January 29, 2004

NBA Schedule Thursday, Jan. 29

30-17 8:30 30-12 San Antonio Spurs vs.

Jan. 31 at Utah, 7:30 Feb. 2 at Utah, 8

Saturday, Jan. 31 at 29-16 noon 26-21 Dallas Mavericks vs.

Feb. 3 Golden State, 7:30 Feb. 4 at New Orleans, 7

Saturday, Jan. 31 at 26-18 2:30 23-20 Houston Rockets vs.

Feb. 1 at Phoenix, 8 Feb. 4 at Milwaukee, 7:30

SUPER BOWL XXXVIII Sunday, Feb. 1 at 16-2

5:25

14-5

Road to the Super Bowl: New England: Jan. 10 def. Titans 17-14 Jan. 18 def. Colts 24-14 Carolina: Jan. 3 def. Cowboys 29-10 Jan. 10 def. Rams 29-23 Jan. 18 def. Eagles 14-3

Killer Bees Friday, Jan. 30 at Killer Bees vs. Wichita, 7:30 Jan. 31 at Tulsa, 7:35 Feb. 4 at Austin, 7:30 All games p.m.

■ Hoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ■ Sports Clipboard . . . . . 13

Gravel making her mark at Norwich

By AMY MEDELLIN The Pan American

at

■ Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . 15

The old saying goes: Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.

However, there are exceptions to the rule, and Alex Gravel is without a doubt one of those exceptions.

Gravel, former guard for the University of Texas-Pan American Lady Broncs basketball team, has not only set an array of outstanding records during her college career, but is now making a few as assistant women’s coach at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt. After five years of doing, one of the finest athletes in school history is teaching how to do. And she can draw on an interesting personal journey as teaching material.

LOOKING BACK Gravel had an all-star resume as a high school player in Canada, and that success at the school and club level would lead to even higher peaks soon enough. When she was offered a full scholarship by the UTPA coaching staff, she took it without much hesitation.

“I came to UTPA because the coaches at the time offered me a full scholarship and it had always been my dream to play basketball in the United States,” said Gravel. “I came for a visit and I liked the place and the weather; it was my chance to pursue my dream and I took it.”

Gravel made the most of her four years at UTPA. During her first season, 1998-99, she

was fourth in scoring with 8.4 points per game and ranked third among the Lady Broncs with 42 three-point field goals.

Coach Tracy Anderson, who was one of the teaching influences on the Canadian during her career, said that Gravel’s attitude was almost as imposing as her skills.

“Alex is one of the most competitive players I’ve been around and she always wanted to win desperately,” said Anderson, current associate head coach for the Lady Broncs. “She would fight tooth and nails to beat her opponent.”

From 1999-2000, Gravel finished the season ranked 11th among all NCAA Division I players in three-point field goals per game, averaging 2.8 as a sophomore. She was named second team All-Independent and honored as National Independent Player of the Week. During her season high she made nine three-point field goals against Southwest Texas State, which was the second highest total in the nation in a single game all season. She also scored in double figures in 20 of 28 games. By the end of the season Gravel was ranked 30th in the nation in threepoint field goals per game, with an average of 2.4 a game.

Gravel was named second team AllIndependent during the 2000-2001 season, for the second in a row and ranked second in scoring with an average of 13.1 points per game. She led her team in three-point field goals with 65 for the season and

January 29, 2004

An Inside Look:

See Page 8 for details

News ............................................2 ■ A & E............................................7 ■ Sports ........................................16 ■

New fish discovered See Page 5 for details

WINTER TEXANS ROCK!! !

Musical jam sessions energize area visitors is welcome to join. It’s for whomever wants to come play,” stressed Brunotte.

“It works out better that way. We get the public in here,” Brunotte said.

“Before we’d just get the park people.

It’s standing-room only, and the They’d eat their ice cream and they’d go adrenaline rush is on as 30 musicians home, most of them. Now, we have take center stage at Winter Green outside people coming in. They like the Estates. Jam sessions are held every music.”

Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Estates, located Not all of the musicians are from the at 500 N. Bryan Road in Mission.

Winter Winter Texans from Green Minnesota, Michigan, Estates Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and community.

Okla., including British Mary Columbia, Canada and as I retired at 62 and Orendorff, far away as Liverpool, 70, of I played it [bass England make up this DeWitt, cacophonous assembly of fiddle] before then. I Iowa, lives talented would-be just love it. I’m not at Pleasant entertainers.

Valley Wally Brunotte, 72, of St. Nashville, but I have Ranch, Paul Park, Minn. and a a lot of fun. located six Winter Green Estate miles west resident, is the instigator - Mary Orendorff, of Mission. and organizer of this Winter Texan from Iowa “We evening’s session. For him, moved to it’s a labor of love.

Texas 10 years ago but we’re originally “We started this jam here, it was the from Iowa. We’re very fortunate, our first of November,” said Brunotte. “I family lives within seven hours of us, so bought all the equipment for the park we’re very lucky,” said Orendorff. “It’s and stuff. It’s a happy time for very pretty in Iowa but I don’t like to everybody.”

“It started out by invitation only but it drive in that pretty [snow]. We love it didn’t work out that way. Now, everyone in Texas.”

By DIANA CORPUS GARZA The Pan American

“

Photo courtesy of the Norwich University Athletic Department

Broncs thrash IPFW, end losing streak The University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team shot 80 percent from the line and Andrius Sakalys scored a team-high 17 points to lead the Broncs to an 81-60 victory over the Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne Mastodons Wednesday night at the Field House.

“We needed a win big time after losing some games,” Sakalys said. “It serves as a confidence booster for our last games of the season.”

The 6-foot-6 senior forward also had a good night at the line by going 7-of-9.

The 21-point victory served to put an end to the Broncs’ four-game losing streak before1,678 fans.

“We had a great crowd tonight,” said UTPA head coach Bob Hoffman. “They were really into the game and really helped our guys.”

Overall, the Broncs went 20-of-25 (80 percent) from the free-throw line, which turned out to be the difference in the game.

Junior guard Sergio Sánchez went 7-of-7 from the line and finished out the game with 13 points, while Sakalys went 7-of-9.

“It was a great team victory,” said UTPA head Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American coach Bob Hoffman. “We were fortunate we hit some shots tonight. We shot the ball like I knew Center Andrius Sakalys (right) shoots over an oppowe could and it just avalanched from there. Our nent in a game against UMKC Jan. 19.

“Does sex still sell?”

H E A D L I N E S

T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n

Former UTPA women’s basketball standout Alex Gravel (blue See GRAVEL page 14 blouse) is now the assistant women’s coach at Norwich.

By ED CHRNKO The Pan American

THURSDAY

REAL OPINIONS

defense was a lot better also.”

IPFW center David Simon led the game in scoring with 27 points. Simon provided 45 percent of the Mastodons total offensive output.

Four UTPA players scored in double digits in the victory.

Despite the lopsided final score at halftime the game was totally different after the intermission.

The Broncs took a slim 36-33 lead into the locker room at the halfway point of the game, but in the second half UTPA pulled away and never looked back.

As the game wore on in the second half, the physical aspect heated up.

“Both teams were fighting for their lives,” Hoffman said. “Both teams have had a lot of close losses and so, you just try to find a way to get it done.”

The Broncs outscored the Mastodons 45-27 down the stretch to seal the victory and improve to 6-13 on the season, while IPFW fell to 3-16.

The Broncs hope to take the momentum gained in Wednesday’s game into their Feb. 2 matchup against Alcorn State at the Field House.

“It’s going to be another tough game,” Hoffman said. “They’re very athletic and they do a lot of good things. They’re in the Southwest Athletic Conference and we’ve had trouble with some of those guys earlier this year. So, we’re going to have to be ready for that game.”

“

S PORTS

PAGE 16

“I retired at 62 and I played it [bass fiddle] before then. I just love it,” said Orendorff. “I’m not Nashville, but I have a lot of fun.”

Orendorff has been playing bass fiddle for 20 years and also plays guitar.

Others also play multiple instruments.

“I play accordion, banjo, mandolin, guitar, keyboard,” said Brunotte. “I play four polka jams a week. I play accordion and the banjo at those. Then I play in the Erv’s Variety Band also. We play all around Mission and McAllen. It’s fun and we hope the people enjoy it.”

Chris Trisler, 92, of Barnesdall, Okla., who resides at Country Breeze in Mission, plays violin at three or four other jam sessions. His three daughters, who visit yearly, have a hard time keeping up with him.

“He’s been playing the banjo since he was nine and learned to play the fiddle when he was 12,” said Evie Smith, 69, his youngest daughter. “We flew in last Thursday to visit father and have been following him around. He’s played in four jam sessions just this week. We’re very proud of him.”

Diana Corpus Garza/The Pan American There are over 45 such events in any FIDDLING ABOUT— Chris Trisler of Oklahoma given week in Hidalgo County alone.

Music ranges from hillbilly country to plays recently at a music session in Mission. polka. The area’s Winter Texans also enjoy dances and other social See WINTER TEXANS page 11 gatherings. And for anyone who doesn’t

Local judge race marred by FBI raid

By JULIAN CAVAZOS The Pan American

Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American

STAR SEARCH— Video karaoke at the Student Union drew a big crowd Tuesday, as students got a chance to make videos.

Some of them feel it was politically motivated, while others have suggested corruption and bribes are at issue. Either way, confusion about the investigation of Judge Ed Aparicio continues to swirl. No one knows anything for sure.

The suspicion all began on Friday, Jan. 16, when FBI agents raided Aparicio’s Weslaco home at 2 a.m. in search of evidence. His wife and five sons were home as it occurred.

“They were woken up and 2 a.m. and ransacked and couldn’t get up for anything, with an FBI watching them the whole time. They couldn’t leave,” said a campaign supporter of Aparicio, who wished to remain anonymous.

Aparicio, running for re-election

newspaper reports indicated that as 92nd District Court judge, claims to be offended by the behavior of the agents were searching for any evidence of bribes, whether financial FBI agents when at his home, especially because it came in front of or business-related. The documents taken were placed in boxes, each one his family. But the situation would marked with the word get worse for the ‘Evidence.’ judge.

The FBI also walked His office at the off with rather unorthodox Hidalgo County things from the office, Courthouse was such as expensive also raided that paintings of various sizes, same day by the a statue, and family same FBI members, pictures. All things at around 7 a.m. on gathered that day were Friday, half an hour placed in a truck and sent before the to the U.S Attorney’s Courthouse Office in Houston for regularly opens for further examination. business. The FBI Ed Aparicio Since the raids, fished his office public opinion has been for almost seven mixed about the striking news event. hours, searching through trash cans and the office. Later See APARICIO page 11

PAGE 2

January 29

2004

OPINION

Sports

January 29, 2004

letters

■

editorials

■

cartoons

UTPA baseball leads off Saturday

By MATT HALL The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American baseball team has reloaded and added some depth to the pitching to get ready for the 2004 season.

There are 14 new faces for the Broncs and 15 returnees this season. UTPA had a weak bullpen last year, but that is not the case in 2004 as head coach Willie Gawlik has brought in 10 new pitchers to help the returning ones from last year.

Gawlik believes that this year’s team is going to be a competitive one and hopes that the community will make its presence felt at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium, where the Broncs play their home games.

“I want the community to come out and support us. We have our opener this weekend followed by the Al Ogletree Classic,” Gawlik said. “The city of Edinburg and the university are putting on a 10K run and there will be a huge fireworks show to enjoy.”

Gawlik experienced the community’s support over the weekend when the Broncs hosted the inaugural baseball scholarship golf tournament at the Monte Cristo Golf Course and Country Club Jan. 24 in Edinburg. The tournament was held in conjunction with alumni weekend and was held solely to raise money for baseball scholarships.

“We had 83 players participate from alumni and local businesses, we had 27 corporate sponsors, and several other businesses donate door prizes,” Gawlik said. “It was a great event and thanks to everyone for their support.”

The Broncs kick off their season at home Saturday, Jan. 31 against Texas State-San Marcos.

The green and orange return some key players Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American from last year, including freshman All-American The Broncs prepare for the 2004 season opener Louie Alamia, Tony Ortiz, Marco Garza, Matt Eichel, during a practice at Edinburg Baseball Stadium. and Matt Sisk.

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican 53rd Year – No. 16

Interim Editor Arianna Vazquez gareyjup@aol.com

News Editor Belinda Reyes mstxbellezalatina2003@ yahoo.com

A & E Editor Omaira Galarza omairang@yahoo.com

Sports Editor Ed Chrnko echrnko@yahoo.com

Graphics Editor Daniel Aguilar kerygma_@hotmail.com

Layout Designer Dagoberto Perez Ginmarie Mabry Reporters Brian Carr Vanessa Castillo Julian Cavazos Diana Corpus Garza Edwina Garza Dulce Gonzalez Matt Hall Christina Harris

The PAN AMERICAN is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American.

Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the university.

Letters policy The Pan American gladly accepts letters from students, staff and faculty regarding newspaper content or current issues.

The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. Please limit submission length to 300 words. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters, or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Letters are printed at the discretion of the editor and must include the writer’s name, class/title and phone number.

Aaron Lozano Vanessa Lucio Clarissa Martinez Amy Medellin Photographer Franco Caballero Copy Editor Joe Anna Moreno Student Pub. Secretary Jo Anne Murphy Adviser Dr. Greg Selber

Readers with disabilities may request an alternative format of this publication at The Pan American business office.

For special assistance to attend any event listed in this publication, contact the coordinator of the event at least one week prior to the advertised date.

NEWS

■ STCC. . . . . . . . . 3 ■ Atkins Diet. . . . . . . . 4 ■ A Fish Story. . . . . . . 5

Movie clown, activist, appears for campus event

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American With the coverage of the presidential election, the new ventures to Mars filling headlines, and the Super Bowl occupying the minds of the public, a man managed to touch UTPA students Tuesday with his simple message of life filled with joy.

Speaking to a crowded audience in the Student Union Theatre, and colleges all over the country, Patch Adams presented “Having Fun Working for Peace, Justice and Care: A Medley of Interest and Adventures.” Brought to UTPA by the Student Leadership Program and The Office of Student Life and Transition, Adams was shown via satellite by the Society of Success and Leadership.

Sylvia Guerrero, a senior marketing major, and a third-year member of the Student Leadership Society, took the initiative to bring The Society of Success and Leadership to UTPA. “This is a project I had to do for SLP, and I thought the Society would be great for the school,” Guerrero said. “It’s really expensive to see presentations of people who are well-known, and sometimes

students don’t have a lot of funds. Now students do not have to pay, and get benefits of listening to people like Patch Adams.”

In 1971, Adams created a hospital pilot named, The Gesundheit, which addressed problems with the health care system. The hospital saw 15,000 patients through 12 years of existence with only 20 adults on staff. To add to that craziness, the hospital Gesundheit was actually only a sixbedroom house.

They never charged money, didn't accept third-party reimbursement, none of the doctors had malpractice insurance, and initial interviews were three-to-four hours long, all in a theatrical setting. The patients’ care consisted of laughter, joy and creativity as integral parts of the healing process.

Adams is both a medical doctor and a clown, but often plays the role of social activist. He has devoted 30 years of his life to trying to change the U.S. health care system, which he describes as expensive and elitist.

“I chose to be a doctor because I saw how patients weren’t receiving much care,” Adams said. “I want to know a lot about a person. Besides treating them

with medicine, I want them to experience arts and crafts and poetry. You can serve humanity through medicine.”

Doctors and patients of Gesundheit related to each other on the basis of mutual trust, and patients received plenty of time from their doctors. Allopathic doctors and practitioners of alternative medicine were also welcomed to help patients.

In his address, Adams spoke about having joy in life, and not the type of joy that comes with rewards.

“Instead of being happy when you receive an award, or get that job, be happy that you are living,” he said.

“Realize that you are born and celebrate that privilege.”

Adams also poked at the mass media, and their obsession with upsetting stories.

“The mass media loves depressing stories,” he said. “That’s the news, that’s where the focus goes. There’s just a love for misery and television conveys that.”

Adams said that two major themes of literature in the 20th century were alienation and meaningless. Due to society’s focus on money and power, Adams questioned if there was any

See ADAMS page 12

Alamia set a team record for consecutive games hitting safely and led the team in batting in 2003. He believes this year could be a great one for the Broncs and he puts the team above individual achievements on the field.

“I want to go out every day and play as hard as I can for my teammates and everything else will fall into place, I just want to win,” Alamia said. “I just want to play for my team day in and day out.”

Pan Am has its first six games at home and the Broncs are hoping this will give them some momentum before they go on their first road trip to Beaumont to take on the Lamar Cardinals.

One of the strengths to this year’s team is going to be depth at pitcher. Last year coach Gawlik was looking for bodies, but this year he has plenty of options.

“We have more to choose from and better quality than we did last year, but we have to play to see where they are at,” Gawlik said. “Team defense, speed, and depth at every position are also big strengths this year.”

Experience is going to play a huge factor for the Broncs this season because of all the young bucks they have. But Justin Bogy does not think it is going to matter.

“The young guys are looking good, but it will take a few games to get them ready,” Bogy said. “They are doing really good though and are going to help us win.”

Alamia believes playing in the summer is a realistic goal for this year’s team.

“We want to be playing in Omaha in June,” Alamia said of the College World Series. “Play every game like it is a conference game since we aren’t in a conference and we want to win every game. If we do this, then hopefully we will be playing in June.”

The Broncs played in the CWS back in 1971 and Gawlik was part of that team.

Women’s tennis team hold tryouts

By MATTHEW A. CEBALLOS The Pan American Due to a depleted roster the UTPA Women’s Tennis team recently held open tryouts in an effort to fill out the roster. To date, four players have joined the Lady Broncs via tryouts. Head Tennis Coach Eduardo Provencio would still like to fill two spots on the roster.

According to Provencio holding open tryouts like this is an infrequent occurrence and usually it’s only one or two players that make the team, so adding four players is considered a rarity.

Those interested in trying out may contact Provencio at 381-2223 to make arrangements and must be cleared to tryout by the UTPA training staff. The women’s tennis team currently has a roster of 9 players.

When evaluating talent, Provencio looks for good student-athletes who take their schoolwork seriously.

“If they’re strong students we know they can stomach the burden of the amount of time that we’re going to ask of them,” Provencio said.

Provencio feels that there is good local talent in the valley but not enough facilities, such as Country Clubs, for players to improve their games. Provencio has been impressed with the local high school coaches he has met with. “The high school coaches have done a fantastic job in the area,” he said.

Provencio is hoping that the recent walkFile Photo ons will remain with the team.

The women’s tennis team added four new players “I’d like to keep all the local kids on the to the 2004 roster through open tryouts recently. team. It creates a nice niche for us,” he said.

Senior Alana Breen is glad that the open tryouts took place. It’s Breen’s last season and she was worried there wouldn’t be enough players to have a full team. In the time she’s been with the team this is the first time they’ve ever had open tryouts of this sort. Breen has played under three coaches at UTPA, but feels the current coaching staff stresses conditioning more than past coaches.

“In the past we really haven’t had a coach that specializes in conditioning, so the conditioning and doing a lot more core workouts has added a lot (to help the team),” Breen said.

Breen has enjoyed her time with the team but says its difficult being a student-athlete, as well as meeting the team’s expectations and her own.

“Hopefully we’ll have a good season this year with the new coaches,” Breen said.

Freshmen Vanessa Hedinger of Switzerland is an eager newcomer and is looking forward to her first tennis season here at UTPA. Hedinger is not so much concerning herself with winning matches as she is improving her technique on the court. “(My goals are) playing a good season.

That doesn’t mean just to win matches but to show what we learned and work on what we practiced.”

The Lady Broncs will open the season against Texas-El Paso in San Antonio on Friday Feb. 6. They will then hit the road to play against Sam Houston State, Northwestern State, and Stephen F. Austin.

The Broncs will be playing Eastern Kentucky, Dayton, and Xavier on Fri. Feb. 6 in Richmond, Kentucky. On Sat. Feb. 14 they will play Saint Louis in San Antonio.

Page 15

2004 UTPA Broncs Baseball Schedule Date

Opponent

Score

Nov. 1

Green & White

Jan. 31

Texas State-San Marcos

Feb. 1

Texas State-San Marcos

Noon

Feb. 3

Texas Kingsville

6

Feb. 6

Lamar VS. Kansas

1

Feb. 6

Sam Houston State

5

GREEN, 2-1

7

Feb. 7

Kansas

5

Feb. 7

Lamar VS. Sam Houston

9

Feb. 8

Sam Houston VS. Kansa

11 a.m.

Feb. 8

Lamar

3

Feb. 13

Lamar

4

Feb. 14

Lamar (2)

1

Feb. 15

Lamar

1

Feb. 17

Texas A&M-Kingsville

6.

Feb. 20

Sam Houston State

2

Feb. 21

Sam Houston State

2.

Feb. 22

Sam Houston State

1

Feb. 27

Washington State

7

Feb. 28

Washington State

2

Feb. 29

Washington State

Noon

March 6

Arkansas

7

March 9

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (2)

1

March 12

Texas-San Antonio

7

March 13

Texas-San Antonio

7

March 14

Texas-San Antonio

1

March 16

Texas-Arlington

7

March 17

Texas-Arlington

2

March 19

Oral Roberts

7

March 20

Oral Roberts

7

March 21

Oral Roberts

1

March 23

Texas-San Antonio

2

March 24

Texas-San Antonio

2

March 26

Dallas Babtist (2)

4

March 27

Dallas Babtist

1

March 30

Texas

6:30

Apr. 6

Texas State-San Marcos

6:30

Apr. 7

Texas State-San Marcos

1

Apr. 9

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi(2)

1

Apr. 13

Texas-San Antonio

7

Apr. 14

Texas-San Antonio

2

Apr. 16

Arizona

9

Apr. 17

Arizona

9

Apr. 18

Arizona

3

Apr. 23

Dallas Baptist (2)

4

Apr. 24

Dallas Baptist

1

May 7

Southeastern Louisiana

7

May 8

Southeastern Louisiana

7

May 9

Southeastern Louisiana

1

May 11

Arkansas

7:05

May 12

Arkansas

7:05

May 14

Oklahoma

7:05

May 15

Oklahoma

7:05

May 16

Oklahoma

1

HOME GAMES IN BOLD. All games p.m. unless noted.

Sports

January 29, 2004

Lady Broncs topple Incarnate Word

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American Head Coach DeAnn Craft knew that someone on her team had to step up their performance in order for the Lady Broncs to snap their five-game losing streak.

What Craft didn’t know was that two of her players would rise to the call.

Junior Molly Schamel and Senior Amanda Carlow both had career-high performances Tuesday night to help topple the Incarnate Word Academy Crusaders 63-46 at the Field House.

Schamel set a single-game school record with nine blocked shots, while tallying 11 points and as many boards for a double-double.

Carlow put up a staggering 26 points to lead all shooters in the game, while making seven of seven from the free-throw line.

For the Lady Broncs, who have struggled offensively since leading scorer Ashley Roberts was declared academically ineligible three contests ago, strong performances were a necessity.

For Craft the win was a must.

“It’s huge,” Craft said. “It reestablishes how we feel about our home court. It puts us back in line for our ultimate goal.”

The ultimate goal, according to Craft, is to see whether or not her team can tie or beat the school’s season record of 11 wins.

With the win against IWA the Lady Broncs (8-12) bested last season’s win total of seven, Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American and moved within three of the all-time school record. But for the Lady Broncs, who have Stacey Gooden lifts a shot up between two struggled on the road going 2-7, taking the Incarnate Word defenders in UTPA’s 63-46 victory momentum of Tuesday night’s win into

Saturday’s contest against Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne might be a challenge.

Schamel, who does not define herself as a “shot-blocker” despite picking up the single-game record, thinks that Tuesday’s win will be a catalyst for success.

“I think we just needed that one win to get going,” Schamel said. “ [Against IWA] we all pulled away and played together. We did some amazing things that I think will carry over. It gives everybody more confidence.”

One of those “amazing things” was Carlow’s blistering offensive output.

Carlow, who has been starting at the point in Roberts’ stead, realizes her new role as the go-to player. And she is confident with the position.

“There’s pressure there, but it’s not like ‘Oh my God, Ashley’s not here,’” Carlow said. “It’s not constantly in my mind. I just try to play.”

The Lady Broncs opened strong, leading the Crusaders 21-11 midway through the first half. But the Crusaders, led by junior guard Amy Mueller, went on an 11-4 run to cut the Lady Broncs lead to 25-22 going into the intermission.

The Lady Broncs allowed the Crusaders to carry their momentum into the second half, and IWA tied the game nine minutes in, before UTPA went on a 16-7 run to solidify the lead for good. The Crusaders were unable to gain the lead after that.

According to Craft, the Lady Broncs were hindered by IWA’s impressive zone defense, but they found a way to get around it.

“Against the zone you’ve got to get shots,” Craft said. “But once we hit our shots, we forced them into man-to-man and we just kind of had our way with them.”

Page 14

Lady Broncs next game: at

UTPA Lady Broncs

IPFW Lady Mastodons

When: Saturday, Jan. 31 Where: Fort Wayne, IN Time: Noon Records: IPFW (7-12); UTPA (8-12) All-time series: Series tied 1-1.

Next home game: Tues., Feb. 3, Northern Colorado, 7 p.m.

January 29, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 3

Friendly competition matches areas schools

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American

This month President George W. Bush noted that the future is more open than ever to students attending community colleges around the country, and he promised to expend more money to help them reach success. In McAllen, the South Texas Community College (STCC) is stepping up to the challenge.

STCC supplies students with a different form of higher education than students have had in the past with four-year universities. Offering more than 80 degrees and certificate programs on six different campuses, the college has acted as a compliment to the University of Texas-Pan American and the University of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost for 10 years. It has grown at a rate matching the two four-year schools and now has over 12,000 students.

A recent Edinburg Daily Review article noted that STCC is considering offering several new degrees based on the acceptance of a new degree pilot program.

In offering a highly touted degree in operation management, the college fills a need not addressed by the universities in the Valley. It also avoids duplication of degrees that area educators are set against as well. But there have also been recent

STCC is not trying to compete with STCC grows, there is nothing being taken rumors that in the long run, STCC might UTPA, but rather trying to become the away from UTPA. When STCC was first seek to extend its reach into areas already strongest it can be. Also, the schools approved by the state, UTPA was there to covered by UTPA or UTB. The Texas signed a matriculation agreement last help develop it at the time.

A&M system has been interested in year, streamlining equivalencies making it “We (UTPA) had so many students that expanding its operations in the Valley for easier for transfers from STCC to gain weren’t prepared for the rigors of a some time. But as it stands, there is a acceptance at UTPA. university,” Langabeer said. “The niche for each institution.

It has been a busy year for the UTPA Vice community college. It lauded the President of UTPA Degrees STCC Programs decision by the City of McAllen to put Business Affairs, up almost $5 million in local money to James Langabeer, said that there is 56 Bachelor’s including Certificate (6 months - 1 year) recreate a 23,000-square-foot Texas A&M medical education facility. currently no need BA, BFA, BS, BBA The center will be located at 701 for hostile attitudes Associate of Applied Sciences East Vermont Ave., and will be used for between STCC and 42 Master’s including (2 years) a wide range of medical and public UTPA. With the MA, MS, MeD, MPA -25 degrees health education, health-related growth of both training, plus public health and clinical campuses, 2 doctoral: PhD, EdD -35 certifications research. The new building was made Langabeer sees Associate of Arts (2 years) possible by a unique funding structure students gaining 1 cooperative professional whereby the City of McAllen had the access to higher degree with six colleges -11 fields of study building constructed to the education. specification of the Texas A&M “On the surface, our (UTPA) Source: UTPA Source: STCC Program of study University System, and then sold the facility to the system on completion of relationship with construction. relationship between UTPA and STCC is STCC is very productive,” Langabeer At the same time, the UT System is much like how A&M and UT are said. “I’m pretty sure there are people on building the $20 million UT Regional competitive,” Langabeer said. “It’s not campus that will take one side against Academic Health Center Biomedical disruptive to either schools but another, but I don’t. If STCC can produce Research Division in Edinburg, and has competitive when it comes to school new programs at their campus that UTPA donated money to division projects in pride.” cannot provide students, I see it as: more According to Juan Mejia, STCC interim Harlingen and Brownsville. power to them.” vice president for Instructional Services, Langabeer’s philosophy is that even if See STCC page 11

Tuesday night at the Field House.

Border agents deal with immigration twists

Gravel

By VANESSA L. LUCIO The Pan American

continued from page 16

scored a career-high 30 points in victory against Loyola University, in Chicago.

COMPLICATIONS But here the story gets stickier, as a rash of injuries almost kept the UTPA star from finishing a promising college career.

During her senior year, Gravel broke her foot and was forced to sit out the 20012002 season. But because of her competitive spirit she was able to come back the next year and play one more season for the Lady Broncs.

“She [Gravel] always gave it her all on every play, often playing hurt,” said Anderson of Gravel, who recalls the frustration and then subsequent satisfaction of overcoming the obstacle.

“When I broke my foot before what was going to be my senior year,” said Gravel, “I thought it was going to be the end of my career. But I was fortunate enough to come back for another year and have my best season at UTPA, both on and off the court.”

In her last season, 2002-03, Gravel was named first team All-Independent. She also broke the UTPA all-time scoring record during a 19-point game in February 2003 against Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

At the end of the season, Gravel had averaged 42.3 percent from the field and an amazing 42.6 percent from three-point range. She finished second on the team in steals with 38 and third in assists. More importantly she had enshrined her name in school annals as one of the best players to ever don the orange and green. Gravel now

holds the UTPA Lady Broncs career records for scoring with 1227 points, three-point field goals made with 258, three-point field goal attempts with 705, and free throw percentage, .827 percent.

“We were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach her in her senior season,” said DeAnn Craft, current women’s coach. “Alex had tremendous team skills, she could make the right type of pass to any type of player, and Alex also could lead a fast break because of her overall court vision.”

In that last comeback season there were many record-setting nights, but Gravel has one that stands out above most of the rest.

The last game of the season, against Centenary, is one of her greatest accomplishments.

“The moment I will remember the best is my last game as a senior when me and my team went out as winners against Centenary,” said Gravel. “I will never forget the feeling I had in the locker room after the game, it was very sad because my career was over but I felt grateful for everything that had happened in those five years.”

ALL-AROUND GAME Gravel’s success was evident off the basketball court as well. She earned Dean's List 2nd honors, made the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, and was a member of the Bronc Pride 3.0 Club.

Besides basketball, Gravel’s other passion is writing. Although she wrote only for herself at first, encouragement from her

professors helped her share her talent as a reporter for the Pan American student newspaper as her hoops career ran down.

“I’ve been writing for along for myself but wouldn’t show anyone, then I took a class with Greg Selber and he made me believe in myself and I started to be more confident in my writing,” said Gravel. “I miss journalism a lot and it is definitely something I would like to pursue in the future.”

Gravel still dreams of working on the radio or television. She loves to be in front of the cameras and microphone and hopes to make people laugh someday. However this dream is put on hold as Gravel makes a brand new name for herself in the game she loves so much. Now she is the coach, not the player.

“I decided to coach because I love the game of basketball and going to Norwich was a great opportunity for me to find out if coaching was what I wanted to do with my life,” Gravel said.

TEACHING PULPIT As an assistant for the Norwich Cadets, she is also in charge of scouting, recruiting, and skill development for the guards, working under Head Coach Steve Lanpher.

“Her enthusiasm, vibrant personality, and impressive college career will make her a great addition to our staff and to the University,” said Lanpher during an interview for the Norwich University homepage. “She has an outstanding background as a player, and comes highly recommended by Coach Anderson at

UTPA.” The Cadets’ record is currently 13-3 and 3-1 in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, GNAC, where they are in fourth place after their loss Jan. 24, to first place Emmanuel. Gravel predicts her team will accomplish a lot more than they already have this season.

“I see this team as very successful this year and in the future,” Gravel said. “The girls have worked extremely hard and they are a great bunch of young ladies. Coach Lanpher and I hope to get this team to the NCAA Tournament in the spring and win our conference.”

Gravel passes on to her players what she learned at UTPA, and from her coaches.

She wants them to know what it takes to be a champion both on and off of the court, and that one has to work for what they want in life. Her former coaches, both Anderson and Craft, believe that her performance as a player and her experience is a good indication of her coaching abilities.

“Alex had a good head for the game and was a student of the game,” said Anderson.

“I knew she would apply that when she became a coach, because she didn’t just play the game she studied the game and that is a good stepping stone to becoming a good coach.”

Craft agrees saying that of Gravel that “she is doing a super job for Coach Lanpher and is adapting quickly from player to coach. Alex is a great communicator and studies the game and will broaden her ability as she gains experience in coaching.”

Since Sept. 11 the nation has been on a high state of alert as designated by the Department of Homeland Security.

The nation watches closely with avid attention the people who come into the country.

So when President Bush spoke on Jan. 7 about the United States needing an immigration system, “that serves the American economy and reflects the American dream,” many Americans took note.

Bush's proposal to grant temporary legal status to millions of illegal immigrants has brought many opinions on immigration reform to the surface.

To have an opinion, one must first know the facts.

The key points of the Bush Immigration proposal are as follows: * Workers in the United States illegally join a temporary labor program * Those now-illegal immigrants then can apply for permanent residence but get no preferential consideration * Employers hiring these workers must show they cannot find U.S. laborers to fill their jobs * These undocumented workers get guaranteed wage and employment rights * These workers receive a temporary

duties to basically prevent and detour three-year visa, renewable once. illegal aliens within the U.S., while at the They are expected to return to same time dealing with narcotic roundtheir countries of birth once their up.” visas expire.

Flores said that the obvious change is * Congress is urged to increase current there is not an immigration naturalization annual limit of 140,000 "Green program in effect, and the Customs Cards."

Border Collection has teamed up with the * The Department of Homeland immigration inspection bridges.

Security is to administer the “Another aspect that has stayed the program same since Sept. 11, According to CNN.com has been forward the Border Patrol union has deployment of a vast sent a letter to its members, majority of agents urging them to speak out within a given area,” about the proposal. said Flores.

John Frecker, a vice Along with these president of the National obvious management Border Patrol Council and departmental wrote, “regardless of how changes there have you feel about President been technological Bush, I think most of us modifications as well. would agree that his According to Flores, proposal is a slap in the face there is now equipment to anyone who has ever tried that detects radiation to enforce the immigration and biological laws of the U.S.” Eduardo Flores contaminants. There This immigration are also more sky proposal has conjured up boxes at fixed locations where agents can future speculation about what this will see three miles into the dark, plus new mean for the Border Patrol Agents who motion sensors. cover the Valley and the surrounding One other aspect of the Border Patrol areas near Mexico. duties that have changed since Sept 11 When asked what aspects of the job regards policy tweaking. have changed since Sept. 11, Eduardo According to Flores, the Border Patrol Flores, public affairs superior officer for has gone from an ‘Apprehend and Return’ the Border Patrol and Customs Border policy to a ‘Detour and Apprehend’ Protection stated, “We have the same

policy.

Since September 1997, Operation Rio Grande has been in play and the result has been a steady decrease of illegal aliens trying to enter the country.

The operation also involves recruiting more Border Patrol agents across the Rio Grande.

In the mid-1990s there were 500-700 agents covering those regions, but as of 2003 those numbers have tripled.

Flores supervises agents in various parts of the Valley, starting at Falcon Dam through Fort Brown Station at the mouth of the Rio Grande River. His area includes parts of north Victoria, as well as both checkpoints leading into highways 281 and 77.

When asked what has changed since Bush’s immigration reform proposal, Flores stated, “I have direct instructions from my boss in Washington not to discuss our opinions to any media about the proposal. Besides, it is too early to comment on any proposed legislation concerning immigration reform”.

In announcing the proposal, Bush administration officials spoke of an important issue in accepting foreigners into the program. The key is whether they already had a job in the United States or the promise of one if they are living outside the United States.

One can’t help but remember the past shifts in immigration policy which have triggered rushes of people into the

See BORDER PATROL page 11

January 29, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 4

Diet craze discussed by UTPA professors

By EDWINA P. GARZA The Pan American

Dr. Robert Atkins may have died last year, but his low-carbohydrate diet is alive and well, causing Anheuser-Busch, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Sara Lee to do their best in order to become friendly with the Atkins Diet. But is a low-carb diet truly safe?

One of Atkins’ books, “The New Diet Revolution,” listed beef and butter among things a dieter could eat liberally. A lowcarb diet consists of 20 percent carbs, while the normal intake of sugars and starches should be 40 to 50 percent.

For two weeks, a dieter on the Atkins Diet is not allowed to eat fruit, bread, pasta, grains, starchy vegetables, or dairy products that do not include cheese, cream, or butter. Proponents of this diet say fewer carbs means the body burns its stored fat, and that is when weight loss can begin.

“If a low-carb diet means cutting down on refined sugar and corn syrup, I like it,” said Dr. Bahram Faraji of the UTPA dietetics program.

Still, some professors in the dietetics program agree that while cutting down on carbs is effective, it’s not the healthiest way to lose weight. Dr. Alexander Edionwe said the low-carb diet isn’t

healthy because “you need carbohydrates to produce glucose, which is a source of energy.”

Dr. Esperanza Briones, coordinator of the program, said, “It is not a healthy way to lose weight, but they have shown in studies that following the Atkins Diet for several weeks, individuals lost weight faster than those on a traditional weight loss diet. However, at the end of the year, weight loss was similar in both the traditional and Atkins Diet.”

The popularity of the Atkins does not necessarily mean it has no flaws.

“People try different ways of eating and it becomes what we call a fad,” said Edionwe. “Yes, you can take the Atkins Diet and lose weight, but that’s not the issue.”

Edionwe said that it is difficult to gain muscle with low-carb diets, again, because of the lack of glucose being produced.

Many consider the Atkins Diet the most popular of low-carb plans. Others such as the Zone, South Beach Diet, Protein Power, and Scarsdale Diet, are merely trends trying to achieve the same sort of weight loss the Atkins produces, according to Briones.

“There are so many different low-carb diets since [the] Atkins Diet showed loss of weight in those who followed the diet,”

three grams of carbs compared with the said Briones.

52 in the original Whopper.

With about 60 percent of the U.S. Other fast food restaurants have population overweight, “food companies followed suit. Subway has now announced tend to gain by advertising low new wraps carbohydrate that contain 55 foods since fewer carbs there were than the credible original studies sandwich. already 40-50 % Carbohydrates Carl’s Jr. published of has introduced weight loss 20% Protein the Low-Carb on the Atkins Fat Six-Dollar Diet,” Briones 30% said. (based on calorie intake of the individual) Burger, which is wrapped in Increased lettuce. TGI awareness on Friday’s restaurants have Atkins-approved preventive care has caused the babyboomer generation to look at their lives as menus that include buffalo wings, cheeseburgers (again, sans buns), and a they age and realize that they want to be spinach dip. healthy, said Edionwe of the recent media But Faraji said, “[a] burger wrapped in infatuation with low-carb diets. lettuce won’t do it!”

Both Anheuser-Busch and Rolling Rock FOOD WARS? have created low-carb brews. Michelob Hamburgers, the traditional meal of Ultra, which started selling in October, millions, always contained buns, meat, sold three times as much beer last year. lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. It seems Coors Brewing Co. is also starting its own almost too simple to mess with, but low-carb beer this year. they’ve done it. Burger King recently “Corporations are in it for the bucks,” announced its new Whopper; no longer a Faraji noted. traditional burger with buns, the meat is Pizza, just as simple as a burger or even now placed in a bowl and eaten with a knife and fork. The “burger” now has See DIET CRAZE page 12

Ty p i c a l American Diet:

Sports

January 29, 2004

2003-2004 Sports Schedules

SPORTS CLIPBOARD Bianco awarded

UTPA Men’s Basketball Date

Opponent/Time

Scores

Nov. 4

Monterrey Tech

W112-46

Nov. 8

Houston Quest

W 111-59

Nov. 22

Southern Methodist

L 59-69

Nov. 25

Texas A&M-Int’l

W 90-50

Nov. 29

Texas-Arlington

L 75-81

Dec. 1

SWA of God

W 90-60

Dec. 4

Missouri-Kansas City

L 80-104

Dec. 6

Texas-San Antonio

W 86-83

Dec. 12

Mississippi Valley St.

L 67-85

Dec. 14

Sam Houston State

L 66-92

Dec. 17

North Texas

L 81-87

Dec. 20

Rice

L 58-69

Dec. 22

Oklahoma State

L 61-96

Dec. 29

Oklahoma

L 57-72

Dec. 31

McMurry

W 90-58

Jan. 6

Baylor

W 55-54

Jan. 8

North Texas

L 53-71

Jan. 14

Wright State

L 60-82

Jan. 19

Missouri-K.C.

L 69-77

Jan. 21

Texas-Arlington

L 54-73

Jan. 28

IPFW

W 81-60

Feb. 2

Alcorn State

7:30

Feb. 4

Lamar

7:30

Feb. 7

IPFW

Noon

Feb. 11

Arkansas State

7:30

Feb. 14

TAMUCC

7:30

Feb. 16

Air Force

7:30

Feb. 19

Central Baptist

7:30

Feb. 28

TAMUCC

7:00

March 1

Arkansas State

7:05

UTPA men’s tennis player, freshman Gary Bianco of Annecy, France, was named the Southland Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week.

Bianco received the honor for his performance against ninth-ranked Texas A&M and Trinity in the Broncs’ spring 2004 season opener.

The freshman received the top honors in his first try.

Date

Opponent/Time

Results

Jan. 19

Trinity

Won

Jan. 19

Texas A&M

Lost

Feb. 6

Eastern Kentucky, TBA

Feb. 7

Dayton, TBA

Feb. 7

Tigers could sign Pudge The Detroit Tigers are close to signing a $40 million, four-year contract with Ivan Rodríguez. The deal depends on a physical exam Rodríguez is scheduled to take Thursday in Texas.

Next Game:

Alcorn State

2003 CHL Standings Northwest

W L OTL PTS 28 10 3

59

New Mexico

22 17 3

47

Xavier, TBA

OKC

21 17 5

47

Feb. 14

Saint Louis, 2

Wichita

20 19 4

44

Feb. 21

TAMUCC, 2

Tulsa

12 19 9

33

Feb. 26

Laredo College (Exh.), 1

March 11

Abilene Christian, 5:30

March 12

Prairie View, TBA

March 13

Texas Southern, 10 a.m.

March 24

UTSA, 2

April 3

DePaul, 1

April 4

Texas-Arlington, 10 a.m.

Northeast

W L OTL PTS

Bossier-Shreveport 28 10 3

59

Memphis

26 17 1

55

Indianapolis

24 14 1

49

Fort Worth

13 22 6

32

Southwest

W L OTL PTS 28 12 2

58

April 7

Texas Southern, 2

Amarillo

April 8

Lamar, 3

SanAngelo

24 13 5

53

April 9

Southeastern Louisiana, Noon

Odessa

16 25 2

34

April 17

TAMUCC, 2

Lubbock

10 24 7

27

April 30

SLC Championships SLC Championships

May 2

SLC Championships

HOME GAMES IN BOLD All games p.m. unless noted.

Southeast

W L OTL PTS

Laredo

34 5

3

71

Rio Grande Valley 18 18 6

42

Austin

17 18 6

40

Corpus Christi

15 22 3

33

UTPA Broncs

When: Tuesday, Feb. 2 Where: UTPA Field House Time: 7:30 p.m.

All-time series: Alcorn State leads 1-0.

Jesús Mendoza of Club América dribbles the ball down field against Mexico City rival Cruz Azul Saturday. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.

Colorado

May 1

2003-2004 Sports Schedules

Bianco went 2-0 in singles. He defeated John Nallon of the Aggies 6-4, 6-3, and beat Jeremy Stone of Trinity 6-3, 63.

Reuters Photo

Men’s Tennis Spring Season

Page 13

UTPA Women’s Basketball Date

Opponent/Time

Scores

Nov. 7 Nov. 21 Nov. 22 Nov. 25 Nov. 29

Houston Air Force.

Boise State/Dayton TAMUI St. Edward’s

W W W W W

Dec. 5

St. Lous

L 45-77

Dec. 6

Kansas State/Sac.

W 60-50

Dec. 14

Oral Roberts

L 57-67

Dec. 17

Texas

L 25-90

Dec. 19

Marshall

L 59-74

Dec. 21

Central Michigan

L 40-56

Dec. 28

Tulsa

L 41-71

Dec. 31

Prairie View A&M

W 64-52

Jan. 2

UT-Arlington

L 46-85

Jan. 7 Jan. 9

Sacramento State San Diego State

W 49-47 L 38-59

Jan. 11

Louisiana-Lafayette

L 54-62

Jan. 13

SE Louisiana

L 58-60

Jan. 22

SW Missouri State

L 34-69

Jan. 24

TAMUCC

L 43-73

Jan. 27

Incarnate Word

W 63-46

Jan. 31

IPFW

Noon

Feb. 3

Northern Colorado

7:00

Feb. 9

Prairie View A&M

7:00

Feb. 16

Louisiana-Lafayette 5:00

Feb. 19

IPFW

5:00

Feb. 24

TAMUCC

7:00

Feb. 28

SE Louisiana

7:00

March 3

Northern Arizona

8:00

Women’s Tennis Spring Season

Mexican Soccer League 2004 Team Club San Luis U.A.G. Toluca Guadalajara U.N.A.M. Chiapas Pachuca Querétaro Morelia América Cruz Azul Monterrey Irapuato Veracruz Puebla Santos Tigres Necaxa Atlas Atlante Group I 6 - Toluca 2 - Pachuca 2 - Monterrey 1 - Puebla 1 - Atlas

W-D-L 2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-1-0 1-0-1 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-0-2

GF:GA 4:1 6:4 3:1 2:0 4:1 5:4 5:5 4:4 3:3 2:2 1:1 1:1 3:4 3:4 2:3 2:3 5:7 2:4 1:4 0:2

Group II 6 - U.A.G. 4 - U.N.A.M. 2 - Querétaro 2 - América 1 - Santos

PTS 6 6 6 6 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

Scorer / Team E. Marcón S. Pereira, CHI W. Gaitán, TIG J. Arango, PUE J.F. De Anda, PAC J.M. Abundis, TOL E. Lillingston, UAG

Group III 6 - San Luis 3 - Chiapas 2 - Morelia 2 - Cruz Azul 1 - Tigres

91-77 68-67 63-57 84-55 79-42

G 3 2 2 2 2 2 2

Group IV 6 - Guadalajara 1 - Irapuato 1 - Veracruz 1 - Necaxa 0 - Atlante

Week 2 results Jan. 24-25: Veracruz 1, Monterrey 1; Toluca 2, Chiapas 1; Cruz Azul 1, América 1; Tigres 3, Pachuca 3; Guadalajara 1, Atlante 0; Necaxa 2, Santos 2; Querétaro 2, Morelia 2; U.N.A.M. 3, Atlas 0; Irapuato 2, U.A.G. 3; Puebla 1, San Luis 2.

Week 3 schedule Jan. 31-Feb. 2: Chiapas vs. Guadalajara; Monterrey vs. U.A.G.; Morelia vs. Tigres; San Luis vs. U.N.A.M.; Atlas vs. Cruz Azul; Querétaro vs. Irapuato; América vs. Veracruz; Pachuca vs. Toluca; Atlante vs. Necaxa; Santos vs. Puebla.

Date

Opponent

Time

Feb. 6

UTEP

3:00

Feb. 13

Sam Houston State,

3

Feb. 14

Northwestern State

1:30

Feb. 15

Stephen F. Austin

9 a.m.

Feb. 21

TAMUCC

2:00

Feb. 26

Laredo College (Exh.) 1:00

March 11 Abilene Christian

5:30

March 13 Texas Southern

10 a.m.

March 17

Wyoming

TBA

March 18

Jacksonville

Noon

March 19

Long Island

TBA

March 20

Bethune-Cookman

TBA

March 27 Air Force

8:30 a.m.

April 7

Texas Southern

2:00

April 8

Lamar

3:00

April 9

McNeese State

9 a.m.

April 16

IPFW

TBA

April 16

Northern Colorado

TBA

April 17

TAMUCC

2:00

HOME GAMES IN BOLD All games p.m. unless noted.

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 29, 2004

ADAMS

Page 12

film not to show the pain, but to express the relief and happiness the clowns brought the people.

With people wounded and lying on bed, screams could be heard echoing through the halls of a hospital. A stray cat roamed through the hospital and into a room of crying children. Entering into the madness, Patch Adams and his crew of clowns seemed ready to bring laughter to the injured.

Armed with funny hats, tubes of bubbles and finger puppets, the clowns slowly brought smiles to the faces of the weak children. One child has her entire back burned, and her cries of agony seem to catch the ears of two clowns. As one tries to comfort the young child with soothing words, a violin medley is being played outside the door to counter the pain.

The group of clowns faced many settings, including general marketplaces and shelters, and tried to

share the message of peace.

“How do you stop violence?” Adams asked a group of men. “Life needs to come from a joyful place. Why do I want to drop a bomb on his house, or his house, or their house? No, you should say, ‘He is not my enemy.’”

Alex Marrcoso has been attending the Society’s meetings since last semester. Also a third-year leader, he feels that presentations like this are extremely beneficial to UTPA students.

“Whether you want to listen to the wonderful words of Patch Adams or simply have an hour to spare between classes or work, the seminars offer great sessions,” Marcosso said. “This is extremely important for the university because it links us to several other universities around the U.S.” “I’ve seen the worst of human suffering, and that they still find relief,” Adams said.

“Through medicine, laughter overcomes all languages of living.”

By VANESSA L. LUCIO The Pan American

Franco Caballero/The Pan American

LIVE FEED— The multitalented Patch Adams came to UTPA Tuesday in the form of a broadcast via satellite. The clown activist described his unique health care philosophy that he has developed in over 30 years of work.

DIET CRAZE

Franco Caballero/The Pan American

WATCHING CALORIES— Diets have become hugely popular in the United States, especially the Atkins Diet, whose low-carbohydrate program is sweeping the nation.

For years, diet drinks have been a staple for those looking to enjoy soft drinks and still watch their weight.

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 5

La Feria welcomes Mason extravaganza

continued from page 2

room left for love and connection.

“When I talk to my patients, they don’t want to be talking about their kidney for four hours,” Adams said. “I don’t think anyone can talk about a kidney for hours, even if they were dying from it. Instead they talk to me about their loneliness. But love is like a skill, anyone can be fabulous at it.”

Junior public relations major Omar Riojas said that he believes Patch Adams is one of the greatest people because of his philosophy on life.

“I think it’s wonderful for UTPA students to experience speakers from around the nation,” Riojas said.

Adams showed a part of the movie he made in March 2002 when he took 22 clowns, from six continents on a fourweek aid tour to Afghanistan. “Clowning In Kabul ”revealed the life people experience when they lack proper medical care. Adams said he was showing the

January 29, 2004

a beer, has seen the effects of the low-carb diet trend. Pizza Hut is thinking of a low-carb, crustless pizza.

Briones said the new burgers and menu changes due to the low-carb diet trends and resolutions won’t last long.

“Fast foods having burgers wrapped in lettuce will be popular for now, but that trend will probably wane eventually,” she predicted.

Briones, Edionwe, and Faraji say that they don’t think people of the Rio Grande Valley will embrace the low-carb diet fad. Briones thinks some in the Valley might try it out, but still she doesn’t see it lasting for long.

So, fast food chains and hundreds of thousands of followers later, is the low-carb diet safe for everyone?

“I don’t think the question of safety has been answered with lowcarb diets. There are different levels of carbohydrate restriction

continued from page 4

and if it induces ketosis (having ketone bodies built up in the body tissues and fluids) it is not safe,” said Faraji.

“One version of Atkins even provides the strips to check urine for ketones.”

Briones mentioned that carbs are the body’s primary source of energy, which is the cells’ preferred source of fuel.

“The brain must have glucose as a source of energy. The brain will not use other sources of energy except in extreme cases of starvation, in which ketone bodies, breakdown of fat, are used by the brain,” Briones said.

“Carbohydrates must be supplied on a regular basis.”

When trying to drop the excess holiday weight, Edionwe says it’s best to talk to a professional about precise needs for specific body types as well as individual health concerns.

“See a nutritionist, a dietitian, or a consultant.

Work on this on an

individual basis,” he said.

“It’s not the same for everyone.”

Edionwe suggests that if people are seeking weight loss and tips on eating properly, he offers help and answers questions through his website, Almsjee Nutrition Therapy and Services, that describes how to maintain a balanced diet. For more information, visit http://www.almsjeenutriti on.com/.

“It is our job to warn them about the extreme versions of the diet and the effects if might have on their health,” Faraji said.

The simplest and easiest advice the professors can offer in regard to losing or maintaining weight, is to eat from all the food groups, eat fat sparingly, cut down on calories, and exercise daily.

“Think of this as a permanent lifestyle change and not to go on and off diets and you will lose weight,” Faraji concluded.

On Saturday Jan. 24 Neil Neddermeyer, Grand Master of Masons of Minnesota, was honored at the 24th annual Minnesota-Texas Masonic reunion at the Rio Grande Valley Shrine Club in La Feria.

Over 200 Masons were in attendance to hear an inspiring message from the Grand Master celebrating Minnesota’s 150 years of service to the community.

Seventy-five-year-old Ward Sonsteby, a Texas Lodge Mason member since 1956, stated, “Neddermeyer brought greetings from Minnesota to all the enthusiastic Winter Texans in the room, it was a special night.”

Sonsteby said the Grand Master told some interesting stories about the history of the organization.

The evening concluded with honoring the widows of former members, four of who received their widows’ pins and were appropriately recognized.

The reunion brought up a basic question for those unfamiliar with the Masons.

Masonry developed from lodges of operative or stone masons. The Masonry of today is distinguished from the stone masonry of old by being referred to as "Speculative" Masonry.

Speculative or Freemasonry does not

work with stone, but instead works on the England met and formed the first Grand Lodge. lives of men.

A Grand Lodge is a Masonic body Its teachings take the imagery of having jurisdiction over the carpentry and lodges in a certain geographical architecture and area. use it to teach Each state has its own Grand about building Lodge, including the District of good character.

Columbia.

Masonry is the Its membership is restricted to world’s oldest and men, but there is no hazing as is largest fraternal found in some college organization; it fraternities. Most of its members originated in have been inducted into the England in 1717 organization because of an and has over 3 inherited membership, either a million members grandfather, or father was a worldwide today.

Mason.

The oldest Neil Neddermeyer Some former members of the Masonic Texas Lodge Branch have document, the included Sam Houston, the first president Regius poem, dates to around 1390 A.D. of Texas and the founding member of There is no Masonry prior to that date.

Holland Lodge; Stephen F. Austin, the Somewhere between 1390 and 1717, Father of Texas and a freemason; and lodges of operative masons began to David ‘Davy’ Crockett, the hero of the accept members who did not work in the Alamo and also a freemason. building trade.

Sonsteby stated, “The purpose of our Eventually whole lodges composed of such persons arose, leading to a transition fraternity is to make good men better, while helping aid and assist the widows from lodges being composed of stone masons to lodges being composed of men and orphans of former members”.

According to the Texas Lodge Branch from other occupations who gathered and website, Masonry does require of its shared a ritual replete with allusions to adherents a belief in God and in life after carpentry, architecture, and stone death, though it asks no one to expound masonry. upon the particulars of his understanding In 1717, four of these lodges in

of those two beliefs.

Masonry is not a religion. There is nothing in Freemasonry to interfere with a man's religious life. Persons of all faiths and Christian denominations are a part of the worldwide Masonic fraternity.

Religion and politics are two subjects not allowed to be discussed when a lodge is in session.

There are staple rituals or ceremonial events that take place in various lodges across the world.

For example, Symbolic, Craft, or Blue Lodge Masonry, has three degrees. The three degrees are, in order: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.

A "degree" is a drama in which a newcomer to masonry, the candidate, is made to play a key part. These dramas have several characteristics and are progressive in nature as they build on each other.

These dramas are enacted with only Masons present and are for the purpose of moral instruction.

One of the most publicly recognized humanitarian projects the Masons are involved in is the Shriners Children’s Hospitals. There are two in Texas.

According to the Texas Lodge Branch website, in the United States, branches of Masonry combined provide over $1.5 million of charitable aid per day.

See MASONS page 11

New fish proven after years of investigation

By VANESSA CASTILLO The Pan American Scientists have spent almost seven years trying to prove that a unique species of fish was found in the third largest spring in Texas, and UTPA professor of biology Robert Edwards recently helped do just that.

While following the Devil’s River minnow, an endangered fish Edwards has studied for more than 20 years, he and his colleague, Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist Dr. Gary P. Garret, came across an unexpected specimen.

“We have worked in that area for the last 20 years and had never seen anything like it,” said Edwards. “One day it appeared. It looked a little strange. I looked at it, he [Garret] looked at it, and we said, ‘Whoa, this is something totally new.’”

The San Felipe Springs in Del Rio, where the new San Felipe Clarkhubbsi Gambusia was found, had been combed by the scientists many times. This made the discovery more remarkable and puzzling.

Edwards explained that two changes in the area surrounding the spring could have explained the dramatic increase of the fish’s population. The first was the reduction of the use of pesticides and fertilizers along with a fish-friendly nomow buffer zone created by the city of Del Rio along the creek banks. A second possible factor was a 1998 flood that swept through the city of Del Rio, causing considerable damage and

scouring the San Felipe Creek female. The San Felipe Clarkhubbsi but it is now extinct,” Edwards streambed. This may have improved Gambusia reaches a maximum size of mentioned. “We’ve lost one but we’ve conditions in the creek and allowed the about an inch or inch-and-a-half. gained one.” species to grow in number.

The new species belongs to a group The San Felipe Clarkhubbsi Gambusia Years of studying and of fishes called mosquitofish. They feed joins 30 other Gambusia species, nine of comparing this recent discovery to other on mosquito larvae and help keep the which are found in Texas. fishes in its subgenus, Gambusia, has number of diseases the mosquito carries, UTPA’s Edwards has studied fish since provided evidence that 1974, and got his doctorate from the small San Felipe the University of Texas at Austin.

Clarkhubbsi Gambusia He is co-author of an upcoming has never been book called “Texas Fishes,” an documented before. account of all fresh water fishes in “The discovery the state. He is also working with of a new species takes the federal government in an effort many years of scientific to keep the Silvery Minnow, a fish review,” explained found in the Albuquerque, N.M. Edwards. “We had to area, from extinction. ensure that this fish had He started teaching at UTPA in 1980 never been found or and has been with the university’s documented anywhere.”

Biology Department ever since, teaching The long process of biology, Ichthyology, advanced testing the characteristics Ichthyology, a graduate course in of the fish began in 1997 statistics, and environmental biology. and the results were He is still studying the San Felipe authoritatively recorded Clarkhubbi Gambusia, hoping to in a recent issue of the Photo by Bob Edwards, Texas Parks and Wildlife determine the essential factors of its prestigious international survival.

NEW BREED- Dr. Robert Edwards of UTPA, along with a colleague, journal Copeia, the Edwards believes fish contribute to discovered a new fish, pictured above. The San Felipe official publication of the our knowledge about humans. He said ClarkhubbsiGambusia was confirmed after seven years of research.

American Society of the new species is a good indicator of the Ichthyologists and health of our environment, saying that if Herpetologists. Color, scale pocket like malaria and West Nile, from there is something wrong with the fishes, there margins, weight, and numerous other spreading. They have been introduced might be something wrong with us. tests were conducted to find the factors worldwide as mosquito-control agents.

“Fish are absolutely interesting. They have that distinguish this fish from others.

The last fish species that was many different adaptations and they also According to the December 2003 issue discovered in the state happened in account for over half the vertebrates,” he said. of Copeia, the new species is among the 1969, in Central Texas.

“So if you really want to know more about largest of the Gambusia group; the “The San Marcos Clarkhubbsi vertebrates like ourselves, you better start largest specimen tested was a 58-mm Gambusia was found over 30 years ago, with the fishes.”

January 29, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 6

Video department making Menchaca article should technology work better ameliorate retention woes

By MARIA MAZARIEGOS The Pan American The University of Texas Pan American is getting up to date in its technology needs due to the team effort of the Video Resources Department, located in the Academic Services Building, room 1.126.

The Video Resources Department came into existence in the mid-1980s as a media service unit located in the Library. Since its beginnings, the department has changed and developed into a vital part of UTPA. Department Director Omar Cantu and his faculty members work with the latest technology applications to provide services to faculty. The department is broken down into three main sections: videoconferencing services, instructional technology support services, and video production services.

“The success of our department is due to the excellent team of employees we have,” said Cantu.

The department has installed videoconferencing units and equipped classrooms with video cameras, video monitors, and microphones. The first unit was activated in 1990.

“Over the years we have expanded our facilities to meet the needs of the university,” stated Cantu.

This facility has enabled UTPA to offer and receive distant learning classes to other campuses, including those of the UT system and the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas in Mexico. Currently nine sections of distant learning classes from UTPA are received at other campuses, and UTPA receives six classes originating from UT- Austin.

English professor Adelle Mery has taught distant learning classes at UTPA. According to her, the camera set-up is discreet and does not interrupt the learning environment.

“All I do is show up and teach the class,” Mery said.

It’s the technology that makes her job

easier. The instructional technology support services provide certain classrooms with “a lectern that has a networked computer, document camera, VCR, and a LCD video/date projector,” said Cantu.

This equipment facilitates the way instructors present their lecture notes and visual aids, since it replaces the traditional chalk board method of note writing.

Daniel Ozuna, a student in Survey of the Media, taught in the communication department said, “It is neat how the professor can just put a magazine or book on the screen and then it appears big for everyone to see it. It’s better than him just holding up the magazine for us to see, because when they do that people who sit in the back can’t see anything, but with the screen we can.”

The Video Resources staff is trying to help others, including professors, find out what is available.

“We provide technical support for more than 60 instructional technology classrooms,” said Cantu. “Faculty needing training or having technical difficulties with any of these systems can generate a service call by calling the University Help Desk at extension 2020.”

Nick Taylor is in charge of video editing and works in the video production area of the department where there are video cameras, and video editing equipment to produce broadcast-quality footage. The Video Resources Department’s video productions include the “Think Big” recruitment video, along with various other promotional videos viewed by entering UTPA students.

Cantu says this and other new features make his job a delight.

“I love coming to work because each day brings new challenges and opportunities for our department to keep UTPA on the cutting edge in the utilization of instructional technology,” he exclaimed.

By VANESSA L. LUCIO The Pan American According to the Journal of Statistics Education, between 1995 and 2007 the number of classroom teachers in elementary and secondary schools is projected to rise distinctly. However, the journal fails to mention that nationwide principals are losing many new teachers because they are deciding to leave within the first year of being hired.

The Valley particularly is part of the nation that is having trouble finding enough teachers. Why are the numbers contradicting what is actually taking place in the classrooms?

Donna native Dr. Velma Menchaca, chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at UTPA, recently had a manuscript published that explains the solution to this ever-present problem.

“A Wake up Call to Principals: Are your Novice Teachers Leaving?” was accepted for publication in the Journal of the National School Development

support system for these novice teachers who need a helping hand when it comes to classroom management.”

Menchaca views the increase in first-year teachers leaving as a sign that principals need to “wake up and start going a bit further with these new additions to the faculty, offer alternatives to just winging it on their own while in the classroom.”

“First-year teachers need to have the procedures Dr. Velma Menchaca and rules of each campus explained to them,” she said. “A veteran teacher should for nine years, and has been teaching at UTPA for take time and show them where to go and what to 14 years. Menchaca has do at least once a week.” also taught at Texas State Pairing veteran and University and Tarleton novice teachers together State in Stephenville to plan lesson plans or before coming back to the develop tests is another Valley. way of creating a Menchaca stated, “I collaboration network wanted to impact and challenge students through principals everywhere can follow. learning, that is why I “After all, principals are teach.” supposed to make sure When asked to describe there is a support system her manuscript Menchaca in place at their campus. said, “It’s about teaching That is their job really,” principals how to create a Menchaca finished.

Council, Catalyst for Change.

Menchaca is no stranger to classroom experience.

She taught public school

Franco Caballero/The Pan American

LOVESEAT— UTPA sophomores Dulce Carreon (left) and Jahaziel Hernandez take a break from studies in the Student Union Wednesday. The Union has always been a place where people come to release stress.

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 29, 2004

WINTER TEXANS know how to dance, there are opportunities to learn at various resorts.

Schedules are printed weekly in the Winter Texan Calendar section in The Sunday Monitor.

The current Winter Texan population is estimated at about 140,000.

Their seasonal presence boosts the local economy and provides social benefits like cultural exchange. According to a two-year old study by the University of Texas-Pan American, Winter Texans add $465 million to the economy and support an estimated 7,850 jobs. They are also steady supporters of UTPA campus events such as musical concerts, theatrical productions, and Bronc sporting events.

And if Winter Green Estates is any indication, the northern visitors also add to the musical variety of the Valley as well.

STCC Several Valley media outlets have reported that the UT System did not want A&M to grab a hold in the Valley, but Langabeer sees the expansion as an opportunity rather than a setback for UTPA. “The university offers almost three times as many professional upper level courses than STCC does,” he said. “The funding and building STCC is receiving is a drop in the bucket if they can serve students who want to pursue different areas.”

Jean Rogers Swartz, STCC associate dean of instruction, said in a Monitor article last August that “we don’t want to become a university, but we are providing additional services.”

“We are not intending to becoming a university,” echoed Mejia. “Our goal is to be the best community college and offer students different choices.

STCC helps

continued from page 1

Diana Corpus Garza/The Pan American

JAMMIN’— Three Winter Texans perform their music.

continued from page 3 individuals who may not want to attend a university.

If they can earn an education and training in one or two years and enter the workforce, then we’ve accomplished what the school is meant to do.”

Mejia continued to say that there are even ideas being thrown out about UTPA and STCC exchanging faculty members in order to help build programs and exchange ideas.

Because STCC has always taken in students needing remedial classes, it allowed UTPA to focus on its upper level master’s, doctoral and professional programs, said UTPA President Miguel Nevarez last summer.

This has helped UTPA in retention and graduation with rates increasing significantly because more students who weren’t ready for UTPA boned up at STCC and entered when they felt ready.

Meanwhile, those

who didn’t believe STCC was going to grow into a disciplined institution of higher education are being proven wrong. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the pilot project allowing the school to create ways to offer fouryear degrees in applied science and technology.

Selection for Valley students is thus strengthened.

“The goal is, that once someone receives an associate degree in applied science, they can then choose to go further at STCC by obtaining the bachelor’s,” Mejia said. The goal for UTPA is to make sure that degrees offered by STCC are not duplications.

UTPA and STCC comply with this new pilot because it is not offered in Edinburg. With the growth of STCC’s bachelor programs, and UTPA pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, the students who

choose to attend a community college for their certification or associate’s degree are covered.

“Services to the students are still the top priority,” Mejia said. “Being part of the pilot program was approved by the Coordinating Board because we want to expand STCC, not change it into anything that won’t give opportunities to South Texas.”

Langabeer pointed out that UTB didn’t leave Texas Southmost College when it entered the UT system. Each offers a unique curriculum.

“That school offers certifications in areas like radiation, welding and technical fields, which we cannot have,” he said.

“Instead of having just the 16,000 students who attend UTPA, we can add 16,000 more that can receive a higher education. A total of 32,000 students is much better than only serving half of that.”

APARICIO

Page 11

continued from page 1

Critics of the judge remind people that the Valley has a long history of political corruption, so the investigation is no surprise. Supporters of Aparicio insist that the affair was somehow politically motivated, though no one has gone on record as officially accusing Eric Cardenas Jarvis, the challenger in District 92, of any misconduct.

“It’s unfortunate that the raids were done in secret, at a time when he’s got a hard campaign,” said Aaron Pena Sr., a friend of Aparicio. “These things happen a lot. I’m bothered by the fact that his home was searched at the wee hours of the morning, when they could have easily done it in the evening.”

The FBI, through a sealed search warrant, was given permission to seize from Aparicio’s office any types of records, artwork, pictures, and objects of Aparicio’s interests. The warrant also stated among the possible offense in such “sealed warrant” cases include money laundering, wire fraud, conspiracies against the federal law, and threats of violence toward businesses. However, no charges have been filed.

The warrant lists 28 persons and three businesses with links to Aparicio in some manner, and about 20 of these are attorneys. Some prominent persons on that list are State Representative Aaron Pena, as well as Ricardo “Rick” Palacios.

Most of these on these persons and business were left clueless as to why they would be placed on the list.

In response to the raids, Aparicio feels that both were politically motivated, coming so close to the March 9 primary.

Early voting begins Feb. 23 As to the possibility of the raids leading to charges of bribery or corruption, predictably an Aparicio campaign supporter doesn’t think so. The supporter said his boss is everything but dishonest, and is considered to be a dedicated judge with a satisfied staff.

“When you become an attorney, you have to be there at the crack of dawn, all the way past lunch. He [Aparicio] is there in his office from 8 a.m. until 4:30, and the only reason he leaves early is because

he comes to his campaign office,” said the supporter. “He does a good job, and his workers have no complaints whatsoever.”

Both opponents are trying to get the best out of their campaigns for the 92nd seat. Cardenas Jarvis is no exception. This is his first time running for the position and Raymundo Perez, a campaign volunteer, expressed his encouragement for the public to vote for Cardenas Jarvis.

“We’re doing this campaign for the good of the people, so they could come out and vote. Eric Jarvis will do his best for the middle-class,” said Perez. “He will give a head start for the young people.

He’s a good young man that will do a good job.”

On the other hand, Aparicio’s campaign is also trying to get as many voters as possible. No matter what some people are saying about his investigation, the campaign is moving on.

“Despite what the public thinks, Aparicio will still continue his campaign, in hopes for being re-elected, with his campaigning committee right behind him the whole way. We’re going to keep going in our campaign,” said another Aparicio supporter. “We’re going to keep calling people, putting up signs, time and effort, and hopefully everything will turn out well.”

To this day, no conclusions have been reached or charges of any kind filed against Aparicio nor to any of those on the search warrant list. By the time the case is settled, the election will probably be a memory in the political rearview mirror. The citizens of Hidalgo County citizens will have to go to the polls as the FBI unravels the truth at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Jerry Polinard, UTPA political science professor, says that the truth, whatever it is, can either help or hurt Aparicio. But until the puzzle is solved, all we can do is wait.

“If people believe the raids are politically motivated, it will be to his advantage. If not, it will place a shadow over his campaign,” said Polinard.

“People have no other choice but to have a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude.”

BORDER PATROL country.

In 1986, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, which granted amnesty to 2.7 million illegal immigrants and introduced penalties for employers who knowingly hired undocumented workers.

Border agents reported a large surge in illegal crossing in the months leading up to the enactment, as people sought to get into the United States in time to apply for the amnesty.

Then there was the case of Haitians in 1993, who took to

MASONS

continued from page 3

overloaded boats and rafts in hopes of an interview with then-President Clinton, who considered asylum requests of Haitians interdicted at sea.

Regardless of which side one decides to take, it is a fact that this proposal has the Latino community divided.

According to Raul Yzaguirre, president of the National Council of La Raza, “Bush’s proposal is either at best an empty promise, or at worst, a political ploy to gain Latino votes aimed at vulnerable immigrants and those of us who care deeply about them.”

continued from page 5

After 167 years of Mason service in the Lone Star state, there are now over 128,000 Masons in Texas and 885 lodges.

Some other community projects the Masons are involved in are as follows: volunteering their time by providing aid to many retirement homes for the aged and many local lodges provide scholarship programs for graduating high school seniors within the area.

Masonry asks its candidates not to tell the details of the ritual to nonMasons because an element of secrecy serves to heighten interest in Masonic teachings.

For a 287-year old organization with certain rules and procedures, and an elite membership policy, it sure has helped out many people in more ways than one.

Around Town Craft Expo Jan. 30-31 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Place: McAllen Chamber of Commerce Event: The chamber and the office of the Mexican Consulate will host an exhibit of handmade Talavera potter, pewter, black pottery, woodcrafts, silver jewelry, and other handmade crafts.

Price: Admission is free Phone: (956) 682-2871 Opera Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

Place: UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium Event: The university music department presents “El Duo de la Africana,” a one-act farce

by Manuel Fernandez.

Price: Tickets are $7.

Phone: (956) 381-3471 Talent Show Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.

Place: McAllen International Convention Center Auditorium Event: Valley visitors come together to showcase talent in annual Winter Texan Talent Show.

Price: Admission is $6.

Phone: (956) 682-2871 Folk Music Feb. 6-8 at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Place: UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium Event: The UTPA Mariachi will perform “A Celebration of Mexican Folk Music.” The show will include performances by the UTPA Mariachi Feminil, the UTPA Intermediate Mariachi, and the Sol y Luna International Dance Club.

Price: Tickets are $5 at the door.

Phone: (956) 381-3471 Art Show Feb. 7-8 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Place: Pharr International Convention Center, 3000 N. Cage Blvd.

Event: The 22nd Annual Spring Classic Fine Art Show and Sale features artists from Houston, San Antonio, Chorpus Christie, and Rio Grande Valley.

Price: Admission is free.

Photography Contest Through March 1 Place: Valley wide Event: Photography lovers can submit work for the International Open Amateur Photography Contest.

Price: No entry fee.

Phone: (410) 363-4800

Page 10

Band’s success anything but a ‘Tragedy’

By BRITTANY HOLT The Pan American A hot, up-and-coming band has hit the local music scene, Silverlined Tragedy. This somewhat unique band deviates from the many local Valley bands by having two front girls, instead of the more common role of front men. Tina Kim, vocalist and guitar, and Tiffany Saenz, lead guitar and backup vocals, first brought the band together two years ago while in high school.

“Tina and I played together and wrote music together,” said Saenz.

They proceeded to recruit two members to form the current group. The additional band members are Raul Flores, bassist, and Aaron Mireles, on drums.

According to Saenz, starting the band and writing music for the new group went as smoothly as the silver lining in their name.

“It all just kind of came together,” said Saenz.

“The music flowed.”

Silverlined Tragedy has an mix of musical talent that makes their style of music different.

According to the band members, the group does not fall into an existing music genre but rather is pioneering a new field in the music industry. They are looking to break out of the stereotypical molds and shy away from being labeled as playing one particular type of music.

“Our music is melodic but powerful, and it is defining its own genre. The bassist is hard core,

the lead vocalist punk, and the lead guitarist emo. university. Kim and Flores, while both still Each of us has our own style that comes together students at Science Academy, are just as serious really well,” Mireles, the band drummer and dedicated to the band. They believe they have what it takes to stay together with all original explained.

Silverlined Tragedy is currently working hard to members. For all four band members the music is establish a loyal fan base by playing in local hot a passion. Drummer Mireles described the band’s spots such as Velvet and the former Athena’s passion for music best when he said, “It’s a part of us.”

Coffeehouse.

For more information check out their website: “It’s an Indie rock band with punk rock ethics,” said Ephraim Cuellar, fan and graduate of Texas www.geocities.com/silverlinedtragedy.

State Technical College. “They remind me of Rainer Maria meets Planes Mistaken for Stars.”

Cuellar was impressed by what he referred to as their “DIY (do it yourself) attitude.”

Silverlined Tragedy currently has 14 original songs under their belt.

They continue to play local shows while waiting to record a five-track demo in February, which they expect to release this summer. So if you’re looking to check out a unique new band, or are already a loyal fan you can catch their Brittany Holt/The Pan American performance on Feb. 21 at Roadrunner Stadium.

Silverlined Tragedy performed at Club Velvet in McAllen on Jan. 22.

Saenz and Mireles are both Pictured from left to right are Tiffany Saenz, guitar;Aaron Mireles, drums; currently students at the Tina Kim, vocals and guitar; Raul Flores, bass.

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW

Britney intoxicates fans with sex appeal

By AARON LOZANO The Pan American

success of her debut record. The album put her at the top of female pop artists while maintaining a somewhat PG status.

In her second album, “Oops I Did It Again, “Spears shifted her innocence to a sexier attitude with stronger lyrics that cross the borders of what is socially considered taboo. Sales dropped but remained on top. The same goes for her self-titled third album.

Her more recent album which premiered Nov. 18 proves to be her raciest. It features Madonna, a woman who has redefined female pop, the entertainment industry and has used her share of the powers media and sex offer.

Over all, “In The Zone's” risky sexual twist from her past albums has matured Britney Spears. The change has tossed her into her next career phase while it made her look devilishly sexy.

Besides the dramatically sexual turn in her lyrics, the sound on most of the songs has taken a more industrial-club-techno beat. Harsh critics and negativity aside, the spicy lyrics and addicting sound create new music for the pop star, music that suits her well.

The combination creates an enjoyable album that entices her new fans and satisfies dedicated ones.

Listeners who foolishly thought that the sexually intoxicating Britney Spears couldn't or wouldn't get any sexier, were wrong.

Sex is definitely a driving force for Spears, and boy-oh-boy is the Madonna-in-training megamedia-star going full speed. Need proof, just try and watch her newest music video, “Toxic,” without blushing.

With the release of her fourth album, In The Zone, Spears' media industry skills have matured. She is gaining the confidence to use sexual appeal while losing the confidence of some of her fans, a risk every entertainer takes. And while some of her audience has changed their thoughts about the new image, most Britney followers have matured along with her, backing the Southern diva. _________ The lyrics in “Outrageous,” the seventh track on her new album, are proof that the 1) “One More Time.”

22-year-old musician is fully aware of her new tactics.

Released on January "Locking down the industry/ Aren't I super 12, 1999 glamorous/Red carpets and cameras.../ ...Media over here/Coming through like a 2) “Oops, I did it world premiere/Trench coat and my Again.” Released on underwear" It's obvious Britney's sexual limits have May 16, 2000 gone beyond the line. Certainly, at least beyond the limits of her first album, “Baby 3) “Britney Spears.”

One More Time.” Her references to sex are Released on November blunt and by no means innocent as seen in 6, 2001 the lyrics from “Early Mornin',” the fifth track on the new album.

"Baby we can make plans/Where you 4)”In the Zone,” live/Does your mama live there/We can hook Released on November up at the hotel/He was down/So I told him, 18, 2003 let's go/What happened next? Guess/But, you don't wanna know" But is this sexual approach working for a pop star whose career includes a major motion picture? Record sales have Britney’s Latest Tour, “The Onyx Hotel Tour,” will begin in San Diego, in March. For reportedly gone down, and although all four more information on Britney or the tour visit www.britneyspears.com or ticketmaster.com of her albums are multi-million dollar sellers, nothing has overshadowed the

BRITNEY

DISCOGRAPHY

PAGE 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

■ Latin Bands . . . . . . . 8 ■ Puddle of Mudd . . . . 9 ■ CD Review . . . . . . .10

Valley history told through pictures ‡There is a saying that a picture is worth a 1,000 memories. In this case that old philosophy rings true. The Monitor just released its book “150 Years of Valley Life Nuestra Vida” celebrating those who helped shape The Rio Grande Valley. ‡ Story by Dulce Gonzalez

T

his montage of pictures celebrates the county's sesquicentennial anniversary by honoring those who lived here decades ago. The book features the life of the Hidalgo County populace through their photographic memories. “150 Years of Valley Life Nuestra Vida” serves as a pictorial history book.

According to Christina Quintanilla, marketing coordinator for The Monitor, they started the book in August 2002 and received 2,000 ready-to-sell copies by December 2003. Quintanilla commented that in order to make the book certain steps had to be taken. First, they ran advertisements in The Monitor asking Hidalgo County residents to share old family photographs. Residents were given approximately one month and a half to submit pictures. The advertisement specifically stated that only photos dated between 1800 and 1939 would be considered for possible participation in the publication.

Quintanilla stated that initially it was a slow process.

"The people were required to leave their photos for at least a day," said Quintanilla. "Some where not willing to leave their pictures."

Not everyone who went to the offices of The Monitor decided to submit their photographs. Some people were turned off by the idea of having to leave their

family memories even if it was for the participate in the book. Quintanilla span of a day. Quintanilla recalled that if remembered that often they would go one of the graphic designers had a couple back and look at all the pictures in an of spare minutes they would scan pictures attempt to see if they had made the right of individuals who wre releuctant to leave choices.

"Picking out the pictures was the their photos behind. The next requirement that had to be fulfilled included a consent hardest, it was a very long process," said form. Those who chose to contribute Quintanilla. "We had to pick the colors, were asked to sign a written consent and design all of the layout."

The book consists of four parts: Valley form. Since some individuals turned in more than one photograph they were Life, Family, Children, and Around required to sign a consent form for each Town. Each section portrays the early beginnings of Hidalgo piece he or she County. Throughout donated. The form each page the early called for the person's residents of the county basic identification Never in a are seen enjoying information such as million years did I themselves along with name, address, and a their friends and contact phone think I would families. According to number. Along with Quintanilla they tried this information each learn so much to include the same individual was asked amount of pictures in to provide the location from a picture each section. pictured, the name of book.

Yolanda Garcia, a the photographer if Mission resident, was available, and a small - Christina Quintanilla, glad she could help description of the Marketing Coordinator for The Monitor out by providing some photo. photographs for the On reflection of the book, yet wished she process Quintanilla admitted with a smile on her face that the could have helped more if time would final step was the hardest. It included have allowed. Garcia commented that choosing the photographs that would be The Monitor contacted her and informed in the book as well as designing the her that someone had told them that she layout of the book. The Monitor's staff might have had some useful photos. received 500 pictures and then in turn Indeed The Monitor found that Garcia made a selection of 200 pictures to was able to help them by supplying them

“

“

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

January 29, 2004

with some photographs.

"I am glad they were able to take advantage of them [photographs] and publicize them," said Garcia. "At that time a lot of families didn't have cameras so I was glad I could help them."

The book was sent to Corpus Christi for printing. They couldn't have the book printed in house because The Monitor lacked the equipment needed for the job.

Before sending the book to the print shop the staff of The Monitor made an attempt to include at least one photograph from everyone who submitted one. Even though they tried to include a photo from everyone, at the time of printing that wasn't made possible. Some of the pictures were holding up the printing process because of their quality.

"Some of the pictures got kicked out during the time of printing because of their quality," said Quintanilla.

The book is now available at The Monitor. The public can purchase “150 Years of Valley Life Nuestra Vida” at a price of $29.95 plus tax. Quintanilla stated that she recommended the book to everyone because it serves as a learning tool.

"I learned so much from this book," said Quintanilla. "Never in a million years did I think I would learn so much from a picture book."

For more information on this book Valley residents can visit The Monitor at 1400 E. Nolana Loop at Jackson or call 686-4343.

Caption provided by “150 Years of Valley Life Nuestra Vida.”

(Right) - Bill Summers poses in front of the school bus he drove daily in Sharyland during the 1930s (Left) - Crisoforo F. Contreras is pictured inside his general store located at 810 W. Acacia in Alamo, circa 1925. The establishment is still in existence and being managed by his son, Roel Contreras.

Photo courtesy of Alicia C. Farias of San Juan

Photo courtesy of Art and Yolanda Garcia of Mission

January 29, 2004 Pop and Rock icons Britney Spears and Pink’s image are getting sexier, but their album sales have declined. So…

Does

SEX still sell?

“Sex appeals, meaning people like it when they see it. I’d say sex sells, but more people like to look rather than go out and actually buy the CD. The viewer might get more out of watching Britney Spears doing a sexy move than listening to the music.”

Rebecca Parks Senior Marketing “I think it does, but raw sex like sexual appeal doesn’t sell as much anymore. I think it’s more 'sexy' rather than [breasts] hanging out. It’s more of a self-confidence. ” Johnny Gonzalez Sophomore Theater/TV/Film “No, because Hilary Duff is making a lot of sales and she isn’t doing anything like that.

Jessica Simpson also, she’s not like that.”

Hector Lopez Sophomore Chemistry “No, because I think their fan base is composed of mainly young teens, not perverts.”

Robin Lopez Junior Education

real opinions

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 8

"I've had enough. Don't put this hat on me. / Now listen when I say don't call me Frijolero. / And although some respect exists and we don't stick up our noses, / You're burning money, making wars on other countries."

—MOLOTOV

Latin Lashes

Rock bands like Molotov and Rage Against the Machine use lyrics to tackle political issues.

throughout the world," said Freeman. "During the 1960s we had numerous singers and bands that played politically and socially critical music, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and John "I've had enough. Don't put this hat on me. / Lennon to name just three of the most famous."

Now listen when I say don't call me Frijolero. / While Freeman believes that although And although some respect exists and we don't racism issues aren't as bad as in the 1960s, he stick up our noses, / You're burning money, still thinks that it is a strong enough issue for making wars on other countries." artists like Molotov and Rage Against the That's just part of the lyrics from Molotov, a Machine to sing about.

Latin rock band known for their views about "The bands are attempting to focus attention political conditions expressed through explicit on the fact that the United States still is a very and controversial lyrics. In the song "Frijolero" racist nation," said Freeman. "In many respects, (bean picker) Molotov sings about an angry the much more sublime racism of today is not Mexican farm worker and racist individuals only just as injurious to who have looked down upon minorities, but it also is more him. insidious and dangerous."

Molotov is just one of the According to Dr. Gary Latin rock bands that use their Mounce, professor of Latin music as a vehicle for expressing American politics at UTPA, personal political frustrations. ”There is a long tradition in Immigration is a major issue for Mexico and Latin America [of] the band, especially because the political messages conveyed drummer of Molotov, Randy through song and music. Some Elbright, has experiences getting songs have been banned by his wife and daughter, both dictators or some composers Mexican, across the border. actually killed.”

In an interview he gave The Although Molotov and Rage Salt Lake Tribune, Elbright have been under public spoke candidly about his scrutiny for their outspoken opinion of the U.S. Immigration nature and have had their policies. music criticized and censored, "To be very general, the they still continue to exercise United States is a country of the right to free speech by immigrants," Elbright said. expressing their political "And to suddenly say it's time to views. Freeman feels that, close the border to future while the bands may have immigrants, I think it's very some explicit lyrics, they can hypocritical."

The rock band, Rage Against the Machine, is notorious for their opinionaprove to be useful in today's Molotov created a music tive and controversial lyrics. Photo courtesy of www.ratm.com. society. video with President Bush and "If these bands are Vicente Fox dancing with the devil in a field of oil and money, in protest of website, Rage Against the Machine states, "We successful in helping listeners increase their the war in Iraq. Another Latin rock band that find ourselves following in the footsteps of Bob realization of just how racist this country still is, has voiced its opinions against the war, Rage Dylan, whose famous song and concert for then they are performing an extremely against the Machine, made their views public Ruben ‘Hurricane’ Carter in 1975, helped to worthwhile public service, and should be free someone who was falsely accused of commended and supported." with lyrics like these: Mounce agrees with the idea of allowing "A silent play on the shadow of power/ A murder right here in New Jersey."

UTPA political science professor Samuel bands to continue using their craft to voice their spectacle monopolized/ The camera's eye on choice disguised/ Was it cast for the mass who Freeman said that music has been a means of opinions if it can help raise the public’s burn and toil? /Or for the vultures who thirst for communicating "socio-political dissent" awareness.

Mounce said, “If Molotov can help ridicule throughout history. blood and oil?"

"The type of music being played by the Latin or reduce racism among younger listeners, then However, Rage Against the Machine takes political activism to a different level. They bands is perfectly in step with music tradition I say ‘da le gas.’

By CHRISTINA HARRIS The Pan American

don't only use their music as a forum for their anti-political movements; they are actively involved in demonstrations and boycotts against various labor industries. One boycott was against Taco Bell because the corporation and Florida farm workers were at odds over sweatshop conditions because Taco Bell purchases tomatoes from their fields.

They even started benefits to release prisoners who they feel have had an injustice brought against them. In fact, they use their vast knowledge of political issues to reach out to young people from their website.

On a statement the group released on their

January 29, 2004

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 9

We still love playing with

By OMAIRA GALARZA The Pan American Puddle of Mudd (PoM) made their way to La Villa Real Special Events Center on Monday to rock out at the third show of their tour. The group took this journey to the southernmost region of the nation, so they can put more pins on the map.

According to Wesley Scantlin, vocals and guitar for PoM, they are trying to play areas that haven’t been hit on their previous tours to promote their newest album, “Life on Display,” which was released in November. In addition to the common big city venues such as Austin, Atlanta and Detroit, the band will travel to select smaller cities like McAllen.

Smile Empty Soul is the opening band for about 30 of PoM’s 45 shows. Puddle of Mudd will be opening for Kid Rock at the remaining shows.

Derek Gledhill, drummer from Smile Empty Soul, explained, “I know [we’re] hitting some secondary markets.”

After performing in the Rio Grande Valley Scantlin doesn’t think the term “secondary” is an accurate description of the region.

“It’s nice to be playing these secondary markets,” Scantlin said. “To me it’s not really secondary, it’s at the forefront of the market.”

Both Gledhill and Scantlin were impressed by the energy of the estimated 2,000 rock fans that came out to hear them play.

According to Gledhill, Valley radio stations told them that few bands tour in this area. He believes that it is harder to impress people in big cities since they can basically see a band on any given day, but down here everyone comes out.

“I love these types of shows,” Gledhill said.

This audience reminded Scantlin of playing shows in Europe because everyone comes out to have fun, hear the music, and it’s as if everyone knows each other.

“It’s nice to be so close to the crowd,” Scantlin said.

So close that one member of the audience sneaked onstage and took a picture of himself and Scantlin while the band was performing. Scantlin admits that strange events occur frequently during shows, but his concentration doesn’t allow him to see half of these incidents.

Having his eyes closed may also play a part in keeping him from noticing the bold acts of concertgoers. Scantlin said that closing his eyes while performing might be caused by his effort to do well for the crowd and sing passionately.

With fans in mind the band recently rejected what they deemed to be a “cheesy” video for their latest single, “Heel over head.”

According to Scantlin, the group canned the video because it was “cheesy” and did not accurately portray the message of the song.

As a result, they MUDD in the heart of chose only to release the song on the radio rather than create a video for the single.

2/14/2004 The video for “Blurry,” a track off Galveston, TX / Mardi Gras of their 2001 album with Smile Empty Soul “Come Clean,” accurately depicted 2/16/2004 the storyline of the El Paso, TX / Club Xscape song, which is about Scantlin’s son Jordan with Smile Empty Soul and ex-girlfriend.

Family appears to 2/17/2004 be an aspect of Amarillo, TX / Aztec Music Hall Scantlin’s life that is with Smile Empty Soul near and dear to his…wrist?

He has joined the 2/19/2004 ranks of celebrities Ft. Worth, TX / Ft. Worth such as Madonna and Convention Center Arena, Demi Moore by Opening for Kid Rock sporting a red bracelet around his

Texas

left wrist that represents the “wisdom of Kabbalah.”

Scantlin doesn’t necessarily follow the study of Kabbalah religiously, but his grandma made the bracelet for him.

Kabbalah is an aspect of Jewish mysticism, and people who are not Jewish study what is considered Hermetic Kabbalah. This is a belief that has an element of religious humanism, meaning it does not define God or what an individual should believe in. Instead it assumes that through certain methods some level of direct experience of God is possible.

“It’s supposed to keep away negativity and bad -Wesley Scantlin vibes,” Scantlin said. “I just want to be peaceful and Puddle of Mudd, have a good time and go to vocals and guitar shows.”

He said that before going on tour his close friend tied it around his wrist and he said nothing bad has really happened since then.

Scantlin’s grandmother may have tied a spiritual band around his wrist, but drummer Greg Upchurch‘s father is what ties Puddle of Mudd to the Rio Grande Valley.

“The drummer’s dad is really from McAllen,” Scantlin said. “There were only 40,000 people here then.”

PoM is willing to perform in McAllen where the population has grown to over 106,000 residents.

“I’m just glad to be back on tour,” Scantlin said. “I’d love to come back and play here again.”

“I’m just glad to be back on

tour. I’d love

to come back

and play here

again.”

(Above and Left) The group poses for promotional photos.

(Far Left) - Covers of the band’s full length, “Life On Display” and “Come Clean,” as well as their singles, “Away from Me” and “She Hates Me.” All images courtesy of www.puddleofmudd.com.

January 29, 2004 Pop and Rock icons Britney Spears and Pink’s image are getting sexier, but their album sales have declined. So…

Does

SEX still sell?

“Sex appeals, meaning people like it when they see it. I’d say sex sells, but more people like to look rather than go out and actually buy the CD. The viewer might get more out of watching Britney Spears doing a sexy move than listening to the music.”

Rebecca Parks Senior Marketing “I think it does, but raw sex like sexual appeal doesn’t sell as much anymore. I think it’s more 'sexy' rather than [breasts] hanging out. It’s more of a self-confidence. ” Johnny Gonzalez Sophomore Theater/TV/Film “No, because Hilary Duff is making a lot of sales and she isn’t doing anything like that.

Jessica Simpson also, she’s not like that.”

Hector Lopez Sophomore Chemistry “No, because I think their fan base is composed of mainly young teens, not perverts.”

Robin Lopez Junior Education

real opinions

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 8

"I've had enough. Don't put this hat on me. / Now listen when I say don't call me Frijolero. / And although some respect exists and we don't stick up our noses, / You're burning money, making wars on other countries."

—MOLOTOV

Latin Lashes

Rock bands like Molotov and Rage Against the Machine use lyrics to tackle political issues.

throughout the world," said Freeman. "During the 1960s we had numerous singers and bands that played politically and socially critical music, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and John "I've had enough. Don't put this hat on me. / Lennon to name just three of the most famous."

Now listen when I say don't call me Frijolero. / While Freeman believes that although And although some respect exists and we don't racism issues aren't as bad as in the 1960s, he stick up our noses, / You're burning money, still thinks that it is a strong enough issue for making wars on other countries." artists like Molotov and Rage Against the That's just part of the lyrics from Molotov, a Machine to sing about.

Latin rock band known for their views about "The bands are attempting to focus attention political conditions expressed through explicit on the fact that the United States still is a very and controversial lyrics. In the song "Frijolero" racist nation," said Freeman. "In many respects, (bean picker) Molotov sings about an angry the much more sublime racism of today is not Mexican farm worker and racist individuals only just as injurious to who have looked down upon minorities, but it also is more him. insidious and dangerous."

Molotov is just one of the According to Dr. Gary Latin rock bands that use their Mounce, professor of Latin music as a vehicle for expressing American politics at UTPA, personal political frustrations. ”There is a long tradition in Immigration is a major issue for Mexico and Latin America [of] the band, especially because the political messages conveyed drummer of Molotov, Randy through song and music. Some Elbright, has experiences getting songs have been banned by his wife and daughter, both dictators or some composers Mexican, across the border. actually killed.”

In an interview he gave The Although Molotov and Rage Salt Lake Tribune, Elbright have been under public spoke candidly about his scrutiny for their outspoken opinion of the U.S. Immigration nature and have had their policies. music criticized and censored, "To be very general, the they still continue to exercise United States is a country of the right to free speech by immigrants," Elbright said. expressing their political "And to suddenly say it's time to views. Freeman feels that, close the border to future while the bands may have immigrants, I think it's very some explicit lyrics, they can hypocritical."

The rock band, Rage Against the Machine, is notorious for their opinionaprove to be useful in today's Molotov created a music tive and controversial lyrics. Photo courtesy of www.ratm.com. society. video with President Bush and "If these bands are Vicente Fox dancing with the devil in a field of oil and money, in protest of website, Rage Against the Machine states, "We successful in helping listeners increase their the war in Iraq. Another Latin rock band that find ourselves following in the footsteps of Bob realization of just how racist this country still is, has voiced its opinions against the war, Rage Dylan, whose famous song and concert for then they are performing an extremely against the Machine, made their views public Ruben ‘Hurricane’ Carter in 1975, helped to worthwhile public service, and should be free someone who was falsely accused of commended and supported." with lyrics like these: Mounce agrees with the idea of allowing "A silent play on the shadow of power/ A murder right here in New Jersey."

UTPA political science professor Samuel bands to continue using their craft to voice their spectacle monopolized/ The camera's eye on choice disguised/ Was it cast for the mass who Freeman said that music has been a means of opinions if it can help raise the public’s burn and toil? /Or for the vultures who thirst for communicating "socio-political dissent" awareness.

Mounce said, “If Molotov can help ridicule throughout history. blood and oil?"

"The type of music being played by the Latin or reduce racism among younger listeners, then However, Rage Against the Machine takes political activism to a different level. They bands is perfectly in step with music tradition I say ‘da le gas.’

By CHRISTINA HARRIS The Pan American

don't only use their music as a forum for their anti-political movements; they are actively involved in demonstrations and boycotts against various labor industries. One boycott was against Taco Bell because the corporation and Florida farm workers were at odds over sweatshop conditions because Taco Bell purchases tomatoes from their fields.

They even started benefits to release prisoners who they feel have had an injustice brought against them. In fact, they use their vast knowledge of political issues to reach out to young people from their website.

On a statement the group released on their

January 29, 2004

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 9

We still love playing with

By OMAIRA GALARZA The Pan American Puddle of Mudd (PoM) made their way to La Villa Real Special Events Center on Monday to rock out at the third show of their tour. The group took this journey to the southernmost region of the nation, so they can put more pins on the map.

According to Wesley Scantlin, vocals and guitar for PoM, they are trying to play areas that haven’t been hit on their previous tours to promote their newest album, “Life on Display,” which was released in November. In addition to the common big city venues such as Austin, Atlanta and Detroit, the band will travel to select smaller cities like McAllen.

Smile Empty Soul is the opening band for about 30 of PoM’s 45 shows. Puddle of Mudd will be opening for Kid Rock at the remaining shows.

Derek Gledhill, drummer from Smile Empty Soul, explained, “I know [we’re] hitting some secondary markets.”

After performing in the Rio Grande Valley Scantlin doesn’t think the term “secondary” is an accurate description of the region.

“It’s nice to be playing these secondary markets,” Scantlin said. “To me it’s not really secondary, it’s at the forefront of the market.”

Both Gledhill and Scantlin were impressed by the energy of the estimated 2,000 rock fans that came out to hear them play.

According to Gledhill, Valley radio stations told them that few bands tour in this area. He believes that it is harder to impress people in big cities since they can basically see a band on any given day, but down here everyone comes out.

“I love these types of shows,” Gledhill said.

This audience reminded Scantlin of playing shows in Europe because everyone comes out to have fun, hear the music, and it’s as if everyone knows each other.

“It’s nice to be so close to the crowd,” Scantlin said.

So close that one member of the audience sneaked onstage and took a picture of himself and Scantlin while the band was performing. Scantlin admits that strange events occur frequently during shows, but his concentration doesn’t allow him to see half of these incidents.

Having his eyes closed may also play a part in keeping him from noticing the bold acts of concertgoers. Scantlin said that closing his eyes while performing might be caused by his effort to do well for the crowd and sing passionately.

With fans in mind the band recently rejected what they deemed to be a “cheesy” video for their latest single, “Heel over head.”

According to Scantlin, the group canned the video because it was “cheesy” and did not accurately portray the message of the song.

As a result, they MUDD in the heart of chose only to release the song on the radio rather than create a video for the single.

2/14/2004 The video for “Blurry,” a track off Galveston, TX / Mardi Gras of their 2001 album with Smile Empty Soul “Come Clean,” accurately depicted 2/16/2004 the storyline of the El Paso, TX / Club Xscape song, which is about Scantlin’s son Jordan with Smile Empty Soul and ex-girlfriend.

Family appears to 2/17/2004 be an aspect of Amarillo, TX / Aztec Music Hall Scantlin’s life that is with Smile Empty Soul near and dear to his…wrist?

He has joined the 2/19/2004 ranks of celebrities Ft. Worth, TX / Ft. Worth such as Madonna and Convention Center Arena, Demi Moore by Opening for Kid Rock sporting a red bracelet around his

Texas

left wrist that represents the “wisdom of Kabbalah.”

Scantlin doesn’t necessarily follow the study of Kabbalah religiously, but his grandma made the bracelet for him.

Kabbalah is an aspect of Jewish mysticism, and people who are not Jewish study what is considered Hermetic Kabbalah. This is a belief that has an element of religious humanism, meaning it does not define God or what an individual should believe in. Instead it assumes that through certain methods some level of direct experience of God is possible.

“It’s supposed to keep away negativity and bad -Wesley Scantlin vibes,” Scantlin said. “I just want to be peaceful and Puddle of Mudd, have a good time and go to vocals and guitar shows.”

He said that before going on tour his close friend tied it around his wrist and he said nothing bad has really happened since then.

Scantlin’s grandmother may have tied a spiritual band around his wrist, but drummer Greg Upchurch‘s father is what ties Puddle of Mudd to the Rio Grande Valley.

“The drummer’s dad is really from McAllen,” Scantlin said. “There were only 40,000 people here then.”

PoM is willing to perform in McAllen where the population has grown to over 106,000 residents.

“I’m just glad to be back on tour,” Scantlin said. “I’d love to come back and play here again.”

“I’m just glad to be back on

tour. I’d love

to come back

and play here

again.”

(Above and Left) The group poses for promotional photos.

(Far Left) - Covers of the band’s full length, “Life On Display” and “Come Clean,” as well as their singles, “Away from Me” and “She Hates Me.” All images courtesy of www.puddleofmudd.com.

Around Town Craft Expo Jan. 30-31 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Place: McAllen Chamber of Commerce Event: The chamber and the office of the Mexican Consulate will host an exhibit of handmade Talavera potter, pewter, black pottery, woodcrafts, silver jewelry, and other handmade crafts.

Price: Admission is free Phone: (956) 682-2871 Opera Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

Place: UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium Event: The university music department presents “El Duo de la Africana,” a one-act farce

by Manuel Fernandez.

Price: Tickets are $7.

Phone: (956) 381-3471 Talent Show Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.

Place: McAllen International Convention Center Auditorium Event: Valley visitors come together to showcase talent in annual Winter Texan Talent Show.

Price: Admission is $6.

Phone: (956) 682-2871 Folk Music Feb. 6-8 at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Place: UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium Event: The UTPA Mariachi will perform “A Celebration of Mexican Folk Music.” The show will include performances by the UTPA Mariachi Feminil, the UTPA Intermediate Mariachi, and the Sol y Luna International Dance Club.

Price: Tickets are $5 at the door.

Phone: (956) 381-3471 Art Show Feb. 7-8 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Place: Pharr International Convention Center, 3000 N. Cage Blvd.

Event: The 22nd Annual Spring Classic Fine Art Show and Sale features artists from Houston, San Antonio, Chorpus Christie, and Rio Grande Valley.

Price: Admission is free.

Photography Contest Through March 1 Place: Valley wide Event: Photography lovers can submit work for the International Open Amateur Photography Contest.

Price: No entry fee.

Phone: (410) 363-4800

Page 10

Band’s success anything but a ‘Tragedy’

By BRITTANY HOLT The Pan American A hot, up-and-coming band has hit the local music scene, Silverlined Tragedy. This somewhat unique band deviates from the many local Valley bands by having two front girls, instead of the more common role of front men. Tina Kim, vocalist and guitar, and Tiffany Saenz, lead guitar and backup vocals, first brought the band together two years ago while in high school.

“Tina and I played together and wrote music together,” said Saenz.

They proceeded to recruit two members to form the current group. The additional band members are Raul Flores, bassist, and Aaron Mireles, on drums.

According to Saenz, starting the band and writing music for the new group went as smoothly as the silver lining in their name.

“It all just kind of came together,” said Saenz.

“The music flowed.”

Silverlined Tragedy has an mix of musical talent that makes their style of music different.

According to the band members, the group does not fall into an existing music genre but rather is pioneering a new field in the music industry. They are looking to break out of the stereotypical molds and shy away from being labeled as playing one particular type of music.

“Our music is melodic but powerful, and it is defining its own genre. The bassist is hard core,

the lead vocalist punk, and the lead guitarist emo. university. Kim and Flores, while both still Each of us has our own style that comes together students at Science Academy, are just as serious really well,” Mireles, the band drummer and dedicated to the band. They believe they have what it takes to stay together with all original explained.

Silverlined Tragedy is currently working hard to members. For all four band members the music is establish a loyal fan base by playing in local hot a passion. Drummer Mireles described the band’s spots such as Velvet and the former Athena’s passion for music best when he said, “It’s a part of us.”

Coffeehouse.

For more information check out their website: “It’s an Indie rock band with punk rock ethics,” said Ephraim Cuellar, fan and graduate of Texas www.geocities.com/silverlinedtragedy.

State Technical College. “They remind me of Rainer Maria meets Planes Mistaken for Stars.”

Cuellar was impressed by what he referred to as their “DIY (do it yourself) attitude.”

Silverlined Tragedy currently has 14 original songs under their belt.

They continue to play local shows while waiting to record a five-track demo in February, which they expect to release this summer. So if you’re looking to check out a unique new band, or are already a loyal fan you can catch their Brittany Holt/The Pan American performance on Feb. 21 at Roadrunner Stadium.

Silverlined Tragedy performed at Club Velvet in McAllen on Jan. 22.

Saenz and Mireles are both Pictured from left to right are Tiffany Saenz, guitar;Aaron Mireles, drums; currently students at the Tina Kim, vocals and guitar; Raul Flores, bass.

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW

Britney intoxicates fans with sex appeal

By AARON LOZANO The Pan American

success of her debut record. The album put her at the top of female pop artists while maintaining a somewhat PG status.

In her second album, “Oops I Did It Again, “Spears shifted her innocence to a sexier attitude with stronger lyrics that cross the borders of what is socially considered taboo. Sales dropped but remained on top. The same goes for her self-titled third album.

Her more recent album which premiered Nov. 18 proves to be her raciest. It features Madonna, a woman who has redefined female pop, the entertainment industry and has used her share of the powers media and sex offer.

Over all, “In The Zone's” risky sexual twist from her past albums has matured Britney Spears. The change has tossed her into her next career phase while it made her look devilishly sexy.

Besides the dramatically sexual turn in her lyrics, the sound on most of the songs has taken a more industrial-club-techno beat. Harsh critics and negativity aside, the spicy lyrics and addicting sound create new music for the pop star, music that suits her well.

The combination creates an enjoyable album that entices her new fans and satisfies dedicated ones.

Listeners who foolishly thought that the sexually intoxicating Britney Spears couldn't or wouldn't get any sexier, were wrong.

Sex is definitely a driving force for Spears, and boy-oh-boy is the Madonna-in-training megamedia-star going full speed. Need proof, just try and watch her newest music video, “Toxic,” without blushing.

With the release of her fourth album, In The Zone, Spears' media industry skills have matured. She is gaining the confidence to use sexual appeal while losing the confidence of some of her fans, a risk every entertainer takes. And while some of her audience has changed their thoughts about the new image, most Britney followers have matured along with her, backing the Southern diva. _________ The lyrics in “Outrageous,” the seventh track on her new album, are proof that the 1) “One More Time.”

22-year-old musician is fully aware of her new tactics.

Released on January "Locking down the industry/ Aren't I super 12, 1999 glamorous/Red carpets and cameras.../ ...Media over here/Coming through like a 2) “Oops, I did it world premiere/Trench coat and my Again.” Released on underwear" It's obvious Britney's sexual limits have May 16, 2000 gone beyond the line. Certainly, at least beyond the limits of her first album, “Baby 3) “Britney Spears.”

One More Time.” Her references to sex are Released on November blunt and by no means innocent as seen in 6, 2001 the lyrics from “Early Mornin',” the fifth track on the new album.

"Baby we can make plans/Where you 4)”In the Zone,” live/Does your mama live there/We can hook Released on November up at the hotel/He was down/So I told him, 18, 2003 let's go/What happened next? Guess/But, you don't wanna know" But is this sexual approach working for a pop star whose career includes a major motion picture? Record sales have Britney’s Latest Tour, “The Onyx Hotel Tour,” will begin in San Diego, in March. For reportedly gone down, and although all four more information on Britney or the tour visit www.britneyspears.com or ticketmaster.com of her albums are multi-million dollar sellers, nothing has overshadowed the

BRITNEY

DISCOGRAPHY

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

■ Latin Bands . . . . . . . 8 ■ Puddle of Mudd . . . . 9 ■ CD Review . . . . . . .10

Valley history told through pictures ‡There is a saying that a picture is worth a 1,000 memories. In this case that old philosophy rings true. The Monitor just released its book “150 Years of Valley Life Nuestra Vida” celebrating those who helped shape The Rio Grande Valley. ‡ Story by Dulce Gonzalez

T

his montage of pictures celebrates the county's sesquicentennial anniversary by honoring those who lived here decades ago. The book features the life of the Hidalgo County populace through their photographic memories. “150 Years of Valley Life Nuestra Vida” serves as a pictorial history book.

According to Christina Quintanilla, marketing coordinator for The Monitor, they started the book in August 2002 and received 2,000 ready-to-sell copies by December 2003. Quintanilla commented that in order to make the book certain steps had to be taken. First, they ran advertisements in The Monitor asking Hidalgo County residents to share old family photographs. Residents were given approximately one month and a half to submit pictures. The advertisement specifically stated that only photos dated between 1800 and 1939 would be considered for possible participation in the publication.

Quintanilla stated that initially it was a slow process.

"The people were required to leave their photos for at least a day," said Quintanilla. "Some where not willing to leave their pictures."

Not everyone who went to the offices of The Monitor decided to submit their photographs. Some people were turned off by the idea of having to leave their

family memories even if it was for the participate in the book. Quintanilla span of a day. Quintanilla recalled that if remembered that often they would go one of the graphic designers had a couple back and look at all the pictures in an of spare minutes they would scan pictures attempt to see if they had made the right of individuals who wre releuctant to leave choices.

"Picking out the pictures was the their photos behind. The next requirement that had to be fulfilled included a consent hardest, it was a very long process," said form. Those who chose to contribute Quintanilla. "We had to pick the colors, were asked to sign a written consent and design all of the layout."

The book consists of four parts: Valley form. Since some individuals turned in more than one photograph they were Life, Family, Children, and Around required to sign a consent form for each Town. Each section portrays the early beginnings of Hidalgo piece he or she County. Throughout donated. The form each page the early called for the person's residents of the county basic identification Never in a are seen enjoying information such as million years did I themselves along with name, address, and a their friends and contact phone think I would families. According to number. Along with Quintanilla they tried this information each learn so much to include the same individual was asked amount of pictures in to provide the location from a picture each section. pictured, the name of book.

Yolanda Garcia, a the photographer if Mission resident, was available, and a small - Christina Quintanilla, glad she could help description of the Marketing Coordinator for The Monitor out by providing some photo. photographs for the On reflection of the book, yet wished she process Quintanilla admitted with a smile on her face that the could have helped more if time would final step was the hardest. It included have allowed. Garcia commented that choosing the photographs that would be The Monitor contacted her and informed in the book as well as designing the her that someone had told them that she layout of the book. The Monitor's staff might have had some useful photos. received 500 pictures and then in turn Indeed The Monitor found that Garcia made a selection of 200 pictures to was able to help them by supplying them

“

“

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

January 29, 2004

with some photographs.

"I am glad they were able to take advantage of them [photographs] and publicize them," said Garcia. "At that time a lot of families didn't have cameras so I was glad I could help them."

The book was sent to Corpus Christi for printing. They couldn't have the book printed in house because The Monitor lacked the equipment needed for the job.

Before sending the book to the print shop the staff of The Monitor made an attempt to include at least one photograph from everyone who submitted one. Even though they tried to include a photo from everyone, at the time of printing that wasn't made possible. Some of the pictures were holding up the printing process because of their quality.

"Some of the pictures got kicked out during the time of printing because of their quality," said Quintanilla.

The book is now available at The Monitor. The public can purchase “150 Years of Valley Life Nuestra Vida” at a price of $29.95 plus tax. Quintanilla stated that she recommended the book to everyone because it serves as a learning tool.

"I learned so much from this book," said Quintanilla. "Never in a million years did I think I would learn so much from a picture book."

For more information on this book Valley residents can visit The Monitor at 1400 E. Nolana Loop at Jackson or call 686-4343.

Caption provided by “150 Years of Valley Life Nuestra Vida.”

(Right) - Bill Summers poses in front of the school bus he drove daily in Sharyland during the 1930s (Left) - Crisoforo F. Contreras is pictured inside his general store located at 810 W. Acacia in Alamo, circa 1925. The establishment is still in existence and being managed by his son, Roel Contreras.

Photo courtesy of Alicia C. Farias of San Juan

Photo courtesy of Art and Yolanda Garcia of Mission

January 29, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 6

Video department making Menchaca article should technology work better ameliorate retention woes

By MARIA MAZARIEGOS The Pan American The University of Texas Pan American is getting up to date in its technology needs due to the team effort of the Video Resources Department, located in the Academic Services Building, room 1.126.

The Video Resources Department came into existence in the mid-1980s as a media service unit located in the Library. Since its beginnings, the department has changed and developed into a vital part of UTPA. Department Director Omar Cantu and his faculty members work with the latest technology applications to provide services to faculty. The department is broken down into three main sections: videoconferencing services, instructional technology support services, and video production services.

“The success of our department is due to the excellent team of employees we have,” said Cantu.

The department has installed videoconferencing units and equipped classrooms with video cameras, video monitors, and microphones. The first unit was activated in 1990.

“Over the years we have expanded our facilities to meet the needs of the university,” stated Cantu.

This facility has enabled UTPA to offer and receive distant learning classes to other campuses, including those of the UT system and the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas in Mexico. Currently nine sections of distant learning classes from UTPA are received at other campuses, and UTPA receives six classes originating from UT- Austin.

English professor Adelle Mery has taught distant learning classes at UTPA. According to her, the camera set-up is discreet and does not interrupt the learning environment.

“All I do is show up and teach the class,” Mery said.

It’s the technology that makes her job

easier. The instructional technology support services provide certain classrooms with “a lectern that has a networked computer, document camera, VCR, and a LCD video/date projector,” said Cantu.

This equipment facilitates the way instructors present their lecture notes and visual aids, since it replaces the traditional chalk board method of note writing.

Daniel Ozuna, a student in Survey of the Media, taught in the communication department said, “It is neat how the professor can just put a magazine or book on the screen and then it appears big for everyone to see it. It’s better than him just holding up the magazine for us to see, because when they do that people who sit in the back can’t see anything, but with the screen we can.”

The Video Resources staff is trying to help others, including professors, find out what is available.

“We provide technical support for more than 60 instructional technology classrooms,” said Cantu. “Faculty needing training or having technical difficulties with any of these systems can generate a service call by calling the University Help Desk at extension 2020.”

Nick Taylor is in charge of video editing and works in the video production area of the department where there are video cameras, and video editing equipment to produce broadcast-quality footage. The Video Resources Department’s video productions include the “Think Big” recruitment video, along with various other promotional videos viewed by entering UTPA students.

Cantu says this and other new features make his job a delight.

“I love coming to work because each day brings new challenges and opportunities for our department to keep UTPA on the cutting edge in the utilization of instructional technology,” he exclaimed.

By VANESSA L. LUCIO The Pan American According to the Journal of Statistics Education, between 1995 and 2007 the number of classroom teachers in elementary and secondary schools is projected to rise distinctly. However, the journal fails to mention that nationwide principals are losing many new teachers because they are deciding to leave within the first year of being hired.

The Valley particularly is part of the nation that is having trouble finding enough teachers. Why are the numbers contradicting what is actually taking place in the classrooms?

Donna native Dr. Velma Menchaca, chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at UTPA, recently had a manuscript published that explains the solution to this ever-present problem.

“A Wake up Call to Principals: Are your Novice Teachers Leaving?” was accepted for publication in the Journal of the National School Development

support system for these novice teachers who need a helping hand when it comes to classroom management.”

Menchaca views the increase in first-year teachers leaving as a sign that principals need to “wake up and start going a bit further with these new additions to the faculty, offer alternatives to just winging it on their own while in the classroom.”

“First-year teachers need to have the procedures Dr. Velma Menchaca and rules of each campus explained to them,” she said. “A veteran teacher should for nine years, and has been teaching at UTPA for take time and show them where to go and what to 14 years. Menchaca has do at least once a week.” also taught at Texas State Pairing veteran and University and Tarleton novice teachers together State in Stephenville to plan lesson plans or before coming back to the develop tests is another Valley. way of creating a Menchaca stated, “I collaboration network wanted to impact and challenge students through principals everywhere can follow. learning, that is why I “After all, principals are teach.” supposed to make sure When asked to describe there is a support system her manuscript Menchaca in place at their campus. said, “It’s about teaching That is their job really,” principals how to create a Menchaca finished.

Council, Catalyst for Change.

Menchaca is no stranger to classroom experience.

She taught public school

Franco Caballero/The Pan American

LOVESEAT— UTPA sophomores Dulce Carreon (left) and Jahaziel Hernandez take a break from studies in the Student Union Wednesday. The Union has always been a place where people come to release stress.

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 29, 2004

WINTER TEXANS know how to dance, there are opportunities to learn at various resorts.

Schedules are printed weekly in the Winter Texan Calendar section in The Sunday Monitor.

The current Winter Texan population is estimated at about 140,000.

Their seasonal presence boosts the local economy and provides social benefits like cultural exchange. According to a two-year old study by the University of Texas-Pan American, Winter Texans add $465 million to the economy and support an estimated 7,850 jobs. They are also steady supporters of UTPA campus events such as musical concerts, theatrical productions, and Bronc sporting events.

And if Winter Green Estates is any indication, the northern visitors also add to the musical variety of the Valley as well.

STCC Several Valley media outlets have reported that the UT System did not want A&M to grab a hold in the Valley, but Langabeer sees the expansion as an opportunity rather than a setback for UTPA. “The university offers almost three times as many professional upper level courses than STCC does,” he said. “The funding and building STCC is receiving is a drop in the bucket if they can serve students who want to pursue different areas.”

Jean Rogers Swartz, STCC associate dean of instruction, said in a Monitor article last August that “we don’t want to become a university, but we are providing additional services.”

“We are not intending to becoming a university,” echoed Mejia. “Our goal is to be the best community college and offer students different choices.

STCC helps

continued from page 1

Diana Corpus Garza/The Pan American

JAMMIN’— Three Winter Texans perform their music.

continued from page 3 individuals who may not want to attend a university.

If they can earn an education and training in one or two years and enter the workforce, then we’ve accomplished what the school is meant to do.”

Mejia continued to say that there are even ideas being thrown out about UTPA and STCC exchanging faculty members in order to help build programs and exchange ideas.

Because STCC has always taken in students needing remedial classes, it allowed UTPA to focus on its upper level master’s, doctoral and professional programs, said UTPA President Miguel Nevarez last summer.

This has helped UTPA in retention and graduation with rates increasing significantly because more students who weren’t ready for UTPA boned up at STCC and entered when they felt ready.

Meanwhile, those

who didn’t believe STCC was going to grow into a disciplined institution of higher education are being proven wrong. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the pilot project allowing the school to create ways to offer fouryear degrees in applied science and technology.

Selection for Valley students is thus strengthened.

“The goal is, that once someone receives an associate degree in applied science, they can then choose to go further at STCC by obtaining the bachelor’s,” Mejia said. The goal for UTPA is to make sure that degrees offered by STCC are not duplications.

UTPA and STCC comply with this new pilot because it is not offered in Edinburg. With the growth of STCC’s bachelor programs, and UTPA pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, the students who

choose to attend a community college for their certification or associate’s degree are covered.

“Services to the students are still the top priority,” Mejia said. “Being part of the pilot program was approved by the Coordinating Board because we want to expand STCC, not change it into anything that won’t give opportunities to South Texas.”

Langabeer pointed out that UTB didn’t leave Texas Southmost College when it entered the UT system. Each offers a unique curriculum.

“That school offers certifications in areas like radiation, welding and technical fields, which we cannot have,” he said.

“Instead of having just the 16,000 students who attend UTPA, we can add 16,000 more that can receive a higher education. A total of 32,000 students is much better than only serving half of that.”

APARICIO

Page 11

continued from page 1

Critics of the judge remind people that the Valley has a long history of political corruption, so the investigation is no surprise. Supporters of Aparicio insist that the affair was somehow politically motivated, though no one has gone on record as officially accusing Eric Cardenas Jarvis, the challenger in District 92, of any misconduct.

“It’s unfortunate that the raids were done in secret, at a time when he’s got a hard campaign,” said Aaron Pena Sr., a friend of Aparicio. “These things happen a lot. I’m bothered by the fact that his home was searched at the wee hours of the morning, when they could have easily done it in the evening.”

The FBI, through a sealed search warrant, was given permission to seize from Aparicio’s office any types of records, artwork, pictures, and objects of Aparicio’s interests. The warrant also stated among the possible offense in such “sealed warrant” cases include money laundering, wire fraud, conspiracies against the federal law, and threats of violence toward businesses. However, no charges have been filed.

The warrant lists 28 persons and three businesses with links to Aparicio in some manner, and about 20 of these are attorneys. Some prominent persons on that list are State Representative Aaron Pena, as well as Ricardo “Rick” Palacios.

Most of these on these persons and business were left clueless as to why they would be placed on the list.

In response to the raids, Aparicio feels that both were politically motivated, coming so close to the March 9 primary.

Early voting begins Feb. 23 As to the possibility of the raids leading to charges of bribery or corruption, predictably an Aparicio campaign supporter doesn’t think so. The supporter said his boss is everything but dishonest, and is considered to be a dedicated judge with a satisfied staff.

“When you become an attorney, you have to be there at the crack of dawn, all the way past lunch. He [Aparicio] is there in his office from 8 a.m. until 4:30, and the only reason he leaves early is because

he comes to his campaign office,” said the supporter. “He does a good job, and his workers have no complaints whatsoever.”

Both opponents are trying to get the best out of their campaigns for the 92nd seat. Cardenas Jarvis is no exception. This is his first time running for the position and Raymundo Perez, a campaign volunteer, expressed his encouragement for the public to vote for Cardenas Jarvis.

“We’re doing this campaign for the good of the people, so they could come out and vote. Eric Jarvis will do his best for the middle-class,” said Perez. “He will give a head start for the young people.

He’s a good young man that will do a good job.”

On the other hand, Aparicio’s campaign is also trying to get as many voters as possible. No matter what some people are saying about his investigation, the campaign is moving on.

“Despite what the public thinks, Aparicio will still continue his campaign, in hopes for being re-elected, with his campaigning committee right behind him the whole way. We’re going to keep going in our campaign,” said another Aparicio supporter. “We’re going to keep calling people, putting up signs, time and effort, and hopefully everything will turn out well.”

To this day, no conclusions have been reached or charges of any kind filed against Aparicio nor to any of those on the search warrant list. By the time the case is settled, the election will probably be a memory in the political rearview mirror. The citizens of Hidalgo County citizens will have to go to the polls as the FBI unravels the truth at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Jerry Polinard, UTPA political science professor, says that the truth, whatever it is, can either help or hurt Aparicio. But until the puzzle is solved, all we can do is wait.

“If people believe the raids are politically motivated, it will be to his advantage. If not, it will place a shadow over his campaign,” said Polinard.

“People have no other choice but to have a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude.”

BORDER PATROL country.

In 1986, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, which granted amnesty to 2.7 million illegal immigrants and introduced penalties for employers who knowingly hired undocumented workers.

Border agents reported a large surge in illegal crossing in the months leading up to the enactment, as people sought to get into the United States in time to apply for the amnesty.

Then there was the case of Haitians in 1993, who took to

MASONS

continued from page 3

overloaded boats and rafts in hopes of an interview with then-President Clinton, who considered asylum requests of Haitians interdicted at sea.

Regardless of which side one decides to take, it is a fact that this proposal has the Latino community divided.

According to Raul Yzaguirre, president of the National Council of La Raza, “Bush’s proposal is either at best an empty promise, or at worst, a political ploy to gain Latino votes aimed at vulnerable immigrants and those of us who care deeply about them.”

continued from page 5

After 167 years of Mason service in the Lone Star state, there are now over 128,000 Masons in Texas and 885 lodges.

Some other community projects the Masons are involved in are as follows: volunteering their time by providing aid to many retirement homes for the aged and many local lodges provide scholarship programs for graduating high school seniors within the area.

Masonry asks its candidates not to tell the details of the ritual to nonMasons because an element of secrecy serves to heighten interest in Masonic teachings.

For a 287-year old organization with certain rules and procedures, and an elite membership policy, it sure has helped out many people in more ways than one.

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 29, 2004

ADAMS

Page 12

film not to show the pain, but to express the relief and happiness the clowns brought the people.

With people wounded and lying on bed, screams could be heard echoing through the halls of a hospital. A stray cat roamed through the hospital and into a room of crying children. Entering into the madness, Patch Adams and his crew of clowns seemed ready to bring laughter to the injured.

Armed with funny hats, tubes of bubbles and finger puppets, the clowns slowly brought smiles to the faces of the weak children. One child has her entire back burned, and her cries of agony seem to catch the ears of two clowns. As one tries to comfort the young child with soothing words, a violin medley is being played outside the door to counter the pain.

The group of clowns faced many settings, including general marketplaces and shelters, and tried to

share the message of peace.

“How do you stop violence?” Adams asked a group of men. “Life needs to come from a joyful place. Why do I want to drop a bomb on his house, or his house, or their house? No, you should say, ‘He is not my enemy.’”

Alex Marrcoso has been attending the Society’s meetings since last semester. Also a third-year leader, he feels that presentations like this are extremely beneficial to UTPA students.

“Whether you want to listen to the wonderful words of Patch Adams or simply have an hour to spare between classes or work, the seminars offer great sessions,” Marcosso said. “This is extremely important for the university because it links us to several other universities around the U.S.” “I’ve seen the worst of human suffering, and that they still find relief,” Adams said.

“Through medicine, laughter overcomes all languages of living.”

By VANESSA L. LUCIO The Pan American

Franco Caballero/The Pan American

LIVE FEED— The multitalented Patch Adams came to UTPA Tuesday in the form of a broadcast via satellite. The clown activist described his unique health care philosophy that he has developed in over 30 years of work.

DIET CRAZE

Franco Caballero/The Pan American

WATCHING CALORIES— Diets have become hugely popular in the United States, especially the Atkins Diet, whose low-carbohydrate program is sweeping the nation.

For years, diet drinks have been a staple for those looking to enjoy soft drinks and still watch their weight.

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 5

La Feria welcomes Mason extravaganza

continued from page 2

room left for love and connection.

“When I talk to my patients, they don’t want to be talking about their kidney for four hours,” Adams said. “I don’t think anyone can talk about a kidney for hours, even if they were dying from it. Instead they talk to me about their loneliness. But love is like a skill, anyone can be fabulous at it.”

Junior public relations major Omar Riojas said that he believes Patch Adams is one of the greatest people because of his philosophy on life.

“I think it’s wonderful for UTPA students to experience speakers from around the nation,” Riojas said.

Adams showed a part of the movie he made in March 2002 when he took 22 clowns, from six continents on a fourweek aid tour to Afghanistan. “Clowning In Kabul ”revealed the life people experience when they lack proper medical care. Adams said he was showing the

January 29, 2004

a beer, has seen the effects of the low-carb diet trend. Pizza Hut is thinking of a low-carb, crustless pizza.

Briones said the new burgers and menu changes due to the low-carb diet trends and resolutions won’t last long.

“Fast foods having burgers wrapped in lettuce will be popular for now, but that trend will probably wane eventually,” she predicted.

Briones, Edionwe, and Faraji say that they don’t think people of the Rio Grande Valley will embrace the low-carb diet fad. Briones thinks some in the Valley might try it out, but still she doesn’t see it lasting for long.

So, fast food chains and hundreds of thousands of followers later, is the low-carb diet safe for everyone?

“I don’t think the question of safety has been answered with lowcarb diets. There are different levels of carbohydrate restriction

continued from page 4

and if it induces ketosis (having ketone bodies built up in the body tissues and fluids) it is not safe,” said Faraji.

“One version of Atkins even provides the strips to check urine for ketones.”

Briones mentioned that carbs are the body’s primary source of energy, which is the cells’ preferred source of fuel.

“The brain must have glucose as a source of energy. The brain will not use other sources of energy except in extreme cases of starvation, in which ketone bodies, breakdown of fat, are used by the brain,” Briones said.

“Carbohydrates must be supplied on a regular basis.”

When trying to drop the excess holiday weight, Edionwe says it’s best to talk to a professional about precise needs for specific body types as well as individual health concerns.

“See a nutritionist, a dietitian, or a consultant.

Work on this on an

individual basis,” he said.

“It’s not the same for everyone.”

Edionwe suggests that if people are seeking weight loss and tips on eating properly, he offers help and answers questions through his website, Almsjee Nutrition Therapy and Services, that describes how to maintain a balanced diet. For more information, visit http://www.almsjeenutriti on.com/.

“It is our job to warn them about the extreme versions of the diet and the effects if might have on their health,” Faraji said.

The simplest and easiest advice the professors can offer in regard to losing or maintaining weight, is to eat from all the food groups, eat fat sparingly, cut down on calories, and exercise daily.

“Think of this as a permanent lifestyle change and not to go on and off diets and you will lose weight,” Faraji concluded.

On Saturday Jan. 24 Neil Neddermeyer, Grand Master of Masons of Minnesota, was honored at the 24th annual Minnesota-Texas Masonic reunion at the Rio Grande Valley Shrine Club in La Feria.

Over 200 Masons were in attendance to hear an inspiring message from the Grand Master celebrating Minnesota’s 150 years of service to the community.

Seventy-five-year-old Ward Sonsteby, a Texas Lodge Mason member since 1956, stated, “Neddermeyer brought greetings from Minnesota to all the enthusiastic Winter Texans in the room, it was a special night.”

Sonsteby said the Grand Master told some interesting stories about the history of the organization.

The evening concluded with honoring the widows of former members, four of who received their widows’ pins and were appropriately recognized.

The reunion brought up a basic question for those unfamiliar with the Masons.

Masonry developed from lodges of operative or stone masons. The Masonry of today is distinguished from the stone masonry of old by being referred to as "Speculative" Masonry.

Speculative or Freemasonry does not

work with stone, but instead works on the England met and formed the first Grand Lodge. lives of men.

A Grand Lodge is a Masonic body Its teachings take the imagery of having jurisdiction over the carpentry and lodges in a certain geographical architecture and area. use it to teach Each state has its own Grand about building Lodge, including the District of good character.

Columbia.

Masonry is the Its membership is restricted to world’s oldest and men, but there is no hazing as is largest fraternal found in some college organization; it fraternities. Most of its members originated in have been inducted into the England in 1717 organization because of an and has over 3 inherited membership, either a million members grandfather, or father was a worldwide today.

Mason.

The oldest Neil Neddermeyer Some former members of the Masonic Texas Lodge Branch have document, the included Sam Houston, the first president Regius poem, dates to around 1390 A.D. of Texas and the founding member of There is no Masonry prior to that date.

Holland Lodge; Stephen F. Austin, the Somewhere between 1390 and 1717, Father of Texas and a freemason; and lodges of operative masons began to David ‘Davy’ Crockett, the hero of the accept members who did not work in the Alamo and also a freemason. building trade.

Sonsteby stated, “The purpose of our Eventually whole lodges composed of such persons arose, leading to a transition fraternity is to make good men better, while helping aid and assist the widows from lodges being composed of stone masons to lodges being composed of men and orphans of former members”.

According to the Texas Lodge Branch from other occupations who gathered and website, Masonry does require of its shared a ritual replete with allusions to adherents a belief in God and in life after carpentry, architecture, and stone death, though it asks no one to expound masonry. upon the particulars of his understanding In 1717, four of these lodges in

of those two beliefs.

Masonry is not a religion. There is nothing in Freemasonry to interfere with a man's religious life. Persons of all faiths and Christian denominations are a part of the worldwide Masonic fraternity.

Religion and politics are two subjects not allowed to be discussed when a lodge is in session.

There are staple rituals or ceremonial events that take place in various lodges across the world.

For example, Symbolic, Craft, or Blue Lodge Masonry, has three degrees. The three degrees are, in order: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.

A "degree" is a drama in which a newcomer to masonry, the candidate, is made to play a key part. These dramas have several characteristics and are progressive in nature as they build on each other.

These dramas are enacted with only Masons present and are for the purpose of moral instruction.

One of the most publicly recognized humanitarian projects the Masons are involved in is the Shriners Children’s Hospitals. There are two in Texas.

According to the Texas Lodge Branch website, in the United States, branches of Masonry combined provide over $1.5 million of charitable aid per day.

See MASONS page 11

New fish proven after years of investigation

By VANESSA CASTILLO The Pan American Scientists have spent almost seven years trying to prove that a unique species of fish was found in the third largest spring in Texas, and UTPA professor of biology Robert Edwards recently helped do just that.

While following the Devil’s River minnow, an endangered fish Edwards has studied for more than 20 years, he and his colleague, Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist Dr. Gary P. Garret, came across an unexpected specimen.

“We have worked in that area for the last 20 years and had never seen anything like it,” said Edwards. “One day it appeared. It looked a little strange. I looked at it, he [Garret] looked at it, and we said, ‘Whoa, this is something totally new.’”

The San Felipe Springs in Del Rio, where the new San Felipe Clarkhubbsi Gambusia was found, had been combed by the scientists many times. This made the discovery more remarkable and puzzling.

Edwards explained that two changes in the area surrounding the spring could have explained the dramatic increase of the fish’s population. The first was the reduction of the use of pesticides and fertilizers along with a fish-friendly nomow buffer zone created by the city of Del Rio along the creek banks. A second possible factor was a 1998 flood that swept through the city of Del Rio, causing considerable damage and

scouring the San Felipe Creek female. The San Felipe Clarkhubbsi but it is now extinct,” Edwards streambed. This may have improved Gambusia reaches a maximum size of mentioned. “We’ve lost one but we’ve conditions in the creek and allowed the about an inch or inch-and-a-half. gained one.” species to grow in number.

The new species belongs to a group The San Felipe Clarkhubbsi Gambusia Years of studying and of fishes called mosquitofish. They feed joins 30 other Gambusia species, nine of comparing this recent discovery to other on mosquito larvae and help keep the which are found in Texas. fishes in its subgenus, Gambusia, has number of diseases the mosquito carries, UTPA’s Edwards has studied fish since provided evidence that 1974, and got his doctorate from the small San Felipe the University of Texas at Austin.

Clarkhubbsi Gambusia He is co-author of an upcoming has never been book called “Texas Fishes,” an documented before. account of all fresh water fishes in “The discovery the state. He is also working with of a new species takes the federal government in an effort many years of scientific to keep the Silvery Minnow, a fish review,” explained found in the Albuquerque, N.M. Edwards. “We had to area, from extinction. ensure that this fish had He started teaching at UTPA in 1980 never been found or and has been with the university’s documented anywhere.”

Biology Department ever since, teaching The long process of biology, Ichthyology, advanced testing the characteristics Ichthyology, a graduate course in of the fish began in 1997 statistics, and environmental biology. and the results were He is still studying the San Felipe authoritatively recorded Clarkhubbi Gambusia, hoping to in a recent issue of the Photo by Bob Edwards, Texas Parks and Wildlife determine the essential factors of its prestigious international survival.

NEW BREED- Dr. Robert Edwards of UTPA, along with a colleague, journal Copeia, the Edwards believes fish contribute to discovered a new fish, pictured above. The San Felipe official publication of the our knowledge about humans. He said ClarkhubbsiGambusia was confirmed after seven years of research.

American Society of the new species is a good indicator of the Ichthyologists and health of our environment, saying that if Herpetologists. Color, scale pocket like malaria and West Nile, from there is something wrong with the fishes, there margins, weight, and numerous other spreading. They have been introduced might be something wrong with us. tests were conducted to find the factors worldwide as mosquito-control agents.

“Fish are absolutely interesting. They have that distinguish this fish from others.

The last fish species that was many different adaptations and they also According to the December 2003 issue discovered in the state happened in account for over half the vertebrates,” he said. of Copeia, the new species is among the 1969, in Central Texas.

“So if you really want to know more about largest of the Gambusia group; the “The San Marcos Clarkhubbsi vertebrates like ourselves, you better start largest specimen tested was a 58-mm Gambusia was found over 30 years ago, with the fishes.”

January 29, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 4

Diet craze discussed by UTPA professors

By EDWINA P. GARZA The Pan American

Dr. Robert Atkins may have died last year, but his low-carbohydrate diet is alive and well, causing Anheuser-Busch, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Sara Lee to do their best in order to become friendly with the Atkins Diet. But is a low-carb diet truly safe?

One of Atkins’ books, “The New Diet Revolution,” listed beef and butter among things a dieter could eat liberally. A lowcarb diet consists of 20 percent carbs, while the normal intake of sugars and starches should be 40 to 50 percent.

For two weeks, a dieter on the Atkins Diet is not allowed to eat fruit, bread, pasta, grains, starchy vegetables, or dairy products that do not include cheese, cream, or butter. Proponents of this diet say fewer carbs means the body burns its stored fat, and that is when weight loss can begin.

“If a low-carb diet means cutting down on refined sugar and corn syrup, I like it,” said Dr. Bahram Faraji of the UTPA dietetics program.

Still, some professors in the dietetics program agree that while cutting down on carbs is effective, it’s not the healthiest way to lose weight. Dr. Alexander Edionwe said the low-carb diet isn’t

healthy because “you need carbohydrates to produce glucose, which is a source of energy.”

Dr. Esperanza Briones, coordinator of the program, said, “It is not a healthy way to lose weight, but they have shown in studies that following the Atkins Diet for several weeks, individuals lost weight faster than those on a traditional weight loss diet. However, at the end of the year, weight loss was similar in both the traditional and Atkins Diet.”

The popularity of the Atkins does not necessarily mean it has no flaws.

“People try different ways of eating and it becomes what we call a fad,” said Edionwe. “Yes, you can take the Atkins Diet and lose weight, but that’s not the issue.”

Edionwe said that it is difficult to gain muscle with low-carb diets, again, because of the lack of glucose being produced.

Many consider the Atkins Diet the most popular of low-carb plans. Others such as the Zone, South Beach Diet, Protein Power, and Scarsdale Diet, are merely trends trying to achieve the same sort of weight loss the Atkins produces, according to Briones.

“There are so many different low-carb diets since [the] Atkins Diet showed loss of weight in those who followed the diet,”

three grams of carbs compared with the said Briones.

52 in the original Whopper.

With about 60 percent of the U.S. Other fast food restaurants have population overweight, “food companies followed suit. Subway has now announced tend to gain by advertising low new wraps carbohydrate that contain 55 foods since fewer carbs there were than the credible original studies sandwich. already 40-50 % Carbohydrates Carl’s Jr. published of has introduced weight loss 20% Protein the Low-Carb on the Atkins Fat Six-Dollar Diet,” Briones 30% said. (based on calorie intake of the individual) Burger, which is wrapped in Increased lettuce. TGI awareness on Friday’s restaurants have Atkins-approved preventive care has caused the babyboomer generation to look at their lives as menus that include buffalo wings, cheeseburgers (again, sans buns), and a they age and realize that they want to be spinach dip. healthy, said Edionwe of the recent media But Faraji said, “[a] burger wrapped in infatuation with low-carb diets. lettuce won’t do it!”

Both Anheuser-Busch and Rolling Rock FOOD WARS? have created low-carb brews. Michelob Hamburgers, the traditional meal of Ultra, which started selling in October, millions, always contained buns, meat, sold three times as much beer last year. lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. It seems Coors Brewing Co. is also starting its own almost too simple to mess with, but low-carb beer this year. they’ve done it. Burger King recently “Corporations are in it for the bucks,” announced its new Whopper; no longer a Faraji noted. traditional burger with buns, the meat is Pizza, just as simple as a burger or even now placed in a bowl and eaten with a knife and fork. The “burger” now has See DIET CRAZE page 12

Ty p i c a l American Diet:

Sports

January 29, 2004

2003-2004 Sports Schedules

SPORTS CLIPBOARD Bianco awarded

UTPA Men’s Basketball Date

Opponent/Time

Scores

Nov. 4

Monterrey Tech

W112-46

Nov. 8

Houston Quest

W 111-59

Nov. 22

Southern Methodist

L 59-69

Nov. 25

Texas A&M-Int’l

W 90-50

Nov. 29

Texas-Arlington

L 75-81

Dec. 1

SWA of God

W 90-60

Dec. 4

Missouri-Kansas City

L 80-104

Dec. 6

Texas-San Antonio

W 86-83

Dec. 12

Mississippi Valley St.

L 67-85

Dec. 14

Sam Houston State

L 66-92

Dec. 17

North Texas

L 81-87

Dec. 20

Rice

L 58-69

Dec. 22

Oklahoma State

L 61-96

Dec. 29

Oklahoma

L 57-72

Dec. 31

McMurry

W 90-58

Jan. 6

Baylor

W 55-54

Jan. 8

North Texas

L 53-71

Jan. 14

Wright State

L 60-82

Jan. 19

Missouri-K.C.

L 69-77

Jan. 21

Texas-Arlington

L 54-73

Jan. 28

IPFW

W 81-60

Feb. 2

Alcorn State

7:30

Feb. 4

Lamar

7:30

Feb. 7

IPFW

Noon

Feb. 11

Arkansas State

7:30

Feb. 14

TAMUCC

7:30

Feb. 16

Air Force

7:30

Feb. 19

Central Baptist

7:30

Feb. 28

TAMUCC

7:00

March 1

Arkansas State

7:05

UTPA men’s tennis player, freshman Gary Bianco of Annecy, France, was named the Southland Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week.

Bianco received the honor for his performance against ninth-ranked Texas A&M and Trinity in the Broncs’ spring 2004 season opener.

The freshman received the top honors in his first try.

Date

Opponent/Time

Results

Jan. 19

Trinity

Won

Jan. 19

Texas A&M

Lost

Feb. 6

Eastern Kentucky, TBA

Feb. 7

Dayton, TBA

Feb. 7

Tigers could sign Pudge The Detroit Tigers are close to signing a $40 million, four-year contract with Ivan Rodríguez. The deal depends on a physical exam Rodríguez is scheduled to take Thursday in Texas.

Next Game:

Alcorn State

2003 CHL Standings Northwest

W L OTL PTS 28 10 3

59

New Mexico

22 17 3

47

Xavier, TBA

OKC

21 17 5

47

Feb. 14

Saint Louis, 2

Wichita

20 19 4

44

Feb. 21

TAMUCC, 2

Tulsa

12 19 9

33

Feb. 26

Laredo College (Exh.), 1

March 11

Abilene Christian, 5:30

March 12

Prairie View, TBA

March 13

Texas Southern, 10 a.m.

March 24

UTSA, 2

April 3

DePaul, 1

April 4

Texas-Arlington, 10 a.m.

Northeast

W L OTL PTS

Bossier-Shreveport 28 10 3

59

Memphis

26 17 1

55

Indianapolis

24 14 1

49

Fort Worth

13 22 6

32

Southwest

W L OTL PTS 28 12 2

58

April 7

Texas Southern, 2

Amarillo

April 8

Lamar, 3

SanAngelo

24 13 5

53

April 9

Southeastern Louisiana, Noon

Odessa

16 25 2

34

April 17

TAMUCC, 2

Lubbock

10 24 7

27

April 30

SLC Championships SLC Championships

May 2

SLC Championships

HOME GAMES IN BOLD All games p.m. unless noted.

Southeast

W L OTL PTS

Laredo

34 5

3

71

Rio Grande Valley 18 18 6

42

Austin

17 18 6

40

Corpus Christi

15 22 3

33

UTPA Broncs

When: Tuesday, Feb. 2 Where: UTPA Field House Time: 7:30 p.m.

All-time series: Alcorn State leads 1-0.

Jesús Mendoza of Club América dribbles the ball down field against Mexico City rival Cruz Azul Saturday. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.

Colorado

May 1

2003-2004 Sports Schedules

Bianco went 2-0 in singles. He defeated John Nallon of the Aggies 6-4, 6-3, and beat Jeremy Stone of Trinity 6-3, 63.

Reuters Photo

Men’s Tennis Spring Season

Page 13

UTPA Women’s Basketball Date

Opponent/Time

Scores

Nov. 7 Nov. 21 Nov. 22 Nov. 25 Nov. 29

Houston Air Force.

Boise State/Dayton TAMUI St. Edward’s

W W W W W

Dec. 5

St. Lous

L 45-77

Dec. 6

Kansas State/Sac.

W 60-50

Dec. 14

Oral Roberts

L 57-67

Dec. 17

Texas

L 25-90

Dec. 19

Marshall

L 59-74

Dec. 21

Central Michigan

L 40-56

Dec. 28

Tulsa

L 41-71

Dec. 31

Prairie View A&M

W 64-52

Jan. 2

UT-Arlington

L 46-85

Jan. 7 Jan. 9

Sacramento State San Diego State

W 49-47 L 38-59

Jan. 11

Louisiana-Lafayette

L 54-62

Jan. 13

SE Louisiana

L 58-60

Jan. 22

SW Missouri State

L 34-69

Jan. 24

TAMUCC

L 43-73

Jan. 27

Incarnate Word

W 63-46

Jan. 31

IPFW

Noon

Feb. 3

Northern Colorado

7:00

Feb. 9

Prairie View A&M

7:00

Feb. 16

Louisiana-Lafayette 5:00

Feb. 19

IPFW

5:00

Feb. 24

TAMUCC

7:00

Feb. 28

SE Louisiana

7:00

March 3

Northern Arizona

8:00

Women’s Tennis Spring Season

Mexican Soccer League 2004 Team Club San Luis U.A.G. Toluca Guadalajara U.N.A.M. Chiapas Pachuca Querétaro Morelia América Cruz Azul Monterrey Irapuato Veracruz Puebla Santos Tigres Necaxa Atlas Atlante Group I 6 - Toluca 2 - Pachuca 2 - Monterrey 1 - Puebla 1 - Atlas

W-D-L 2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-1-0 1-0-1 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-2-0 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-0-2

GF:GA 4:1 6:4 3:1 2:0 4:1 5:4 5:5 4:4 3:3 2:2 1:1 1:1 3:4 3:4 2:3 2:3 5:7 2:4 1:4 0:2

Group II 6 - U.A.G. 4 - U.N.A.M. 2 - Querétaro 2 - América 1 - Santos

PTS 6 6 6 6 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

Scorer / Team E. Marcón S. Pereira, CHI W. Gaitán, TIG J. Arango, PUE J.F. De Anda, PAC J.M. Abundis, TOL E. Lillingston, UAG

Group III 6 - San Luis 3 - Chiapas 2 - Morelia 2 - Cruz Azul 1 - Tigres

91-77 68-67 63-57 84-55 79-42

G 3 2 2 2 2 2 2

Group IV 6 - Guadalajara 1 - Irapuato 1 - Veracruz 1 - Necaxa 0 - Atlante

Week 2 results Jan. 24-25: Veracruz 1, Monterrey 1; Toluca 2, Chiapas 1; Cruz Azul 1, América 1; Tigres 3, Pachuca 3; Guadalajara 1, Atlante 0; Necaxa 2, Santos 2; Querétaro 2, Morelia 2; U.N.A.M. 3, Atlas 0; Irapuato 2, U.A.G. 3; Puebla 1, San Luis 2.

Week 3 schedule Jan. 31-Feb. 2: Chiapas vs. Guadalajara; Monterrey vs. U.A.G.; Morelia vs. Tigres; San Luis vs. U.N.A.M.; Atlas vs. Cruz Azul; Querétaro vs. Irapuato; América vs. Veracruz; Pachuca vs. Toluca; Atlante vs. Necaxa; Santos vs. Puebla.

Date

Opponent

Time

Feb. 6

UTEP

3:00

Feb. 13

Sam Houston State,

3

Feb. 14

Northwestern State

1:30

Feb. 15

Stephen F. Austin

9 a.m.

Feb. 21

TAMUCC

2:00

Feb. 26

Laredo College (Exh.) 1:00

March 11 Abilene Christian

5:30

March 13 Texas Southern

10 a.m.

March 17

Wyoming

TBA

March 18

Jacksonville

Noon

March 19

Long Island

TBA

March 20

Bethune-Cookman

TBA

March 27 Air Force

8:30 a.m.

April 7

Texas Southern

2:00

April 8

Lamar

3:00

April 9

McNeese State

9 a.m.

April 16

IPFW

TBA

April 16

Northern Colorado

TBA

April 17

TAMUCC

2:00

HOME GAMES IN BOLD All games p.m. unless noted.

Sports

January 29, 2004

Lady Broncs topple Incarnate Word

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American Head Coach DeAnn Craft knew that someone on her team had to step up their performance in order for the Lady Broncs to snap their five-game losing streak.

What Craft didn’t know was that two of her players would rise to the call.

Junior Molly Schamel and Senior Amanda Carlow both had career-high performances Tuesday night to help topple the Incarnate Word Academy Crusaders 63-46 at the Field House.

Schamel set a single-game school record with nine blocked shots, while tallying 11 points and as many boards for a double-double.

Carlow put up a staggering 26 points to lead all shooters in the game, while making seven of seven from the free-throw line.

For the Lady Broncs, who have struggled offensively since leading scorer Ashley Roberts was declared academically ineligible three contests ago, strong performances were a necessity.

For Craft the win was a must.

“It’s huge,” Craft said. “It reestablishes how we feel about our home court. It puts us back in line for our ultimate goal.”

The ultimate goal, according to Craft, is to see whether or not her team can tie or beat the school’s season record of 11 wins.

With the win against IWA the Lady Broncs (8-12) bested last season’s win total of seven, Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American and moved within three of the all-time school record. But for the Lady Broncs, who have Stacey Gooden lifts a shot up between two struggled on the road going 2-7, taking the Incarnate Word defenders in UTPA’s 63-46 victory momentum of Tuesday night’s win into

Saturday’s contest against Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne might be a challenge.

Schamel, who does not define herself as a “shot-blocker” despite picking up the single-game record, thinks that Tuesday’s win will be a catalyst for success.

“I think we just needed that one win to get going,” Schamel said. “ [Against IWA] we all pulled away and played together. We did some amazing things that I think will carry over. It gives everybody more confidence.”

One of those “amazing things” was Carlow’s blistering offensive output.

Carlow, who has been starting at the point in Roberts’ stead, realizes her new role as the go-to player. And she is confident with the position.

“There’s pressure there, but it’s not like ‘Oh my God, Ashley’s not here,’” Carlow said. “It’s not constantly in my mind. I just try to play.”

The Lady Broncs opened strong, leading the Crusaders 21-11 midway through the first half. But the Crusaders, led by junior guard Amy Mueller, went on an 11-4 run to cut the Lady Broncs lead to 25-22 going into the intermission.

The Lady Broncs allowed the Crusaders to carry their momentum into the second half, and IWA tied the game nine minutes in, before UTPA went on a 16-7 run to solidify the lead for good. The Crusaders were unable to gain the lead after that.

According to Craft, the Lady Broncs were hindered by IWA’s impressive zone defense, but they found a way to get around it.

“Against the zone you’ve got to get shots,” Craft said. “But once we hit our shots, we forced them into man-to-man and we just kind of had our way with them.”

Page 14

Lady Broncs next game: at

UTPA Lady Broncs

IPFW Lady Mastodons

When: Saturday, Jan. 31 Where: Fort Wayne, IN Time: Noon Records: IPFW (7-12); UTPA (8-12) All-time series: Series tied 1-1.

Next home game: Tues., Feb. 3, Northern Colorado, 7 p.m.

January 29, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 3

Friendly competition matches areas schools

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American

This month President George W. Bush noted that the future is more open than ever to students attending community colleges around the country, and he promised to expend more money to help them reach success. In McAllen, the South Texas Community College (STCC) is stepping up to the challenge.

STCC supplies students with a different form of higher education than students have had in the past with four-year universities. Offering more than 80 degrees and certificate programs on six different campuses, the college has acted as a compliment to the University of Texas-Pan American and the University of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost for 10 years. It has grown at a rate matching the two four-year schools and now has over 12,000 students.

A recent Edinburg Daily Review article noted that STCC is considering offering several new degrees based on the acceptance of a new degree pilot program.

In offering a highly touted degree in operation management, the college fills a need not addressed by the universities in the Valley. It also avoids duplication of degrees that area educators are set against as well. But there have also been recent

STCC is not trying to compete with STCC grows, there is nothing being taken rumors that in the long run, STCC might UTPA, but rather trying to become the away from UTPA. When STCC was first seek to extend its reach into areas already strongest it can be. Also, the schools approved by the state, UTPA was there to covered by UTPA or UTB. The Texas signed a matriculation agreement last help develop it at the time.

A&M system has been interested in year, streamlining equivalencies making it “We (UTPA) had so many students that expanding its operations in the Valley for easier for transfers from STCC to gain weren’t prepared for the rigors of a some time. But as it stands, there is a acceptance at UTPA. university,” Langabeer said. “The niche for each institution.

It has been a busy year for the UTPA Vice community college. It lauded the President of UTPA Degrees STCC Programs decision by the City of McAllen to put Business Affairs, up almost $5 million in local money to James Langabeer, said that there is 56 Bachelor’s including Certificate (6 months - 1 year) recreate a 23,000-square-foot Texas A&M medical education facility. currently no need BA, BFA, BS, BBA The center will be located at 701 for hostile attitudes Associate of Applied Sciences East Vermont Ave., and will be used for between STCC and 42 Master’s including (2 years) a wide range of medical and public UTPA. With the MA, MS, MeD, MPA -25 degrees health education, health-related growth of both training, plus public health and clinical campuses, 2 doctoral: PhD, EdD -35 certifications research. The new building was made Langabeer sees Associate of Arts (2 years) possible by a unique funding structure students gaining 1 cooperative professional whereby the City of McAllen had the access to higher degree with six colleges -11 fields of study building constructed to the education. specification of the Texas A&M “On the surface, our (UTPA) Source: UTPA Source: STCC Program of study University System, and then sold the facility to the system on completion of relationship with construction. relationship between UTPA and STCC is STCC is very productive,” Langabeer At the same time, the UT System is much like how A&M and UT are said. “I’m pretty sure there are people on building the $20 million UT Regional competitive,” Langabeer said. “It’s not campus that will take one side against Academic Health Center Biomedical disruptive to either schools but another, but I don’t. If STCC can produce Research Division in Edinburg, and has competitive when it comes to school new programs at their campus that UTPA donated money to division projects in pride.” cannot provide students, I see it as: more According to Juan Mejia, STCC interim Harlingen and Brownsville. power to them.” vice president for Instructional Services, Langabeer’s philosophy is that even if See STCC page 11

Tuesday night at the Field House.

Border agents deal with immigration twists

Gravel

By VANESSA L. LUCIO The Pan American

continued from page 16

scored a career-high 30 points in victory against Loyola University, in Chicago.

COMPLICATIONS But here the story gets stickier, as a rash of injuries almost kept the UTPA star from finishing a promising college career.

During her senior year, Gravel broke her foot and was forced to sit out the 20012002 season. But because of her competitive spirit she was able to come back the next year and play one more season for the Lady Broncs.

“She [Gravel] always gave it her all on every play, often playing hurt,” said Anderson of Gravel, who recalls the frustration and then subsequent satisfaction of overcoming the obstacle.

“When I broke my foot before what was going to be my senior year,” said Gravel, “I thought it was going to be the end of my career. But I was fortunate enough to come back for another year and have my best season at UTPA, both on and off the court.”

In her last season, 2002-03, Gravel was named first team All-Independent. She also broke the UTPA all-time scoring record during a 19-point game in February 2003 against Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

At the end of the season, Gravel had averaged 42.3 percent from the field and an amazing 42.6 percent from three-point range. She finished second on the team in steals with 38 and third in assists. More importantly she had enshrined her name in school annals as one of the best players to ever don the orange and green. Gravel now

holds the UTPA Lady Broncs career records for scoring with 1227 points, three-point field goals made with 258, three-point field goal attempts with 705, and free throw percentage, .827 percent.

“We were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach her in her senior season,” said DeAnn Craft, current women’s coach. “Alex had tremendous team skills, she could make the right type of pass to any type of player, and Alex also could lead a fast break because of her overall court vision.”

In that last comeback season there were many record-setting nights, but Gravel has one that stands out above most of the rest.

The last game of the season, against Centenary, is one of her greatest accomplishments.

“The moment I will remember the best is my last game as a senior when me and my team went out as winners against Centenary,” said Gravel. “I will never forget the feeling I had in the locker room after the game, it was very sad because my career was over but I felt grateful for everything that had happened in those five years.”

ALL-AROUND GAME Gravel’s success was evident off the basketball court as well. She earned Dean's List 2nd honors, made the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, and was a member of the Bronc Pride 3.0 Club.

Besides basketball, Gravel’s other passion is writing. Although she wrote only for herself at first, encouragement from her

professors helped her share her talent as a reporter for the Pan American student newspaper as her hoops career ran down.

“I’ve been writing for along for myself but wouldn’t show anyone, then I took a class with Greg Selber and he made me believe in myself and I started to be more confident in my writing,” said Gravel. “I miss journalism a lot and it is definitely something I would like to pursue in the future.”

Gravel still dreams of working on the radio or television. She loves to be in front of the cameras and microphone and hopes to make people laugh someday. However this dream is put on hold as Gravel makes a brand new name for herself in the game she loves so much. Now she is the coach, not the player.

“I decided to coach because I love the game of basketball and going to Norwich was a great opportunity for me to find out if coaching was what I wanted to do with my life,” Gravel said.

TEACHING PULPIT As an assistant for the Norwich Cadets, she is also in charge of scouting, recruiting, and skill development for the guards, working under Head Coach Steve Lanpher.

“Her enthusiasm, vibrant personality, and impressive college career will make her a great addition to our staff and to the University,” said Lanpher during an interview for the Norwich University homepage. “She has an outstanding background as a player, and comes highly recommended by Coach Anderson at

UTPA.” The Cadets’ record is currently 13-3 and 3-1 in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, GNAC, where they are in fourth place after their loss Jan. 24, to first place Emmanuel. Gravel predicts her team will accomplish a lot more than they already have this season.

“I see this team as very successful this year and in the future,” Gravel said. “The girls have worked extremely hard and they are a great bunch of young ladies. Coach Lanpher and I hope to get this team to the NCAA Tournament in the spring and win our conference.”

Gravel passes on to her players what she learned at UTPA, and from her coaches.

She wants them to know what it takes to be a champion both on and off of the court, and that one has to work for what they want in life. Her former coaches, both Anderson and Craft, believe that her performance as a player and her experience is a good indication of her coaching abilities.

“Alex had a good head for the game and was a student of the game,” said Anderson.

“I knew she would apply that when she became a coach, because she didn’t just play the game she studied the game and that is a good stepping stone to becoming a good coach.”

Craft agrees saying that of Gravel that “she is doing a super job for Coach Lanpher and is adapting quickly from player to coach. Alex is a great communicator and studies the game and will broaden her ability as she gains experience in coaching.”

Since Sept. 11 the nation has been on a high state of alert as designated by the Department of Homeland Security.

The nation watches closely with avid attention the people who come into the country.

So when President Bush spoke on Jan. 7 about the United States needing an immigration system, “that serves the American economy and reflects the American dream,” many Americans took note.

Bush's proposal to grant temporary legal status to millions of illegal immigrants has brought many opinions on immigration reform to the surface.

To have an opinion, one must first know the facts.

The key points of the Bush Immigration proposal are as follows: * Workers in the United States illegally join a temporary labor program * Those now-illegal immigrants then can apply for permanent residence but get no preferential consideration * Employers hiring these workers must show they cannot find U.S. laborers to fill their jobs * These undocumented workers get guaranteed wage and employment rights * These workers receive a temporary

duties to basically prevent and detour three-year visa, renewable once. illegal aliens within the U.S., while at the They are expected to return to same time dealing with narcotic roundtheir countries of birth once their up.” visas expire.

Flores said that the obvious change is * Congress is urged to increase current there is not an immigration naturalization annual limit of 140,000 "Green program in effect, and the Customs Cards."

Border Collection has teamed up with the * The Department of Homeland immigration inspection bridges.

Security is to administer the “Another aspect that has stayed the program same since Sept. 11, According to CNN.com has been forward the Border Patrol union has deployment of a vast sent a letter to its members, majority of agents urging them to speak out within a given area,” about the proposal. said Flores.

John Frecker, a vice Along with these president of the National obvious management Border Patrol Council and departmental wrote, “regardless of how changes there have you feel about President been technological Bush, I think most of us modifications as well. would agree that his According to Flores, proposal is a slap in the face there is now equipment to anyone who has ever tried that detects radiation to enforce the immigration and biological laws of the U.S.” Eduardo Flores contaminants. There This immigration are also more sky proposal has conjured up boxes at fixed locations where agents can future speculation about what this will see three miles into the dark, plus new mean for the Border Patrol Agents who motion sensors. cover the Valley and the surrounding One other aspect of the Border Patrol areas near Mexico. duties that have changed since Sept 11 When asked what aspects of the job regards policy tweaking. have changed since Sept. 11, Eduardo According to Flores, the Border Patrol Flores, public affairs superior officer for has gone from an ‘Apprehend and Return’ the Border Patrol and Customs Border policy to a ‘Detour and Apprehend’ Protection stated, “We have the same

policy.

Since September 1997, Operation Rio Grande has been in play and the result has been a steady decrease of illegal aliens trying to enter the country.

The operation also involves recruiting more Border Patrol agents across the Rio Grande.

In the mid-1990s there were 500-700 agents covering those regions, but as of 2003 those numbers have tripled.

Flores supervises agents in various parts of the Valley, starting at Falcon Dam through Fort Brown Station at the mouth of the Rio Grande River. His area includes parts of north Victoria, as well as both checkpoints leading into highways 281 and 77.

When asked what has changed since Bush’s immigration reform proposal, Flores stated, “I have direct instructions from my boss in Washington not to discuss our opinions to any media about the proposal. Besides, it is too early to comment on any proposed legislation concerning immigration reform”.

In announcing the proposal, Bush administration officials spoke of an important issue in accepting foreigners into the program. The key is whether they already had a job in the United States or the promise of one if they are living outside the United States.

One can’t help but remember the past shifts in immigration policy which have triggered rushes of people into the

See BORDER PATROL page 11

PAGE 2

January 29

2004

OPINION

Sports

January 29, 2004

letters

■

editorials

■

cartoons

UTPA baseball leads off Saturday

By MATT HALL The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American baseball team has reloaded and added some depth to the pitching to get ready for the 2004 season.

There are 14 new faces for the Broncs and 15 returnees this season. UTPA had a weak bullpen last year, but that is not the case in 2004 as head coach Willie Gawlik has brought in 10 new pitchers to help the returning ones from last year.

Gawlik believes that this year’s team is going to be a competitive one and hopes that the community will make its presence felt at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium, where the Broncs play their home games.

“I want the community to come out and support us. We have our opener this weekend followed by the Al Ogletree Classic,” Gawlik said. “The city of Edinburg and the university are putting on a 10K run and there will be a huge fireworks show to enjoy.”

Gawlik experienced the community’s support over the weekend when the Broncs hosted the inaugural baseball scholarship golf tournament at the Monte Cristo Golf Course and Country Club Jan. 24 in Edinburg. The tournament was held in conjunction with alumni weekend and was held solely to raise money for baseball scholarships.

“We had 83 players participate from alumni and local businesses, we had 27 corporate sponsors, and several other businesses donate door prizes,” Gawlik said. “It was a great event and thanks to everyone for their support.”

The Broncs kick off their season at home Saturday, Jan. 31 against Texas State-San Marcos.

The green and orange return some key players Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American from last year, including freshman All-American The Broncs prepare for the 2004 season opener Louie Alamia, Tony Ortiz, Marco Garza, Matt Eichel, during a practice at Edinburg Baseball Stadium. and Matt Sisk.

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican 53rd Year – No. 16

Interim Editor Arianna Vazquez gareyjup@aol.com

News Editor Belinda Reyes mstxbellezalatina2003@ yahoo.com

A & E Editor Omaira Galarza omairang@yahoo.com

Sports Editor Ed Chrnko echrnko@yahoo.com

Graphics Editor Daniel Aguilar kerygma_@hotmail.com

Layout Designer Dagoberto Perez Ginmarie Mabry Reporters Brian Carr Vanessa Castillo Julian Cavazos Diana Corpus Garza Edwina Garza Dulce Gonzalez Matt Hall Christina Harris

The PAN AMERICAN is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American.

Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the university.

Letters policy The Pan American gladly accepts letters from students, staff and faculty regarding newspaper content or current issues.

The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. Please limit submission length to 300 words. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters, or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Letters are printed at the discretion of the editor and must include the writer’s name, class/title and phone number.

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NEWS

■ STCC. . . . . . . . . 3 ■ Atkins Diet. . . . . . . . 4 ■ A Fish Story. . . . . . . 5

Movie clown, activist, appears for campus event

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American With the coverage of the presidential election, the new ventures to Mars filling headlines, and the Super Bowl occupying the minds of the public, a man managed to touch UTPA students Tuesday with his simple message of life filled with joy.

Speaking to a crowded audience in the Student Union Theatre, and colleges all over the country, Patch Adams presented “Having Fun Working for Peace, Justice and Care: A Medley of Interest and Adventures.” Brought to UTPA by the Student Leadership Program and The Office of Student Life and Transition, Adams was shown via satellite by the Society of Success and Leadership.

Sylvia Guerrero, a senior marketing major, and a third-year member of the Student Leadership Society, took the initiative to bring The Society of Success and Leadership to UTPA. “This is a project I had to do for SLP, and I thought the Society would be great for the school,” Guerrero said. “It’s really expensive to see presentations of people who are well-known, and sometimes

students don’t have a lot of funds. Now students do not have to pay, and get benefits of listening to people like Patch Adams.”

In 1971, Adams created a hospital pilot named, The Gesundheit, which addressed problems with the health care system. The hospital saw 15,000 patients through 12 years of existence with only 20 adults on staff. To add to that craziness, the hospital Gesundheit was actually only a sixbedroom house.

They never charged money, didn't accept third-party reimbursement, none of the doctors had malpractice insurance, and initial interviews were three-to-four hours long, all in a theatrical setting. The patients’ care consisted of laughter, joy and creativity as integral parts of the healing process.

Adams is both a medical doctor and a clown, but often plays the role of social activist. He has devoted 30 years of his life to trying to change the U.S. health care system, which he describes as expensive and elitist.

“I chose to be a doctor because I saw how patients weren’t receiving much care,” Adams said. “I want to know a lot about a person. Besides treating them

with medicine, I want them to experience arts and crafts and poetry. You can serve humanity through medicine.”

Doctors and patients of Gesundheit related to each other on the basis of mutual trust, and patients received plenty of time from their doctors. Allopathic doctors and practitioners of alternative medicine were also welcomed to help patients.

In his address, Adams spoke about having joy in life, and not the type of joy that comes with rewards.

“Instead of being happy when you receive an award, or get that job, be happy that you are living,” he said.

“Realize that you are born and celebrate that privilege.”

Adams also poked at the mass media, and their obsession with upsetting stories.

“The mass media loves depressing stories,” he said. “That’s the news, that’s where the focus goes. There’s just a love for misery and television conveys that.”

Adams said that two major themes of literature in the 20th century were alienation and meaningless. Due to society’s focus on money and power, Adams questioned if there was any

See ADAMS page 12

Alamia set a team record for consecutive games hitting safely and led the team in batting in 2003. He believes this year could be a great one for the Broncs and he puts the team above individual achievements on the field.

“I want to go out every day and play as hard as I can for my teammates and everything else will fall into place, I just want to win,” Alamia said. “I just want to play for my team day in and day out.”

Pan Am has its first six games at home and the Broncs are hoping this will give them some momentum before they go on their first road trip to Beaumont to take on the Lamar Cardinals.

One of the strengths to this year’s team is going to be depth at pitcher. Last year coach Gawlik was looking for bodies, but this year he has plenty of options.

“We have more to choose from and better quality than we did last year, but we have to play to see where they are at,” Gawlik said. “Team defense, speed, and depth at every position are also big strengths this year.”

Experience is going to play a huge factor for the Broncs this season because of all the young bucks they have. But Justin Bogy does not think it is going to matter.

“The young guys are looking good, but it will take a few games to get them ready,” Bogy said. “They are doing really good though and are going to help us win.”

Alamia believes playing in the summer is a realistic goal for this year’s team.

“We want to be playing in Omaha in June,” Alamia said of the College World Series. “Play every game like it is a conference game since we aren’t in a conference and we want to win every game. If we do this, then hopefully we will be playing in June.”

The Broncs played in the CWS back in 1971 and Gawlik was part of that team.

Women’s tennis team hold tryouts

By MATTHEW A. CEBALLOS The Pan American Due to a depleted roster the UTPA Women’s Tennis team recently held open tryouts in an effort to fill out the roster. To date, four players have joined the Lady Broncs via tryouts. Head Tennis Coach Eduardo Provencio would still like to fill two spots on the roster.

According to Provencio holding open tryouts like this is an infrequent occurrence and usually it’s only one or two players that make the team, so adding four players is considered a rarity.

Those interested in trying out may contact Provencio at 381-2223 to make arrangements and must be cleared to tryout by the UTPA training staff. The women’s tennis team currently has a roster of 9 players.

When evaluating talent, Provencio looks for good student-athletes who take their schoolwork seriously.

“If they’re strong students we know they can stomach the burden of the amount of time that we’re going to ask of them,” Provencio said.

Provencio feels that there is good local talent in the valley but not enough facilities, such as Country Clubs, for players to improve their games. Provencio has been impressed with the local high school coaches he has met with. “The high school coaches have done a fantastic job in the area,” he said.

Provencio is hoping that the recent walkFile Photo ons will remain with the team.

The women’s tennis team added four new players “I’d like to keep all the local kids on the to the 2004 roster through open tryouts recently. team. It creates a nice niche for us,” he said.

Senior Alana Breen is glad that the open tryouts took place. It’s Breen’s last season and she was worried there wouldn’t be enough players to have a full team. In the time she’s been with the team this is the first time they’ve ever had open tryouts of this sort. Breen has played under three coaches at UTPA, but feels the current coaching staff stresses conditioning more than past coaches.

“In the past we really haven’t had a coach that specializes in conditioning, so the conditioning and doing a lot more core workouts has added a lot (to help the team),” Breen said.

Breen has enjoyed her time with the team but says its difficult being a student-athlete, as well as meeting the team’s expectations and her own.

“Hopefully we’ll have a good season this year with the new coaches,” Breen said.

Freshmen Vanessa Hedinger of Switzerland is an eager newcomer and is looking forward to her first tennis season here at UTPA. Hedinger is not so much concerning herself with winning matches as she is improving her technique on the court. “(My goals are) playing a good season.

That doesn’t mean just to win matches but to show what we learned and work on what we practiced.”

The Lady Broncs will open the season against Texas-El Paso in San Antonio on Friday Feb. 6. They will then hit the road to play against Sam Houston State, Northwestern State, and Stephen F. Austin.

The Broncs will be playing Eastern Kentucky, Dayton, and Xavier on Fri. Feb. 6 in Richmond, Kentucky. On Sat. Feb. 14 they will play Saint Louis in San Antonio.

Page 15

2004 UTPA Broncs Baseball Schedule Date

Opponent

Score

Nov. 1

Green & White

Jan. 31

Texas State-San Marcos

Feb. 1

Texas State-San Marcos

Noon

Feb. 3

Texas Kingsville

6

Feb. 6

Lamar VS. Kansas

1

Feb. 6

Sam Houston State

5

GREEN, 2-1

7

Feb. 7

Kansas

5

Feb. 7

Lamar VS. Sam Houston

9

Feb. 8

Sam Houston VS. Kansa

11 a.m.

Feb. 8

Lamar

3

Feb. 13

Lamar

4

Feb. 14

Lamar (2)

1

Feb. 15

Lamar

1

Feb. 17

Texas A&M-Kingsville

6.

Feb. 20

Sam Houston State

2

Feb. 21

Sam Houston State

2.

Feb. 22

Sam Houston State

1

Feb. 27

Washington State

7

Feb. 28

Washington State

2

Feb. 29

Washington State

Noon

March 6

Arkansas

7

March 9

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (2)

1

March 12

Texas-San Antonio

7

March 13

Texas-San Antonio

7

March 14

Texas-San Antonio

1

March 16

Texas-Arlington

7

March 17

Texas-Arlington

2

March 19

Oral Roberts

7

March 20

Oral Roberts

7

March 21

Oral Roberts

1

March 23

Texas-San Antonio

2

March 24

Texas-San Antonio

2

March 26

Dallas Babtist (2)

4

March 27

Dallas Babtist

1

March 30

Texas

6:30

Apr. 6

Texas State-San Marcos

6:30

Apr. 7

Texas State-San Marcos

1

Apr. 9

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi(2)

1

Apr. 13

Texas-San Antonio

7

Apr. 14

Texas-San Antonio

2

Apr. 16

Arizona

9

Apr. 17

Arizona

9

Apr. 18

Arizona

3

Apr. 23

Dallas Baptist (2)

4

Apr. 24

Dallas Baptist

1

May 7

Southeastern Louisiana

7

May 8

Southeastern Louisiana

7

May 9

Southeastern Louisiana

1

May 11

Arkansas

7:05

May 12

Arkansas

7:05

May 14

Oklahoma

7:05

May 15

Oklahoma

7:05

May 16

Oklahoma

1

HOME GAMES IN BOLD. All games p.m. unless noted.

NBA Schedule Thursday, Jan. 29

30-17 8:30 30-12 San Antonio Spurs vs.

Jan. 31 at Utah, 7:30 Feb. 2 at Utah, 8

Saturday, Jan. 31 at 29-16 noon 26-21 Dallas Mavericks vs.

Feb. 3 Golden State, 7:30 Feb. 4 at New Orleans, 7

Saturday, Jan. 31 at 26-18 2:30 23-20 Houston Rockets vs.

Feb. 1 at Phoenix, 8 Feb. 4 at Milwaukee, 7:30

SUPER BOWL XXXVIII Sunday, Feb. 1 at 16-2

5:25

14-5

Road to the Super Bowl: New England: Jan. 10 def. Titans 17-14 Jan. 18 def. Colts 24-14 Carolina: Jan. 3 def. Cowboys 29-10 Jan. 10 def. Rams 29-23 Jan. 18 def. Eagles 14-3

Killer Bees Friday, Jan. 30 at Killer Bees vs. Wichita, 7:30 Jan. 31 at Tulsa, 7:35 Feb. 4 at Austin, 7:30 All games p.m.

■ Hoops . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ■ Sports Clipboard . . . . . 13

Gravel making her mark at Norwich

By AMY MEDELLIN The Pan American

at

■ Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . 15

The old saying goes: Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.

However, there are exceptions to the rule, and Alex Gravel is without a doubt one of those exceptions.

Gravel, former guard for the University of Texas-Pan American Lady Broncs basketball team, has not only set an array of outstanding records during her college career, but is now making a few as assistant women’s coach at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt. After five years of doing, one of the finest athletes in school history is teaching how to do. And she can draw on an interesting personal journey as teaching material.

LOOKING BACK Gravel had an all-star resume as a high school player in Canada, and that success at the school and club level would lead to even higher peaks soon enough. When she was offered a full scholarship by the UTPA coaching staff, she took it without much hesitation.

“I came to UTPA because the coaches at the time offered me a full scholarship and it had always been my dream to play basketball in the United States,” said Gravel. “I came for a visit and I liked the place and the weather; it was my chance to pursue my dream and I took it.”

Gravel made the most of her four years at UTPA. During her first season, 1998-99, she

was fourth in scoring with 8.4 points per game and ranked third among the Lady Broncs with 42 three-point field goals.

Coach Tracy Anderson, who was one of the teaching influences on the Canadian during her career, said that Gravel’s attitude was almost as imposing as her skills.

“Alex is one of the most competitive players I’ve been around and she always wanted to win desperately,” said Anderson, current associate head coach for the Lady Broncs. “She would fight tooth and nails to beat her opponent.”

From 1999-2000, Gravel finished the season ranked 11th among all NCAA Division I players in three-point field goals per game, averaging 2.8 as a sophomore. She was named second team All-Independent and honored as National Independent Player of the Week. During her season high she made nine three-point field goals against Southwest Texas State, which was the second highest total in the nation in a single game all season. She also scored in double figures in 20 of 28 games. By the end of the season Gravel was ranked 30th in the nation in threepoint field goals per game, with an average of 2.4 a game.

Gravel was named second team AllIndependent during the 2000-2001 season, for the second in a row and ranked second in scoring with an average of 13.1 points per game. She led her team in three-point field goals with 65 for the season and

January 29, 2004

An Inside Look:

See Page 8 for details

News ............................................2 ■ A & E............................................7 ■ Sports ........................................16 ■

New fish discovered See Page 5 for details

WINTER TEXANS ROCK!! !

Musical jam sessions energize area visitors is welcome to join. It’s for whomever wants to come play,” stressed Brunotte.

“It works out better that way. We get the public in here,” Brunotte said.

“Before we’d just get the park people.

It’s standing-room only, and the They’d eat their ice cream and they’d go adrenaline rush is on as 30 musicians home, most of them. Now, we have take center stage at Winter Green outside people coming in. They like the Estates. Jam sessions are held every music.”

Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Estates, located Not all of the musicians are from the at 500 N. Bryan Road in Mission.

Winter Winter Texans from Green Minnesota, Michigan, Estates Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and community.

Okla., including British Mary Columbia, Canada and as I retired at 62 and Orendorff, far away as Liverpool, 70, of I played it [bass England make up this DeWitt, cacophonous assembly of fiddle] before then. I Iowa, lives talented would-be just love it. I’m not at Pleasant entertainers.

Valley Wally Brunotte, 72, of St. Nashville, but I have Ranch, Paul Park, Minn. and a a lot of fun. located six Winter Green Estate miles west resident, is the instigator - Mary Orendorff, of Mission. and organizer of this Winter Texan from Iowa “We evening’s session. For him, moved to it’s a labor of love.

Texas 10 years ago but we’re originally “We started this jam here, it was the from Iowa. We’re very fortunate, our first of November,” said Brunotte. “I family lives within seven hours of us, so bought all the equipment for the park we’re very lucky,” said Orendorff. “It’s and stuff. It’s a happy time for very pretty in Iowa but I don’t like to everybody.”

“It started out by invitation only but it drive in that pretty [snow]. We love it didn’t work out that way. Now, everyone in Texas.”

By DIANA CORPUS GARZA The Pan American

“

Photo courtesy of the Norwich University Athletic Department

Broncs thrash IPFW, end losing streak The University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team shot 80 percent from the line and Andrius Sakalys scored a team-high 17 points to lead the Broncs to an 81-60 victory over the Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne Mastodons Wednesday night at the Field House.

“We needed a win big time after losing some games,” Sakalys said. “It serves as a confidence booster for our last games of the season.”

The 6-foot-6 senior forward also had a good night at the line by going 7-of-9.

The 21-point victory served to put an end to the Broncs’ four-game losing streak before1,678 fans.

“We had a great crowd tonight,” said UTPA head coach Bob Hoffman. “They were really into the game and really helped our guys.”

Overall, the Broncs went 20-of-25 (80 percent) from the free-throw line, which turned out to be the difference in the game.

Junior guard Sergio Sánchez went 7-of-7 from the line and finished out the game with 13 points, while Sakalys went 7-of-9.

“It was a great team victory,” said UTPA head Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American coach Bob Hoffman. “We were fortunate we hit some shots tonight. We shot the ball like I knew Center Andrius Sakalys (right) shoots over an oppowe could and it just avalanched from there. Our nent in a game against UMKC Jan. 19.

“Does sex still sell?”

H E A D L I N E S

T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n

Former UTPA women’s basketball standout Alex Gravel (blue See GRAVEL page 14 blouse) is now the assistant women’s coach at Norwich.

By ED CHRNKO The Pan American

THURSDAY

REAL OPINIONS

defense was a lot better also.”

IPFW center David Simon led the game in scoring with 27 points. Simon provided 45 percent of the Mastodons total offensive output.

Four UTPA players scored in double digits in the victory.

Despite the lopsided final score at halftime the game was totally different after the intermission.

The Broncs took a slim 36-33 lead into the locker room at the halfway point of the game, but in the second half UTPA pulled away and never looked back.

As the game wore on in the second half, the physical aspect heated up.

“Both teams were fighting for their lives,” Hoffman said. “Both teams have had a lot of close losses and so, you just try to find a way to get it done.”

The Broncs outscored the Mastodons 45-27 down the stretch to seal the victory and improve to 6-13 on the season, while IPFW fell to 3-16.

The Broncs hope to take the momentum gained in Wednesday’s game into their Feb. 2 matchup against Alcorn State at the Field House.

“It’s going to be another tough game,” Hoffman said. “They’re very athletic and they do a lot of good things. They’re in the Southwest Athletic Conference and we’ve had trouble with some of those guys earlier this year. So, we’re going to have to be ready for that game.”

“

S PORTS

PAGE 16

“I retired at 62 and I played it [bass fiddle] before then. I just love it,” said Orendorff. “I’m not Nashville, but I have a lot of fun.”

Orendorff has been playing bass fiddle for 20 years and also plays guitar.

Others also play multiple instruments.

“I play accordion, banjo, mandolin, guitar, keyboard,” said Brunotte. “I play four polka jams a week. I play accordion and the banjo at those. Then I play in the Erv’s Variety Band also. We play all around Mission and McAllen. It’s fun and we hope the people enjoy it.”

Chris Trisler, 92, of Barnesdall, Okla., who resides at Country Breeze in Mission, plays violin at three or four other jam sessions. His three daughters, who visit yearly, have a hard time keeping up with him.

“He’s been playing the banjo since he was nine and learned to play the fiddle when he was 12,” said Evie Smith, 69, his youngest daughter. “We flew in last Thursday to visit father and have been following him around. He’s played in four jam sessions just this week. We’re very proud of him.”

Diana Corpus Garza/The Pan American There are over 45 such events in any FIDDLING ABOUT— Chris Trisler of Oklahoma given week in Hidalgo County alone.

Music ranges from hillbilly country to plays recently at a music session in Mission. polka. The area’s Winter Texans also enjoy dances and other social See WINTER TEXANS page 11 gatherings. And for anyone who doesn’t

Local judge race marred by FBI raid

By JULIAN CAVAZOS The Pan American

Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American

STAR SEARCH— Video karaoke at the Student Union drew a big crowd Tuesday, as students got a chance to make videos.

Some of them feel it was politically motivated, while others have suggested corruption and bribes are at issue. Either way, confusion about the investigation of Judge Ed Aparicio continues to swirl. No one knows anything for sure.

The suspicion all began on Friday, Jan. 16, when FBI agents raided Aparicio’s Weslaco home at 2 a.m. in search of evidence. His wife and five sons were home as it occurred.

“They were woken up and 2 a.m. and ransacked and couldn’t get up for anything, with an FBI watching them the whole time. They couldn’t leave,” said a campaign supporter of Aparicio, who wished to remain anonymous.

Aparicio, running for re-election

newspaper reports indicated that as 92nd District Court judge, claims to be offended by the behavior of the agents were searching for any evidence of bribes, whether financial FBI agents when at his home, especially because it came in front of or business-related. The documents taken were placed in boxes, each one his family. But the situation would marked with the word get worse for the ‘Evidence.’ judge.

The FBI also walked His office at the off with rather unorthodox Hidalgo County things from the office, Courthouse was such as expensive also raided that paintings of various sizes, same day by the a statue, and family same FBI members, pictures. All things at around 7 a.m. on gathered that day were Friday, half an hour placed in a truck and sent before the to the U.S Attorney’s Courthouse Office in Houston for regularly opens for further examination. business. The FBI Ed Aparicio Since the raids, fished his office public opinion has been for almost seven mixed about the striking news event. hours, searching through trash cans and the office. Later See APARICIO page 11