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LIFE&ARTS PAGE 12
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Foreign researchers aid US academia By Lena Price Daily Texan Staff Doctoral student Carlos Guarnizo, who studies ecology, evolution, and behavior, works with people from all over Latin America to study how climates in the Andes affect frog populations throughout
the region. Researchers from Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Bolivia help Guarnizo transport specimens across borders on a regular basis. Finding researchers to collaborate with from outside the U.S. has become much easier for peo-
ple like Guarnizo since 2002, according to a November study released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The jump was even higher for developing countries. Between 2002 and 2007, the number of re-
searchers from developing nations increased from 1.8 million to 2.7 million and the total number of researchers — both in academia and the private sector — increased by more than 1 million to 7.1 million researchers worldwide. Juan Sanchez, UT vice presi-
dent for research, said developing countries are coming to the realization that intellectual capital is as important as natural resources and manufacturing activities. “Obviously, science and technology research is a global activity,” Sanchez said. “So this is def-
initely a good thing. Although an increase in research from developing nations might sound like more competition, it could actually help countries like the United States.” UT actively recruits faculty
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Houston mayor draws Council’s support in race
Photos by Tamir Kalifa | Daily Texan Staff
Above, firefighter Chris Bowen hears details of a water pressure alarm downtown over the radio on the way Friday night. Below, Keith Antista and Chris Bowen check a Congress Ave. office stairwell for running water after a water pressure alarm activation.
Firefighters exhibit versatility ALONG FOR THE RIDE By Bobby Longoria Editors note: This is the third installment in a series that explores law and order in Travis County. Members of the Austin Fire Department are best known for facing flames and even death in fire emergencies, but the department responds to a variety of events beyond fire control. Firefighters are the jack-of-all-
By Audrey White Daily Texan Staff While Texas Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison formally entered the governor’s race Monday, some Austin City Council members began endorsing candidates of their own. The Austin City Council and Mayor Lee Leffingwell announced their support for Houston Mayor Bill White for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination over the weekend, propelling Austin into a crowded 2010 race for the governor’s seat that includes Hutchison and incumbent Gov. Rick Perry. White filed for the race on Friday, and Austin’s City Council members promised their support for White over the weekend, joining a number of Texas politicians who have expressed support for White. More than 300 people attended a White campaign rally in Austin last night, which suggests growing support for the Hous-
ton mayor among Austin residents, said Katy Bacon, White’s campaign spokeswoman. Bacon said gaining Austin’s support is an important step for the White campaign. “Austin is critical to winning a statewide campaign,” she said. “People in Austin are some of the hardest working people across the state, and we’re looking forward to working with elected officials and the people who turned out last night to help get Bill White elected.” Bill Spelman, an Austin City Council member and professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, was the last councilmember to give his endorsement. “My support is less because I am on the road with him on any of his policies, although we do agree on most things,” Spelman said. “What’s more important is
RACE continues on page 6 Councilman Bill Spelman was the last of the City Council members to endorse Bill White for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. White’s campaign faces Republicans Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, both of whom will be also vying for the Austin vote.
trades in critical emergency situations, serving as the first responders, along with Emergency Medical Services and police officials. “When the alarm sounds, we all have to get into a different mode,” said Station 1 Cpt. Lonnie Owen. “You never know what you are going to see. If they don’t know who to send the problem to, they send it to the fire department.” AFD Station 1, located down-
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Local officials offer advice for holiday safety By Hannah Jones Daily Texan Staff In order to make the holiday season as safe as possible, Travis County officials have a few warnings for area residents. To prevent accidental fires from occurring during the holiday season, Hershel Lee, Travis County fire marshal, said the most important thing students can do is make sure smoke detectors and fire alarms are in working order. “Verify that [smoke detectors] are properly working yearround,” Lee said. “Once we add trees and extra electrical loads to the house, there are more preventions that need to take place.” Christmas lights are tested by the companies to ensure fire safety, but people should check for frayed electrical connections
that may start fires, Lee said. Lee said Christmas trees should be treated to be flameretardant and should be watered regularly. Never leave the trees up for more than four weeks, and if they become dry they should be taken down earlier, he said. Lee also advises people to keep lit candles away from Christmas trees and to never leave home with a candle still burning. Fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected by a licensed professional. “Never put loose wrapping paper into a fireplace, and the opening should be protected by glass or a screen that’s in good shape,” Lee said. “When you clean it out, put the ashes in a
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Holiday Safety Tips • A fresh tree is key. Make a fresh cut on the base before putting your tree into a sturdy stand, and water it frequently. Dispose of your tree after approximately four weeks. Place your tree far from sources of heat, like fireplaces and heat vents. • Check your lights — check them twice. Inspect all of your electric lights and decorations for damage or wear. Look for worn or frayed wires and broken bulbs. Make sure you do not overload extension cords and outlets. • Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders, and place them where they cannot be easily knocked over or reached by children or animals. Never leave the house with candles burning. • Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire. • Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly. Never remove batteries from a smoke detector to place them in children’s toys. Test smoke detectors monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help, and remember to practice your home escape plan. Source: Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office
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Boosted carp population to combat invasive plant By Alex Geiser Daily Texan Staff A persistent drought has led the Lower Colorado River Authority to eliminate plans to fight an invasive plant species by draining a foot of water from Lake Austin. Instead, more than 4,000 non-native, sterile fish will be added to the lake to fight the aggressively growing plant infestation with hungry carp.
The plan was to drain the lake enough to kill off the invasive Hydrilla in shallow waters before refilling it with water from Lake Travis. The LCRA decided last week not to lower the lake because Lake Travis water levels are already only 50 percent of what they should be. “If, indeed, we did a lake
LAKE continues on page 2