WHO’S ON FIRST? T H E
U N I V E R S I T Y
O F
T E X A S
MEET THE MEN AND WOMEN OF UTA BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
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A R L I N G T O N
Friday February 20, 2009
Volume 90, No. 74 www.theshorthorn.com
Since 1919 NATION
Stimulus package may help with college costs $17.1 million is slated for Pell Grants, and $200 million for work study.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains a few important benefits for students.
BY ALI MUSTANSIR
• $17.1 million to improve on funds available for Pell Grants. • $200 million for Federal Work-Study. • $61 million for low interest Perkins Loans. • Temporarily replacing the Hope Tax Credit to offer
Contributor to the Shorthorn
The stimulus bill President Barack Obama signed Tuesday may have an impact on education, but has left many bewildered while sifting the details.
T
he special events center plans have generated excitement and concerns in the campus community and those living adjacent to the selected location. Construction begins within a year between Center and Pecan streets and south of West Second Street, said John Hall, Administration and Campus Operations vice president. Its slated location is near student housing and the heart of downtown Arlington. Plans for a parking garage north of the facility will be finalized in March, Hall said. The nearby 7-Eleven will be vacated no later than September 2010, said Margaret Chabris, 7-Eleven public relations director.
up to $2,500 tax credit over four years. The exact criteria for distribution is undetermined. Kyle Gerst, political science and history freshman, said he plans to go to law school and may join military service as an officer after receiving his bachelor’s degree. He said the federal benefits are enticing, especially for keeping institutions afloat,
but are not as important as private funding. “The Maverick Promise saved me,” he said. The Mav Promise provides tuition assistance to undergraduate students whose families make less than $65,000 a year. Sean Brown, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said the STIMULUS continues on page 8
ORGANIZATIONS
Student-run play tackles issue of black oppression Black Student Association members will play parts in A Raisin in the Sun. SARAH LUTZ The Shorthorn staff
Students from Black Student Association perform the university’s first all-student-produced play, A Raisin in the Sun, on Sunday. Funded by Multicultural Affairs for one night only,
Building Buzz
RAISIN continues on page 8
Convenience versus improved event atmosphere remains an issue with special events center
Already a Maverick basketball fan and attendee, Neighbors broadcast junior Viktor Villanueva said he’s all for the center. “I haven’t lived here very long, but it would be weird not to have the 7-Eleven — it’s super convenient,” he said. Criminal justice junior Justin Fisher said he didn’t have any qualms with the center but worried about the parking garage’s aesthetics and losing the 7-Eleven. “The garage will kill the view of the campus, I love being able to come out and show people the campus,” he said. “We had a big party here last year and it’s really convenient to walk right across the street to the gas station.” Communication junior Jake Waldrop said he didn’t feel strongly about the center but would prefer a different location. “I like the view from my place, and 7-Eleven is convenient,” he said.
The First Baptist Church in Arlington is working with the university to build the center and the other construction that comes with it — a positive situation for both, said Terry Bertrand, associate pastor of administration. “I think we’ll receive some opportunities where the church might want to rent the facility.”
First Baptist Church
Mechanical engiArlington neering freshman Jeffrey Zielinski said parkHall ing is his concern. “It’s just a little closer,” he said. “As long as I don’t have to park way over there in the south lot.” Mechanical engineering freshman Ryan Kallus said he will not be able to do his latenight shopping at the center. “The gas station is the only late-night place,” he said. “It’ll suck more not having the 7-Eleven than the parking, since the UC closes at 9 [p.m.].”
the play starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. Mr. UTA Tim Brown, a theatre arts senior, said he decided to produce and direct the play because he was inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, “A Dream Deferred.” The play follows a family in the South Side of Chicago
Conceptual drawing only
Civil engineering sophomore Cody Hancock uses the lot, but said he thinks the selected arena location will benefit people already on campus. “I’m kind of a pedestrian-oriented person, so I like the idea of having it close by where residents can walk to,” he said. “I won’t mind parking farther away, because I bring my bike.” Accounting senior Hayden Gram said he felt indifferent about the center but is concerned about available parking with the construction. “It’s already hard enough to find a parking spot,” he said. “I don’t even know where I’ll go, because I always park over here because there’s always a free spot here.”
Lot 43
Business marketing sophomore Merisha Berry said her Lipscomb concern is losing a gas station Hall within walking distance. “I use the 7-Eleven, that’s my place,” she said. “They know us.” Nursing freshman George Okonkwo said he was excited about the center. “It’s quite close, so I would go to more games because it’s a bigger and better facility,” he said. Public relations junior Joshua Williams said he is excited about it, though he will graduate before it’s finished. “If, God forbid, I’m still here at this time, I could just get out of bed and walk like 50 feet,” he said. “I’ll just come back and visit and pay to go to games.”
STORY BY SARAH LUTZ | ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD BORGERDING | PHOTOS BY JACOB ADKISSON
PROFILE
Renowned glass artist brings expertise, inspiration to Art dept. The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran
Above: Examples of glass artist James Mongrain’s work sit on a marver table Tuesday in the Studio Arts Center glass studio. Left: Glass artist James Mongrain rolls a piece of glass while assistant D.H. McNabb smooths an end from the piece Tuesday in the Studio Arts Center glass studio. Mongrain will produce goblets until Saturday.
The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran
The Minnesota native’s works includes sculptural chandeliers and goblets. BY JOHNATHAN SILVER Contributor to The Shorthorn
Nationally renowned glass artist James Mongrain rolled and twirled his pieces at the university as part of his stay in the Art and Art History Department. As a visiting artist, Mongrain works daily in the Studio Arts Center, aiming to
create 90 goblets as students watch and learn. Mongrain’s last day will be Saturday. Mongrain said he grew up in Minnesota, where art was a part of his daily life. “Out of high school, I went to college where my brother was teaching glass and ceramics. I took it as an easy ‘A,’ ” Mongrain said. “It was something I picked up quickly.” He used his expertise to inspire and instruct students at other universities around
the country. “Inspired by the Venetian tradition of goblet making, I strive for a level of precision that unites traditional elegance with contemporary flair,” Mongrain said on www. mongrainglass.com. “These elements also manifest in my newest creations, sculptural chandeliers. It’s my intention to continue to produce pieces that incorporate modern elements of form, color and GLASS continues on page 3
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Friday, February 20, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
YOUR DAY
THREE-DAY FORECAST Today
Sunday
Saturday
Sunny • High 69°F • Low 47°F
Sunny • High 58°F • Low °F
20% Chance Showers • High 53°F • Low 32°F
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CALENDAR
RESEARCH
Calendar submissions must be made by 4 p.m. two days prior to run date. To enter your event, call 817-272-3661 or log on to www.theshorthorn.com/calendar
Showcase features engineering projects
TODAY
JAN. Living on the Edge in the Medieval and Early Modern World: all day, Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact Jacqueline Stodnick at 817-272-1329 or stodnick@ uta.edu.
20
Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., University of Houston. Sign-up now. Seats are filling quickly. For information, contact customerservice@ grantdevelopmentsolutions. com or 213-624-1112. Art Exhibition — Michelle Dizon and Vincent Valdez: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., The Gallery at UTA. Free. For information, contact Patricia Healy at 817-272-5658 or phealy@ uta.edu. Résumé Critiques: 10 a.m.–2 p.m., University Center Palo Duro Lounge. Free. For information, contact Career Services at 817-272-2932 or careers@uta.edu. The Big Event Planning Committee: 11 a.m.–noon, UC Sabine Room. Free. For information, contact Brandon Henslee at 713-816-7530 or brandon.henslee@mavs. uta.edu. Black History Month Game Show: noon, UC Palo Duro Lounge. For information, contact Multicultural Affairs at 817-272-2099 or multicultural_affairs@uta.edu. Mass Spectrometry Approaches for Metabolomics and Proteomics: 2:30–3:30 p.m., 114 Chemistry Research Building. Free. For information, call 817-2723171.
The Engineers Week event presented work from four faculty research labs. ERIKA RIZO Contributor to The Shorthorn
The audience watched as pumps released 5,000 gallons of water, filling a roadway in the Nedderman Hall basement. The Water Roadway Tour and faculty research labs like the Artificial Intelligence Lab, the Heracleia Human-Centered Computing Lab and
the SAE Formula Race Car Team Lab were hosted at Nedderman and Woolf halls Thursday for Engineers Week. The purpose of the water roadway, built six years ago by civil engineering lab assistants and featured on the History Channel show “Modern Marvels” in 2007, is to evaluate the friction factors of the water runoff that relate to hydroplaning and to minimize accident safety issues when building roads, said Paul Shover, civil engineering lab manager. “I told my boss if there is a tornado, I’m going to the basement. And he said, ‘Well, you are in the
Shelly Hamedi, College of Engineering administrative assistant, observes a water roadway Thursday constructed in the Nedderman Hall basement. The tour was part of the Engineers Week Faculty Research Showcase. The roadway, built by a group of students, is used to simulate and test better methods of controlling floods.
ERIKA RIZO news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
CANNON FODDER by Isaac Erickson p.m. to take a theft report from a resident.
POLICE REPORT This is a part of the daily activity log produced by the university’s Police Department. To report a criminal incident on campus, call 817-272-3381.
For the full calendar, visit
Wednesday Theft Police were dispatched to Centennial Court apartments, at 701 Mitchell Circle, at 5:31
CORRECTIONS Eric Reno was arrested for outstanding warrants. A headline in Thursday’s paper about that incident was incorrect.
Editor in Chief .............................. Joan Khalaf editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Managing Editor........................... Justin Rains
search Institute also showcased the Formula SAE lab, where students get in groups to build their own robotic cars to race against other teams. “My car didn’t win, but I had a lot of fun building it,” said civil engineering junior Tej Kiran. “Working as a team is the best way to get good results.” The Texas Society of Professional Engineers had a boat-building activity, in which participants used seven straws to see how many pennies the straw boat could hold. “We had high schoolers who got very excited and said ‘I think I wanna go to UTA now, you guys are cool,’ ” said bioengineering graduate student Ben Hummel. The American Society of Civil Engineers showcased miniature bridges from high school competitions the university hosts every spring. ASCE secretary Jeremy Hutchinson said the engineering activities and organizational displays provided students with a networking opportunity. “An organization is a good way for undergraduates to network based on what they do,” he said. “This will help them succeed after graduation.” The organizations are open to anybody. Most have student-professional conference meetings, activities and mentoring classes. “It is a good opportunity to come by and learn about engineering to gain exposure and the awesome feel of science,” Hummel said. “It is a good way to make professional contacts and professional networking.”
The Shorthorn: Monica Lopez
THE SHORTHORN .com
News Front Desk ......................... 817-272-3661 News after 5 p.m........................ 817-272-3205 Advertising ................................. 817-272-3188 Fax ............................................. 817-272-5009 UC Lower Level Box 19038, Arlington, TX 76019
basement,’ but he didn’t realize there was all this down here,” Shover said about the area beneath the basement, including the water holding tank 10 feet down. Engineering professors and lab assistants provide hands-on labs to educate students about the profession. Shover said the best way to learn is for students to do it themselves and have someone guide them. “I try to do everything to promote UTA by getting students interested,” he said. “We have to compete with all universities in Texas. People don’t know that UTA also has great things.” The Automation & Robotics Re-
Burglary of a vehicle Police responded to a call of a vehicle burglary at 1:47 p.m. that occurred in Lot 26, at 1301 Mitchell St. Accident – hit and run A student called police at 12:01 p.m. to report an accident in Lot 50, at 1200 West
For a crime map, visit
managing-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu News Editor ................................. Jason Boyd news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Assistant News Editor ................ Mark Bauer news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Design Editor .............................. Marissa Hall design-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Copy Desk Chief ............... Andrew Williamson copydesk-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports Editor ......................... Stephen Peters
sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Scene Editor .............................Emily Toman features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion Editor ................................ Cohe Bolin opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Photo Editor .................................... Rasy Ran photo-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Online Editor ...................... Jennifer Cudmore online-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Webmaster ........................... Troy Buchwalter
webmaster.shorthorn@uta.edu News Clerk ................................ Jeanne Lopez calendar.shorthorn@uta.edu Student Ad Manager .............. Colleen Hurtzig admanager@shorthorn.uta.edu Ad Representatives ........................ Dondria Bowman, Shannon Edwards, Matthew Harper, Eric Lara, Mike Love, Pax Salinas, Kasey Tomlinson Ad Artists ............................. Antonina
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St. When officers arrived, the student informed them that someone had struck his vehicle in the parking lot and left without leaving contact information. Vehicle tow Police towed a vehicle at 9:16 a.m. from 500 S. Cooper St.
THE SHORTHORN .com Doescher, Robert Harper, Benira Miller Receptionists ............................ Monica Barbery, Hillary Green Courier ................................. Taylor Frizzelle
FIRST COPY FREE ADDITIONAL COPIES 25 CENTS THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON 90TH YEAR, © THE SHORTHORN 2009
All rights reserved. All content is the property of The Shorthorn and may not be reproduced, published or retransmitted in any form without written permission from UTA Student Publications. The Shorthorn is the student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published in the UTA Office of Student Publications. Opinions expressed in The Shorthorn are not necessarily those of the university administration.
Friday, February 20, 2009
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The ShorThorn
Glass
events
James mongrain Bio
continued from page 1
The Shorthorn: Meghan Williams
Journalism junior Lauren Ellison and undeclared freshman Sydney Turner eat a lower-class meal Thursday at the Hunger Banquet in the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom. The banquet divided participants into three social classes based on the ticket they drew upon entrance.
Banquet focuses on worldwide hunger issues Participants were divided into three groups that got different types of dinners. By Caroline Basile Contributor to The Shorthorn
Around 100 students were shown what world hunger is at the fourth annual Oxfam America Hunger Banquet on Thursday night in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Participants were given cards when entering, dividing them randomly into low-, middle- and highincome status. Those in the high income status were served chicken tacos, rice and beans and ate at tables. Middle-income people dined on rice and beans while sitting in chairs. Low-income participants sat on the floor with a small portion of rice and a cup of water. UTA Volunteers, Freshmen Leaders on Campus and the Leadership Center sponsored the event.
Mary Ridgway, Heifer International’s Dallas-Fort Worth volunteer coordinator, made a presentation showing her efforts in several Honduran villages to establish sustainable development. Ridgway was vice president for Undergraduate Academic and Student Affairs at UTA. She works with the nonprofit organization to help launch better living and economic conditions in small villages in Honduras — the second poorest country in South America, behind Nicaragua. The organization donated cows and other services to help develop local income, she said. Ridgway also explained how she and Heifer International set up chicken and tilapia farms to generate income for village residents. “When you look at sustainable development, you look at all the issues,” she said. “There are so many issues surrounding poverty, but
there are ways of improving lives and making it work.” She said the difficult task deters potential volunteers. “Some say it’s too much to do and then don’t do anything,” she said. Leona Adams, UTA Volunteers Health and Homelessness Committee director, said she hopes the event gave people a greater understanding of the world and how everyday actions can have an effect. Anthropology senior Andrea Russell, who attended the banquet, said she was glad the university hosted an event emphasizing world hunger. “It’s great to teach students about the poor conditions in the world, and also show how to fix it,” she said. “Making it economically and culturally friendly will improve lives exponentially.”
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Caroline Basile news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
craftsmanship.” Mongrain sums himself up with the word “divertimento,” which means fun in Italian. Students gathered to see the artist as he took 16 minutes to make each goblet. “I’ve been doing it for 22 years,” he said. “If you do anything for 22 years, you’re probably going to be good at it.” Viewers stared as Mongrain shaped the molten glass with tweezers. Some UTA art students regard him as one of the best goblet makers in America. “His technique is flawless. His work is inspiring,” glass senior Nabil Ahangarzadeh said. “The way he and his assistants work is seamless.” Glassblowers risk lung damage, laceration and splinters and other liabilities, according to www. glassblower.info . Eye protection must also be worn in the studio during glass making.
To see a gallery of the week in photos, visit
• Introduced to glass at Minnesota State University Moorhead • Invited by acclaimed glass artist Dale Chihuly to work on “Chihuly over Venice” installation • Work exhibited nationally in New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Boston and Cincinnati Source: www.mongrainglass.com
“We take safety measures to prevent damage from chemicals and raw glass as well as burns,” graduate student Shannon Brunskill said. Mongrain will do demonstrations 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Studio Arts Center at 810 S. Davis St. The demo will be open to the public. “He typically works in a private studio,” Brunskill said. “The opportunity to see him and ask questions is really uncommon.” Johnathan silver new-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The ShorThorn .com
The Shorthorn: Michael Rettig
water works Construction worker Roberto Chavez places a depth marker on the edge of the outdoor swimming pool by the Physical Education Building on Thursday. The pool is being filled after getting drained and refinished over the winter break.
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Friday, February 20, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
Friday, February 20, 2009
Page 5
THE SHORTHORN
2009 BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PREVIEW
Veteran Crew Ready to Rock Darin Thomas and his many returning Mavs expect to excel
The Shorthorn: Jacob Adkisson
Softball head coach Debbie Hedrick instructs the softball team during an outfielders practice session Monday at Allan Saxe Field.
High Hopes For the New Season
The Sh
orthorn
: Steph
anie Go
ddard
Mavs have leadership and camaraderie needed for success The Shorthorn: Jacob Adkisson
ROBERT MATSON Contributor to The Shorthorn
With a tough loss in last year’s conference semifinals still fresh in their minds, the UTA softball players and coaches are focused on bouncing back in a big way this season. The Mavs have eight returning players who lettered last season, including four starters. Also contributing will be a talented freshman recruiting class looking to help the team anyway it can. Head coach Debbie Hedrick knows that although only one senior returns to the team, the team will not lack leadership. “We have a good mix of both vocal leaders and kids that lead by example,” Hedrick said, who is in her 14th year with Maverick softball. “One vocal girl right now is sophomore first baseman Rebecca Collom, who definitely brings an energy to the game that uplifts everyone.” Collom returns after an impressive freshman season in which she batted .257 with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs and is optimistic
about this team’s chances to do damage in the conference season and tournament. “We’ve worked a lot harder, it seems, this spring and off-season than before,” Collom said, who is honored as Preseason Second Team All-Conference. “We spent a lot of time running and are in better condition.” Hedrick and Collom both seem to be impressed with the way the team has come together and gelled into a close-knit team. “We have fun playing together and click well, and that is always going to help a team,” Collom said, echoing coach Hedrick’s comments about the team chemistry to this point. Also to be heavily relied on this season, not only for leadership, but for on-the-fieldperformance, will be the two players named to the Preseason First Team All-Conference. Junior pitcher Cara Hulme was the Mavs’ wins leader a season ago, posting a 16-7 record to go along with a 1.96 ERA, which led to the preseason honor. Joining her is junior catcher Samantha Chumchal, who leads the returning players with a .327 batting average while hitting
2009 HOME SCHEDULE Houston Baptist Texas Southern Houston Baptist Univ. of Tennessee at Martin Texas State * Texas State * Texas State *
CODY MCCLENDON Contributor to The Shorthorn
The baseball team will have several recognizable faces on the roster this year, with 21 seniors and six underclassmen returning. Seven position players return, including sophomore outfielder Michael Choice, who won Southland Conference Freshman of the Year in 2008 and hit .376, setting a freshman school record. The Mavs will also bring back 13 pitchers, nine combining to win 26 games. In his first year as head coach, Darin Thomas led the Mavs to 26 wins. Although eliminated early from the conference tournament in 2008, Thomas says his team gathered momentum and confidence. “Focus will be on pitching and defense early on in the season,” he said. “I think pitching will be a strength, because we have so many seniors on the mound with the addition of Jason Mitchell.” Mitchell played for the California Collegiate League last year, going 6-0 with a 1.47 ERA.
ROBERT MATSON sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
APRIL
FEBRUARY 20 21 21 22 24 24 25
Softball head coach Darin Thomas watches over practice Feb. 11 at Clay Gould Ballpark.
three home runs and driving in 23 runs. Both players acknowledge that it’s nice to have the conference take notice of what they are doing on the field but won’t let themselves get caught up in preseason hype. “It’s nice, but that’s something that I expect from myself anyway,” Hulme said. Chumchal thinks the relationship between the talented duo will play a vital role in the team’s success this season and prove preseason voters right. “I’ve caught Cara a lot, and we’ve been working just as hard this season,” she said. Proving the voters right and blending the young talent with the veterans will be the deciding factor in whether this optimistic group can reach their ultimate goal of a conference championship. Chumchal knows this team has the potential to bring home a conference title and is confident this group can get it done. “We’ve been close and had the taste, and everybody wants it just as bad to get back.”
5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 11:30 a.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 2 p.m.
04 04 05 18 08 19 28
Sam Houston State * Sam Houston State * Sam Houston State * Texas A&M-Corpus Christi * Texas A&M-Corpus Christi * Texas A&M-Corpus Christi * North Texas
2 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m.
07 07 08 11 11 21 21 22
Nicholls State * Nicholls State * Nicholls State * Prairie View A&M Prairie View A&M Northwestern State * Northwestern State * Northwestern State *
2 p.m. 4 p.m. noon 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m.
02 02 03
Southeastern Louisiana * Southeastern Louisiana * Southeastern Louisiana *
Hammond, La. Hammond, La. Hammond, La.
Tim Steggal and Shane Hopkins will add power and speed to the offense. Steggal led Central Arizona College in batting average (.398), base hits (100), and triples (8). Hopkins, a left-handed batter, hit .381 for Howard College in 2008. The Mavs defeated several Division-1 powerhouses including Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Alabama. UTA will use last season’s mistakes and rewards for motivation and preparation. Senior catcher Chad Price says the little things are the focus now that the season is a week away. The Mavs will host the UT Arlington/Hilton Invitational next weekend. They play their first game against either Arkansas State or Texas State at 3 p.m. Saturday at Clay Gould Ballpark. Clay Gould Ballpark will host 27 home games this year, including nonconference games against Texas Christian and Illinois. CODY MCCLENDON sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
“All things considered, I thought it was a good year and gave us something to build on for the seniors this year.”
MAY MARCH
Chemistry is crucial on any team, and the Mavs will have both middle infielders coming back this year with several returning players battling for the infield corner positions. “We had some nice nonconference wins, [we went] 3-1 against top twenty schools, won 16 conference games, made the playoffs, finished in the upper half of our conference,” Thomas said. “All things considered, I thought it was a good year and gave us something to build on for the seniors this year.” Senior shortstop Jay Pitschka says his focus for the team is to win conference and to be more consistent. “Personally, I would like to beat up on UTSA and Sam Houston, because UTSA won conference in the regular season and Sam, who we took 2-of-3 from in the regular season, ended up winning the conference tournament,” he said. “They went to regionals two years in a row.” With the graduation of seniors David McLeod and Danny Slinkman, the Mavericks anticipate that the additions of junior transfers
Darin Thomas, head baseball coach
3 p.m. 5 p.m. noon
e Goddard
The Shorthorn: Stephani
*denotes conference games Home games played at Allan Saxe Field
T S
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Check HE HORTHORN for complete schedule and results
2009 HOME SCHEDULE
22 25
FEBRUARY 20 21 22 23
Arkansas State Texas State Siena Siena
3 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m.
TCU Iowa Wesleyan UTSA* UTSA* UTSA* Minnesota Northwestern State * Northwestern State *
6:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2 p.m.
MARCH 03 05 13 14 15 18 20 21
Northwestern State * Louisiana Tech
1 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Southeastern Louisiana * Southeastern Louisiana * Southeastern Louisiana * McNeese State * McNeese State * McNeese State * Baylor
6:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
APRIL 03 04 05 09 10 11 14
Texas State * Texas State * Texas State *
6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 1 p.m.
Southland Conference Tournament 20 SLC Tournament Corpus Christi, Texas 21 SLC Tournament Corpus Christi, Texas 22 SLC Tournament Corpus Christi, Texas 23 SLC Tournament Corpus Christi, Texas
*denotes conference games Home games played at Clay Gould Ballpark
MAY 01 02 03 05
14 15 16
Texas A&M Corpus Christi * Texas A&M Corpus Christi * Texas A&M Corpus Christi * Oklahoma
6:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
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Check HE HORTHORN for complete schedule and results
ABOUT OPINION Cohe Bolin, editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Wednesday and Friday. Page 6
OPINION THE SHORTHORN
REMEMBER The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Friday, February 20, 2009
Digital Void
Facebook is fun — in the right context
I
joined Facebook about three years ago, after all my friends from a small New York college told me to try it. Having never had such personal Web pages before — I quickly gave up MySpace — I decided to give it a try and eventually opened an account. The Facebook page design three years ago was relatively clean and simple, which was what attracted me. There were no loud, commercial pop music coming out of nowhere like MySpace and no unreadable pages with an overdose of background pictures. The other thing that enticed me was that it was a student-only Web site — thus avoiding the hundreds of sometimes-suspicious and false profiles that pollute the Internet. Since then, Facebook has grown into a 150 million-large network open not only to college students, but to high school students, employees, bosses and teachers. Even parents join against their teenage children’s cries and supplications not to intrude “their” private sphere. Users can now join groups ranging from sharing a common interest — Obama, The Dark Knight — to groups especially made for those who don’t want to join groups (yes, this really exists). One of the worst features to have been invented is the box listing top friends — by rank. No doubt this has created jealousy. Most useless of all, users can even buy “gifts” to send to their friends SYLVAIN REY — what college student would really waste money like this? Finally, the relative protection from spam messages — the latest is the “25 random things about you” — seems to have evaporated. Facebook is now so big, it has even become a research field for sociologists and has drawn many negative reactions from columnists. The most negative response to Facebook is perhaps its definition of “friend.” It is not because I accept somebody’s request that he is a friend, quite the contrary — I have neither seen many of these “friends,” nor will I ever. We just happen to share a common friend, real or not, or a common interest. In spite of this, I continue to use Facebook. Even if all the new applications developed in recent years have sometimes overloaded the page, its white background is still cleaner and easier to read than most mass-blog sites. But still have an account there because of my real friends. A Web log is just this, a Web log. It cannot, and will not, replace real friendships. It’s not an extension of friendship, as if friendship had defined boundaries of existence, it’s simply an activity that friends can share and with which, they can have fun. We all like looking at each other’s pictures, for example, and Facebook is one of many ways to do so. As long as we know how to use it, Facebook can be fun; but it shouldn’t be more than that.
— Sylvain Rey is an anthropology senior and a columnist for The Shorthorn
The Shorthorn: Robert Villarreal
Get away from social networking sites for a while and experience life
D
o me a favor. Take a piece of paper and write down all of your interests, favorite books, movies, music, the college you attend, what you’re studying, and add a couple of your favorite quotes in there for fun. Now find a picture of yourself that you like and go stand outside. Hold these two items up in the air for the whole world to see, and stay there. This is basically what Facebook and MySpace are in the real world. Now pretend that both these sites were shut down. Would you be on the corner with a list and a picture? Probably not. If I had to wear my Facebook information, I would have to show off my Pieces of Flair, keep the bumper stickers I receive from friends in my back pocket and hope no one pokes me. We have become so obsessed with checking these social Web sites that it’s easy to lose touch with reality. When we log on, we zone out and focus at what we see on the monitor.
A week! Are you kidding me? These Web sites have become A week without MySpace. A week part of our daily routine, and it without Facebook. What would I do? seems almost unbearable to go a I got my PC back, and my day without checking them. But computer is working fine again. I it may be a good idea to take a had lived 5 days without MySpace or break from them and spend more Facebook, and I didn’t seem to really time outside this digital realm. miss it. I got caught up on class work, Last week, my computer had dinner with friends I hadn’t seen stopped working. I have no clue in a while, and the thought “I wonder what caused it, but I know that if I have any new comments” never my initial reaction was not good. crossed my mind. I didn’t think: “I wonder if my MACY GALVAN These social Web sites are all good spyware is out of date” or “maybe and fun, but when they start to take it’s a virus.” No. My first reaction time away from more important was, “How am I going to check things, it’s time to turn off the monitor and my MySpace account?” get some fresh air. Maybe if computers broke Have I become so reliant on these social down more often, we all would learn that it is networking sites that I prefer them to actual ok to go a day, or in my case a week, without physical and social interaction? The truth is logging on. I do. I dropped off my computer at the repair shop and waited for the call to pick it up. “It — Macy Galvan is an English major and a will take about a week,” the repair place told columnist for The Shorthorn me.
EDITORIAL/OUR VIEW
Open Your Eyes In terms of importance, the realm of science trumps celebrity gossip Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson told a packed Texas Hall on Tuesday that science can change the world. At the same time, he pointed out the obsession our culture has with all things celebrity. The gist of his message: how much more important science is to us than who’s in rehab this week. And he’s absolutely right. Our society is obsessed with what’s happening in celebrities’ lives rather than what’s important. This is evident every time a news station sensationalizes something mundane a celebrity does — that would never be news if it were an ordinary person. One example is when CNN cut away from the resignation of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Peter Pace, one of the nation’s highest ranking military officers at the time, to get a shot of Paris Hilton getting in a po-
Since 1919
lice car. To CNN’s credit, it did keep saying how pathetic covering the Paris Hilton story was. These are very exciting times in the scientific world. Advances are made every day that get us closer to understanding more about disease and treatments. Strides are also happening in planetary astronomy. Look at the demotion of Pluto. The university is been moving ahead in research in almost every area of science and engineering. Checking www.uta.edu will let you know what types of research is happening, and what types of patents are applied for or already approved. Research is occurring to find better ways to treat or prevent cancer. Imagine — if someone found a way to prevent cancer! This is an issue that touches millions of people every day.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joan Khalaf E-MAIL editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn is the official student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published four times weekly during fall and spring semesters, and twice weekly during the summer sessions. Unsigned editorials are the opinion of THE SHORTHORN EDITORIAL BOARD and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of individual student writers or editors,
Just a glance at a few of the headlines from the College of Engineering’s Web site shows how much research is done right now — “Device Reveals Risk Potential for Spread of Prostate Cancer,” “Novel Nanoparticles Should Greatly Improve Prostate Cancer Treatment,” and “Optical Biopsy Probe to Improve Prostate Cancer Diagnosis.” These are just a few of the exciting projects going on. Check out what other kinds of research are going on around campus. There are some hard-working scientists who live and work among us who deserve recognition for their tremendous efforts. If we take just a little time to look at what’s going on around us other than how much weight Jessica Simpson has gained this month, we might just see something in the stars. Stars in the sky, that is.
Shorthorn advisers or university administration. LETTERS should be limited to 300 words. They may be edited for space, spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the original work of the writer and must be signed. For identification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s full name, address and telephone number, although the address and tele-
phone number will not be published. Students should include their classification, major and their student ID number, which is for identification purposes. The student ID number will not be published. Signed columns and letters to the editor reflect the opinion of the writer and serve as an open forum for the expression of facts or opinions of interest to The Shorthorn’s readers.
Friday, February 20, 2009
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considered a sacrifice, and perhaps he doesn't think of it this way at all. Q: My girlfriend sometimes cries after she has an intense orgasm. She says she can't control it -- it just happens. Is this a problem? Have you heard of this before? A reply would be greatly appreciated.
A: I'm not sure that I do, other than to make sure you have lots of towels and washcloths nearby so Dr. Ruth that you can quickly Send your A: The key word in questions to Dr. clean up any messy Ruth Westheimer your question is side effects if you real- c/o King "intense." It's great ly think this is bother- Features that she experiences ing him. But I don't Syndicate, 235 E. intense orgasms. Now, think you need to 45th St., New intense orgasms can make any excuses. If York, NY 10017 trigger other reactions, this time of the month including the need to makes you more excited -- and cry. (Some people laugh, and you're not alone in this, by the some even sneeze!) There's way -- then he should be will- nothing wrong with this, nor is ing to help you out. You are a it anything to worry about. couple, after all, and you each The two of you should just be should be willing to make glad that you are able to give some sacrifices for the other - her such intense orgasms that - not that having sex should be she reacts in this manner.
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Friday, February 20, 2009
The ShorThorn
Stimulus
“It took more time to transport the bill [from the Capitol] to the White House than there was to read it,� continued from page 1 he said. Patterson said he feels the congressman did not vote in favor of the bill because of stimulus package is mostly its size and lack of transpar- unnecessary and unrelated spending but will produce ency. an upsurge in “For a bill that enrollment, esis over a thousand “As a student, pecially in compages long, it is munity colleges. short on details,� it doesn’t seem Civil engiBrown said. like a lot comneering freshStill, Brown man Edward said the congress- pared to all the Hemphill said man supports expenses that a people complain helping college too much about students and is student has. But the stimulus bill, pleased with the every little bit but they must bill’s education helps.� make sacrifices portion. to get the econFred Patter- edward hemphill, omy back on son, Arlington civil engineering track. Technology In- freshman “As a student, cubator business it doesn’t seem coach, also exlike a lot compressed concern for the lack of transparency. He said the pared to all the expenses that process needed for a spend- a student has,� he said. “But ing bill wasn’t followed, every little bit helps.� including enough time for members of Congress to read Ali MustAnsir news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu it thoroughly.
Raisin continued from page 1
during the 1950s and addresses social tensions from racism to women’s rights. It was the first Broadway play written by a black woman, Lorraine Hansberry, and the first directed by a black man, Lloyd Richards. Brown said the play will pay tribute to the people, and the dreams of those people, who have contributed to African-American’s struggle
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Readers’ Choice
2009
against oppression. “Another thing that makes it special is it’s students that aren’t even theatre majors that are doing this play that dedicated much time, hours and passion towards the art of theater,� Brown said. Other than himself, only one student participating in the production is a theatre arts major, Brown said. The students’ dedication attests to the amount of talent at the university, he said. “They feel the passion for it, and they’re going to show their passion to the campus
The Shorthorn: Chris Hudson
An Afternoon debAte Sociology freshman Erin Crespo, left, debates the merits of nurture versus nature with fellow students Thursday on the Central Library mall. The group held an impromptu open discussion about the topic.
by delivering a great performance,� he said. “They have all these various majors, but we all have other little talents that God has given us that we use, and that’s what makes the university great.� Stage manager Tiffanie Harris, a business management senior, said the beauty in the production stems from the students who have come together and produced a quality play. Brown was dedicated to the play: lighting, conducting auditions, picking and blocking the script, working with
actors to get their lines and every other angle imaginable, said Natalie Gaupp, visiting theatre arts assistant professor and Brown’s mentor on the project. “Along the way, Tim cast and directed it and pulled it together all the way possible, including having a research dramaturge, which is just a fancy word for theater researcher,� she said. “It’s an enormous feat. A lot of time when we do something we really love, it doesn’t seem as enormous.� Brown said his thesis work
does not end with the play. “The rest of the components will come from me doing interviews and asking students around campus from all walks of life and genders and races: ‘What happens to a dream deferred?’ � he said. “What can we do to stop a dream from deferring, and what do you do? What are your goals and plans, and how do you prevent the dreams that you have from falling ashore?�
What: A Raisin in the Sun When: 6 p.m., Sunday Where: University Center Rosebud Theatre Who: Black Student Association and Multicultural Affairs Tickets: Students $5; faculty and staff $7; general admission $10.
sArAh lutz news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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