April 26, 2007 by UTRGV Student Media

THE

PAN AMERICAN

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

April 26, 2007

Campus unites to support Va. Tech

Clues from writing may Students use Facebook to ID potential connect with one another shooters

By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American

Roughly 150 students, faculty and staff at The University of Texas-Pan American met in the Quad April 19 to honor the 32 people killed as a result of the shootings at Virginia Tech University April 16. Gathering together in a time of grief is not a new concept. It’s what college students around the country are doing when they’re not actually in the company of others that is paving the way for a new outlet for coping and closure.

Onydia Garza/The Pan American GRIEVING - At a memorial ceremony held on the Quad April 19, (from left) President Blandina Cardenas and Provost Paul Sale joined students, faculty, staff and administrators to honor those killed in the Virginia Tech shooting April 16.

FACE(BOOK) to FACE(BOOK) Since news broke of the massive killing of students and faculty at the Blacksburg, Va., university, students flocked to popular Web site Facebook.com to make tribute groups and honor those who died. One group, titled “A tribute to those who passed at the Virginia Tech Shooting,” has reached 372,054 members from all over the world, including Canada and Greece. Sarah Goodman, a biology graduate student, recently created her own group, “UT Pan Am Supporting Virginia

Tech,” in hopes of creating a meeting place for students wanting to express their condolences to the school. “When you’re a college student, you’re part of a community, and when students in another college community fall, it’s important to be there and honor them,” she said. “If students can’t count on fellow students to honor them, who will?” Goodman said she also hopes to use the group as a way to spread the word about other ways students can help those affected by the shootings. She said she, like many others, has contacted both CNN and FOX asking where donations for credible memorial funds can be sent. She hopes to use Facebook to distribute that information once it becomes available. In addition, Goodman said the group, which currently has 72 members, is a good way to unite and prevent events like this from happening at UTPA. “We need to make sure no one feels unloved or alone,” she said. “I think coming together is the best tool we have in preventing these things from happen-

See FACEBOOK page 11

By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American Virginia Tech gunman Seung-Hui Cho continues to give clues into his psyche even after taking his own life and those of 32 others last week. That glimpse into his pre-massacre mind is coming from writings he completed as class assignments, leading some to believe that if read with a critical eye, they could have helped predict and maybe even prevent the Blacksburg, Va., shooting. Jose Skinner, an assistant professor of creative writing at The University of Texas-Pan American, said a friend of his, a creative writing professor at Virginia Tech, had Cho as a student. In an e-mail, the professor, who Skinner chose not to name, said while troubling, Cho’s work was “not much to go on.” “It wasn’t because of the writing per se, it was all kind of other behavioral problems he had shown that raised the

See WRITINGS page 11

High school curriculum questioned by university professors By KRISTEN VILLEGAS The Pan American While the state of Texas may have a program emphasizing and outlining education standards for high school students, college professors have questioned whether or not students are being prepared with the information that will be most beneficial in a college setting. High school teachers follow state

learning standards to teach their students in the classroom, but according to a 2005-2006 National Curriculum Survey reported by USA Today, some professors feel there is a “gap” between the course outline in U.S. high schools and college expectations. The result is that high school teachers focus on certain aspects, and college professors on others. And student caught in the middle of this difference in philosophy are the ones who suffer.

SCIENCE “People are not ready when they walk through that door,” said Zen Faulkes, a biology professor at The University of Texas-Pan American. Faulkes said some students do show up well prepared, but adds that those students are coming particularly from “magnet schools,” or public schools that offers innovative courses and specialized training. These students, according to Faulkes, have standardized

test scores that are often above those of the general student population. Moreover, about 65 percent of college professors believe that state standards prepare students “poorly” for collegelevel work, according to the study carried out by ACT, an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides assessment, research, information and program management services in the broad areas of education and workforce development. Jorge Hutchinson, a chemistry

teacher at McAllen Memorial High School, said that he focuses on both the basic facts and processes in chemistry as outlined by TAKS. “I don’t think professors have any idea of what is expected of high school teachers,” Hutchinson said. He said there is a massive amount of material that a student has to master. He is given 36 weeks to complete his teachings and six of those are spent focusing on the

See CURRICULUM page 11

News

A&E

Sports

Coastal Studies Lab highlights new projects

The Shins, others rock at MTVU concert

UTPA Bronc basketball player prepares to rap

See Page 3

See Page 8 & 9

See Page 14

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April 26, 2007 THE

PAN AMERICAN 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican 56th Year – No. 28 Editor Claudette Gonzalez ThePanAmerican@gmail.com News Editor

A&E Editor

Sports Editor

Sandra Gonzalez

Frank Calvillo

Luke Koong

sandra_ panamerican@ yahoo.com

hennero@ msn.com

lkoong2004 @yahoo.com Design Editor

Photo Editor Sidney Meadows

Roy Bazan

outintherain@ aol.com

crazy_restless@ yahoo.com

Designers Gregorio Garza

Rick Gamez

the_nataku@ yahoo.com

rikgamez@ gmail.com

Reporters and Photographers Leslie Estrada Jeanette Perez Onydia Garza

Rafael Roux

Patrick Kennedy

Angela Salazar

Kristyna Mancias Erick Quintero Savannah Martinez Adviser Dr. Greg Selber Secretary Anita Casares Ad Manager Lillian Villarreal

Asst. Ad Manager Samantha Quintana

Advertising information spubs@panam.edu Delivery Thursday at Noon

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, classification/title and phone number.

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.

R EADER FORUM Social commentary By: Sandra Gonzalez

All research beneficial, despite creepiness D

uring HESTEC 2006, a student appeared in the school newspaper because he was doing research to find a cure for cancer. If that doesn’t get you on the long waiting list into heaven, I don’t know what will. But while do-gooders practically have a one-way pass through the golden gates straight into the land of sexy men and frozen Cosmopolitans, the rest of us have to worry. However, one man who hasn’t strapped on his blue volunteer smock just yet will also get a one-way ticket to heaven. He just so happens to be a researcher from right here at The University of Texas-Pan American who recently had a portion of his work find its way into the pages of a national magazine. The rest of this story may surprise you. THAT’S RIGHT, SEX On any given day, I’d be happy as a whore at Frederick’s to see the university get some national acclaim. But when my sister presented me with the May edition of Glamour magazine, it was the last place I’d

expect to see professor Russell Eisenman quoted on page 295 in the article, “15 Brand new things to know about sex.” Eisenman was quoted in no. 5: “It’s width – not length – that counts.” He stated most women find a thicker penis more satisfying than a longer one. The magazine went on to cite a survey of UTPA women in which 90 percent of students interviewed reported that width felt better, while only 10 percent preferred length. If this wasn’t enough to get the blood flowing to my face, then his quote would do the job, no pun intended. “Width may be more important because a thicker base provides greater clitoral stimulation,” he said. “And it fills up the vagina to put interior pressure on the clitoris, too.” Good tip? You bet. Was I totally comfortable that the newest info about sex came from a professor? Not particularly, no. Of course, we’re all adults here (And I use that term loosely in light of my Spanish class’s recent fit of laughter after we read about Titicaca, Mexico). If a professor

wants to study students’ sex lives, by all means, go ahead. I was, nonetheless, thrown off guard and a bit disturbed at the fact that a male professor knew more about va-jay-jays then I did, and I have one. I consider myself a fairly modern, high heel-wearing type of girl, contrary to what one reader believes. You (and I) would think that I’d be in the know about the latest happenings in sex and salacious acts alike. In fact, most of the magazine’s other tips I already knew, including “sex could be the ultimate de-stressor,” “nice girls do send very naughty texts” and “we’re suckers for a sexy voice.” I was only able to get over my shock after I had a thought: sex happens. Young people, old people, fat people and (whether you like it or not) ugly people. And if there are a few researchers brave enough to try and

make it better for everyone, then God bless them. Glamour is on stands now. Buy one and clip out the sex info to keep in your wallet, car or bedroom for speedy reference. Have a day. Not a good one. Not a Bad one. Just have one. Closing note: Before I am berated for not writing about more important subjects like the shootings at Virginia Tech, let me make one thing clear. My official social commentary on that matter (at least for the time being) is that I will (for once) keep my mouth shut on the subject. Anything I have to say about the issue is not as informed as it should be to warrant the delivery of my half-baked theories. It would be in poor taste for me or anyone else to grieve like we were there or are there now. For that reason, I will say nothing more about it.

Love the column? Want to complain about how it’s a waste of space and have me bash you? Send letters to: Sandra_panamerican@yahoo.com

Community Bulletin The Panorama, official student magazine of The University of TexasPan American, will soon be available to students. This year’s theme is identity and finding out who students, the university and the UTPA community really are, according to Trey Serna, Panorama editor in chief. Last year’s edition of Panorama recently won second place for Best Photo Illustration, third place for Best

Design and first place for Best Overall Magazine at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention in March. Serna, a senior journalism major who has contributed to the magazine for two years, said the newest edition of the magazine is sure to please students. “I think this year’s issue really dives into a lot of personal essays and student perspectives and that’s always a neat thing,” he said. “We really tried

making this issue very light-hearted and entertaining.” Students will be able to pick up copies starting April 30, but the official release date is May 1, when there will be a release event held in the Quad. Publication bins will be placed around campus and magazine staff will be delivering them to all the buildings and offices around campus as well. Students can also come by CAS 170 to pick up a copy.

Correction: The photo that accompanied “Students to hold second bone marrow drive of year” (April 19) was taken by the Office of University Relations.

N EWS

News in brief: The Association for Vegan and Vegetarian Awareness will be holding a “Meat Out” today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library lobby to raise awareness of the lifestyle.

Campus officials to expand Bronc Bucks

By MANUEL TISCARENO The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American is currently working on expanding Bronc Bucks, money from a prepaid account that allows students to purchase university goods and services. There have been mixed reviews so far. The expanded system, which went

Research puts relationships under ‘scope By MICHAEL GARCIA The Pan American A series of research studies done by two University of Texas-Pan American students on the effect of self-perception on social and romantic relationships, will be making its national debut in Washington, D.C., May 24-27 at the Association for Psychological Science national conference. The research, conducted by Christine Gutierrez and Natalie M. Perez, studied 400 undergraduate psychology students involved in romantic relationships. Gutierrez, a junior psychology major, and Perez, a psychology graduate student, did the research under the supervision of Grant Benham, an associate professor of psychology. “All the students and professors involved were a big help in making our research a success,” Gutierrez said. “If it wasn’t for their assistance, our projects would not have been as appreciated as they have been.” The first study, “Body Dissatisfaction and its Effect on Romantic Relationships,” focused on the effects of negative weight-related com-

See RESEARCH page 12

in to effect March 2006, has been testing Bronc Bucks on selected electronic vendors as part of the initial process. The plan’s second phase, which was announced earlier this month, will allow students to use the tender as a debit card for most campus services. Effective April 7, the copy machines in the library have only been accepting Bronc Bucks. The Bronc

Bucks cards, which are the universityissued BronCard IDs, can be filled with credit at value terminals located on the first and third floors of the UTPA library. If the student does not have an ID, a temporary one can be bought for one dollar. Currently, Auxiliary Services aims to make all services from copiers, vending machines, cafeteria foods and even

laundry machines payable with Bronc Bucks. Roberto Cantu, assistant director of Auxiliary Services, said he was very satisfied with the first launch and is working to promote the form of payment.

See BUCKS page 12

Coastal Studies Lab ready for future By VERONICA GONZALEZ The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American’s Coastal Studies Lab is paving the way for a new wave of research and development with new partnerships and projects.

A big part of the lab’s future involves The University of TexasBrownsville, following a formal announcement made April 13 of the two institutions’ joint agreement to work in collaboration with one another. The two universities have a number of faculty members conducting

research in the same areas and have agreed to join efforts and share facilities. “There are a lot of similar interests among the faculty of both universities. We have a lot of things we can collaborate in like research, teaching and in reaching out to the public schools,” said Miguel Nevarez, executive director for

Sandra Gonzalez/The Pan American SHOWING OFF - Former UTPA President Miguel Nevarez, executive director of the Coastal Studies Lab, gives a tour of the area, concentrating on the various specimens on display.

the UTPA Coastal Studies Lab at South Padre Island and former UTPA president. “It’s better to work together instead of separately.” The agreement was made after both entities made similar proposals to the National Science Foundation asking for funding. The NSF contacted the two labs, informing them of the similar proposals and advising that a joint proposal be made. As a result, the two institutions joined forces and asked for a $5 million grant from the NSF that, if approved, would establish a South Texas Coastal Ecosystems Research Center. Members from each of the labs agreed that collaborating on the proposal would be beneficial to each of the universities. “We have all these different kinds of resources, and by pooling these resources it allows for more opportunities for faculty at both universities,” said David Hicks, marine biology professor for UTB. Hicks admits that it was embarrassing to see so much miscommunication between the two facilities, since the labs are only a quarter-mile apart. In addition, if the grant is approved, the former U.S. Coast Guard Station on South Padre Island would be converted into dormitory housing. “That’s one of the main reasons

See LAB page 12

Presidential candidates use MySpace to connect with voters By BRENDA RODRUGUEZ The Pan American The days of politicians using television and radio as an outlet to reach the youth are numbered. With the highly addictive MySpace craze, even politicians are befriending the public through this site. MySpace creators have seen the need

for America’s youth to be aware of the upcoming presidential race and as a result have formed a space called “The Impact Channel,” that notifies fellow MySpacers about the upcoming presidential race. As of press time, seven Republican hopefuls and six Democrats have signed on to this Internet craze in an attempt to catch the young adult vote, which in recent

years has become more crucial. In the 2004 presidential election, 47 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds voted, compared to 36 percent in the 2000 election, according to civicyouth.org. Representing the Republican Party, hopefuls who’ve joined MySpace are John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Duncan Hunter, Rudy Giuliani and

Tommy Thompson. The six Democratic candidates who have their own MySpace profile are Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, Chris Dodd and Joe Biden. Gloria Garcia, a graduate student from Edinburg, sees the importance of politicians tapping into the popular Web

site to get young adults informed on political issues. “Young adults have a bad rep for not being involved. MySpace is having younger voters step up to the plate and to be taken more serious,” she said. The 2008 presidential hopefuls may also participate in an online debate being

See CANDIDATES page 12

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NEWS

April 26, 2007

NEWS

1516 W. UNIVERSITY DR 956-380-0345 SOUTHTEXASBOOK.COM

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MAY 7 - MAY 13 MON-THURS 7:30AM-8PM FRIDAY 7:30AM-6:30PM SATURDAY 9AM-3PM SUNDAY 11AM-4PM

EN ESPAÑOL

Noticias en breve: Este es la última edición del semestre escolar del periódico The Pan American. Obtén tu copia de este verano durante los días 14 y 28 de junio, y los días 12 y 26 de julio.

Exposición de arte se enfoca en los derechos humanos Por RANDALL MONTY Traducido por JUAN PINTOR The Pan American El Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos estima que más de 800,000 personas son traficadas a través de fronteras internacionales cada año. Anti-Esclavismo Internacional (AntiSlavery International), una asociación benéfica y un grupo de presión basado en el Reino Unido, estima el número a nivel mundial de aquellos que están en labores forzadas, matrimonios forzados y trabajo deshumano en más de 20 millones. Amnistía Internacional (Amnesty International), también basada en el Reino Unido, ofrece la estimación pesimista de “incontables.” La Exhibición de Arte de Derechos Humanos que se está mostrando en este momento en el South Texas College (STC) pone ese número en la cuenta de millones. Aunque las estadísticas no coinciden completamente, no existe la negación del hecho que la explotación y

maltrato de seres humanos como mercancía es un problema genuino, afectando a una gran parte del mundo en el siglo 21. La galería sólo es parte de la Conferencia del Tráfico Humano en el South Texas College, presentada por el Comité de Estudios de la Mujer de STC. El objetivo de la conferencia es traer la conversación del tráfico a nivel mundial de humanos al Valle del Rio Grande. Mientras tanto, la acompañante exposición de arte busca “causar que la gente examine el problema de los derechos humanos y el tráfico de humanos” de acuerdo con Richard Lubben, presidente del departamento de comunicaciones y artes creativas del STC. Lubben sirvió como la voz magistral al seleccionar artistas contribuyentes para la exposición. El llamado inicial para los artistas recolectó entradas desde México, Europa y los Estados Unidos, y Lubben usó ese grupo para seleccionar obras, “basadas en el contenido, el impacto y la ejecución

de la pieza.” La colección resultante es una que representa una variedad de estilos, medios, e interpretaciones del tema central de la conferencia.

“Estas mujeres son las hermanas, madres, amigas de alguien.” - Future Akins-Tillett profesor de arte Texas Tech University Paul Valadez, quien enseña apreciación artística, pintura, diseño y dibujo en la Universidad de Texas-Pan American, es uno de los artistas cuyo trabajo está siendo exhibido. Valadez enfoca la idea principal de la exposición en una gran escala, ignorando detalles diminutos en favor de pinceladas grandes y temáticas. Usando tintes mezclados, verdes y amarillos, “Hogar” representa la cajuela vacía de un carro. El vehículo no es especificado, no es realístico. Valadez, sin

embargo, es rápido en señalar que el no está intentando sermonear o persuadir. “No tengo nada específico para comunicar, no hay un orden, no es una tribuna. Yo quiero que alguien vea la obra y piense por su cuenta. Que tenga su propia opinión en lo que significa,” comentó. Otro artista cuyo trabajo está expuesto es Future Akins-Tillett, un profesor de arte en Texas Tech University, y él tiene intenciones más específicas. “Espero que el público vea mujeres que están siendo forzadas ...a la prostitución como seres humanos y no sólo desechables, basura... que cada mujer no nació siendo una prostituta,” dijo. “El Precio de mi Alma/Mi Madre, Mi Hermana,” un grabado en linóleo negro – una forma similar a un grabado en madera, pero usando linóleo – representa dos mujeres con apariencia desgastada, de pie, con la espalda en una pared con sus brazos cruzados. “Estas mujeres,” comenta AkinsTillett, “son las hermanas, madres, ami-

gas de alguien.” Las visiones de estos dos artistas se combinan para crear la mentalidad de “piensa globalmente, actúa localmente” enfatizada por Lubben. “Idealmente, la atención a estos problemas provocaría algun movimiento hacia el cambio, aunque fuera en un nivel individual,” dijo. Con los dos lugares utilizados para representar la localidad del tráfico humano internacional, la Exhibición de Arte de Derechos Humanos está siendo mostrado en el Espacio para Arte de la Biblioteca en el Campus Pecan en STC, y en la Galería Progreso, en Progreso, México, hasta Mayo 13. Contacta a Lubben al (956) 8722541 para detalles en la exposición de arte. Para más información respecto a la conferencia, contacta a Jennifer Bryson Clark al (956) 872-3510. Entradas a la exposición de arte y a la conferencia son gratuitas. Para ver más del trabajo de Valadez, visita www.paris1920.com.

RTS A EN T& E RTA I N M E N T

Editor’s Pick:

Must-See Movie “Vacancy,” the new, critically-praised thriller from New Line Cinema, stars Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale.

Art exhibit showcases human rights issues

By RANDALL MONTY The Pan American The U.S. State Department estimates that more than 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year. Anti-Slavery International, a United Kingdom-based charity and lobby group, posits the worldwide number of those placed into forced labor, as well as forced marriages and dehumanized work, at over 20 million. Amnesty International, also of the UK, gives the pessimistic estimation of “countless.” The Human Rights Art Exhibition currently showing at South Texas College places the number in the millions. While the figures do not completely align, there is no denying the fact that the mistreatment and exploitation of human beings as commodities is a genuine problem facing much of the world in the 21st century. The art show seeks to “cause people to examine the issue of human rights and human trafficking,” according to Richard Lubben, chair of STC’s communication

Daniel Flores/The Pan American ART WITH A MESSAGE - STC’s Human Rights Art Exhibition is a collection of works dealing with a variety of social issues.

and creative arts department. The initial call for artists garnered submissions from Mexico, Europe and the United States, and Lubben used the pool to select works, “based on content, impact and execution of the piece.” Paul Valadez, a lecturer at The University of Texas-Pan American, is one of the artists whose work is being showcased. Valadez approaches the show’s main idea on a grand scale, ignor-

ing minute details in favor of larger, thematic strokes. Employing mixing hues of yellow and green, “Home” depicts the empty trunk of a car. The vehicle is non-

Contact Lubben at (956) 8722541 for art show details. Admission to the art show and conference is free. To view more of Paul Valadez’s work, visit www.paris1920.com.

specific, unrealistic. Valadez, however, is quick to point out that he is not attempting to preach to or persuade. “I have nothing specific to convey no agenda, no soapbox. I want someone to look at the work and think on their own. Have their own opinion about what it means,” he said. Another artist whose work is on display is Future Akins-Tillett, an art professor at Texas Tech University who has

more specific intentions. “I hope the audience will see women who are forced … into prostitution as human being[s] and not just throwaways, trash.... that each woman was not born a prostitute,” he said. “The Price of My Soul/My Mother, My Sister,” a black linocut – a form similar to woodcut but using linoleum depicts two women with weathered looks standing backs to a wall with their arms folded. “These women,” says Akins-Tillett, “are someone’s sister, mother, friend.” The views of these two artists combine to create the “think globally, act locally” mentality emphasized by Lubben. “Ideally, the attention of these issues would instigate some movement toward change, even if it is on an individual level,” he said. The Human Rights Art Exhibition is currently being shown at the STC Pecan Campus Library Art Space in McAllen, and the Progreso Gallery, Progreso, Mexico through May 13.

New business offers customers dinner, drinks, clean cars By JEANETTE PEREZ The Pan American Located at 2702 W. University Drive, Monster Carwash, which opened its doors March 10, offers something different to the Valley. On the outside it looks like the usual machine- and handwash place, but go inside and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If the $5 car wash rate doesn’t draw one in, a gander at the restaurant will. Red-cushioned seating around square counter tops perfect for lounging, beige and brown colored walls pleasing to the eye, textured ceramic flooring in earth tones, black-tile panels overhead and large window panes for drive-thru viewing pleasure, all with modern, energetic flair and youthful taste - and that’s just the decor. The restaurant is not without its tech-savvy flavor. Four flat-screen televisions, a monitor and Playstation 2 video game system atop a table on the left and a Playstation 3 found behind the bar’s marble counter are all fit for the modern-day techie or the average kid. Monster’s menu offers a variety of entrees and drinks. You can order anything from sushi to American favorites

like cheeseburgers and hot wings to the owners’ favorite, gyros. Wash it all down with your choice of smoothies, soda, coffee or alcoholic beverages. On Saturdays a DeeeJay hits the bar. On occasion pay-per-view events and tournaments make it a night to remember. Owner Cesar Barbin decided it was time for a taste of something from outside the Valley and he knew he was just the one to make it happen.

Monster Carwash is open every day. Carwash: MondaySaturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. Bar & Grill: Monday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. “I can’t find a good gyro sandwich in the Valley so I brought my own recipe from Chicago. I like how hot wings in New York taste, so I brought that recipe as well,” Barbin said. “Same thing with car washing. I like how it’s done in California so I’m bringing that down here to share with everybody.” In combination, it’s like nothing

the Valley has ever seen before. “We’re more of a combination – a place to eat, drink coffee, hang out, read and of course, if you like cars it’s a place where you can look at nice cars. Our concept is different from the usual carwash. My favorite response is when customers come up to the lobby and they go, ‘This is a carwash?’” said Barbin, an avid car lover. “This place is not only an innovation in the Valley, but in the state of Texas and the country. We’re actually being watched by the carwash industry as the main model of this type of carwash to see if this could work somewhere else.” Passion helped build it. “When you get older, you start thinking about what you like in life. What I like is what you see here. Cars, food, drinks, TV, internet and people,” said Barbin, who also works as a nurse and does staffing for local hospitals. “I thought, ‘Hey wouldn’t it be great to have all those things in one place?’ Everybody wants to make a living and I’ve done that very well, but you look for your passion. This is the fruit of my passion.” Like with any new business, embarking on it wasn’t easy.

Onydia GarzaThe Pan American DINNER AND A SCRUB - UTPA junior Javier Gonzalez enjoys some sushi while waiting for his car to cleaned at Edinburg’s new Monster Car Wash Bar and Grill.

“It took a lot of planning and negotiating for three years. At first we were worried because it’s a completely new concept and we didn’t know how the people would take it but we believed in it,” said co-owner Liz Neipert. “We felt like we needed a change. We wanted to find something that would be fun for us and Edinburg.” In any case, location is key. “I live less than a mile away and pass by through here every time I come back from school. It’s perfect. It’s a prime location,” said 22-year-old computer science major George Vasquez of Edinburg. “And the idea of a bar and grill inside of a carwash is fantastic.”

Although Barbin and Neipert admit the place is geared mostly toward university students, people of all kinds find themselves at Monster Carwash. “We get everything from students to lawyers to businessmen. We cater to everybody. This is a type of place that everybody can enjoy,” said Neipert who’s been in the Valley for 10 years. “People are starting to see it and slowly it’s getting bigger.” Monster Car Wash proves to have a different approach. “We’re bringing up the level of carwashing to a whole new level at a different standard,” Barbin said. “It’s a very simple business, but we we enjoy it..”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April 26, 2007

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April 26, 2007

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ROCKIN’ WITH A PURPOSE Story By: Frank Calvillo Photos By: Sidney Meadows

t was unusually drizzly and windy on Sunday, but that didn’t stop music fans from turning up at Austin’s Backyard to attend mtv U’s 2007 Campus Invasion, a six-hour music festival featuring some of today’s up-and-coming artists. All of the performers, which included Ronnie Day, The Rapture, Shiny Toy Guns and The Academy is… are mtvU favorites and each group - most stayed after their set for meet-and-greet sessions with their fans - was met with thunderous applause. The main performance of the night however was a rousing, yet soothing set from The Shins, one of today’s most sought-after artists. While some fans may not have been too familiar with some artists on the lineup, they were quickly taken with the diverse groups. “I originally came to see The Shins play,” said Chuck Davis, a sophomore at the University of TexasAustin. “I had never heard of The Rapture before but I really got into them. They reminded me a lot of Maroon 5.” However for the education major, the high point of the show was watching one of his favorite bands take the stage. “The high moment of the concert was seeing The Shins arrive on the stage. All the people got really excited and went crazy,” he said. Besides artists, most music events offer little else to their patrons. However when the folks at mtvU put on a show, they make sure that between acts, everyone is kept entertained. According to Stephen Friedman, head of mtvU, the goal was to give the event a different feel than that

LET’S ROCK - Members of The Shins, Shiny Toy Guns, Ronnie Day, The Rapture and The Academy Is...performed at Austin’s Backyard on Sunday, marking the first stop on mtvU’s 2007 Campus Invasion Tour.

Layout By: Roy Bazan

of an ordinary concert. “This year we wanted to pick college towns that would allow us five to 10 acts,” he said. “We definitely wanted it to have more of a festival feel.” During the intermissions, concertgoers were welcomed to experience “The Village,” an area with various activities geared toward the average college student. Among them was a rock-climbing site, a go-kart racing track where attendees were able to compete for a chance to win a Ford 2008 vehicle, a booth holding auditions for a new VeeJay position, a bar and buffet serving barbecue brisket, and a site with information about student loans. However one booth in particular truly served as the main purpose of the event. Located near the main stage was the “Save Darfur” station where representatives from the Save Darfur Coalition provided information, took donations and offered petitions for people to sign, all to stop the on-going genocide in Sudan. Since 2003, 400,000 civilians have been killed in Africa as a result of continuous conflicts between government armed forces and two rebel groups. Additionally, 2.5 million people have had to abandon their homes and have since become refugees, all dependent on international aid for help. Collin Leavenworth, one of the group’s representatives, explained the audience’s impact on the Darfur organization. “With college students, there’s so much sympathy in wanting to help because they’re a sympathetic group by nature,” he said. Likewise, Friedman believes college students to be the most active group when it comes to a cause such as this.

“Three years ago when no one was paying attention to this situation, there were kids who were speaking out,” he said. “College students want to stop it and now we have the ability to stop it before it continues.” Yet for some students in attendance, the cause was something new. “I knew that the money was going to some charity, but I didn’t know exactly what it was,” said Tyler Parks, a senior at UT-Austin. “I went up to the booth to get some more information and when I started talking to the people about it and started learning more, the first thing I asked them was why this wasn’t on the news more?” In addition to on-site contributions, all proceeds from the concert, including ticket sales, were donated to the Save Darfur Coaltion. “The money that we raise here is all going to provide food and medical attention to the people suffering and dying in Darfur,” Leavenworth said. Every act that took the stage acknowledged the reason they were there was to support the people of Darfur, to which the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers. For Freidman, it’s moments such as those that signify the strength of Campus Invasion. “What better way to bring attention to something like this than through a festival,” he said. “It truly speaks to the power of music and what it can do.” For more information about the event, please log on to http://www.mtvu.com/uconnect/campus_invasion_tour/. For more information about the Save Darfur coalition, please visit http://www.SaveDarfur.org.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April 26, 2007

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April 26, 2007

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ROCKIN’ WITH A PURPOSE Story By: Frank Calvillo Photos By: Sidney Meadows

Layout By: Roy Bazan

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April 26, 2007

NEWS

April 26, 2007

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WRITINGS continued from page 1 alarm bells,” Skinner said. ARE WRITINGS ENOUGH? According to Skinner, professors at Virginia Tech were aware of Cho’s instability and had addressed it in several ways, according to the professor he knows from the university. “I feel that he and the other teachers who had him did a lot to meet with him and address some of the issues he had,” he said. The shooter has been examined by school psychologists as well. Colin Charlton, assistant professor of rhetoric and composition at UTPA, said he was taught during his graduate work not to act as a therapist for students. “We were told it was not our job to identify things, it was our job to let people know when we were worried,” he said. According to numerous reports, Cho was accused of stalking on two previous instances and of burning down his dorm room. Compounded with the disturbing writings, Skinner said any overt acts of violence would have him expressing concern. “This kind of thing would be a red flag. Any kind of overt threat would be. I would certainly take it quite seriously,” he said. “The literature wouldn’t be

enough for me, in most cases, to consider it a sign of imminent danger to self or others.” QUALITY OVER CONTENT Both professors agree that enacting stringent guidelines regarding students’ writing would hinder the creative process. Charlton said he would only be prompted to notify higher authorities if his students went outside their assignment boundaries or used it as a tool to personally attack another student. “For me, it always comes back to the assignment and the writing,” he said. “If the student doesn’t want to make it about the writing, I think you can probably start making assumptions as to why they feel they need to lash out at people.” Skinner added that his friend at Virginia Tech noticed an abundance of unnecessary comments in Cho’s writings. “I didn’t find it surprising that his plays contained a lot of distasteful venting and ranting. To me, it was just bad writing full of adolescent crudity and hostility,” Skinner said, quoting the e-mail. In one play written by Cho, which appeared on AOL.com, a 13-year-old boy accuses his stepfather of pedophilia and murdering his father. The play concludes with the stepfather killing the boy. While Skinner claims that several

of his past and present students have written very violent material, he tries to judge it based on intended goals. “If the violence is gratuitous, if it really doesn’t go anywhere and is just there for its own sake, I’d say it doesn’t succeed as a work of art,” he said. “If it’s successful in eliciting horror or terror within the reader, as an aesthetic work, then it may have accomplished what it set out to do, which is to evoke that.” However, Charlton said he aims to teach students the repercussions that can come from writing violent material. “If it upsets their audience and that’s what they want, at least they get to see it. What they don’t get to do is write something and have it affect their audience in a negative way and not see the repercussions of that,” he said.

to write about.” Charlton added that while caution is important, hindering students’ creativity could have dire effects. “I guess you are careful for a while because you don’t want people to snap on you, but it doesn’t change the nature of the projects you have them do,” he said. “You don’t want boring writing because you want everything canned and safe.” If the literature community does react unfavorably to the event, Charlton said he predicts it won’t last long. “Something like this happens and you’re hypersensitive for a moment and then things fade away,” he said

HYPERSENSITIVITY Considering that it has been a little over a week since the shootings, Skinner said he hopes university professors don’t become overly cautious about student writing. “I think people are in shock for the moment, but I would hope that it doesn’t censor good writers who want to write about these subjects,” Skinner said. “There are people who write about violence, but because it’s a legitimate thing

LEGAL HURDLES However, one thing that does not go away so easily is the legal limit placed on universities across the country, according to Blandina Cardenas, president of UTPA. In her nearly three years at the university, Cardenas said there have been about four times when concerns about bizarre behavior have advanced past department and college levels made it to her office. “In some cases, we were able to take some actions; in others, we were not,” she said. “You’re going to have what appear

to be potentially threatening situations arise on a college campus of 20,000 people, which is what we have here. In some of those areas we are absolutely unable to do anything, legally.” For example, Cardenas said the university is unable to call a parent unless there is a very clear display of psychotic behavior. In an interview with ABC News, Lucinda Roy, a co-director of the creative writing program at Virginia Tech, said she had previously warned authorities about Cho’s behavioral problems, but was told “legal hurdles” would prevent an intervention. However, Cardenas said while legal limitations often prevent university interference, she would not hesitate to call if she was convinced that someone was a danger to themselves or others. “I think my philosophy is in some cases we should risk a lawsuit if I feel strongly enough about it,” she said. “My thinking is, let them sue us because the safety of our students comes first.” Cardenas added while it’s important to look for troubled students, there is no indicator, writings or otherwise, that is foolproof. “It’s difficult because the perpetrator knows what he or she is going to do. The rest of us don’t,” she said.

as being more important, whereas college instructors focus more on the fundamentals, according to the survey, in a textbook case of putting the cart before the horse. The QEP committee chose to focus on student learning outcomes in basic math courses, hopefully leading to increased retention and graduation rates. The committee has also enhanced student support services, including trained teaching assistants, trained tutors and mandatory tutoring. The plan will be piloted in 20072008. The QEP team will continue evaluating the effectiveness of the plan in order to allow for modifications.

ENGLISH Luis Sarabando, an English teacher at MMHS, has been teaching the fundamentals of writing and reading for 18 years and still finds it challenging and sometimes frustrating. He agrees there is a difference in expectations between high school and college, from both the students and instructors point of views. He adds that as students get older, they expect more freedom and fewer constraints when it comes to writing. “At 16, many students have developed a style that will stay with them throughout their lifetime,” Sarabando said. “Of course, at 16 and 17, students are still developing intellectually and have

great potential to challenge themselves.” Sarabando said high school students need more guidance and need limits to be set by their teachers, which would explain the belief that students may not be ready for the freedom given to them by professors. He adds that fundamentals are a necessary part of high school curriculum. Many college professors stress the importance of basic grammar and usage skills and don’t want to be forced to reteach basic skills when trying to advocate high-level learning. States such as Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan have taken action to improve the alignment of the learning standard toward college expectations.

to reinforce the grieving process and don’t have people wanting to work through it, so we are kind of perpetual victims,” he said.

from them, so this is a way for us to be there for them,” she said. Wisener added that the Web site is an especially valuable tool for students at UTPA to use to communicate with friends, as the student population stretches across the Valley. “Especially here, where we’re a commuter school, people come from all over the Valley. Your friends may live in a whole different area than you,” he said. However, both Wisener and Goodman stress that while Facebook is a

good outlet, it should not be the only means for expression and support for the tragedy-stricken university. “I think it’s another way to express ourselves, but candlelight vigils and memorials are important as well,” Goodman said. “It can’t be all we do to honor them. Being camped out by a computer screen surely isn’t all we can do. “I don’t think it will ever get more popular [than traditional grieving methods] but I think it will be a popular alternative.”

CURRICULUM continued from page 1 TAKS Exam Improvement; a standardized test to assess student’s knowledge in math, english, science, reading and social studies required under Texas education standards. “There is not enough time to cover any material the way it should be covered,” Hutchinson said. MATH Faulkes, although a biology professor, says proof of expectations not being met in math can be found in UTPA’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which shows students’ underachievement in mathematics and outlines a plan for the university to improve student success in math classes.

The plan focuses on the courses with the highest failure rates: Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra. He says the failure rate of the remedial algebra classes is over 70 percent for first-generation college students. John Bernard, a math professor, says intentions are to focus on the “right” things but the gap is mostly a result of people having different goals and value systems. “This is different from what one is able to accomplish,” Bernard said. “The latter depends upon resources and many circumstantial factors.” As for mathematics, high school teachers lean toward advanced content

FACEBOOK continued from page 1 ing on our campus and in general.” DOES IT REALLY HELP? Robert Wisener, professor of psychology, said while some criticize using Facebook to cope with grief, he said it is simply a new means for expression. “People sometimes relate better with that distance as opposed to with family and friends,” he said. “There are certain things you really don’t want to talk to your parents about and there are things you don’t really want to share. So

they find psychological security there.” Wisener added that the only drawback is that students may become accustomed to using Facebook and not see a need for human contact. “The big problem is that they start to go beyond that (grieving) and can’t relate to real people at all,” he said. Wisener also said Facebook could become a way for students to prolong grief, rather than moving on, stressing that acceptance doesn’t mean they’re happy. “I think the problem is that we tend

OVERCOMING DISTANCE UTPA and Virginia Tech are separated by 1,498 miles. Though the distance may pose a problem for local students wanting to attend vigils on Tech’s campus, Goodman said Facebook is a nice alternative. “We’re a thousand-plus miles away

NEWS

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April 26, 2007

BUCKS continued from page 3 “We are aiming at being able to provide the level of card functionality that other universities such as the University of Texas-Austin or the University of Texas-Arlington currently offer,” Cantu said. “Our goal is that basically Bronc Bucks will be the universal tender.” Bronc Bucks, which are modeled after UT Austin’s Bevo Bucks, are cashless. And while they can be refilled by the student, in contrast to their UTAustin counterpart, they are no good at

RESEARCH continued from page 3 ments on romantic relationships. Results showed self-esteem to be the larger indicator of an eating disorder, rather than those related to weight. The second study, “Self-Other Agreement and Interpersonal Perception in Romantic Relationships”, focused on the effect of romantic partners and their relation to one another based on their similarities and romantic preferences. A personality test was used to determine preferences within the relationship. Those who scored higher were found to have greater satisfaction within the relationship, compared to those who didn’t score as high. Both studies were presented at the first Social and Behavioral Sciences Research and Teaching Conference at UTPA Feb. 16. The second one won first place in the student poster contest. When Gutierrez and Perez presented their projects, they admit to being a little nervous and anxious to see what the committee thought of the hard work they each had put into their research. “I remember being so anxious and excited the first time we ever had to present our research,” Gutierrez said. “It was such a relief once it was over, but I could have never expected that our research was going to be as praised as it has been.” In addition, both studies were accepted and presented to the Southwestern Psychological Association regional conference in Ft. Worth, which was held April 5-7. Gutierrez, a Brownsville native, specialized on the topic of eating disorders, while Perez, from Pharr, worked on romantic relationships. The two decided to pair up and combine their independent projects. Both Gutierrez and Perez say they couldn’t be more excited or shocked that there research has been chosen to be presented in Washington D.C. “I was absolutely speechless when we were told that our presentation had been chosen,” Gutierrez said. “I’m still lost for words. We both feel so blessed.”

Q “We are looking at offering local merchants the ability to accept Bronc Bucks.” - Roberto Cantu director of Auxiliary Services off-campus locations. Students at UTPA will have to wait until phase three of the process before the card reaches off-campus vendors and there is no word yet as to which establishments UTPA plans on approaching.

“We are looking at offering local merchants the ability to accept the Bronc Bucks tender,” Cantu said. The assistant director is exited about the new system but says the student reaction has been mixed. Cantu believes change always brings doubt, which is precisely what freshman, Andrew Jacob Uribe feels. “I don’t think it’s fair. Not all of us have Bronc Bucks and sometimes you can’t always have your ID,” said the business major. “Besides, what’s wrong

with just putting coins [in the machine]?” But Marci Garza, a BronCard user and junior design major, said Bronc Bucks is an effective tool for managing student expenses. “I think it’s good that they are expanding. I just swipe my card and that’s it,” said the Sullivan City, Texas, native. “But aside from it being easy [to use], I think it helps you keep track of your money. If you know how much you are refilling then you will be aware of

how much you are spending.” In the near future, it is hoped that Bronc Bucks will reduce the long cafeteria lines that accumulate at the Student Union Café, according to Cantu. Over 40 percent of purchases at the union are paid with credit cards, which take longer to process, he said. Other perks of the card would include increased security and that students will no longer have to carry cash. Cantu also said Auxiliary Services can only replace a card because of theft.

LAB continued from page 3 that UTPA doesn’t have more classes and field trips out there because it’s so far away. It would really help UTPA’s program to get immersed in the marine environment directly, without having to rush back to campus,” Hicks said. PROJECTS UNDER WAY Currently, both facilities have teamed up to work on the Bahia Grande Restoration project, which gives researchers a chance to bring back marine life into the area. According to Nevarez, 10,000 of the Bahia Grande’s 23,000 acres were once wetlands before water supply was cut off from the area by the Brownsville Ship Channel. Researchers now want to widen the cut in order to increase water flow. The restoration project has already allowed a 15-foot cut to be made near the channel to bring water back into the area. Although all 10,000 acres of water have not been restored, progress has

To make research within the shallow-water area more effective, a hovercraft was donated to the UTPA lab. The hovercraft will allow researchers to access the south bay and other areas of Laguna Madre and the Bahia Grande, where extremely shallow water has lim-

ited accessibility. In November 2006, researchers were granted $440,000 for two more years of funding for the Bahia Grande Restoration Project by the Environmental Protection Agency. According to Hicks, the application for funding was a long process which started in 2004. “We finally received the money in November 2006, which was very fortunate because our last monitoring program money ended in August 2006,” he said. Researchers hope more proposals are granted in the future, in order to continue research and to continue monitoring progress in the Bahia Grande. “Each time a contract comes close to ending, we have to hustle to find money,” Hicks said. “But because of this partnership, we have a more qualified group of scientists than what either of us alone would have been able to put together.”

your life. You believe that you’re immortal; you don’t believe you’re going to ever need social security, so therefore you’re really not involved.” He said in the 2004 election George Bush won over John Kerry by a small margin. However, Jackson also points out that the 2000 election between candidates Al Gore and George Bush was a dead heat. He sees that politicians are trying to attract voters in many ways, in hopes of gaining an advantage for the election. “What everyone is doing now is they’re targeting groups in the past who have not really voted a lot,” Jackson said. “In this particular case that’s probably why everybody is going toward the Internet, so they have access to that age group.” One example of the campaigns geared toward increasing the youth vote in 2004 was the “Vote or Die” campaign, endorsed by rappers and other entertainers. However, like celebrity Paris Hilton who endorsed the campaign - many youngsters still did not vote.

Jackson said the trend of not voting will hopefully change thanks to the use of MySpace, which he claims has credibility with young people. Jackson said even though young adults vote in relatively low numbers at presidential elections, the candidates aren’t taking any chances. “If one candidate were to use MySpace, every candidate will be compelled to do that simply because they can’t take a chance by having one individual have the majority of the vote from that group,” he said. Jackson pointed out that Clinton raised $6.9 million in one month on the Internet making the growing trend financially rewarding as well. “I mean Al Gore said he invented the Internet,” joked Jackson. “Perhaps he’ll go out and invent something else that will be as effective, but it’s hard to imagine something that’s going to at least in the near future.” To check out the presidential hopefuls’ profiles on The Impact Channel visit http://impact.myspace.com.

Sandra Gonzalez/ The Pan American NEW EQUIPMENT - The hovercraft above was donated to the Coastal Studies Lab to be used for research, allowing access to areas of shallow water.

been made. “It’s the biggest restoration project going on in this country,” Nevarez said. “We’re trying to figure out what can grow there so plant life can start to attract fish and eventually other wildlife.”

CANDIDATES continued from page 3 sponsored by political blog Huffington Post, Yahoo! and web magazine Slate, according to the Associated Press. The online-only debate would be the first of its kind and would take place early next fall. Garcia said that politicians used to communicate with the public by using the method known as grass roots, meaning candidates would visit the country and talk with the regular Joe. She said now candidates are adopting a “cyber grass roots” style where they’re using the Internet to connect with the public. “Candidates are using MySpace as a weapon, as a way to get to homes without knocking on doors or calling on phones to get to the people. Capitalism has gotten into cyber space,” Garcia said. Garcia said she does not foresee the usage of MySpace harming any candidates in their presidential run, although there have been controversies involving bloggers from the Edwards and Obama camps. Instead, Garcia sees candidates’ profiles as the perfect outlet for young adults to get information about these presidential hopefuls. The candidates’

profiles include a biography, platform information and their political views. Some candidates, like Obama, have banners that his supporters can put up on their own profile and merchandise like shirts and buttons for sale. Others, like Clinton, have videos of speeches they’ve given. Edward Jackson, a professor of political science, said he’s not surprised that these presidential hopefuls have logged on to MySpace. “MySpace has been identified as a place where youngsters have gravitated towards; consequently the politicians because the political races are so close,” Jackson said. Jackson hopes that in the 2008 election young adults will go out and vote, because they are the age group that’s fighting a war right now. “There’s the issue of the draft. There’s the issue of a war that’s being fought by that age group where their peers are the ones fighting,” he said. “But when you’re 20 years old government doesn’t play that much of a role in

April 26, 2007

SPORTS

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SPORTS

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April 26, 2007

VALLEY BASKETBALL

Valley gears up for professional basketball

D-League team has not yet released the official name By PATRICK B. KENNEDY The Pan American In a much anticipated move, the NBA announced in early April that it would be establishing a wing of its Developmental League in Hidalgo. For some fans at The University of Texas-Pan American, basketball is merely a sport to watch, but for many others, it is life. “There are two types of basketball fans here in the Valley. Spurs fans, disillusioned Lakers fans… Oh, and Maverick fans don’t count,” said freshman English major Hector Arredondo from McAllen. Valley residents are ready to support the incoming NBA D-League team. Director of Corporate Sales for the RGV D-League Team and former Bronc basketball standout John Braxton expects the first game of the season to be packed. “Ticket sales are awesome. We’re on pace to sell out the first game,” he said. Braxton, who was selected as the Independent Defensive Player of the Year for 1999-2000 while with the Broncs,

explained that the team is getting ready to make an impact in the NBA and in the community. The NBA D-League, established in 2001, serves as a league where maturing players can develop their skills before joining the bigger, more competitive NBA teams. D-League teams are made up of players garnered from local tryouts, second round NBA draft picks that opt to join the league, and first and second year NBA players sent down from their teams in order to hone their skills. Some liken the D-League teams to that of “farm teams” in baseball. Before the establishment of the DLeague, many upcoming players would venture to foreign basketball teams. Braxton said the D-League, which created a team in Orem, Utah, in addition to the Valley, will change that. “[The League] offers players the opportunity to stay here in the states and be seen,” Braxton said. Valley fans wondering who exactly will be playing for the team will not learn the final roster until August. The team name has still yet to be announced as well. Braxton explained that ideas for the name were taken from various sources and then submitted to the NBA, who then narrowed the list down to a select few, which are now currently being considered by team owners. The identity of the new coach has also yet to be released, as well as the

team’s NBA affiliation. Rumors have indicated that former Bronc Head Basketball Coach Bob Hoffman would be leading the new team, but no official news about Hoffman has been released. RGV D-League expects to make the head coach announcement in the coming weeks. The NBA has guaranteed the RGV that at least one of the three affiliation teams will be a Texas team, the San Antonio Spurs or the Houston Rockets. The nearest D-League team, the Austin Toros, are affiliated with the Rockets, the Spurs and the Boston Celtics. The team will be making its debut on Nov. 22 with almost all of the 5,600 seats in the Dodge Arena sold. For more information about the RGV’s NBA DLeague team, call (956) 972-1144. Also adding more basketball excitement to Valley fans is the addition of the American Basketball Association’s Silverados to McAllen. Playing in the newly constructed McAllen Convention Center, the Silverados will begin season play in November. Like the D-League team, the Silverados have yet to name a head coach, release a season schedule, and announce a team roster. Sources within the Silverados say to look for these announcements this coming September. For more information about the ABA Silverados, look to their website: www.rgvsilverados.com.

CARPE DIEM GALA Former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith will make his way to the Rio Grande Valley May 11 at the McAllen Convention Center where he will be the keynote speaker for the Carpe Diem Gala and Auction. Tickets for the event, which is being hosted by Idea Public Schools, are selling for $150 per person and $1000 for a table of eight. Fans of the NFL’s all-time leading rusher can bid for a pair of VIP passes to meet and have your photo taken with Emmitt and Patricia Smith. Loyal fans of the blue and silver can place a bid for the VIP passes by logging on to ebay.com.

Emmitt Smith www.michaelmacaulay.com

UTPA Baseball Stats (as of April 23) Flores, Osiel Gonzalez, Roly Brooks, Patrick Garcia, Abraham Tognietti, Dominic Johnson, Jeremy Guzman, Matt Hutcherson, Jonathan Shives, Ruben Jr Bourn, Nick Dugas, Jerrod Bartosh, Lyndon Autrey, Leighton Whittlesey, Blake Guajardo, Alex Smith, Zach Spears, Nick Honeycutt, Brady Garza, Esequiel Janecka, Shane Davila, Steven Cortez, J.C. Linder, Chad

AVG .344 .331 .280 .261 .260 .245 .237 .222 .222 .220 .215 .200 .181 .169 .167 .160 .133 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000

GP-GS 49-47 42-39 48-46 46-41 43-38 33-32 44-44 22-12 7-3 34-27 24-17 33-18 43-42 31-19 2-1 14-6 16-8 12-2 4-1 1-0 1-0 3-0 1-0

AB 180 145 175 138 146 102 139 45 9 91 65 65 149 71 6 25 30 8 5 1 1 0 0

R 21 30 26 20 18 15 18 7 1 10 6 2 13 6 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 0

2B 18 4 9 5 9 0 2 3 0 3 1 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3B 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

HR 0 0 7 1 5 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

RBI 26 22 34 13 18 7 10 4 3 7 8 3 13 6 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

SB-ATT 8-9 19-27 2-5 1-6 0-1 1-2 1-3 0-0 1-1 2-3 0-0 0-0 6-7 1-2 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

E 9 2 9 9 5 12 13 0 0 1 2 4 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

Flores, Osiel Wymer, Josh Silva, Ray Guajardo, Alex Janecka, Shane Linder, Chad Smolen, Bryce Shepherd, Matt Rodriguez, Philip Cisper, Cody Hutcherson, Jonathan Davila, Steven Johnson, Jeremy Pena, Cesar Bourn, Nick Mancini, Eric Dugas, Jerrod Radermacher, Ry

ERA 0.00 3.65 4.39 5.90 6.75 7.24 7.56 8.05 8.10 8.57 9.72 10.44 11.74 24.00 27.00 27.00 40.50 54.00

W-L 0-0 4-6 1-2 1-5 0-0 2-2 3-3 1-5 0-0 0-6 1-0 2-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

APP 3 14 18 17 4 7 9 12 10 12 6 28 3 8 1 6 1 1

GS 0 14 0 8 0 6 5 5 0 9 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

SV 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0

IP 3.0 93.2 26.2 68.2 4.0 27.1 33.1 38.0 13.1 49.1 8.1 35.1 7.2 6.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 0.1

H 2 89 35 83 9 34 52 49 19 61 10 48 14 17 4 3 4 1

ER 0 38 13 45 3 22 28 34 12 47 9 41 10 16 4 3 6 2

HR 0 2 0 7 1 2 4 9 1 7 1 5 1 2 1 0 3 0

R 0 51 16 53 7 28 31 35 13 51 9 50 16 17 4 3 6 2

Onydia Garza/The Pan American AND THE PITCH - Josh Wymer pitches against Prarie View A&M on April 14. He currently leads the team with an ERA of 3.65

SPORTS

April 26, 2007

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REPORTER’S JOURNAL

Staffer takes roadtrip to see Spurs play

Reporter, friends travel to watch San Antonio Spurs play ball By RAMIRO PAEZ The Pan American With the National Basketball Association (NBA) season coming down to its final games, the playoffs were fast approaching and my friends and I knew that we had to attend Game One of the 2007 playoffs for the San Antonio Spurs. The journey to San Antonio was funfilled with its moments of frustration and tiredness, like any trip planned at the last minute. April 11: I began looking for tickets on the Internet with my friends Monique Rodriguez, a junior graphic design major, and Jennifer Castillo, a junior biology major. We found six at a reasonable price so we decided to call the company selling them. The wait for an attendant seemed like forever. We finally got a hold of one and set up the plan to get our tickets, but that all came to a stop when the attendant told us he couldn’t proceed because the credit card information wasn’t under our names. We had waited all that time for nothing. Monique’s aunt, who owned the

card, was not present at the time, so we had to cancel everything. It was frustrating but we gave it another try when her aunt became available. Everything was set back into motion and our tickets were going to be shipped by FedEx and arrive on April 13. April 13: No tickets were in sight when my friend got home from work. A little sense of nervousness set in because we didn’t completely trust the Internet site. You can’t be too trusting with everything. “I felt paranoid,” Monique said. “I had a lot of stuff running through my head and thought it might be a scam because it was weird. I had never been to a game so it felt like it was too good to be true.” Monique and I decided to call FedEx and they told us that they did ship the tickets to the house the tickets but nobody answered the door. We went to go pick them up in Pharr ourselves because we didn’t want to risk anything else happening. April 18: Our plans were set as we found out that the game would be on Sunday and our opponents would be Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony’s Denver Nuggets. April 20: Excitement and anticipation built up as we planned to leave one day earlier to sightsee our way through San Antonio. April 21: Jennifer, Monique,

Carlos Valdez, a sophomore architect major at South Texas College, Artie Hinojosa, a sophomore at STC, and I packed into a car and headed to San Antonio. Our other friend, Damon, a sophomore nursing major at The University of Texas-Austin, would meet us there. By the time we arrived, we were all tired from the uncomfortable three-and-a-half-hour trip. “My body is so sore; I had to stretch my legs to the front of the car just so I could get comfortable,” Artie said. That did not stop us from making an evening pit-stop on the Riverwalk, though. April 22: By 1:30 a.m., everyone was fast asleep with the game approaching. We woke up to laughs, showers and breakfast. We planned a trip to the mall to kill time because the game wasn’t until 6 p.m. Before leaving, we had to get directions to where the mall was and from there, the AT&T Center. We left Rivercenter Mall at 4 p.m. For some reason, the directions were wrong. Or perhaps we missed the exit we were supposed to take. But we were leaving San Antonio and we were lost. “I was mad that we were lost because I didn’t know if we didn’t follow the directions correctly or if they were wrong,” Jennifer recalled. 5:30 p.m.: The Fates smiled upon us and we got to the AT&T Center around 5:30 p.m. Our seats were up in

the balcony level, but we had no idea that our row would be only one row away from the very top. Monique almost had an anxiety attack walking up the stairs. Game Time: The game was close all night with lead changes and ties left and right. Sounds of explosions filled the AT&T Center every time the Spurs would go up, and sounds of frustrating and exhalation were heard when they lost the lead. Iverson was on fire. The Spurs were down by eight with about 2:30 left and most people thought it was over. But they stormed back to within two with about one minute left. It was not enough though, as the Nuggets took Game One and put a damper on our night. “The game was very energetic,” Damon said. “It kept me on my toes and there was never a dull moment. Even though we lost, the game was mindblowing.” 10:30 p.m.: We left San Antonio and headed back to Edinburg, all of us dreading the long road trip, not to mention school the next morning. “It was fun and uncomfortable riding with three people in the back seat,” Carlos said. “We were restless and tired and I was not looking forward to the whole day of school and work ahead of me the next day.” Halfway through the drive, everyone began to tire out, but we finally arrived back home at 2:30 a.m.

TRACK AND FIELD

Men’s Bronc distance runner leaves squad

Edinburg North product presses forward without friend By SAVANNAH MARTINEZ The Pan American For Wally Gonzalez and Omar Doria, the transition from high school to university was much easier with a friend. Both are distance runners for The University of Texas-Pan American. At least, Gonzalez is. Doria is no longer with the team, as his promising career has been put on hold due to family problems. Gonzalez and Doria were track teammates at Edinburg North High School, and both came to run at UTPA, where they each make an instant impact. Gonzalez reminisced recently about days past at North. “It took time for us to be friends because it was a different environment for him,” the freshman criminal justice major said.

The two competed with and against each other for one of the Valley’s best programs, coached by North veteran Homer Martinez. Each advanced to the state meet during the high school days. Doria, a sophomore biology major, said the North years were fun. Fun for sure, but more than that, Gonzalez said that there was also rivalry and competitiveness when they ran. “We weren’t rivals on the team but we ran the same event and it was just between me and him on who would get to run it. You can say that there was a rivalry but it was just what it was,” Gonzalez said. He said Doria challenged him to perform harder. “It was fun and challenging most of the time when I ran with Omar. Omar is the type that takes it to the last run and takes off on you and you got to try to catch him,” Gonzalez said. Having a former teammate and high school friend really helped Gonzalez as he adjusted to his life running as a Bronc. But he will have to persevere alone for now. Doria announced that he was leaving the team last week. His mother has

stage four cancer, what doctors call the “M stage,” or terminal cancer. “My mom has taught me to value life and appreciate it. She has been close to death so many times but she always kept going for her family,” Doria said. “I kept running for her. She cared more about me being happy about my life over running toward an unknown purpose.” Doria said the decision to leave the

team was completely his. “I understand that family and other premises are greatly more important then running will ever be,” Doria said. “I have been a great actor in running where my role was to act like I was enjoying it and to hide the true feeling I felt for it. Maybe I have great talent in running but maybe that is not what I want to use my life for.”

Onydia Garza/The Pan American RUNNING ALONG - Wally Gonzalez practices on the track without long-time friend and former teammate Omar Doria.

Bronc rapper hits Valley scene By KRISTYNA MANCIAS The Pan American Love and passion drive basketball player and rapper Larry Sheppard to be successful in whatever he sets his mind to. Sheppard, a 5-foot-10 guard at The University of Texas-Pan American, is making a name for himself off the court with his rapping ability.

SHEPPARD Already a well-known rapper in his hometown of Baton Rouge, La., Sheppard is making his presence known here in the Rio Grande Valley. He has been the opening act for many top artists such as Rich Boy and will soon be the opening act for the Cinco De Mayo Street Tour taking place on May 3 at Graham Central Station. “I’ll be opening up for Pitbull, Chingo Bling, Lil Rob and Jibbs,” Sheppard said. “I’m basically going to open up for them and I'm trying to bring South Texas – Edinburg, Harlingen, Alamo, Weslaco, McAllen and the rest of the Valley to the concert.” Last Friday the up-and-coming artist opened for rapper Rich Boy, who is know for his hit single “Throw Some Ds” and said that he usually doesn't get nervous. This time there was something different about the performance. “I was nervous at this last show because I saw a lot of people that I knew and they were singing my songs and I thought that was crazy,” he said. “That’s when I got a little nervous.” Since 1999, Sheppard has been trying to balance the love he has for basketball and his passion for rapping. At times he found it hard to do both but knew exactly where his heart was, which was with music. “Lil Shep,” as many of his friends and his fans call him, lives by the words that his mother told him: he could do whatever he wanted to do as long as he put his mind and his heart into it. When asked where he would like to see himself in the future and what message he would like to send through his music, Sheppard replied, “I want to be successful and be a motivational story for people who say they can’t do it. I came from nothing and now I’m making money, doing shows and people are showing up at clubs to see me. That’s crazy to me because I was in all types of stuff. I’m thankful for where I am.”

SPORTS

Editor’s Pick: Game to Watch When: Thursday Time: 9 p.m. Where: Utah Will be aired on NBA TV

Sounding off for the Bronc baseball squad By ERICK QUINTERO The Pan American It’s hard to imagine “America’s pastime” without fans, and in an area where baseball comes in a close third behind football and basketball, it’s even harder to do so. However that is exactly the situation for The University of Texas-Pan American’s baseball team. With home attendance lagging, despite a splendid facility in Edinburg Baseball Stadium, the Broncs can always count on Jerry “The Whistler” Martinez of Edinburg, for non-stop support. On April 15 with the score tied at 2, Prairie View A&M’s Michael Richard was on deck and as the PA announcer introduced him, Martinez shouted, “Who?”

“Richard,” replied the PA announcer. As the Panther shortstop made his way to the plate, Martinez and his posse of 15 or so Bronc faithful bellowed, “Cares!” For the next two and a half hours it would be like this. Incessant trash talking, with every opponent receiving the same welcome of “Who cares?” The 1980 Edinburg High graduate never played a game competitively outside of sandlot games as a youth, and yet for the past 10 seasons the Bronc zealot has attended every home game except one. The UTPA alumnus planned to major in business communication but cut his studies short in 1985 when he took a job with the United Parcel Service to support

Onydia Garza/The Pan American THE WHISTLER - Jerry Martinez has only missed one Bronc home baseball game since 1996.

his parents. To this day he still uses his “sick days” to attend Bronc home games, sitting behind third base and giving the other teams a hard time. In the spring of 1996, while pumping gas at a station on the corner of Nevarez and University Drive, Martinez saw the bright lights of Jody Ramsey Stadium - the Bronc field before the new stadium was built - and decided to stop. “They were losing and I thought to myself, ‘Oh how typical,’ so I sat on the home side and started rooting and whistling. Well they wound up winning 14-10,” said Martinez, who was hooked and decided to come back the next day. At the request of a home fan, he sat on the visitors’ side because his whistle was so loud. “Three innings into the game the guys are talking back to me telling me ‘Hey, go back to Mexico!’” he said before breaking into a hearty laugh. “I’m kind of like, what the heck is this? All I’m doing is whistling. So that’s what got me to start talking back to them. That’s how it all started.” LEATHER LUNGS He’s been talking since and hasn’t stopped, but against the Panthers he couldn’t get into the head of “Richard.” With the bases loaded he drove in Odie Davis on an error by UTPA’s Lyndon Bartosh for the 3-2 win. UTPA, currently 15-34, won the three-game series, 2-1. No one is safe, including Panther head coach Michael Robertson who bears a striking resemblance to Apollo Creed, the fictional boxer in the first four “Rocky” films. “You tell them, Apollo!” said Martinez to the coach after he gave instructions to his pitcher. The self-proclaimed equalopportunity harasser likes to keep it clean when it comes to heckling. He never uses vulgarity, profanity, or derogatory statements about race or religion, perhaps saving him from being tossed. He refuses to do so, adding that the day he does he will remove himself from the stadium. Yet that is unlikely to happen because he says there are many other things to go after. There is a method to his madness.

Utah

Houston

He simply follows the game and heckles the player involved in the action in humorous fashion. “Everything has a meaning, I’m not just there to yack,” he said. Yet some visiting parents have taken a dislike to him, sending letters to previous UTPA athletic directors calling for his removal from the stadium. It is discouraging to know that in a realm where basically grown men are playing, some visiting parents have resorted to violence. “That happens just about every season. I’ve had rocks, ice, gum, dip and oranges thrown at me,” Martinez related. “One guy threw water on me and I said to security, ‘just escort him out.’ I’ve had this one lady come after me with an umbrella and another parent came after me with a lawn chair. By all accounts, Martinez is doing nothing wrong. He thinks that his heckling just gets on peoples’ nerves. “It’s called home field advantage. They are used to a quiet stadium and just watching the game,” he said. His love of Bronc baseball is deep, so much so that he’s reached into his own pockets to help the ball club. Every year he sponsors baseball caps for the players, simply because he wanted to see the “white” ones make a comeback. He also spends about $1,000 every season designing and printing T-shirts to give away to those in attendance. Last year the love was returned when senior outfielder Leighton Autrey nominated him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the last game of the year. “That was probably the biggest thrill that I’ve had in the 10 years. Not just throwing out the first pitch but being able to stand on the line with the guys and listening to the national anthem,” said Martinez, who maintains that not enough is being done to support the athletic department. “You feel for them. They are your local team. The kids are coming in from out of state to play here, and they need our support. Even though there are not a lot [of fans] I feel like I make up for it by helping them out,” he said.

Stats, Stats, Stat! Stat! 59

The number of runs UTPA gave up against Dallas Baptist during a three-game series in Dallas.

The number of wins the women’s volleyball had last season. They played TexasBrownsville last night.

JODY RAMSEY REMEMBERED By LUKE KOONG The Pan American Former Bronc baseball player Jody Ramsey will be honored Saturday at 10 a.m. by The University of Texas-Pan American. The ceremony will take place at the former site of the Jody Ramsey Memorial Stadium, which was removed to make space for the College of Education Annex in 2003. As a Bronc, Ramsey served as the co-captain of the 1972 baseball squad. That year, he hit .346, scored 47 runs and had 64 hits. His performance earned him All-District VI in the NCAA Division I. Ramsey was killed in an electrical accident while working on the new stadium for the baseball team in 1972. After a student petition, the baseball stadium was then renamed in his honor. Upcoming Baseball Schedule Friday UTPA vs. Dallas Baptist UTPA vs. Dallas Baptist

3 p.m. 6 p.m.

Saturday UTPA vs. Dallas Baptist

12:30 p.m.

Tuesday UTPA vs. Dallas Baptist

6 p.m.