T h e
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friday april 3, 2009
volume 90, no. 94 www.theshorthorn.com
since 1919
Keep the Faith
INDeX
Softball players discuss their ballgame customs, rituals and superstitions. sports | page 6
heaDs up
Your Day News Opinion Sports
Today is the last day to drop classes without the grade counting against students’ GPA. Students must meet with an adviser to drop classes.
CoMMeNCeMeNt
leCture
Modifications to graduation process made
OneBook author discusses her novel’s origins, characters
Applicants will be able to print tickets online and will no longer sit in bleachers. By alI MustaNsIr The Shorthorn staff
Commencement tickets will be available online to streamline the distribution process — one of several changes administrators will implement starting with May graduation. On Wednesday, university officials announced changes to the
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commencement process they hope will enhance the experience for graduates and their families. Amy Schultz, Communications associate vice president, said her office wants to do “anything we can do to let people have a comfortable, positive experience.” In previous semesters, graduation applicants would go to their Dean’s office to collect tickets, she said. On April 24, students will recHanges continues on page 2
CaMpus lIfe
SG introduces new ways to meet campus elections candidates It utilizes online avenues to encourage student participation in the process. By sarah lutz The Shorthorn staff
Student Governance election campaign strategies shift as candidates and their platforms become more accessible to students with the addition of a unified Facebook group and an elections
Web page. The Student Governance and Organizations Office Web site will link to the elections page, showing each candidate’s name, photo, résumé and statement of purpose, said Carter Bedford, Student Governance and Organizations associate director. The page will go online April 8-10, more than a week before the elections, which elections continues on page 3
The Shorthorn: Michael Rettig
nichole krauss, author of oneBook the History of love, describes her writing process during her visit to the university Thursday night in University Center Rosebud Theatre. Krauss answered questions from students about her inspirations for her characters, her writing process and what she hopes people get from reading her work.
Nicole Krauss said the desire to reclaim her Jewish heritage inspired her to fulfill that need through writing the novel. By JohNathaN sIlver Contributor to The Shorthorn
The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran
aqua MaN! From left, architecture senior nick Mikitoff, business management junior nate stein and undeclared freshman Paul Martori show off their skills to potential dates while grooving to “I’m On A Boat” by The Lonely Island on Thursday night at All-Stars Bar. The Pi Kappa Alpha members were one of nine acts of the night. The date auction raised funds for the Eta Upsilon Chapter of the Pi Kappa Fraternity with the highest bid reaching $150.
The 2008-09 OneBook author Nicole Krauss said realizing that nostalgia summed up a missing piece of her childhood was the basis for her bestseller The History of Love during her lecture Thursday in the University Center Rosebud Theatre. Krauss said her book originated from clearing her thoughts and allowing her mind to roam unrestrained for guidance. “Writing is a way for me to exercise the greatest possible freedom that I can have as a human being,” she said. “It didn’t begin with a single idea simply
because I didn’t know what I was writing almost until it was finished.” Leo Gursky, a main character, came to her as a voice and sparked the idea of the novel. “This book was written in a very organic way — just starting with a little idea, a little sound of this character,” Krauss said. Krauss connected writing to how thought patterns form. “If you think about your own memory, all these things have happened to you but you don’t remember a lot of them,” she said. “You only take pieces of your life and you string them together into a coherent narrative. I wanted to explore the idea that it was a wonderful thing.” From there, Krauss began writing about places krauss continues on page 3
safety
aDMINIstratIoN
First community service officers begin job training
ut system chancellor visits the university
The student officers’ tasks include campus patrol, police assistance. By JasoN JoyCe The Shorthorn staff
The university’s first team of eight student “community service officers” are expected to start working around campus next week. Service officer job functions include campus patrol tasks and building security at night. The group spent time in classes learning about professional conduct and decorum to ethical decision-making and
departmental grooming standards. Crime Prevention officer Ron Cook, one of the class instructors, tried to make the material easier to absorb. “If you just go straight through the material, it’s really dry,” he said. “You have to inject a little humor into it.” While those in the group represent a diverse range of majors and classifications, one thing united all eight – SNAP Jobs. They said they located service continues on page 3
The Shorthorn: Meghan Williams
Business freshman Ziad syed, left, models a safety vest presented by crime prevention officer Ron Cook. Syed will be wearing this vest as part of his student patrol job that he found through SNAP Job.
The new UT System Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa visited the campus Thursday as part of his routine visits to UT System institutions. Matt Flores, UT System Public Affairs assistant director, said the visits occur when changes in leadership happen, like a new chancellor. Cigarroa already visited a number of campuses around the state, Flores said. “It’s a ‘getting to know you’ kind of thing,” he said. The visit was one of a series of meetings Cigarroa has with President James Spaniolo and city leaders.
“It’s an opportunity for the chancellor to hear the priority issues on campus,” Flores said. Cigarroa has another visit to UTA planned later this semester. The UT System Board of Regents named Cigarroa chancellor in January. He is the former president of UT Health Science Center at San Antonio and also a transplant surgeon. Since his appointment, Cigarroa announced a systemwide flexible hiring freeze for nonfaculty positions.
— Bryan Bastible
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Friday, April 3, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
YOUR DAY
THREE-DAY FORECAST Today
Saturday
Sunday
Sunny • High 73°F • Low 53°F
Mostly sunny • High 78Y°F • Low 52°F
Sunny • High 65°F • Low 40°F — National Weather Service at www.weather.gov
CALENDAR
ORGANIZATIONS
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
Students to showcase diversity, cultures
TODAY
APRIL 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.
INTERNATIONAL WEEK 2009 EVENT SCHEDULE
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What: Movies Without Borders presents Slumdog Millionaire followed by a student panel discussion When: 8 tonight Where: Maverick Activities Center Lone Star Auditorium
Biology Department Spring 2009 Colloquium Series: noon1:30 p.m., 124 Life Science Building. Free. For information, contact Cedric Feschotte at 817-272-2872 or feschotte@ uta.edu.
What: Soccer/Cricket demonstration match and pingpong tournaments, When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Where: Maverick Activities Center indoor soccer gymnasium and second floor
Career Exploration Sessions: noon-12:30 p.m., 216 Davis Hall. Free. For information, call Counseling Services at 817-2723671.
What: Parade of Banners and grand opening ceremony When: noon-1 p.m. Monday Where: Nedderman Hall to the Central Library mall and the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom
Mechanical Characterization of Soft Tissues and Biomaterials: 1:30-2:30 p.m., 105 Nedderman Hall. Free. For information, contact Yaling Liu at 817-272-1256 or yaling.liu@uta.edu. OPT Seminar: 2-3 p.m., Swift Center. For information, contact Satu Birch at 817-272-2355 or sbirch@uta.edu. Adventures in Molecular Electronics: 2:30-3:30 p.m., 114 Chemistry Research Building. Free. For information, call 817272-3171. Planetarium Show — “Ice Worlds”: 4-5 p.m., Planetarium. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, $3 for faculty, staff and alumni and $2 for UTA students. For information, contact Levent Gurdemir at 817.272-0123 or planetarium@uta.edu. Planetarium Show — “Bad Astronomy”: 5-6 p.m., Planetarium. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, $3 for faculty, staff and alumni and $2 for UTA students. For information, contact Levent Gurdemir at 817.272-0123 or planetarium@uta.edu. Movie Night — Apollo 13: 6-8:30 p.m., Planetarium. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, $3 for faculty, staff and alumni and $2 for UTA students. For information, contact Levent Gurdemir at 817.2720123 or planetarium@uta.edu.
For the full calendar, visit
THE SHORTHORN .com
CORRECTIONS The university’s parking plans will build green space back over Lot 54. A headline made that fact unclear in Thursday’s paper. Shortstop Tim Steggall’s name was misspelled in a photo caption in Thursday’s issue.
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 Editor in Chief .............................. Joan Khalaf editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Managing Editor........................... Justin Rains
The Shorthorn: Meghan Williams
Biology senior Iris Baccam, front, kinesiology senior Magdalene Phanpiboul, left, and accounting senior Mimi Souliving practice their International Week performance Thursday in the Maverick Activities Center. The event begins today with the screening of Slumdog Millionaire in the MAC and ends April 10 with the Global Extravaganza showcasing talents in the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom.
International Week enables students to experience customs of the world, without the travel time or jet lag. BY SHAMBHU SHARAN Contributor to The Shorthorn
From food to fashion, international culture will be displayed throughout International Week from April 3 to 10. International Student Organization is organizing the week, with 20 participating international student organizations, ISO adviser Julie Holmer said. She said ISO has planned a weeklong festival every April, for the past 31 years. “It is an educational event that serves to inform and acknowledge cultural diversity,” Holmer said. This is the opportunity for the uni-
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ceive an e-mail with a password for the online ticket Web site. The site will tell students the number of tickets available to them and allow them to download and print them. The goal is to create a “one-stop shop.” Unclaimed tickets will be available after May 11, two days before commencement ceremonies begin. Public relations senior Bethany Nord wants to invite 17 people. She’s concerned tickets will not be available for all her guests and is not sure the new system will correct the problem, but says it’s a start.
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 ................... Drew Williamson copydesk-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports Editor ......................... Stephen Peters
versity to showcase the more than 2,500 students on campus with nationality and cultural student organizations and to allow the thousands of internationally-minded students, faculty, staff and community members to participate and enjoy campus diversity, Holmer said. The week’s schedule includes a parade, an indoor soccer tournament, a grand opening ceremony, nationality and cultural exhibits, food fair, fashion show, school visits and Global Extravaganza, she said. Students will carry their country’s banner during the opening parade. She said the parade will end in the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom with performances by the UTA Dance Ensemble and the Filipino Student Association. There will be a Global Extravaganza on Friday, which will provide an array
She said she does not like that she won’t know if all her guests can come until only a few days before graduation. “Personally, I think they should find another venue if they do not have enough tickets for everyone,” Nord said. Another change is that guests more than 10 minutes late won’t be admitted into the ceremony, according to the commencement Web site. Schultz said graduates will sit in the Texas Hall auditorium facing the stage rather than in the bleachers. After analysis from previous ceremonies, the planners realized seating graduates in the auditorium would not lower the number of people who normally attend the ceremony, she said. Alumnus Boback Firoozsports-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
of cultural performances, ranging from song, dance, drama and comedy, Holmer said. She said the fashion show is a fun, cultural night of ethnic outfits and costumes. Students will dress in countries’ traditional dress during the fashion show. Student organizations will sell their country’s food for anyone to taste on the Food Fair day, she said. On exhibition day, students will visit to learn their cultures, she said. Friday’s talent show will include singing, dancing and a comedy act, Holmer said. Area schools have been invited to visit the different cultural exhibits set up by the student organizations, she said.
bakht said he did not like sitting on the stage at his graduation. He said it took away from the experience when looking at the back of the speaker, and people didn’t know where to sit or walk. He said he thinks it will be a lot easier for graduates because they can walk onto the stage, then return to their seat. Schultz said putting the graduates in the auditorium would also allow the stage’s decoration to have a more formal feel. She said there will be a designated place for photos and the university Jazz Orchestra will perform during the hour before the ceremony. ALI MUSTANSIR
What: Fashion show and exhibits When: 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday Where: University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom What: School visits to cultural exhibits When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday When: University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom What: Global Extravaganza When: 7 p.m.–9 p.m. Friday Where: University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom
SHAMBHU SHARAN news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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.
WEDNESDAY Welfare check Police were called at 9:09 a.m. to check the welfare of a resident of Kalpana Chawla Hall, 901 S. Oak St. The responding officers located the student and verified that the student was alright. Vehicle fire Police responded at 11:13 a.m. to handle a vehicle fire at 600 W. Mitchell St. The responding officers contacted the Arlington Fire Department to extinguish the fire.
news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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, Mike Love, Pax Salinas, Kasy Tomlinson, Linley Wilson, Anthony Duong, Michael Goad Ad Artists ............................. Antonina
What: Food fair When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday Where: University Center mall, Rain Site: University Center Palo Duro Lounge
Doescher, 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
Investigation An officer responded at 1:25 p.m. to the Cottonwood Ridge North apartments, 1014 S. Pecan St., to take a report of a runaway juvenile. The resident told responding officers the juvenile disappeared sometime between 5 p.m. Tuesday and 1:25 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Theft Police were called at 2:07 p.m. to take a theft report from a staff member at the Maverick Activities Center, 500 W. Nedderman Dr. The caller told police that an unknown individual had stolen parts from one of the center’s computers.
For a crime map, visit
THE SHORTHORN .com 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, April 3, 2009
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The ShorThorn
spring is in the air Getting medical help early may ease worsening seasonal allergy symptoms ElizabEth FlorEs Contributor to The Shorthorn
As the seasons change, the early spring sounds are those of the doctor’s office. Students are visiting Health Services with all too common symptoms: itchy, runny noses and watery, burning eyes. “Every year, I get the same symptoms and use the same over-the-counter medicines,” said marketing junior Justin Kendrick. He said the allergies can make his day uncomfortable. Health Services physician Rodger Mitchell said North Texans suffer from a high concentration of tree and grass pollen. This high pollen concentration creates symptoms similar to a cold like burning eyes, sneezing and an itchy, runny nose. Fever isn’t associated with allergies, though. Spring’s allergen, tree pollen, usually starts dispersion from early April and leads into May. Grass and weed pollen follow it from May until July. Dr. Mitchell said students can visit the health center for allergy treatment, and a lot of medications are available, from antihistamines and decongestants to nasal steroid sprays. Kendrick said he spends $50 on allergy medicine at this time, every year. He was unaware of the services
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are April 20-21. Mr. UTA Tim Brown, who is not running for anything, said the Web pages will help students who don’t live on campus to access information about the candidates. “Facebook, as well as the Internet, are going to be great networking tools and more means to get to people that are still commuting to campus or don’t really get involved,” he said. Brown said he expected some of the Student Governance races to be close and that candidates may be grateful for the extra mediums. “Especially with the heat of Mr. and Ms. UTA and Student
hEalth sErvicEs Health Services appointment cost: free for students, staff and faculty Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Closed. No walk-ins. Appointment only
available at the health center but plans to make an appointment because he’s tired of spending money on medicine that only temporarily relieves his symptoms. Mitchell said dust mites and pollen from outside can transfer from ones hair to ones pillow, causing an allergic reaction throughout the night that prevents a good night’s sleep. “A good idea is to wash sheets frequently to rid of accumulated pollens and dust mites,” he said. He recommends avoiding outdoor activities on windy days and in the late afternoon, when the pollen count is high. Allergies usually get worse, not better, and he recommends students visit the doctor, Mitchell said. “I encourage students not to suffer unnecessarily and stop into the health center,” he said. ElizabEth FlorEs news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Congress president — a lot of people this year — and it was like this my freshman year, a lot of the people running are good, close friends,” he said. “So, they have the same friend network, so you’re going to see a lot of division going on.” Bedford said Student Governance created a Facebook group to put candidate info online, though it’s not an official requirement for anyone running. Candidates may create additional personal campaign pages. “The Facebook group is just us trying to conform to kind of the technology and the things that students are doing,” he said. “So it’s not an official communication, but it’s just another tool.” Bedford said Student Governance used to take out a large ad in The Shorthorn but
The Shorthorn: Monica Lopez
it gEts mE around Computer science freshman Jordan Thompson and his girlfriend Kayla Mirrors look at a NASCAR racing car Thursday on the University Center mall. The Red Bull Racing Team brought racer Scott Speed’s car to campus to promote its next event Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway.
Krauss continued from page 1
she’s never been, but which are tied to her Jewish heritage and upbringing. Her family fled from their homeland because of the Holocaust and told Krauss, “You can never go back there.” That void in her heritage led her desire to fill it in the novel, she said. The History of Love is about people dealing with with an increase in candidate campaigning, space became a limitation. “So what we decided to do was just utilize technology and be able to put up a Web site,” he said. “We’re able to put it up a week or two earlier than that Shorthorn ad would go.” Student Congress President Travis Boren said students should expect to see mainly campaigners championing for votes. “They’re going to be talking to different student organizations and presenting their platforms and introducing themselves,” he said. “Basically just talk with them, explain what they’re looking to do next year and how they plan to go about that.” Boren said the campaigning process is mainly about
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love, loss and lingering characters that connect through a lost book. Laurie Porter, former OneBook co-chairwoman and English professor, nominated Krauss’ novel last year for the freshman reading program. “It has multiple voices and multiple narrators — everything from a 14-year-old girl to an 80-year-old man,” Porter said. “It’s set in places all over the world, and somehow she manages to bring all of
this together in the most intricate and interesting ways.” OneBook co-chairman Christopher Conway, modern languages associate professor, moderated a Q&A-styled interview with Krauss about her reasoning behind the novel. English department chair Wendy Faris said the interview was unparalleled. “I’m not usually impressed by writers speaking,” Faris said. “She was appealing as a person, articulate, forthcom-
ing and savvy about her book and her writing process.” Kinesiology freshman Rebecca Jones attended the lecture because she liked the book and wanted extra credit in her class. “I thought it should have been more about the book but I got a sense of who she is,” Jones said. “She brought her background and her personality into the book.”
candidates meeting people and informing the student body about the issues and their stances on them. Bedford said the restriction on the platform statement’s length on the e-ballot and résumés were both increased, to 125 words and 200 characters respectively, because the e-ballot system and Web page allot more space. “The short résumé, which is on the form, is just a function of the e-ballot tool, which we used for the first time last semester,” he said. “The last semester was kind of the trial and so now we see a little bit more of what the system allows us to do, and so we’re able to add a little bit more on that.”
Service
vests as a concern, and jokingly said that they’d make the community service officers easy targets because they’re so bright. Moore said his concern is the eight “may be guinea pigs” for the program and subjected to uncertainty and changes as University Police officials tweak the program. There is, however, the possibility of service officers’ friends looking for help with having campus citations dropped or an “in” with University Police, he said. “I’ve told [friends] that unless they need help crossing the street, don’t come to me,”
sarah lutz news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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the job with University Police through UTA’s on-campus job database. Psychology major Anthony Moore, said he wasn’t sure about the hours, but the allure of working for UTA Police was one reason he took the job. He said the position also gives him an opportunity to experience the practical and applicable side of his major. Some have concerns and apprehensions about being the first through the new program. Ankita Katuri, an information systems major, cited the Day–Glo green
Johnathan silvEr news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Jason JoycE news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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ABOUT OPINION Cohe Bolin, editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Wednesday and Friday. Page 4
OPINION
REMEMBER The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Friday, April 3, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
EDITORIAL/OUR VIEW
All the Rage
Stay the Course Avoid future headaches by not dropping classes Today is the last day to drop a class, but now we are in the home stretch. Getting through the last six weeks will be more beneficial overall than dealing with the consequences of dropping. Dropping a class at this point will cost you the entire amount paid for the class without getting any credit for all the hard work and effort you’ve already put into it. Paying 100 percent for a class without gaining any ground toward your degree plan is a waste of time, money and energy. According to the Texas Senate Bill 1231 that went into effect fall 2007, undergraduate students enrolling as first-time freshmen in fall 2007 and later may only drop six courses in their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public institutions also count. So, if you really need EDITORIAL to drop a course, do ROUNDUP so sparingly. If you are The issue: going to attend classes Today is the last day to here for a couple more drop classes — but we years, you never know are so close to end of the semester it would what kind of situation be a waste. might arise that could force you to drop a class. We suggest: Unless it is a dire Dropping all your necessity, really try courses at once requires to stick it out and get through the next six you to withdraw from weeks. A little pain now the university completely. will be forgotten once This will definitely make you’ve got another 3-4 hours on your tranyou look like a less-thanscript. stellar student and you will have to explain yourself to anyone who sees your transcript. The number of students who drop classes every semester on the last drop date were not available from the Bursar Services. Besides the potential consequences on your transcript and wallet, dropping a class will land you with a “W,” no matter what your grade is. As an undergraduate if you receive a “D” or an “F,” you can retake the course for a grade replacement, though a few things should be known. Paperwork for a grade replacement must be filed, otherwise your original grade will continue to be calculated toward your grade point average. If you are filing for a grade replacement this semester, the form has to be filed to the Registrar’s Office today, or the processing time will be delayed until after the following census date. Grade replacement is allowed once per class for up to 10 credit hours. So if you can stick it out until the last class day — you should. It is much better than having to deal with the possible consequences of dropping a class.
Barbie celebrates 50th birthday in full bloom
F
or more than 50 years a debate has been raging between feminists and women everywhere. The fight centers around one person, and whether she is a positive female role model or a hurtful and unrealistic image for little girls. Her name has become synonymous with her blonde hair and her signature pink accessories. Barbara Millicent Roberts — but most of us know her as “Barbie.” The controversy over this female icon overlooks the positive female power that Barbie promotes. The main opposing argument is that Barbie represents an unhealthy and unrealistic view of women that little girls everywhere shouldn’t follow. According to a BBC news report, if Barbie were an actual 5-feet-6-inch tall woman, she would have a 20-inch waist, 29inch hips and a 27-inch bust. For a visual comparison, Victoria Beckham reportedly has a waist of 23 inches. Some would argue that a girl aspiring to match Barbie would have to have 4 ribs removed and carry her liver and kidney in a matching handbag. Mattel first released Barbie on March 9, 1959. This March marked the 50th birthday of this famous female, and countries around the world celebrated this event. Mattel invited little girls everywhere to share this birthday extravaganza with their own favorite Barbie doll. People forget that if Barbie were an actual person, she would have more than 40 careers: pediatrician, U.S. Army officer, astronaut, U.S. president and ballerina, to name a few.
She would have traveled to more than 150 countries and would speak more than 30 languages. The argument that she did not need Ken to assist her with those achievements, suggests that she is a great female figure for little girls. It can also be argued that in today’s economic recession, she would be able to go to the beach, the ball and her wedding (if she ever decided to take Ken back) for less than $20 — quite an accomplishment. Barbie proves to little girls that they should be aware of all possibilities. That girls can do everything they want to do, MACY GALVAN become a NASCAR driver, cowgirl, paleontologist, a fairy-tale princess, etc. Girls could drive a pink Lamborghinis and live in a Malibu mansion if desired. And no matter what, Barbie allows little girls to play out this dream — no matter what career they might be wearing that week.
– Macy Galvan is an English senior and a columnist for The Shorthorn
The Shorthorn: Robert Villarreal
Lend a Hand Europe needs to heed Obama’s call for help in Afghanistan
LETTER
Fuzzy Numbers I read the article regarding the tobacco-free initiative on campus and the recent poll results. It was reported that the online survey results indicate that 66 percent of the 3,198 participants said either the current smoking policy should be enforced or the campus should be made tobacco-free. My guard went up when I noticed that the article didn’t include what percentage favored only making the campus tobacco-free — the central issue of this initiative. Could it be that the obviously biased “Committee for a Tobacco-Free Campus” didn’t want you to see survey results that showed a-lessthan-clear majority supporting such an initiative? What do you do in such a case? You report data that appears to support your case. By lumping the two options (enforcement of the current policy and a campuswide ban) together, you get survey results that seem to favor the mandate you want (the campuswide ban perhaps). Let’s see the actual survey results! By the way, I have no horse in this race. I don’t smoke. — Fred MacDonnell is a professor and associate chair of the chemistry department
Since 1919
T
he war the government seems to have forgotten for almost six years is coming back to the center of attention. In the last eight years, America and a number of other countries have maintained a military presence in Afghanistan after ousting the Taliban from power. All have sustained casualties, but none have fought and suffered more than American, Canadian, British, and SYLVAIN REY Dutch soldiers, even as the strategy ignored the Afghan front. Last week, President Barack Obama announced that he would send 4,000 more troops to Afghanistan, shift unrealistic goals toward more moderate and realistic ones
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joan Khalaf E-MAIL editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
like focusing on security and a certain level of economic success and open reconstruction to civilians. Whether these measures will work — and to what extent depends on many things — it’s too early for predictions. In any case, this new strategy is welcome. Coming a few days before Obama began his 8-day tour across Europe, the announcement clearly sent a call for others to help — especially Europe. It seems unlikely that many in Europe will heed Obama’s cry. Obama is, perhaps, even more popular across the Atlantic than he is here. European leaders and citizens rejoiced at Obama’s victory last year — especially because his administration is willing to listen to others. Sometimes it seems that all this praise is merely a façade and little will come after it. When the Iraq war strained relations between several European
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,
countries and the U.S., it was understandable that European governments refused to help more than they were already. But now that the U.S. and Europe have a real option to talk and listen to each other, it would be a shame for the Europeans to lose this opportunity. Europeans should give Obama and the U.S. a chance — now that the U.S. is willing to listen to advice. Sending soldiers to war is always a difficult decision, and no one wants his or her sons and daughters to die on the front. But we can’t let that burden rest primarily on American shoulders. Now that the U.S. has taken a step forward, I hope that Europe will make a responsible decision.
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-
— Sylvain Rey is an anthropology senior and a columnist for The Shorthorn
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, April 3, 2009
Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
HOUSING
HOUSING
MERCHANDISE
Campus Org.
Events
General
Jobs Wanted
Office/Clerical
Apartments
Apartments
Miscellaneous
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Torque Auto Repair is currently in need of Part Time/ full time Admin Assistant responsible for all activities in the Admin/ Clerical Office If you interested in this position, kindly submit your resume to
NEED A PLACE TO LIVE?
VOTE Hillary G. for Science Senator! VOTE Hillary G. for Ambassador! VOTE Hillary G. for Science Senator! Vote Hillary Donate school supplies to G. for Ambassador! Freshmen Leaders on Campus’ schoolhouse boxes lo- KENT LONG for Student Congress President. Knowlcated around campus. Supplies going to Honduran edgeable, experienced, networked, tenacious. school. Call ext. 22293 Organizations Marcia Martinez for liberal arts senator! A proud Maver- COME SUPPORT FRESHick leader! Motivated, experi- MAN LEADERS ON CAMenced, and dedicated to serve PUS! STOP BY THE UC you! GALLERY THIS WEEK! Knowledgeable, experienced, GET INFORMED ABOUT networked, tenacious. Kent HONDURAS! Long for Student Congress Donate to Heifer International President. Ask Questions. Be via Freshmen Leaders on informed. Vote smart. Campus. Funds to aid Hon Vote Marcia Martinez for duras families. SGO in UC Liberal Arts Senator! A Mav- basement. call ext 22293 erick leader ready to represent Personals you! Ask questions! Be inBess Alvarez is voting for formed! Vote smart! Vote Marcia Martinez to Kent Long and Melanie Johnserve as your liberal arts son. Do you know your cansenator! An experienced can- didates? Be a Maverick. Vote didate! A Maverick leader informed. Vote for diligence and experience. Kent Long and Melanie Johnson will get the job done and know what they’re doing!
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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
Vote Shannon Leidlein for UTA Ambassador! Be a Shan Fan!! Elections are April 20th and 21st in the UC :) R2-D2 and C3PO are saying VOTE in the UPCOMING STUDENT ELECTIONS! Know your candidates! VOTE April 20th and 21st! STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Vote Omar Rosales Paid Survey Takers needed in PAID EGG DONORS for up for Mr. UTA April 20-21 Arlington. 100% FREE to to 9 donations + Expenses. HEYYY MAVERICKS!!! join. Click on Surveys. N/smokers, ages 18-29, Student elections are right HEY! SAT>1100/ACT>24GPA>3.0 around corner! Vote Toni A. Want to score some cash? for Miss UTA! Voting begins info@eggdonorcenter.com Blu is The Craze that Pays April 20th and 21st. www.blufrogenergy.com/ plana Events 903-474-3352 HEY MAVERICKS! Hiring immediately for Student elections are coming The Shorthorn and UTA summer and beyond! soon! Get involved! Know proudly present candidates! Voting is the Nice family looking for enerHousing Fair 2009 your getic, creative, focused & fun MAVERICK thing to do! Wednesday April 8 Vote Nelly Lopez for UTA young woman to work w/ 10:00AM-3:00PM ambassador #23 April 20th our lovely daughter w/ disUniversity Center abilities. Exp. preferred but and 21st in the UC Palo Duro Lounge will train, pt or ft, flex hrs. Miscellaneous FREE ADMISSION Very close to UTA. You will Lovely. Ingenious. Loyal. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC work w/ other fantastic UTA Optimistic. Ambitious. Neat. www.TheShorthorn.com students. $10/hr. Call for Devoted. Sincere. Thought817-272-HORN (4676) interview ful. Iventive. Trushworthy. PowerPlay: Hope for HonMr & Mrs Phillips Charming. Humble. Magical. duras- A philanthropic com(817) 265-6009 Youthful. Open-minded. petition raising funds for Helpful. Apathetic. Heifer International April 8th Hospitality/Service Nonjudgemental. Athletic. 6 pm to 9 pm at the MAC. !Bartending! $250/day EMPLOYMENT potential No experience nec Freshman Leaders on CamChildcare Training provided age pus proudly presents Hope for Full time summer job; 18+.ok 1-800-965-6520 x.137 Honduras. UC Gallery Montake 3 kids to country club Bartender Apprentice wanted day through Friday 8 am to $325/wk, 8-4:30, Mon-Fri, $$$$$$$$$$$$ 5pm. This week only! to apply or for questions Showdown tjpritchard@sbcglobal.net (817)-233-5430 Mavericks you should know! Kent Long and Melanie John- Babysitter needed for 9 mo. son for Student Congress old. Salary and hours negoPart-time Bar/Food Server/ President and Vice President. tiable (817)368-7331 Beverage Cart/Cart Attendant General They want your vote. positions available. Includes Make up to $75 taking online hourly wage plus tips. No bar surveys. Vote in the upcoming student experience required, training www.cashtospend.com elections you should! Quescan be provided. Golf course tions ask you must! Strong SURVEY TAKERS located in Grand Prairie with the force are man candi- NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per Call 972-264-6161 dates! -Yoda survey. GetPaidToThink.com since 2007!
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DR. RUTH Q: What plausible, intellectual Q: I am a 32-year-old married man. I am not homosexual, but I rationale is there for a cultural stigma sometimes have gay fantasies of hav- against premarital sex? ing sex with other men. Sometimes I A: Do you mean in today's world, or fantasize about being penetrated by a man and I have a lustful urge to insert historically? Today we have access to birth control, but until not an artificial penis up my that long ago, premarital sex anus. My wife does not meant there was a good know about this, and I am chance that an unintended afraid if she knew, she pregnancy would occur, and might be turned off and we for a single woman to have a would lose a beautiful, sexchild out of wedlock in the ually active marriage. I days before women were must tell you that I also allowed to hold a job was a have protected sex with catastrophe. But remember, prostitutes. How should I even today, no form of birth handle my gay fantasies? control is 100 percent effecShould I let a prostitute tive, so in addition to the risk copulate me with an artifi- Dr. Ruth of catching a disease, there cial penis? Or should I let Send your still exists the risk of an uninmy wife do that and risk questions to Dr. tended pregnancy, and while ruining my marriage? I would never have sex with Ruth Westheimer the consequences may not be as bad now, they do still a real man other than in my c/o King exist. And let me add one fantasies. Please solve my Features problem. Syndicate, 235 E. more item, not totally related to sex, but partially: A higher percentage of couples who A: I'm not sure why you 45th St., New live together before getting think it's OK to cheat on York, NY 10017 married end up divorced than your wife with female prostitutes but not with a male prostitute. couples who don't. Many of those couPersonally, I think you should stop ples who don't live together also don't seeing prostitutes altogether. While I have sex prior to marriage, so to some wouldn't come out and ask your wife degree, saving yourself until marriage to insert an artificial penis into your does bring with it a little bit of insuranus just like that, you could ask her ance with regard to the marriage lasting. to touch it during sex, and maybe Do I think most people are going to work your way into other activities look at all these risks and give up havslowly. I don't think there's much risk ing premarital sex? No, but I just wantto your marriage if you take that ed to let you know that there is a rational underpinning for waiting. approach.
JOB AND COLLEGE FAIR April 4, 10 am to 1 pm Bob Duncan Center 2800 S. Center St., Arl. 76014 Area employers hiring high school age and adults for various positions. Bring copies of resumes. For more information call 817-459-6499
Come to The Shorthorn’s
2009 Housing Fair Get information about; • Off-campus Apartments • Campus Housing • Moving & Storage • And MORE!
torqueautowheels@gmail.com
Two week assignment $10/hr Arlington Administrative Assistant Office/Clerical needed. Must have flexible schedule and must be detail The Shorthorn oriented. Duties entail is seeking a Receptionist for 10% typing and 90% filing the spring semester. Must Contact: Mrs.Harper be a UTA work-study stu(817)801-3222* alt. dent available to work (817)460-0715 MWF, 10-1 & T/Th Noon -1 CFM, a Las Colinas-based Apply online at CRM expert, seeks a bright, www.uta.edu/snapjob friendly new voice for a customer service position in our For more information call outbound call center. Appli817-272-3188 cants must be fluent in EngArl Insurance Agency needs lish, possess strong writing pt help. Great phone voice, skills, and have a positive, can-do attitude. This is a energetic. Will train. part-time position perfect for 817-261-5777 a student. $10/ hr. to start + benefits. Email resumes to smcfarland@gocfm.com
HOUSING Apartments $785. 2/1 719 UTA blvd, vaulted ceiling, fireplace, w/d connection, parking. 817-789-2639
Wednesday April 8 10:00AM-3:00PM University Center Palo Duro Lounge FREE ADMISSION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC www.TheShorthorn.com
Need Privacy? Arlington Central Apts., Newly remodeled. Granite countertops, stainless appliances, access gate, laundry on prop. water pd, 1 & 2 BR. Walk to UTA, from $450 (817)860-3691 Benge Oak Apartments Walk to UTA. 1 Bed/ 1Bath Move in special $199. (817)291-3385 Quadrangle Apt. 509 Bowen Rd. 1/bd 2 level apt. 475/mo includes water. $150 deposit (817)274-1800 704 Lynda Lane 1 bd/ 1 ba $400/mo laundry on property, free basic cable & water paid. (817)-274-1800
Remmington Square Apts Discounted Graduation 1006 Thannisch. Large 1 bd/ Caps and Gowns for Sale 1 bath. $450/mo. Free cable 3 blk gowns, 2 blk caps, 1 and internet. 817-274-1800. royal blue gown, 2 academic AVAILABLE NOW!!! hoods.Contact:(817)296-1708 $199 MOVE IN SPECIAL Pinewood Apts. Call SERVICE DIRECTORY (817)265-1659 Email: Computer Service crystal@wellsasset.com
Homes
Are you a company needing free computer programmer? Rooms 4 Rent with private Bachelors in computer engibath. Starts @ $400. w/d & neering, I need work experidsl -(817)829-6876 ence. Available immediately, Roommates call 214-205-1485 Room $450 +1/3 elec., cable, internet incl. 817-734-5730 Looking for roommates for 3 months in the summer. Walking distance to campus. Call Johny (817)907-2927 for leasing info, etc.
Medical Services
Townhomes 600 Grand Avenue 2 bd/1 bth townhome. Washer/dryer, water, and cable provided. $600/mo 817-274-1800
MERCHANDISE Books Sell, Swap, Exchange your books directly with other students here at UTA. UTABooklist.com Sign up today; It’s free.
www.theshorthorn.com
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 6
Chalk talk
sports
remember “Sports Shorts” is back and available for listen on www.theshorthorn.com. Search iTunes and subscribe for new episodes. Friday, April 3, 2009
The ShorThorn
O O X X X
Fielding superstitions
uta sports calendar Today Baseball vs. Southeastern Louisiana Time: 6:30 p.m. Place: Clay Gould Ballpark Track at Texas Relays Time: All day Place: Austin Saturday Women’s tennis vs. Southeastern Louisiana Time: 10 a.m. Place: Hammond, La. Baseball vs. Southeastern Louisiana Time: 2 p.m. Place: Clay Gould Ballpark Softball vs. Sam Houston State Time: 2 p.m. Place: Allan Saxe Field Softball vs. Sam Houston State Time: 4 p.m. Place: Allan Saxe Field Track at Texas Relays Time: All day Place: Austin Sunday Women’s tennis vs. Nicholls State Time: 10 a.m. Place: Thibodeaux, La. Men’s tennis vs. Nicholls State Time: 10 a.m. Place: Thibodeaux, La.
The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard
Baseball vs. Southeastern Louisiana Time: 1 p.m. Place: Clay Gould Ballpark Softball vs. Sam Houston State Time: 1 p.m. Place: Allan Saxe Field
southland
Softball Standings SLC 14-4 11-4 11-4 11-7 10-8 8-7 8-8 7-8 5-12 3-12 2-15
rituals keep the Mavs in a winning mindset BY roBert matson
Tuesday Men’s tennis vs. Southern Methodist Time: 2 p.m. Place: Dallas
Team Texas State Nicholls State McNeese State UTSA UTA Stephen F. Austin Sam Houston State Central Arkansas Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Southeastern Louisiana Northwestern State
Freshman infielder Kelsey Kaiser yells out words of encouragement to her teammates Feb. 22 against Houston Baptist. This type of support is encouraged from head coach Debbie Hedrick, who did the same while she played at Louisiana Tech in the late ’80s.
Overall 25-12 25-11 19-19 18-17 14-17 18-19 14-17 16-20 15-26 14-19 4-27
The Shorthorn staff
the mind of an athlete can be a strange place. rarely do observers get a chance to learn what players are thinking before, during and after they step on the field or court. What keeps athletes sane when the game comes down to a matter of inches? What keeps them cool and collected in moments of high pressure? For many softball team members, simple things like superstitions, dugout cheering and even stuffed animals help keep the mood light and positive during the ups and downs of the long season. For example, junior pitcher Heather Fortenberry is particular about her clothing accessories during the game. “I have to wear the same headband every game, no matter what,” she said. “Also, I only wear sunglasses when I
pitch, not in the field.” While some players stress over headgear and eyewear, junior catcher samantha Chumchal is more concerned with her jersey sleeves and number. “I’m not sure if it’s superstitious, but every time before I bat, I draw my number [7] in the sand,” she said. “If I didn’t do it, I would definitely be thinking about it.” A ritual Chumchal has developed during her time at UtA is to roll up her jersey sleeves in practices and games. other superstitions for the team involve added travel companions. sophomore third baseman Whitney simpson revealed that bats, gloves and cleats aren’t the only equipment needed for road games. Dax the dog, an unknown breed of stuffed animal, and the cleverly named George
the Monkey accompany the team on all road trips. Without them, there would be a void in the team’s collective mindset. “Bad things, very bad things, would happen,” simpson said. “things that I don’t even want to think about happening if they got lost or didn’t make the trip.” one other ritual the entire team shares is the organized cheering from the dugout. they usually have a leader who calls on the other girls for a response, which the Mavs give in unison. the cheering is almost entirely positive and directed at their own teammates. Head coach Debbie Hedrick recalled from her playing days at Louisiana tech in the late ’80s cheering from the dugout. she said it has been growing in popularity in the last 20 years but has always been a part of
softball. “the cheers are a good way to stay involved in the game and have a little fun,” she said. “I encourage them to come up with cheers or sayings, as long as they are in good taste, to help keep the focus on the game.” superstitious or not, the players use them to keep up their mojo. the Mavs have put together back-to-back sweeps and are riding a six-game winning streak, the longest in the conference. With a slate of games at Allan saxe Field this weekend, the style of sunglasses, socks, headbands and what may look like scribble in the sand all is the mark of players trying to keep their minds clear so they can perform at a high level. roBert matson sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu