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Friday March 27, 2009
Volume 90, No. 90 www.theshorthorn.com
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Students, professors get accolades BY ALI MUSTANSIR
2009
Springtime Rhapsody
WHO WON? For a full list of winners, check www.uta.edu/aces/ (not posted by press time)
Contributor to The Shorthorn
The university awarded students displaying ability in research and creativity Thursday in the University Center Carlisle Suite. Every year, the university hosts the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students. Participants give oral or poster
presentations that must explain the topic to a general and well-educated audience, who are not experts in that field. Biology, psychology, engineering, linguistics and, for the first time, music were among the ACES continues on page 3 The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley
COMMUNITY EVENT
Murder victim honored with benefit concert Melanie Goodwin was 19 years old when she was murdered in fall 2007. BY MARK BAUER The Shorthorn assistant news editor
Melanie Goodwin enjoyed driving with the windows down, dancing and singing loudly to the radio. And if the smell of clean laundry was packaged in perfume form, she’d wear it. She liked making people laugh, and laughing along with them until her stomach hurt. She loved God, her family and playing in the rain. To put it plainly, Melanie loved life. But the 19-year-old University of North Texas radio, television and film major was murdered in fall 2007. Ernesto Reyes received an automatic life sentence late last month for raping and strangling Melanie. But, through Facebook groups and memorial funds, her short-lived life continues to impact people. Saturday, proceeds from a benefit concert in the Rosebud Theatre will go toward a scholarship fund set up in her honor. Melanie influenced almost everyone she came in contact with, friends and family said. She was actively involved in her church choir, she participated in her high school plays, and to this day, fellow students remember her performance
The Brandon Steadman Band, from left, lead guitarist Jorge Rodriguez, lead singer and rhythm guitarist Brandon Steadman, bassist Kevin Corensen and drummer Bryan Morgan (not pictured) will open Springfest at 6:15 p.m. Saturday behind the Physical Education Building. The Brandon Steadman Band won Battle of the Bands this year.
From local boys to the big leagues, two groups will plug into the same sound system Saturday. Student Affairs hosts Springfest 2009 on the Maverick Activities Center west lawn Saturday from 5 p.m. to when the last chords For profiles ring out. The conof each of cert kicks the bands, off at 6:30 see page 4 p.m. with the Brandon Steadman Band, an all-student group that won the opening spot after winning EXCEL’s Battle of the Bands competition. Later, after sunset, signed and nationally recognized Motion City Soundtrack takes the stage. See what to expect and what the bands are about inside on page 4.
WHEN AND WHERE What: A Life Well LovedMelanie Goodwin Scholarship Concert When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: University Center Rosebud Theatre Performers: DeDe Jones, OneWill and special guest Tim Miller. Cost: $15-$50 Limited seating available To purchase tickets visit: www. showclix.com
in Arlington Bowie High School’s rendition of Seussical the Musical. “Melanie was very involved in and had a passion for theater,” Melanie’s father Glenn Goodwin said. “She loved life and loved people.” He said his daughter was “daddy’s girl,” and he enjoyed taking the family to her favorite destination spot in the Dominican Republic. “She was a popular person but grounded in her family, and she was grounded and strong in her faith,” he said. The family vacation spot was always a place of laughter, Candace Goodwin, Melanie’s older sister by six years, said. “We were both laughing so hard,” Candace said of the time they were acting like walruses in the surf. “We weren’t using our arms. GOODWIN continues on page 6
2 3, 4, 6 5 8
Spr ng fest
RESEARCH
The Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students showcases UTA research.
Your Day News Opinion Sports
SPRINGFEST 2009 Admission is free
Courtesy Photo: Dan Monick
From left, drummer and percussionist Tony Thaxton, synthesizer Jesse Johnson, bassist and pianist Matthew Taylor, vocalists and guitarist Justin Pierre and guitarist Josh Cain form Motion City Soundtrack. The band will headline Springfest 2009 this Saturday on the Maverick Activities Center west lawn.
5 p.m. - Springfest 2009 begins with intramural athletic tournaments 6:30 p.m. - Brandon Steadman Band takes the stage 7 p.m. - They Were Stars performs 7:45 p.m. - The Last of the Ashfords plays during Earth Hour 9:30 p.m. - Motion City Soundtrack closes out the night
ROTC
Cadets learn, prepare for service project Former Army Major touches on the projects conducted while in Iraq. BY JOHNATHAN SILVER Contributor to The Shorthorn
No one told former Army Maj. William Deakyne how to assist in the Iraqi government reconstruction. Deakyne lectured about the Army’s humanitarian assistance operations during the ROTC lab “Civil Military Operations” Thursday. The lab prepares cadets for a service project at Mission Arlington on Saturday.
“What makes the difference is you,” Deakyne said. “You’ve got to take the initiative in Iraq, and no one’s going to hand you all the answers.” In Iraq, Deakyne formed a civil affairs team, a group of military personnel that served Iraqis’ needs ranging from food to educational structure. Since Iraqi schools lacked funding, Deakyne’s team proposed a high school-based solution to the Ministry of Education. The lecture included procedures for transportROTC continues on page 3
The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley
Former Army Maj. William Deakyne addresses ROTC students on the impact of humanitarian operations Thursday at College Hall. Deakyne stressed the importance of such operations in countries at war to prepare the students for their service project at Mission Arlington on Saturday.
EDUCATION
Speech pathologist speaks on dyslexia Thursday Jenny Thomson presented research concerning early phonological development. BY ERIKA RIZO Contributor to The Shorthorn
Courtesy Photo: Peggy Goodwin
University of North Texas student Melanie Goodwin was raped and murdered September 2007. A benefit concert for the Melanie Goodwin Scholarship Fund will be held 7 p.m. Saturday at the Rosebud Theatre.
The symptoms and causes of dyslexia could be one and the same, a Harvard Graduate School of Education assistant professor told faculty and staff at the Planetarium Conference Room on Thursday.
Jenny Thomson, a speech pathologist who works with children who have speech and reading problems, said dyslexia is a core phonological deficit that stems from difficulty processing sounds of speech. “One question that researchers have been struggling to answer for the past few decades is ‘Why are these children struggling?’ ” she said. Thomson reviewed and presented new research that
suggested certain music-related skills, like early rhythm sensitivity, may help increase the ability to predict reading progress in children. She said phonics, which uses sounds and corresponding letters to teach reading and writing, helps 70 percent of children, but the other 30 percent resist treatment. It’s a problem at an earlier level of phonological development. She also said dyslexic people
have trouble pronouncing words. Thomson worked with groups of children with and without dyslexia and tested different ways to measure beats in sounds. The children played with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger toys with sounds that varied in strength. Children with dyslexia were slow to hear the sounds. DYSLEXIA continues on page 4
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Friday, March 27, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
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CALENDAR
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.
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TODAY
THURSDAY
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27
Criminal mischief Police responded at 12:53 a.m. to a report of vandalism at 700 Greek Row Drive.
Art Exhibition — Rimer Cardillo and Darryl Lauster: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., The Gallery at UTA. Free. For information, contact Patricia Healy at 817-272-5658 or phealy@uta. edu.
WEDNESDAY Minor accident Police responded at 11:07 p.m. to an accident at 700 Kerby St. The officer determined that no one was injured and the accident only caused minor damage.
The Big Event Planning Committee: 11 a.m.-noon, University Center Sabine Room. Free. For information, contact Brandon Henslee at 713-816-7530 or brandon.henslee@mavs.uta. edu.
Vehicle tow Police towed a vehicle at 10:57 a.m. from Faculty Lot 7, 500 S. Cooper St., after a faculty member reported it parked in his reserved space.
Women’s Appreciation Flower Sale: noon-1 p.m., UC mall. For information, contact Multicultural Affairs at 817-272-2099 or multicultural_affairs@uta.edu. Students Who are Parents: noon, UC Sierra Lounge. Free. For information, contact Ambrea Lacy at ambrea.lacy@ mavs.uta.edu. International Spouses Club: 1:30-3 p.m., Swift Center. Free. For information, contact Julie Holmer at 817-272-2355 or jholmer@uta.edu. TechnoScholar - RefWorks: 2-3 p.m., 136 Business Building. Free, but registration is requested. For information, contact Carol Byrne at cbyrne@ uta.edu. Boron and Branched - Peptides in the Approach of Targeting Diseases: 2:30-3:30 p.m., 114 Chemistry Research Building. Free. For information, contact 817-272-3171. Planetarium Show — “Ice Worlds”: 4-5 p.m., Chemistry and Physics Building. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, $3 for faculty, staff and alumni and $2 for UTA students. For information, call Levent Gurdemir at 817-272-0123 or planetarium@ uta.edu.
The Shorthorn: Meghan Williams
SCHOOLHOUSE BOX Biology freshman Hameed Bello, left, and nursing freshman Logan Malone paint cardboard houses for Hope for Honduras on Thursday in the Student Governance office. The houses will be placed out around campus April 6-10 to collect school supplies for Honduran school children.
LECTURE
Book details environmental issues throughout the past Coeditor to discuss his work on nature concerns today in the Central Library. ELIZABETH FLORES Contributor to The Shorthorn
Jeff Crane said his book’s examples differ from the traditional narrative and history of American environmental protest. Crane, Sam Houston State University assistant
WHEN AND WHERE When: 7:30 p.m. Today Where: Central Library sixth floor parlor
out some historians who have recently tweaked and challenged that narrative, and then argue for how my book contributes to that process,” Crane said.
After touching on some of the book’s stronger points, Crane will end the program with his chapter on a proposed dam on the Maine’s Kennebec River in 1835 titled, “Fancy Foreshadowed a Magnificent Destiny: The Market Revolution and the Kennebec River Dam Fight.” In the chapter, Crane examines opposition to a proposed dam on the Ken-
nebec River. He said the opposition came in at a time considered by historians as the Market Revolution. He notes this period as “a time of great economic expansion and growth and the beginning our industrial revolution.” ELIZABETH FLORES news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
ENVIRONMENT
University of Hawaii professor to discuss ocean acidification Carbon dioxide emissions in our air isn’t the only environmental worry — these harmful emissions are increasingly being absorbed in our oceans and posing a threat to marine life, Richard Zeebe said. Zeebe, associate professor from the Department of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, speaks at noon today in 100 Geoscience Building about the negative effects of carbon dioxide emissions on oceans. He said about 40 percent of the air’s carbon dioxide gets absorbed in oceans, impacting organisms like coral reefs, shellfish and plankton, which
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CORRECTIONS Slumdog Millionaire screens at 8 p.m. April 3 at the Maverick Activities Center Lone Star Auditorium. The date was incorrect in the Pulse section on Thurday.
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history professor, will speak on the book Natural Protest: Essays on the History of American Environmentalism , which he coedited with Michael Egan. The Central Library will host Crane at 7:30 p.m. today in the Central Library sixth floor parlor. “I will explain what that traditional narrative of the history of American environmental protest is, point
CANNON FODDER by Isaac Erickson
Planetarium Show — “Bad Astronomy”: 5-6 p.m., Chemistry and Physics Building. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, $3 for faculty, staff and alumni and $2 for UTA students. For information, call Levent Gurdemir at 817-272-0123 or planetarium@ uta.edu.
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are in the low levels of the food chain. Many focus on global warming and carbon dioxide’s effect on humans, but sea life is affected too, he said. “What’s going to happen with coral reefs is that it’ll affect their ability to build their skeletons because they are made of calcium carbonate,” Zeebe said. “Eventually the acids dissolve the minerals in the coral reef, and it will be difficult for them to survive.” With shellfish, as with oysters, emissions reduce the rate at which they build their shell, he said. “If the food chain is being
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negatively affected in the lower levels, it could eventually propagate higher up to affect larger organisms,” Zeebe said. He said the most important measure to preserve the oceans and the atmosphere is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Simple ways to do this can be riding a bike to school, not driving a truck and using energy-efficient bulbs, he said. “Even though living here, the ocean seems to be very far away,” he said. “We should be aware that what we do here in our everyday life affects marine life.”
— Sohana Kutub
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, March 27, 2009
Aces continued from page 1
topics discussed by students, according to architecture assistant professor Douglas Klahr. Faculty members also received recognition for their contributions. Klahr is a member of the ACES Steering Committee. He said he is happy to see sustainablity and the arts included this year. “Some people think ACES is just for science and engineers because they tend to dominate,� he said. “Every year, more nonscience and engineering students come in.� Klahr said he was approached a few weeks ago to add a sustainability award and didn’t have time to solicit projects specifically for it. He selected 19 of 141 participants who had relations to sustainability. Music education sophomore Jesus Martinez was the first student to give a musical presentation, for which he earned honorable mention in the Undergraduate Afternoon category. He presented music as an expression of human emotion and based two of his compositions on the cardinal sins wrath and sloth. Martinez
ROTC continued from page 1
ing goods, barricading roads and pursuing and killing enemies. Deakyne included audience involvement by playing a scene from the movie Predator, and splitting them into three groups of 10 to form a plan to drop
Page 3
The ShorThorn spoke about composing while marimba players performed his pieces. “Honestly, I didn’t intend on winning,� he said, “I told my performers it was about showing the audience a different musical perspective. Music is a completely different outlook. It is a language of its own.� The ACES Steering Committee and the Office of Graduate Study plan and host the celebration every year, said Philip Cohen, Graduate School dean and Academic Affairs vice provost. The event used to be two separate, underfunded symposiums for graduate and undergraduate students but was combined to build it up, he said. Cohen said ACES improves each year and can still get better. He said the attendance and funding was better than previous ACES. Students were not the only ones to receive awards. Electrical engineering professor Venkat Devarajan won the first Graduate Dean’s Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring, which will be presented in years to come, Cohen said. Alumni and students nominated him for the award. Ali MustAnsir news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
food to civilians during wartime. Major Jeannie Deakyne, military science assistant professor, said humanitarian assistance operations are about growing in terms of human compassion and developing social skills that can only be learned by doing. “Although we can talk tactics, pay attention to how
Obama plans more troops for Afghan war WASHINGTON — Concerned about the faltering war in Afghanistan, President Barack Obama plans to dispatch thousands more military and civilian trainers on top of the 17,000 fresh combat troops he’s already ordered, people familiar with the forthcoming plan said Thursday. Obama also will call for increasing aid to neighboring Pakistan as long as its leaders confront militants in the border region. The president plans to lay out his revamped strategy for Afghanistan and
Pakistan on Friday. Several sources told The Associated Press the strategy includes 20 recommendations for countering a persistent insurgency that spans the two countries’ border, including sending 4,000 military trainers to try to increase the size of the Afghan army. “It is an integrated military-civilian strategy,� Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told reporters in Monterrey, Mexico.
— The Associated Press
The Shorthorn: Monica Lopez
Nabila Rahman, computer science graduate student, gives a presentation on Low Cost Jamming Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks Thursday in the University Center Concho Room. Rahman and other students presented abstracts chosen through a competition for the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students.
experts deliver goods and apply it to everything you do,� she said. Visual communication sophomore Aaron Renaud won’t be at Mission Arlington on Saturday but has volunteered in the past. “The information we learned from the lecture is something you can never get from a reporter on TV,� he said. “Learning about
what’s actually going on Iraq is interesting.� Cadets’ roles in the service project are determined when they show up. Mission Arlington services include, but aren’t limited to, furniture transporting, crisis intervention and youth rallies. JohnAthAn silver news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn: Meghan Williams
KicKin’ it old school Mechanical engineering professor Dereje Agonafer plays with a soccer ball Thursday in the University Center. Agonafer played while speaking to Campus Recreation representatives who were in the UC advertising for Springfest 2009 sports tournaments.
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Friday, March 27, 2009
The ShorThorn
Spr ng fest
i
2009
After excelling performances on campus, the Brandon Steadman Band comes back for Springfest By Dustin L. DangLi The Shorthorn staff
If the Brandon Steadman Band has its roots planted in Texas country and rock ‘n’ roll, the university is the soil. The band members said they’re known as “UTA’s Band.” They have several gigs at university events under their belt, the title of EXCEL’s Battle of the Bands winner and several courses between the four of them — all are students. The group prepares to play Saturday at this year’s Springfest 2009, opening for nationally signed artist Motion City Soundtrack. Music became a larger part of the band members’ lives after being mesmerized by other performers. “1992 — MTV Music Awards — Nirvana,” bassist Kevin Lorensen said. “I thought Kurt Cobain looked so cool.” Lead guitarist Jorge Rodri-
Dyslexia continued from page 1
Thomson said researchers are using event-related brain potentials to measure brain activity during cognitive processing and to monitor things that cause changes in the brain. “ERPs are telling us things that the behavioral data alone can not demonstrate,” she said. “They raise exciting new possibilities for examining brain plasticity and effects.” ERPs help illustrate what takes place in the brain during this early age. “There are still questions unanswered on how to help children,” she said. “Understanding dyslexia at the levels of mind, brain and education offer the brightest chances of offering ef-
guez said he was inspired after watching “Austin City Limits” episodes on PBS. He later enrolled in a music theory class in high school and then picked up the guitar, playing three to four hours a day to teach himself the instrument. After being childhood friends since second grade, Rodriguez’s passion for music soon infected Brandon Steadman, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. After hearing his friend play and learning a bit from him, Steadman said he enrolled in a music theory class in high school for fun. A few years later, with some time to improve, Brandon Steadman Band formed in 2004 with Steadman and Rodriguez as the core. Steadman said the band has never had any set members other than the two. “That goes with all music,” Steadman said. “People come and go.”
Steadman said 2006 is when the current lineup came into existence even though members have still been moved around. Lorensen has worked with the band for four months, after running sound for them at the band’s usual gig, Monte Carlos in Arlington. Steadman said he attributes the band’s success to friends within Sigma Chi fraternity, which he belongs to, and at the university. Student Congress President Travis Boren helped the group land gigs at various university events like the Wings, Wieners, and Water early last semester. “They are such a great band,” Boren said. “They’re Texas country, but they have a rock feel.” Boren said the band puts on great shows because even those who don’t like country music will enjoy themselves. He said the band is closely knitted to
the school. “They truly are a campus band,” he said. “They are deeply rooted in UTA.” Music helped shape Lorensen into the man he is today, from when he first aspired to be as cool as Cobain, he said. “I have an identity in my town,” he said. “I’m Kevin the musician.” Steadman said the band is heavily preparing for Saturday’s show. “This show has definitely been the main focus since we won at Battle of the Bands,” Steadman said. The band wouldn’t reveal its set list, but said people who come out will have a good time. “Whenever we play, even for new crowds, people feel comfortable with us,” Steadman said. “We connect.” Dustin L. DangLi news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
fective help to those currently not benefiting from best practice.” Robin Mayhew, who works for Burleson ISD Dyslexia Services, said she was disappointed with the lecture. “I was looking for more information — something usable,” she said. “It was good to some extent as far as theory, research for the good, but I can read research all day long.” Education professor Marc Schwarz, the Southwest Center for Mind, Brain and Education director, said he enjoyed the presentation. “We put students through this [research], because I believe we are helping students. It helps us to develop a better, clear picture,” he said. Erika rizo news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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Harvard Graduate School of Education assistant professor Jenny Thomson discusses the links between rhythm sensitivity and dyslexia. The speaker series is part of the Southwest Center for Mind, Brain and Education.
The Shorthorn: Jacob Adkisson
Accomplished recording quintet Motion City Sondtrack brings pop punk to Springfest By CaroLinE BasiLE The Shorthorn staff
Think Motion City Soundtrack is an interesting band name? It might have been Yukon Cornelius, Jesus Butter or Belt Weather. The band considered these alternate names, but the current moniker sounded better, said Matt Taylor, Motion City Soundtrack bassist. “Actually, the jury’s still out on Belt Weather,” Taylor said. “That name is pretty genius.” Minneapolis group Motion City Soundtrack will headline this year’s Springfest. Michael Taddesse, Greek Life and University Events assistant director said several members of organizations met to decide the performers for Springfest. Time and location played a crucial part in the decision to have the band headline the concert. “We saw on their schedule they were playing in Tulsa before the date we wanted, and everything fell into place,” he said. The band formed in 1997 after guitarist Josh Cain approached fellow guitarist Justin Pierre about playing music together. Taylor and drummer Tony Thaxton were members of Richmond, Va. based band Submerge and met Motion City Soundtrack at a concert in Milton, PA in 2000. The members kept in touch and Thaxton and Taylor joined the band in 2002, replacing bassist Austin Lindstrom and drummer Sidney Burgdorf. Taylor said he was encouraged and fascinated by music from an early age, seeing his dad and grandfather play in bands. “I loved going to see my
Granddad’s bands play,” Taylor said. “My parents always listened to music too. Any time we would go anywhere, my dad would sing harmonies to the songs on the radio, which blew my mind. I guess music always fascinated me.” Taylor said different artists influence him musically, including Radiohead, The Beatles, Nine Inch Nails, The Zombies and The Kinks. “Those are a few,” he said. “I’m all over the place. Musically, we’re all different people and listen to completely different things, occasionally meeting on a few bands here and there.” Motion City Soundtrack is busy writing songs for their next album. Taylor said the band have nearly 30 songs written so far and aren’t slowing down. “We’re in a serious antislump right now,” he said. Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus produced the band’s most recent album; Even If It Kills Me. Taylor said the band has not decided who is producing the new album, which will be released on Columbia Records. Taylor said the band matured over the past several years, being on the road and working as a group. “We’re all the same people, but I think we’ve grown older and wiser together without realizing it,” he said. “We’ve learned each other inside and out and we’ve learned how to survive when things get rough. We know when to give one another space or when to pull someone aside and talk. The road is a great place to really get to know people.” CaroLinE BasiLE news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
ABOUT OPINION Cohe Bolin, editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Wednesday and Friday. Friday, March 27, 2009
OPINION TH HE E SHOR HORTHORN HORT THO TH HOR ORN RN
Major Pain
Just Say Nay to Sallie Mae Unless the monthly hit is affordable, find another way
The Shorthorn: Paul Windle
“
people, consider yourself lucky. I believe they call it a major because it’s a major decision. It’s understood that what we decide to study leads to how we make a living. And the university’s job is to make sure we acquire the skills necessary to perform the tasks that come after graduation. We shouldn’t take choosing a major lightly, it should be a personal decision based on likes and strengths. When choosing a major, finding out what your passions are: teaching others, being artistic and creative, or perhaps simply liking to argue. So instead of “What do you want to be when you grow up?” maybe people should ask “What do you want to major in when you get into college?” While your major will be your certified area of knowledge and
expertise, that doesn’t mean it will limit what you do after graduation. Medical schools accept students with diverse majors and degrees. English majors are not only teachers anymore, but are also speech therapists and, well, columnists for newspapers. Even chief executive officers and heads of major corporations majored in things like medieval history like Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina did. Michael Eisner, Walt Disney’s CEO, double majored in English and theater. Remember that your choice of major is a significant decision but in all reality, it’s simply a minor part of the life that will follow you after you graduate with your degree.
— Macy Galvan is an English senior and a columnist for The Shorthorn
We have only ourselves to blame Americans must end illegal drug dependency to stop Mexican drug war violence
L
ast year, 6,290 people died in Mexico’s war between drug cartels. By comparison, the U.S. lost 4,193 soldiers in six years of war in Iraq. The problem Mexico has faced over the past few months is so serious that the U.S. Joint Forces Command says it and Pakistan are on the verge of failure. While this statement must be taken as an exaggeration, it reflects how bad the situation is. Kidnappings, torture, beheadings and other atrocities continue, even with the recent arrest of two of the most-wanted cartel “big bosses.” Meanwhile, we are looking for someone to blame — Mexico and the U.S. have traded accusations — and ideas to effectively cut the cartels’ power. Who’s guilty? Is it Mexico’s rampant police corrup-
tion, as some in the U.S. say? If so, it’s not the cause of the current violence. Is Mexican President Felipe Calderon’s crackdown on the cartels causing the violence to spiral into a quasi-civil war? Is it the U.S., accused by Mexican authorities for availability of weapons and money, as well as for the failed “war on drugs” started by President Nixon three decades ago? Again, this helped the violence spread, but it didn’t create it in the first place. Possible solutions include a stronger border defense between Mexico and the U.S. This is not going to help curtail the Mexican cartels in any way, and there’s no guarantee it will protect the U.S. from Mexican gang activity. The cartels will always find a way to slip under such defense systems. Bet-
Since 1919
The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Page 5
EDITORIAL/OUR VIEW
Deciding what to do with your life isn’t dictated by your major
What do you want to be when you grow up?” We’ve been asked this since childhood, and with age, the answer has begun to present itself. Throughout adolescence, we tried to determine the following: what we liked or didn’t like, what we were good at and what we never wanted to do again. Settling on a major is in that category. When it comes to declaring a MACY GALVAN major, some of us knew what field of study we wanted to go into before setting foot on a college campus. If you are one of those
REMEMBER
violence upon oneter weapons for the self. Violence canmilitary will not do not and must not much either — the be legalized in any cartels can easily accircumstance. quire similar weapLegalizing drug ons. use would simply On the other end be substituting one of the spectrum, leform of violence for galization of certain another. drugs — marijuana We must first in particular — has SYLVAIN REY take action at home been proposed. and work on the The real root of the drug violence is not cor- factors that lead people to ruption, weapons availabil- use drugs. It will require considerable effort from our ity or money. It is drug use that’s to society, but we should be aware that we’re all responblame. The violence is due in sible for it. Meanwhile, drug users part to the struggle to control supply routes to the U.S. should be ashamed — their dependency is killing thoubetween the gangs. It is the demand here sands of people. This is the cost of our that is feeding the drug war demand for an unnecessary there. Legalization may sound thing like drugs. like an easy idea, but it is certainly the worst option. — Sylvain Rey is an anTaking drugs is noth- thropology senior and a coling but inflicting a form of umnist for The Shorthorn
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,
Students shouldn’t have to pick up a job that takes time away from studying to repay interest on a school loan — just so Sallie Mae can lessen its risk factor. Sallie Mae wants to lend you money — and they want you to start paying it back immediately. Its new private loan process is going to charge students interest on the loan before graduation. Students would start out paying $40 per month as freshmen and by the second half of sophomore year, payments go up four times that amount to $160. An AssociEDITORIAL ated Press article ROUNDUP takes a rosy view The issue: Student loan provider of the subject, Sallie Mae will require reporting that students to repay their the company will loan interest on private loans while attending have improved college, starting June 1. cash flow from We suggest: the interest payFind another lender — ments. Also, the there are better deals current default from others without another monthly expense rate of 4.5 perto worry about on top cent should deof courses, papers and crease. exams. The loans are also less risky since families that can’t pay while in school are weeded out, the article states. That statement isn’t attributed to anyone, so the assumption could be made that Sallie Mae wants to “weed out” low-income families from receiving its loans. To be fair, this provision only applies to private loans, and starts for the 2009-2010 school year. Those who already have a private Sallie Mae loan don’t have to start paying the interest now. Federal loans aren’t affected by this and changing that would take federal legislation, said Karen Krause, UTA Financial Aid Director. She said students shopping around for private loans have other options. Most students rely on private funding because the federal loans are not enough to pay the full costs of tuition, housing and books. Private loans are a necessity for those who can’t afford private colleges or universities, some of which can cost a year’s salary like our neighbor in Fort Worth, Texas Christian University. The estimated costs for the 2009-2010 school year at TCU is $38,930. This includes housing, a meal plan, and books — tuition alone is $14,125 per semester. In comparison, UTA tuition costs $7,758 per year for in-state residents, according to the 2008-2009 reports. Adding in housing and a meal plan bumps the costs another $5,219$8,164 per year, which would cost about the same as one semester of TCU tuition alone. The conventional wisdom is that students will have less debt when they graduate, with only having to pay the principal of their loans after graduation. This is great for those who can afford to do so, but most students can barely afford living expenses, let alone throw down an extra $160 a month for an avoidable bill.
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.
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Goodwin continued from page 1
We were just using our legs. “She just liked to have a good time. She was just an amazing person,” Candace said. “She glowed. She brightened up the room.”
Her Final Hours Hundreds of Halo 3 fans convened at various gaming stores Sept. 24, 2007, for the release parties held throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Melanie was among those hundreds, but she wasn’t there for the games — she worked as a Red Bull sponsor handing out free beverages at local events, along with short-time modeling gigs. Later that night, she led coworkers in prayer in the middle of a crowded restaurant where she and the other girls from work went to eat. After the late dinner, Melanie Goodwin stopped at a convenience store where she met Reyes, who asked her for a ride. Video footage showed the two leaving the
Ed board approves science standards AUSTIN — Texas science teachers will no longer be required to teach weaknesses of scientific theory, including evolution, under new curriculum standards tentatively adopted by the State Board of education on Thursday. If given final approval, the new standards will drop a 20-year-old rule that requires both “strengths and weakness-
Friday, March 27, 2009
The ShorThorn store together. raised and awarded thouLater that morning, po- sands of dollars worth of lice responded to a report scholarships to local stuof a body in a field outside dents who knew Melanie, a business buildincluding a student ing in Carrollton. in Chicago who Video surveillance “She said in exudes Melanie’s showed Reyes her senior values. dragging a moPeggy Goodwin tionless body out book that said her daughter of Melanie’s red, she wanted would be humbled two-door Saturn. to leave an by everything done He then attempted in her memory. impact on to burn the body. “She said in her Reyes fled the people, and senior book that country, and invesshe wanted to leave tigators traced him she has.” an impact on peoto Mexico where Peggy Goodwin, ple, and she has,” he was arrested Melanie Goodwin’s Peggy Goodwin outside a rela- mother said. tive’s home Oct. 9, Melanie’s fam2007. Reyes was ily is helping her expedited back to the U.S. make more of an impact by and processed into the Dal- awarding scholarships for as las County Jail on May 21, long as they have the funds. 2008. Proceeds from Saturday’s benefit concert will go toward that. Finding the Good in the But the concert isn’t a memorial service so much Bad as it is a celebration of MelaThough it’s hard to imag- nie’s life. A life that, friends ine anything good coming and family contend, was well out of such a violent death, loved. her family is trying to do just that, Melanie’s mother Peggy Mark Bauer Goodwin said. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu To date, the family has es” of all scientific theories be taught. Critics say the requirement is used to undermine the theory of evolution in favor of religious teachings. A final vote on the standards is expected Friday. But even as evolution advocates hailed the vote, the board adopted a string of amendments that would cast a shadow over natural selection and common ancestry, key tenets of the theory of evolution. The new standards, which will be in place for the next de-
cade, also govern what appears on standardized tests and material published in textbooks. As one of the largest textbook purchasers in the nation, Texas has significant influence over the content of books marketed across the country. Publishers compete to have their books approved by the state board, which has authority to review all books and recommend approval to local school districts.
— The Associated Press
CRAFT FOR A CAUSe
The Shorthorn: Meghan Williams
Nursing freshmen Alicia Ortiz, left, and Victoria Jimenez construct a roof for cardboard houses for Hope for Honduras, a project benefiting Honduran school children, Thursday in the Student Governance office. The houses will be used to collect school supplies April 6-10.
Family Dentistry Dr. Duc Pham & StaFF 3610 S. cooPer St. 817-466-1500
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Wishing You Peace, Love & JoY
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Egg Donation
$5,000$45,000 PAID EGG DONORS for up to 9 donations + Expenses. N/smokers, ages 18-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24GPA>3.0 info@eggdonorcenter.com
Events The Shorthorn and UTA proudly present
Housing Fair 2009 Wednesday April 8 10:00AM-3:00PM University Center Palo Duro Lounge FREE ADMISSION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC www.TheShorthorn.com 817-272-HORN (4676)
Personals To all my friends from A-Z. I am so grateful to have you all in my life. Love ya’ll, Tobi Nikki, your love for Christ is inspiring. Continue to walk in and share His Love with others. Tobi and Melissa Darren Coleman hey suga! How you doin’? Thanks for coming out Friday night to smash out AIDS. Melissa and Tobi TO ANYONE WHO READS THIS! TAKE TIME TO DO A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS FOR SOMEONE TODAY! FYI, She said “Yes” -Jason
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EMPLOYMENT
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Hospitality/Service Part-time Bar/Food Server/ Beverage Cart/Cart Attendant positions available. Includes hourly wage plus tips. No bar experience required, training can be provided. Golf course located in Grand Prairie Call 972-264-6161
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HIRING STUDENTS Now hiring students to read government flood maps for banks. No experience necessary. Competitive starting wages. Part-time a.m. and p.m. shifts available.
Great Experience Apply in person. LPS Flood Services. 1521 N. Cooper St. 4th floor Arl, TX 76011 (817)548-7128.
The Shorthorn is currently accepting applications for the following positions for the Spring Semester; • Reporter • Ad Sales Rep Get a job description and an application TODAY! Student Publications Dept. University Center, lower level. Also available online at: www.TheShorthorn.com All are paid positions for UTA students. For more information call; 817-272-3188
SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per survey. GetPaidToThink.com Covenant United Methodist Church in Arlington is looking for qualified candidates for full time director of our licensed child care program. State mandated minimum qualifications are required. If interested please send resume to Reverend Mike Redd at 3608 Matlock Rd. Arlington, TX 76015 or by e-mail at
Office/Clerical The Shorthorn is seeking a Receptionist for the spring semester. Must be a UTA work-study student available to work MWF, 10-1 & T/Th Noon -1 Apply online at www.uta.edu/snapjob For more information call 817-272-3188 Arl Insurance Agency needs pt help. Great phone voice, energetic. Will train. 817-261-5777
Seeking Emp. Nonprofit Agency specializing in children and family counseling needing a grant writer for foundation, corp., and Gov. grants. Will need references. Please call Lincoya Young at (817)690-3421 Jacks’ DownHome BBQ looking for 8 ppl to work w/ Chef Jack Mc David www.jacksfirehouse.com Contact: Susan Lowe 610-331-4566 Location: The Samsung 500 Race Texas Motor Speedway April 3rd, 4th, and 5th
Remmington Square Apts 1006 Thannisch. Large 1 bd/ 2003 Saturn Ion for sale! power everything, 1 bath. $450/mo. Free cable Blue, clean, like new! Please call and internet. 817-274-1800. 254-913-8802 for more de704 Lynda Lane 1 bd/ 1 ba tails. $6400.00 $400/mo laundry on property, free basic cable & water paid. SERVICE DIRECTORY (817)-274-1800 Quadrangle Apt. 509 Bowen Rd. 1/bd 2 level apt. 475/mo includes water. $150 deposit (817)274-1800
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HOUSING Apartments NEED A PLACE TO LIVE?
pastormikeredd@sbcglobal.net Come to The Shorthorn’s or call 817-465-1291 from 2009 Housing Fair Miscellaneous 9am till noon, Mon. - Thurs. Get information about; HEY! • Off-campus Apartments Good luck UTA Men’s and Want to score some cash? • Campus Housing Women’s basketball. We got Blu is The Craze that Pays • Moving & Storage your back in the tournament. www.blufrogenergy.com/ plana • And MORE! WE BELIEVE IN YOU! 903-474-3352 Let’s go MAVS! CALLING ALL Wednesday April 8 NURSING STUDENTS 10:00AM-3:00PM EMPLOYMENT Hiring immediately for University Center summer and beyond! Childcare Palo Duro Lounge Nice family looking for enerFREE ADMISSION getic, creative, focused & fun Full time summer job; OPEN TO THE PUBLIC young woman to work w/ take 3 kids to country club www.TheShorthorn.com our lovely daughter w/ dis$325/wk, 8-4:30, Mon-Fri, abilities. Exp. preferred but to apply or for questions Need Privacy? will train, pt or ft, flex hrs. tjpritchard@sbcglobal.net Arlington Central Apts., Very close to UTA. You will Newly remodeled. Granite General work w/ other fantastic UTA countertops, stainless applistudents. $10/hr. Call for ances, access gate, laundry on Make up to $75 taking online interview prop. water pd, 1 & 2 BR. surveys. Mr & Mrs Phillips Walk to UTA, from $450 www.cashtospend.com (817) 265-6009 (817)860-3691 Part time inventory company Hospitality/Service needs 4 people for 2 days. $785. 2/1 719 UTA blvd, vaulted !Bartending! $250/day Monday and Tuesday 5am ceiling, fireplace, w/d connection, March 30 and 31. $300 plus potential No experience nec parking. 817-789-2639 Training provided age possible year round work. 18+.ok 1-800-965-6520 x.137 Call 817-695-1500. Benge Oak Apartments STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Bartender Apprentice wanted Walk to UTA. 1 Bed/ 1Bath Paid Survey Takers needed in $$$$$$$$$$$$ Move in special $199. Arlington. 100% FREE to Showdown (817)291-3385 join. Click on Surveys. (817)-233-5430
DR. RUTH Q: I've often heard you say that premature ejaculation is a learning disability. What do you mean by that?
He is good in bed, but I'm afraid I am just getting tired of the same thing all the time. I am afraid it might just be him. He is an extremely good-looking man, and we have everything going for us. I find myself thinking about being with other men, not anyone in particular. I have never cheated on anyone in my life. I want to have an affair because I think that will cure me, having something new. I don't know what to do. I am very intelligent and know you are going to tell me not to have an affair, but I am really in distress here.
A: Some men believe that they have no control over how long it takes them to have an orgasm. They have come to regard having an orgasm within moments of beginning intercourse -- i.e., premature ejaculation -- as something their penis is doing that is not under their control. To them, this is a physical problem. But the fact is that any man can learn what to do in order to prolong the time he Dr. Ruth A: You're right that I'm can have intercourse without Send your going to tell you not to have having an orgasm. He has to questions to Dr. an affair, because in my be taught, or at least teach Ruth Westheimer opinion, if you did, that himself, what he needs to would be the end of your do, and then he has to do his c/o King marriage. Obviously you're homework -- that is to say, to Features practice so that slowly he Syndicate, 235 E. dissatisfied with your relationship in some way. develops more and more 45th St., New Adding the pressure of an control. There are many York, NY 10017 affair would only make mataspects of the body that ters worse. Instead, you have aren't under one's control, like one's height, but when it comes to to seek ways of fixing whatever is premature ejaculation, it's within the wrong. That might require professional capabilities of any man to learn the help, but wouldn't that be a better course than having an affair and wrecknecessary skills. ing your marriage? It's possible you'll Q: I am a 22-year-old female. I discover that the relationship is so far have been married for two and a half gone that it can't be saved. Then you'll years and have a 1-1/2-year-old son. just have to move on and find someone My problem is that I do not feel like else. But since it's possible that you can having sex with my husband anymore. fix it, doesn't it make sense to try?
CROSSWORD PUZZLE Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9 with no repeats. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
Solution Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com
about sports Stephen Peters, editor sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports publishes Tuesday through Friday. Page 8
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The ShorThorn
Best Foot Forward
O O X X X
UTA SporTS CAlendAr
track teams prepare for weekend invitational
Today Men’s tennis vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Time: 2 p.m. Place: Corpus Christi
By Cody MCClendon Contributor to The Shorthorn
Baseball vs. Nicholls State Time: 6 p.m. Place: Thibodaux, La. Track at UTA/Bobby Lane Invitational Time: All day Place: Maverick Stadium Saturday Softball vs. Stephen F. Austin Time: 1 p.m. Place: Nacogdoches Women’s tennis vs. Sam Houston State Time: 2 p.m. Place: Huntsville Softball vs. Stephen F. Austin Time: 3 p.m. Place: Nacogdoches Track at UTA Bobby Lane Invitational Time: All day Place: Maverick Stadium Sunday Men’s tennis vs. UT-Pan American Time: 10 a.m. Place: UTA Tennis Center Women’s tennis vs. Stephen F. Austin Time: 10 a.m. Place: Nacogdoches Softball vs. Stephen F. Austin Time: noon Place: Nacogdoches
The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley
Freshman high jumper Blake Usrey attempts to jump a six-foot-high bar Thursday during the track team’s practice at Maverick Stadium in preparation for this weekend’s meet. UTA will host the annual Bobby Lane Invitational track meet this weekend featuring a high school track meet at SMU today and events at Maverick Stadium starting at 9 a.m. Saturday.
As the transition from winter to spring continues, the track teams’ focus shifts from indoor meets to the outdoors. the university will host the 33rd annual UtA Bobby Lane Invitational, beginning all day Friday with the high school events at sMU, running through saturday with university events at Maverick stadium. saturday’s activities begin at 9 a.m. with field events. running events are scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Cordero Gray, a sophomore sprinter, says the team must pull together if they want a shot at being No. 1 at the end of the season. “It is nice to have that record,” he said. “But we haven’t done anything yet, we’re just starting. We have to keep getting faster.” schools featured for the event are texas Christian, southern Methodist, oklahoma, Missouri state, tulsa, North texas and Depaul. Head coach John sauerhage said this meet is an opportunity for both the men’s and women’s teams to qualify for nationals. “We’re just trying to get faster,” he said. “Each week we’re trying to get a little bit more work done, so we can be running fast at the end of the season.” the men’s track team has the nation’s fastest posted time in the 4x100. the team registered an NCAA regional qualifying mark of 40.05 last weekend at the
Horned Frog Invitational in Fort Worth. the women’s track and field team looks to progress past its qualifying times posted at tCU last weekend. Junior sprinter Jasmine Walls posted a NCAA qualifying mark in the 200 meters with a time of 23.75. Walls also placed third in the 100 meters at tCU with a 11.60 time. Junior sprinter Antonia Hopkins said she has to keep her mind right competing against other sprinters and combatting the weather. Mental preparation will be key for UtA, as the forecast calls for high winds and a temperature in the low 50’s. “I don’t do good in cold weather,” Hopkins said. Eighteen teams compete saturday, and Maverick stadium will host several international olympians, including three-time gold medalist Jeremy Wariner. Wariner is scheduled to run in the 200 scheduled for 6 p.m. saturday. other members of the 2008 United states olympic team will also be present. scheduled to compete are Darold Williamson and reggie Witherspoon. Williamson and Wariner teamed up in the 2004 olympics, winning gold in the 4x400. Witherspoon ran the third leg of the 4x400 in the 2008 olympics, ultimately securing a gold medal for UsA. Cody MCClendon sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Crediting Prowess
Baseball vs. Nicholls State Time: 1 p.m. Place: Thibodaux, La.
team should honor southland Conference tournament MVp
VolleyBAll
Mavs to begin spring exhibition schedule The volleyball team announced its spring exhibition schedule, which begins Saturday. UTA faces Texas State, Baylor, UTSA and Blinn College — all in San Marcos. Texas State hosts the weekend scrimmages, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Strahan Coliseum. Other scrimmages include matches against Southern Methodist on April 18 and Texas Christian on April 25. Nine players return to the Mavericks’ roster, seven of whom are freshmen. During the offseason, head coach Diane Seymour inked two frehsmen to National Letters of Intent for 2009. UTA signed Charae Grosser (Wharton, Texas) and Jessica Jiles (Plano, Texas) — both middle blockers. — Stephen Peters
W
hen the Mavericks’ bas- if any, did more for the program ketball season came to while wearing that jersey. Vereen’s on-court accomplishan end March 12, it also brought an end to the career of per- ments speak for themselves. He played more haps the greatest to ever games than anyone else wear the UtA uniform. in a Mavericks uniform, Now the program scored more points than should bestow him with anyone but Brand — and the highest honor any that record might never team can. be touched — finished in Anthony Vereen left the top ten in rebounding the playing court for the in school history and was last time for the Mavs the southland Conferthat evening at the Merence tournament MVp rell Center in Katy. for the first UtA squad It should also become the last time anyone wore ChriS lee Moore to ever make the NCAA tournament. No. 32 for the Mavs — Very few players could ever. By the time the 2010 season be as dominating as Vereen. When ends, Vereen’s number should he got the ball in the post, there be retired and hanging from the was almost no one in the southtexas Hall rafters along with Wil- land who could stop him. Heck, I heard some people suglie Brand. For four years, Vereen wore gest that Blake Griffin, a candiNo. 32 for the Mavericks, and few, date for the 2009 Naismith Men’s
College player of the Year Award, would have problems against Vereen. But what defined Vereen more than anything else was his drive and desire. And that stood out when the ball was dead, even more than when it was in play. He would huddle his teammates together before going to the foul line. When heading to the bench, he would wave for the texas Hall crowd to get louder. During timeouts, he could sometimes be more fired up and vocal than the coaches. While UtA’s first trip to “the Dance” last year was a team effort — it always is — it’s not hard to see who stood out when it counted, especially during that sensational run in the southland tournament. Jermaine Griffin may have had the most talent, and Larry posey was a lightning rod of emotion. But Anthony Vereen put it all together and carried the Mavs on
his back to the championship. Brand was UtA’s greatest scorer. Mack Callier was the best rebounder. Donald Harris won a sLC tournament MVp award. Bill Washington played with all-out guts and heart. Mix all those together, and you would get Anthony Vereen. Vereen was more than a player — he was a winner. And that can never be defined by stats alone. starting next year, the Mavericks must move forward and focus on a new team that will try to duplicate what happened in 2008. But for one game, they should take the time to recognize the past – by raising number 32 to the rafters in honor of Anthony Vereen. — Chris Lee Moore is 2002 a alumnus and former shorthorn staff member. He is also best known as “superfan” at Maverick athletic events
33rd Annual Bobby Lane Track & Field Invitational
MARCH 27-28TH MAVERICKSTADIUM
Come out and support the Mavericks in their only home meet of the season! UNIVERSITY EVENTS Saturday, March 28TH Field Events start at 9AM Running Events start at 1PM FREE Admission for UTA Students!
Don’t miss Olympians Darvis Patton, Anson Henry and former UTA sprinter Jared Connaughton! For complete meet schedule, please visit www.utamavs.com