909. The awards will be handed out Jan. 12 in a New York gala hosted by Meredith Vieira.
day card. You can still include a picture and update friends and family on your life, but you won’t have to pay for postage. The holiday season comes at the end of the fall semester, giving students more than enough reason to celebrate. This year, instead of footing the bill for your annual holiday party, try hosting a potluck dinner instead. Not only will this save you time
and money, it allows more people to be involved in the soiree. Challenge your guests to a cocktailmaking contest, and award the person who concocts the best seasonal drink with a fresh batch of holiday cookies or hot-chocolate mix. Not only is this a fun party activity, it will cut down on the cost to supply drinks for your entire event. As far as decorations go, in-
expensive holiday candles are a great way to give a small apartment a festive holiday feel. Although not as good as a real pine tree or fresh gingerbread baking in the oven, the candles are far less expensive and messy. The holiday season should be a time for joy and togetherness, therefore it is important not to let financial stress get in the way of your celebration.
12 LIFE
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Friday, December 4, 2009
Life&Arts
Life&Arts Editor: Leigh Patterson E-mail: lifeandarts@dailytexanonline.com Phone: (512) 232-2209 www.dailytexanonline.com
T he Daily Texan
Boutique to carry A different way to eat local foods ‘classic’ menswear true to Austin style
Kari Rosenfeld | Daily Texan Staff
Lucas Brower and Jesse Kamm, founders of Home Grow Micro Farms, and son Julien harvest vegetables in their personal micro farm. The lettuce that is harvested goes straight from their garden into their dinner salad.
Business venture offers innovative take on easy home gardening By Audrey Campbell Daily Texan Staff Food lovers have long been looking forward to Saturday because it marks the beginning of Austin’s Eat Local Week, a winter fundraiser sponsored by Edible Austin magazine. Residents can choose from a number of events that encourage exploration of the city’s local food resources and raise money for Urban Roots, a youth development program that uses sustainable agriculture to transform the lives of teenagers. Two such enthusiasts are Lucas Brower and Jesse Kamm, re-
cent transplants to the area from Los Angeles as well as the brains and muscle behind Home Grow Micro Farms, a new local venture that delivers pre-planted, organic vegetable-growing boxes to homes and businesses. After recieving a master’s degree in environmental science from Stanford University, Brower developed the business after being inspired by a friend’s luscious rooftop garden in California. “That’s kind of what kicked off the whole idea of looking for a way to grow food densely — as much food as possible, in as small of an area as possi-
ble, with as little maintenance as possible,” Brower said. The couple lives in a quiet neighborhood in East Austin, and their backyard displays the results of hard work and regular attention. Leafy collard greens, broccoli, arugula, cauliflower and herbs sprout from large boxes, providing a colorful display and an abundance of healthy cooking ingredients. “I think most people, not only in the U.S. but throughout the world, have gotten out of touch with local, seasonal foods,” Brower said. “The average food item travels [more
than] 1,500 miles to get to the store, so there’s a ton of energy involved and a ton of waste.” The boxes are a unique hybrid of hydroponic and traditional gardening. Each box is equipped with a reservoir into which the plants can drop their roots, allowing them to stay uniformly moist. The potting soil, which Brower personally makes with the help of some special secret ingredients, is covered with plastic, protecting it from the threat of weather shock or being riddled with pests. “I basically wanted to
By Sarah Pressley Daily Texan Staff Austin is known for many things, one of which is its eclectic fashion scene. This is not only true for women’s fashion but for men’s as well, which has been drawing increasing attention during the last few years. “Since guys here in Austin are exposed to a very open environment, I feel like they have more room to be who they are and express themselves through fashion,” said textiles and apparel major Kaidon Ho. Local boutique By George has caught on to this and will be bringing back its men’s ready-towear section in February 2010 after three years of focusing only on the women’s market. Owner Matthew Culmo and colleague Jenny Lee said that they used to have couples come into the store to shop together, and they miss that vibe. Once again, they would like to be able to offer the complete package at their store. “Every day, a man comes in and wants to shop, and we have to tell [him] to [come] back in February,” said Culmo. Culmo and Lee have decided to stick with accessible, clean, contemporary men’s clothing from American designers but will possibly bring in European readyto-wear fashions at a later date. Rather than buying into expen-
sive trends that will be “out before they started,” they are choosing to carry more classic looks, Culmo said. One thing that keeps men coming back to Austin to shop is the unique sense of local fashion. “I don’t like seeing men and thinking, ‘Oh, he’s wearing this designer.’ You just want to look good without screaming labels. Clothes should show your personality, not dictate it,” he said. The store will carry clean and classic looks suitable for everyone, from college students to men in their 50s and 60s, Culmo said. “We used to have a big base of UT boys, even football players,” he said. Personal clothing choices aside, it is undeniable that Austin has become a hub for the budding world of men’s fashion. “I love the fact that people in Austin are from everywhere,” Ho said. “Cultural diversity definitely affects men’s fashion in here, and Austin definitely has its own style ... You can tell the difference between [Los Angeles] fashion or New York fashion, and Austin fashion.” Culmo agrees. “Austin is very unique,” he said. “Austin is a melting pot. People come from Dallas and Houston and ask, ‘Why don’t you carry Gucci?’ But that’s Houston and Dallas. You come here for Austin. It’s a different look, feel, vibe. So embrace it, don’t change it.”
FARM continues on page 11
Pro-wrestling addict steps into ring as teacher
Michael Baldon | Daily Texan Staff
By George co-owner Matthew Culmo walks through the store and points out the area that will be used for men’s clothing.
By Robert Rich George de la Isla is a self-proclaimed professional-wrestling addict. A product of the late 1950s-early 1960s brand of wrestling, he’s an old-school fan — a purist, if you will. But one thing that can’t be denied is his passion for a business that, quite frankly, often comes under scrutiny. If you talk to George, you’ll recognize at once that he loves wrestling. That love drives him every day at his Austin school, Quest for Champions Pro Wrestling/Total Championship Wrestling. He wants nothing more than to create the next brand of worldwide wrestling sensations. I was born in Houston, Texas, which was one of the pioneer areas where professional wrestling got started. I watched it on television with my father, and he’d take me to matches. In the 1950s, it was as real to me as it could be. Back then, you’d go to a city auditorium and got to see a lot of pro wrestlers walk in. I remember one guy was named Ciclon Negro, the Black Cyclone. This guy was huge. He had a mask
MoviE REviEw
Serious Moonlight
Film’s flimsy premise falters with ‘talky plot’
Sara Young | Daily Texan Staff
Coach and former wrestler George de la isla speaks to his students on a break during Tuesday’s practice. De la isla began his wrestling “addiction” 41 years ago. on that was black with an eagle, and as he was going in, he looked at me, and it scared me to death. I was volunteering at a boys’
club in Houston, and a big-time I made my debut six months afpromoter for Houston wrestling ter that. My first match was in at the time asked me if I wanted to [Los Angeles] against this guy become a wrestler. A few months FACES continues on page 11 later, I was signed up to train, and
Budget for the holidays with inexpensive alternatives By Kate Ergenbright Daily Texan Staff Every year, the holiday season brings joyful music, peppermintflavored drinks and an array of bright, shining decorations. Unfortunately, no matter what holiday you celebrate, this festive season can also cause an enormous amount of stress, specifically for college students on a budget. Additional holiday expenses, including gifts, outfits for holiday parties, decorations and admission to holiday-themed events, can put a great deal of pressure on already-tight budgets, not to mention the additional temptation of seasonal treats and treasures. Don’t be seduced into depleting your bank account by the brightly colored lights and en-
ticing smells of the season. Here are a few tips to take the financial stress out of the holidays. This time of year is a time of gift-giving, and there are plen-
try baking something instead. Homemade, decorated sugar cookies will show your friends you took the time and effort to make them something delicious.
them again in years to come. If baking isn’t your strong suit, try organizing a gift exchange for a group of friends. Instead of buying gifts for each individual person in the group, draw names and keep your identity secret until the end of the holiday season. The air of mystery in this If baking isn’t your strong suit, try organizing a game also adds to the fun. For creative types, handmade jewelgift exchange within a group of friends. ry and tie-dyed garments make great gifts. Hobby Lobby is a mecca for inexpensive craft holiday supplies. Also, don’t underestimate what you can find on ty of ways to check off everyone Holiday cookie cutters are incred- the Drag. Some of the best handon your list while still remaining ibly inexpensive, most ranging crafted gifts can be purchased within budget. Although potential- from $1.50 to $5, and come in a from Austin street vendors. ly more time-consuming than sim- variety of shapes and sizes. After ply purchasing a gift for a friend, the initial expense, you can use BUDGET continues on page 11
By Robert Doty Daily Texan Staff Much was made of Adrienne Shelly’s murder in 2006. It seemed to me an unusual amount of Hollywood to-do until I realized that she had a film at the Sundance Film Festival that year; the industry never misses a chance to eulogize someone when they have a film opening. The film was the exceptional dark comedy “Waitress,” and it more than deserved the effusive praise it received from critics and audiences alike. The filmmakers of “Serious Moonlight” apparently are banking on the same kind of outpouring for their film, which was marketed as the last work of the deceased. Yet it has none of the dark wit of “Waitress” and even less of its charm. Crippled by a static narrative and atrocious acting, “Serious Moonlight” never moves beyond its curious-
ly weak premise, causing every turn and emotion to feel forced to the point of histrionics. The film tells the story of Louise (Meg Ryan), a successful businesswoman who decides to surprise her husband, Ian (Timothy Hutton), at their country home. But when she arrives, Ian tells her that he is leaving for Paris with Sara (Kristen Bell), a girl who works in his office. Louise won’t allow that to happen, so after she knocks him out with a flowerpot, Ian finds himself duct-taped to a chair in the bathroom. She won’t cut him loose until he loves her again. Aside from the insane notion that someone could love you after being duct-taped to a chair against their will, the narrative also forces a stationary set and talky plot. Louise makes Ian cookies. Ian still doesn’t love her.
MOONLIGHT continues on page 11
Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
“Serious Moonlight,” starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton, is crippled by a static narrative and atrocious acting.