T H E
U N I V E R S I T Y
O F
T E X A S
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A R L I N G T O N
Wednesday July 15, 2009
Volume 90, No. 121 www.theshorthorn.com
Since 1919 INDEX Your Day News Opinion Scene
2 3 4 6
The Potter Saga
HEALTH
The J.K. Rowling book series has been interpreted in film and also in the classroom. SCENE | PAGE 6
ENROLLMENT
Too Much Sun?
Meeting finds ideas to help vets get into school
Caution needed in the heat
Unlike during Vietnam, military people coming home receive more respect and support. BY JOHNATHAN SILVER The Shorthorn staff
University community shares how it deals with the high temperatures, and a nurse gives some heat stroke symptoms. BY JASON BOYD AND ALI MUSTANSIR The Shorthorn staff
Some students changed their non-study routines to avoid overheating this week. Arlington temperatures were above 100 degrees for seven consecutive days, including the 103 high Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The last time the area saw a streak like this was in August 2006, with 19 straight days above 100 degrees. Arlington is under a heat advisory until 7 tonight, but it may be extended to Thursday if the forecast stays the same, said Jesse Moore, National Weather Service meteorologist. “When we have a heat advisory, it’s trying to tell people to slow down,” he said. Moore said meteorologists look at low morning temperatures and the heat index, a combination of air moisture and heat. Advisories are usually issued when the lows are in the high 70s and the index reaches 105, he said. In heat like this it’s hard to keep cool, even at night, because the body stays hot. Information systems senior Shail Majmudar tries not to use his car during the day, he said. It takes about 15 minutes for his leatherseat vehicle to cool down, even with the air conditioning on full blast. He said he tries to make as few stops as possible. “I basically just stay in my apartment. Then go to class. Then work,” he said. Business graduate student Greg HEAT continues on page 3
PAST AND PRESENT TEMPERATURES
103° July 14, 2009
95°
SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION OR STROKE • Dizziness • Confusion (not thinking well) • Not sweating • Passing out
July 14, 2008
89°
Source: Labetta Wallenmeyer, Health Services registered nurse
July 14, 2007 July 14, 2007 Source: The National Weather Service
The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran
Trio Upward Bound Program advisers Rachel Benson, left, and Chasity Alexander fan off the heat Tuesday on the Central Library mall. The pair eats inside their office more often instead of around campus due to the high temperatures. Today’s high will reach 103 degrees with possible showers over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Hot weather provokes skin exposure, requires protection Nursing assistant clinical professor Janeth Stiller knows cancer risks from experience and her profession. BY ANDREW VAUGHAN Contributor to The Shorthorn
Skin cancer can happen to anyone, even a doctor who diagnoses others. Nursing assistant clinical professor Janeth Stiller has treated, and also been diagnosed with, Basal cell carcinoma, and she stresses skin cancer awareness. “I’ve seen people die from melanoma,” Stiller said. “I avoid any unnecessary sun ex-
posure and wear sunblock before going out.” The sun bombards Earth with three different wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. These contribute to skin cancer, winter or summer. But 100-degree temperatures can encourage showing more skin, and make the preventative measures all the more important. Skin cancer is usually caused by extended periods of exposure and can appear anywhere on the skin, Stiller said. When sunburned or tan, skin cells sustain damage. Wearing protective clothing or sunscreen while in the sun CANCER continues on page 3
When at war in Iraq, student veteran Warren Ponder said he didn’t realize how much people cared about him and other soldiers in combat. He found out July 8 at the Provost Forum on Student Veterans at UT Arlington. The university community met last week at the forum to talk about the student-veteran population as hundreds are expected to enroll in the coming school year. The Student Veterans Advisory Council, one of the organizers, will combine all recommendations and draft a proposal for the Provost’s Office. Ponder, Veterans Alliance of UTA president, went to the forum to give a sense of what veterans and his group are about. “Before the forum, I considered myself at the forefront of issues,” said Ponder, School of Social Work graduate student. “There was more information out there than I realized. Putting things in layman’s terms would be excellent.” Establishing a veterans UTA Web page, adding a veteran indicator to MyMav and ApplyTexas.org, and developing an update on veteran financial aid benefits for academic advisers were some ideas generated. A factor that brought the forum into session was the post-9/11 GI Bill. The bill is a federal act to provide educational funds for soldiers leaving the military. Because of the bill, enrollment at UTA and other colleges are expected to increase. On average, more than 500 veterans enroll on campus each fall and spring semester, said Anita Perez, Veterans Affairs benefits coordinator, in a press release. After Ponder returned from combat in December 2007, he quickly noticed the difference in environment. “Before, you never knew what the day was going to be like,” he said. “You hardly had any control whatsoever over what you’re doing from one moment to the next. Here in America, you’re able to dictate your schedule.” Veterans and other students want the same things, Ponder said. “Vets in general just want to assimilate and be part of the collegiate experience even though we may be four or five years older than the 18-year-olds starting their freshmen years,” he said. The campus’ initiatives to ease his VETERAN continues on page 3
EARTH SCIENCE
Geology enthusiasts unearth more than expected Crocodile bones of a yet unknown species, dating 95 million years ago, add to other discoveries at Arlington excavation site. BY RASY RAN Contributor to The Shorthorn
“He’s a man now,” Les Motheral said, praising his son, Justin, for unearthing skin impressions, a rare find, from a prehistoric crocodile yet to be matched with a species, Monday at the North Arlington Archosaur Site. The pair joined six others Monday afternoon embracing the 103-degree heat and excavating 50 to 60 bones belonging to a crocodile. The skeleton pieces date back to the Cretaceous Period, nearly 95 million years ago, at the time of the last living dinosaurs. Austin Motheral and his father, Lynn, discovered the crocodile remnants after helping clear land with a front-load tractor Sunday morning. “Austin’s just into this kind of thing,” Les said, talking about his nephew’s excavating interests. Derek Main, earth science graduate student and lecturer, helped the group by providing ex-
pertise and experience. He regularly tends to DIG FOR DINOS the Arlington ArchoTo volunteer to help at saur Site. the Arlington Archo“We have to work saur Site, e-mail Derek quickly before possible Main at maindinos@ rain on Saturday,” Main msn.com. said. “It could damage the site and bones.” The site received an extension to continue excavating by Phillip Huffines, co-owner of Huffines Communities, who purchased the 1,700acre property. The extension lasts until May 2010, when the land will be leveled. Geology junior Brandi Clark volunteered her time Monday after she was informed through Main’s Facebook group about the crocodile findings. Clark changed her major from physics to geology after taking Main’s paleontology course and plans to help as much as she can. “It’s been an amazing site,” she said. “It’s yielding up a lot more than we expected.” RASY RAN news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Derek Main, earth science graduate student and lecturer, designates finding spots with flags Monday at the Arlington Archosaur Site. Main carries experience from previous group digs yielding fossils from what is believed to be a Protohadros, a duck-billed dinosaur, and takes his students to excavate with him once a month.
The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran
Page 2
YOUR
DAY
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
FIVE-DAY FORECAST Today
Thursday
Sunny and hot • High 101°F • Low 78°F
Sunny and Hot • High 99°F • Low 75°F
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
20% T-Storms • High 98°F • Low 73°F
Mostly sunny • High 95°F • Low 73°F
20% T-Storms • High 90°F • Low 71°F
POLICE REPORT
CALENDAR
TUESDAY Simple Assault Officers responded to a domestic disturbance report at 5:10 a.m. at Timber Brook apartments.
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
JULY
15
Suspicious Person Officers investigated a report of a suspicious person and issued a criminal trespass warning at 11:45 p.m. in Lot 43, 601 Pecan St. SUNDAY Warrant Service, Misdemeanor A nonstudent was arrested at 11:15 a.m. at 1000 West St., for outstanding warrants out of Arlington Police Department.
The Shorthorn: Tim Crumpton
ROBOT BOOT CAMP Alumnus Chris Harrison, left, coaches Gunn Junior High seventh grader Jeff Ruth, front right, and Shackelford Junior High seventh grader Justin Wood on how to calibrate a robot to drive in a line for a fixed distance.
SATURDAY Disturbance Officers responded to a report of a loud noise disturbance at 3:32 a.m. at Forest Glen apartments. Burglary, Vehicle A nonstudent reported his vehicle stolen at 7:43 a.m. in Lot 30, 500 S. Cooper St. FRIDAY Injured Person A staff member fell and injured her knee at 11:19 a.m. at Davis Hall. Accident, Hit and Run Officers responded to a report of a hit and run at 2:58 p.m. in the Health Services parking lot. Miscellaneous A student reported that a tree branch fell and damaged her vehicle at 3:25 p.m. at 600 Summit Drive. Warrant Service, Misdemeanor During a routine traffic stop, a nonstudent was arrested at 5:40 p.m. at 500 Nedderman Drive for warrants out of Dallas Police Department.
For a crime map, visit
THE SHORTHORN .com
CORRECTIONS Zack Fischer is an interdisciplinary studies junior. His classification was wrong in a July 8 issue photo caption.
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 ............................ Marissa Hall editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
TODAY
Special Collections exhibit “The Road West”: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Central Library sixth floor. Come take a look at what travelers used to trek across the country, what they saw and how they remembered their trips. Free. For information, contact UT Arlington Library at 817-2723393.
MONDAY
Accident, Hit and Run Officers responded to a report of a hit and run at 8:56 p.m. in Lot 55, 900 Speer St.
— National Weather Service at www.weather.gov
ENGINEERING
Students compete in Australia, July 15-17 The challenge promotes energy conservation and smarter electrical technology design and construction. BY JOHNATHAN SILVER The Shorthorn staff
Three electrical engineering students will present a design today in Australia that could revolutionize energy conservation. The Future Energy Challenge team will participate in the 2009 International Future Energy Challenge, a biannual student competition promoting electrical technology design and construction. The competition is July 15 through 17 at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Winners will be awarded at least $10,000. UTA’s team chose a topic, submitted a proposal and have to design a rectifier, a power converter that uses wind generators to charge a battery. Most electronic devices require the kind of power rectifiers produce. Electrical engineering senior Nick Ardoyno developed the team’s software. In Texas, alternative energy will be popular for decades, he said. Electrical engineering is the best way to conserve energy, he said. Texas is the top U.S. wind producer, according to the State Conservation Energy Office Web page. Texas could produce 25,000 megawatts of wind energy in 2012. One megawatt produces enough electricity to serve 250 to 300 homes every day. Parts in the team’s design must cost less than $20 at high-volume production. Ardoyno said his team’s converter will get high marks for simplicity and cost effectiveness but malfunction remains a worry. “Power electronics is a challenging field,” he said. “You can see immediately when News Editor ................................. Jason Boyd news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Design Editor ................................ Laura Sliva design-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Copy Desk Chief ........................ Julie Sanchez copydesk-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Scene Editor .......................... Dustin L. Dangli features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
something doesn’t work. When there’s a malfunction, things blow up.” Although the team worked more than a year on the project, Ardoyno wants more time for trial runs and is anxious about the judges’ reaction. All converters can transfer power, but the energy team’s converter controls the load on the wind generator to extract the maximum amount of power from the generator into the battery. Team adviser Rasool Kenarangui said his satisfaction comes from his students coming together to accomplish something. “The competition provides students with motivation,” said the electrical engineering lecturer. “It gives students real world design experience and they gain a lot of practical experience that can be valuable.” The team began work a month after topic announcements. The teammates’ work during semester breaks, spring break and weekends showed dedication, Kenarangui said. “Based on the performance of their design system, I have full confidence that the team will do well and might win the competition,” he said. Electrical engineering assistant professor Babak Fahimi, last year’s team adviser and former judge, helped create past themes and taught all the current UTA competitors in a power electronics course. He is the 2009 International Future Energy Challenge chair and said he will be objective, but hopes the UTA team wins. “They’re all of high caliber and present themselves professionally,” Fahimi said. “If they win, it will put us on the map of power electronics and energy efficiency.
“Stars at Night are Big and Bright”: 2-3 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, contact the Planetarium at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu. EXCEL Campus Activities Summer Board Meeting: 2-3 p.m., University Center Student Congress Chambers. For information, contact EXCEL Campus Activities at 817-272-2963 or excel@uta.edu. UTA Fort Worth Center Alumni Board Meeting: 4-6 p.m., Santa Fe Station. Meetings will be held every 2 weeks. For information, contact Megan Topham at 817272-5988. $2 Movie - Chronicles of Narnia: 6-8:30 p.m., Chemistry and Physics Building. Come see your favorite movies again on our really big screen. For information, contact the Planetarium at 817-2721183 or planetarium@uta. edu.
JULY
THURSDAY
16
Special Collections exhibit “The Road West: Travel Through America”: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact UT Arlington Library at 817-272-3393. Fluxhibition #3: Thinking Inside of the Box: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., The Gallery at the University Center. Free. For information, contact P.K. Kelly at 817-272-2963 or pk@ uta.edu.
FIRST COPY FREE ADDITIONAL COPIES 25 CENTS
through one of the most mystifying, awe-inspiring phenomena in the universe: a black hole. Narrated by John de Lancie. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, $3 for faculty, staff and alumni and $2 for UTA students. For information, contact the Planetarium at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu. EXCEL Summer Movie Series featuring: Hannah Montana: The Movie: 8-11 p.m., Maverick Activities Center west lawn. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Free popcorn. Candy and drinks available for purchase. Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free. For information, contact 817-272-2963 or excel@uta.edu.
JULY
FRIDAY
17
Special Collections exhibit “The Road West: Travel Through America”: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact UT Arlington Library at 817272-3393. Fluxhibition #3: Thinking Inside of the Box: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., The Gallery at the University Center. Free. For information, contact P.K. Kelly at 817-272-2963 or pk@uta.edu. “Stars at Night are Big and Bright”: 2-3 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, contact the Planetarium at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu.
For the full calendar, visit
THE SHORTHORN .com
news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Marketing Manager .................... Kevin Green Production Manager................ Robert Harper Ad Artists .................................. Benira Miller Receptionists ....................... Monica Barbery, Jeanne Lopez
“Black Holes”: 7-8 p.m., Chemistry and Physics Building. The original Clark Planetarium production takes you on a journey
Fluxhibition #3: Thinking Inside of the Box: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., The Gallery at the University Center. The largest exhibition dedicated to contemporary Fluxus/ Assemblage box artists ever assembled in the history of the Fluxus community. Free. For information, contact P.K. Kelly at 817-272-2963 or pk@uta.edu.
JOHNATHAN SILVER
Photo Editor .......................... Jacob Adkisson photo-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Online Editor ...................... Jennifer Cudmore online-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Webmaster ........................... Troy Buchwalter webmaster.shorthorn@uta.edu Student Ad Manager .............. Colleen Hurtzig admanager@shorthorn.uta.edu
“Secret of the Cardboard Rocket”: 2-3 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, contact the Planetarium at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu.
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON 90TH YEAR, © T HE S HORTHORN 2009 All rights reserved. All content is the property of The Shorthorn and may not be reproduced, published or retransmitted in any form without written permission from UTA Student
Publications. The Shorthorn is the student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published in the UTA Office of Student Publications. Opinions expressed in The Shorthorn are not necessarily those of the university administration.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Page 3
The ShorThorn
ConstruCtion
BAseBAll
Special events center area undergoes soil tests
Alumnus and former Mavs baseball player appears in MLB All-Star Game
Assessments are routine and should prevent problems or building failure in the future. By Andrew VAughAn Contributor to The Shorthorn
Before construction begins on the special events center, geologists from geographical-survey company Fugro World Wide collected soil samples to ensure the structure’s future stability. Testing sites were in the North Lipscomb Hall lot and Lot 43 from July 2 to July 14. Geologists set up a “boring mechanism” and drilled into the ground to examine the soil’s mechanical properties. The geologists don’t have any conclusive findings yet. This center’s projected area will support the nearly 190,000-square-foot sporting and event arena. “We are just testing things like soil density and what chemicals or minerals might be in the dirt,” Fugro geologist Daniel Leneau said. “It’s important to make sure that the dirt won’t move under the weight of the
Heat continued from page 1
Renfro said the heat poses a wardrobe problem. His day job with the Department of Labor requires slacks and a button-up shirt, which doesn’t wear well in 100-degree temperatures walking to class. He packs a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops, using a University Center restroom as a changing room. Anything light and more breathable than his work clothes, he said. In general, he said he tries not to venture into the sunlight. “I stay indoors and go out in the evening or morning,” he said. Labetta Wallenmeyer, Health Services registered nurse, said people should drink lots of fluids, at least eight ounces for every hour outside. Beer or soda shouldn’t be consumed, as these are diuretics, increasing urination, and can cause someone to actually lose fluids. Alumnus Josh Koehn said acclimation is the key. He said he bikes at 3 p.m. most days. He said being
structure.” These tests are routine and performed before large buildings’ construction, he said. The test results could take a few weeks to a few months to complete, depending on what is found about the soil samples, Leneau said. Much of the Metroplex’s soil poses a problem because it contains a mineral called smectite that absorbs water and contributes to many foundation problems found in the DallasFort Worth area, said John Wickham, Earth and Environmental Sciences Department chair. The soil in this area must be tested to determine the amount of expansion or contraction that might occur so that the building can be designed to avoid cracks or failure. “Tests like these are usually done to study the mechanical properties of the soil,” Wickham said. “If the soil shifts, then the structure would fail.” Andrew VAughAn news-editor.shorthorn.com
healthy helps, and his workout routine aids his acclimation. “Honestly, it hasn’t started to bother me,” he said. Library assistant III Kevin Schuck and academic librarian Joshua Vossler tried to help people on campus beat the heat. The two offered frozen treats and ice water to people passing the Central Library on Monday afternoon. The two were there for the Maverick orientation tour, Schuck said. But during their 30-minute wait for the tour’s arrival, they offered treats to all in need. The group of freshmen and parents expressed their gratitude. Wallenmeyer said signs of heat exhaustion such as if one stops sweating, the body is so hot it can’t cool off. Dizziness, fatigue, and confusion are other symptoms. If someone is disoriented and loses consciousness they should be taken to an emergency room as these are symptoms of a heat stroke.
JAson Boyd And Ali MustAnsir news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
how do you deAl with the heAt?
“I try to wait until 6 or 7 p.m. when the sun is getting low.” Melvin Varughese,
biology senior
“I stay inside, drink a lot of fluids and swim. I swim at night when it’s like 90 or 80.” Linda Trinh, biology
senior
“By staying in the shade as much as possible, and drinking plenty of fluids. I carry a water bottle and a coke during the summer.” John Watson, information
systems senior
The Shorthorn: Morganne Stewart
Faculty and staff held a forum July 8 to discuss what the university needs to do to help veteran students. More veterans are expected to enroll, as the post-9/11 GI Bill goes into effect this fall.
Veteran continued from page 1
and other veterans’ passages into UTA is encouraging, he said. “Having these many professionals consolidated in one place for us makes me feel special,” Ponder said. “It makes me proud to help serve veterans who served us.” Alexa Smith-Osborne, a SVAC member, said many Americans may not favor the wars but are subtler than the generation protesting the Vietnam War. During those times,
Cancer continued from page 1
helps prevent getting skin cancer. A good sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15, and should be applied and re-applied any time anticipating sun exposure. Student Congress President Kent Long’s sister contracted and survived melanoma at age 18. “Skin cancer can happen to anyone,” Long said. “She made me more aware of the risks of too much sun.” More than a million skin cancer cases are diagnosed per year, making skin cancer the most common form of cancer in the U.S., according to www.skincancer.org. One out of every five Americans will develop a form of skin cancer at some point in their life. Business management senior Gabrielle Aguilar said she tans a bit at the beginning of summer, but she protects herself. “I use sunscreen because it’s healthy,” she said. “I usually put it on if I’m going to go barbecuing.” If detected early, skin cancer is easy to cure, often without complicated surgeries or chemotherapy, Stiller said. It is important to perform self-examinations regularly, she said. It might help to have a full body examination done by a doctor, but people should check their entire body monthly for any signs. Signs include growths that change appearance or a mole that’s
opponents of the Vietnam war spat on returning soldiers, she said. This GI bill is not reparation for the negative publicity American wars and soldiers received, SmithOsborne said. “If out of good will and a sense of patriotism people decide to serve, we as a society need to recognize them by making sure the GI Bill is efficient enough to finance a fouryear education at the most expensive public university in each state,” she said. JohnAthAn silVer news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
AVoiding skin CAnCer • Put on at least an ounce of sunscreen a day • Use at least 15 SPF sunscreen • Put on sunscreen 30 to 45 minutes before entering sun • Try to wear hats and sunglasses • Lip balm and moisturizers with 15 SPF help • See a dermatologist annually Source: Nursing professor Janeth Stiller
irregular in outlines, changes size, bigger than a pencil eraser or forms after age 21. “While driving your car, the sunlight passes through your windows and can give you a lot of exposure on your forearms,” she said. “And water and snow can reflect the sunlight. I actually got sunburned while skiing.” It is important to let a doctor know after finding any signs. Skin cancer can develop fast and is much easier to get rid of early. It is also important to take note of any changes in existing moles or freckles and keep a dermatologist informed. Stiller suggests seeing a dermatologist annually. People with fair skin have a higher risk of contracting melanoma than people with dark skin, and there are genetic dispositions that affect the way a person’s skin reacts to sunlight. “There is a genetic component to skin cancer,” Stiller said. Andrew VAughAn news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
UTA alumnus and former Mavericks outfielder, Hunter Pence, played in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday. Houston Astros outfielder Pence played for the National League in the game. This was Pence’s first AllStar Game appearance in his three seasons as a major league player. Head coach Darin Thomas coached Pence when Thomas was the Mavericks’ assistant coach. Thomas said he isn’t surprised Pence was selected as an All-Star. “At the time he was chosen for the game, he was having a great year,” Thomas said. This season, Pence has a .298 batting average, 37 RBIs and 11 home runs. In Pence’s last season at UTA in 2004, he batted a .395 average. He left that year after the Astros drafted him. “He was extremely focused on baseball and school and nothing else,” Thomas said. “I don’t think you could work any harder than he did.”
— Marissa Hall
BAsketBAll
Mavs get new assistant coach to help with defense The men’s basketball team has a new assistant coach in Jacksonville College’s former head basketball coach Greg Young. Gregg Elkin, associate athletic director for Communications and Media Relations, said Maverick head Greg Young, men’s coach Scott Cross basketball assistant was looking for coach someone to help with defense — one of Young’s specialties. Cross said he wanted someone who would bring something new and fit in with his staff. “An experienced guy, who has been through the fire, is only going to make my staff, team and myself better,” Cross said. “That’s what I want all around.” Young led the Jaguars to a 21-10, 2008-09 season. “I am excited about being at UTA, around Coach Cross, and getting to know the staff and team,” Young said. Cross said he watched Young’s work for several years. “Jacksonville was not a school with great resources, and he got it done,” he said. Young said he will bring new philosophy and culture to the team’s success. “Every staff member brings something,” he said. “I bring experience. I am starting my 25th year of coaching, I have coached at every level.”
— Ali Mustansir
about opinion Marissa Hall, editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Wednesday. Page 4
OPINION The ShorThorn
remember The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Editorial/our viEw
GuEst column
Bypass the Queue
Freedom of Choice
Parking permits can be requested online now, weeks before the fall semester begins
Each year students procrastinate when buying parking permits. We have all summer long to do it by going online and having them mailed to us. Instead, many wait until there is not enough time to have them mailed and are forced to stand in long lines outside of the Parking Office to buy permits. So far this year, only 20 percent Editorial of students enrounduP rolled for the fall The issue: Students wait until the have purchased fall semester starts to parking permits, buy parking permits, causing them to stand Parking Office in long lines. manager Mary We suggest: Mabry said. UsuBuy your permit ally at least 35 online now instead of procrastinating. to 40 percent of students have bought their permits by now, she said. Lines could be even longer this year because less than the usual amount of students have bought permits. That’s a scary thought, considering how long the lines get. To bypass the lines, buy your permit through your MyMav account this summer and get it delivered to your mailbox. When you buy your permit online, you avoid going to the Parking Office altogether. It’s also one less thing to worry about for the fall semester. Between getting your books and How to GEt your figuring out PErmit your schedule, you’ll have • Log on to your MyMav account your hands • Click on Parking Selffull. If you Service have your per- • Select your permit type and submit your selection mit, at least For more information, go to www.uta.edu/parking. you won’t have to worry Source: UTA Parking Office about getting Web site a ticket. Parking tickets are generally not given during the first week of the fall semester. But don’t wait until then. Get your permit now. You’ll thank yourself later.
The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran
Irving resident Emmanuel Lewis Jr. joins protesters outside Sen. John Cornyn’s office in Dallas on July 9 to raise public awareness for health care options for the uninsured. “I dread going to the hospital for the smallest things,” Lewis said. MoveOn.org organized the protest after Cornyn’s lack of support for the public option.
A public health insurance option is a good alternative in the health care reform debate
J
ust in case you’ve been living under for random symptom flare-ups or the four a rock with your fingers in your ears, years of testing before the diagnosis. That’s on the cheap end of the spectrum. health care in this country is a mess. Now, this isn’t a cry for pity and I’m We live in the richest nation on the planet, and yet more than 40 million fortunate to be eligible for Medicare. people here cannot get affordable medical Through this insurance I never paid more treatment. This is unacceptable and must than $3 for my antidepressants. Everyone should be so be changed. fortunate. But in truth, they I attended a rally supporting aren’t. the “public option” July 9 in Because I have a disability, I front of Texas Republican Sen. am allowed to be on Medicare. John Cornyn’s office. This plan Because our grandparents are would give people the choice of older than 65, they are allowed retaining private insurance or on Medicare. And both of these being insured by the government. situations are OK. We care for At the rally, I was asked to speak those who have come before us or about why I support health care cannot fully care for themselves. reform. What is so wrong with the In February 2005, I was proposed public option? diagnosed with multiple rob morton Is it because it’s a government sclerosis. If I didn’t have some form of insurance, the past four and a program getting involved in the free half years would have cost my family and market? Is it because you think you’ll have me more than $250,000 out of our own no other choice? Is it because it’s a change pockets. That isn’t including hospital stays to the status quo?
YOUR VIEW
Register at www.theshorthorn.com to comment on this and other articles. You can also write a letter to the editor. E-mail letters to editor.shorthorn@ uta.edu.
If the answer to any above is yes, here are a few things you might want to mull over. First, the free market of health insurance has become one large snafu. Maybe government involvement might help. Not saying it will, but at this point we should be willing to try anything. Second, look up the word option in the dictionary, Merriam-Webster defines it as the “power or right to choose.” Third, the public option isn’t a perfect solution, but the status quo sucks. It needs change. If for no other reason because we’ve tried alternatives and they haven’t worked. — Rob Morton is an interdisciplinary studies senior and a guest columnist for The Shorthorn
Substance over ideology Voting should be based on issues, not political affiliation
discombobulation by Houston Hardaway
Since 1919
P
eople vote for the wrong reasons. It is not about being a Democrat, Republican, Independent or a Libertarian. It is about being informed and knowing why you vote the way you do. It is not about the popularity of a candidate. It’s about the issues. Economic, domestic and foreign policy views are how we should measure a candidate. Political affiliation is almost like a spectrum. On one end it’s complete governmental control and equal distribution, or socialism. The other end of the spectrum is no governmental control, or anarchism. But these aren’t terms used to describe parties in mainstream America. Liberal or Conservative, Republican
Editor-in-chiEf Marissa Hall E-mail editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
or Democrat, Moderate or Independent, and the term Libertarian are all synonymous with political pundits and commentators who refer to their own ideologies or those of their detractors. Generally, all of these fall somewhere along that spectrum. Within each of these classifications are other terms that reflect more specific beliefs, such as conservatism. Conservatives are divided into neoconservative, paleoconservative and the traditional conservative. The point is, regardless of your affiliation, you should know what and why you believe it. Whatever your views are on abortion, gun rights, entitlements, welfare and
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,
whether you believe America students to cast their votes this should have an interventionist past election. Regardless of what ideology foreign policy or one of isolationism, know where you you align yourself with when you conclude your stand. political curiosity, We are at a pivotal just find it. People moment in our are out there looking history. Beyond the for people to follow election of the first them with cult-like African-American mentalities. Avoid president, our that. Do not be one nation is constantly of those people who changing and drones on without important issues are knowing the real raised that will affect facts. Look at an this great country’s colt ablEs issue objectively direction. and draw your own Pick up a book, read a newspaper. Political conclusions. apathy or political stupidity — Colt Ables is an economics are no longer “hip” but rather outdated in a climate that senior and columnist for The aroused a large number of Shorthorn
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.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Egg Donation
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Miscellaneous Buy graduation tickets for August 14, 2009. Business Commencement. Any at all. Buy at a good price! Natalie 817-903-2201 Please call ASAP.
EMPLOYMENT Childcare First Baptist Child Development Center A Ministry of First Baptist Church, Arlington Now hiring for part-time afternoon hours. Contact: Louise Michell at (817) 276-6492 CHILDCARE North Arlington couple seek mature, experienced, referenced babysitter for one preschooler for occasional evenings. (817) 469-8406
Driver/Delivery Pt Delivery Driver Needed: M-F 9 a.m.-1 p.m. varies daily Starting pay $8.25 Some heavy lifting required, delivering merchandise and some light maintenance work. Must have an excellent driving record and a strong back. Position does not open till mid August. Call for an appointment 817-461-4451 M-F, 9-5
General SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per survey. GetPaidToThink.com The Shorthorn is seeking a Marketing Assitant for Fall 2009. Must be a UTA work-study student available to work some mornings & weekday afternoons. Apply online at www.uta.edu/snapjob For more information call 817-272-3188
The Shorthorn is currently accepting applications for • Reporters • Ad Sales Rep for the summer semester and for the following positions for the fall semesters; • Reporter • Ad Sales Rep • Sports Reporter • Photographer • Editorial Cartoonist • Illustrator • Graphic Artist • Copy Editor • Page Designer • Ad Artist • Online Assistant • Columnist 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 Medical practice located in Ft. Worth seeking indv. that has computer skills as well as excellent English skills. P/T position $12/hr Morn. or Afternoon hrs. Mon-Fri Fax resume and writing sample to 817-731-7981 Supplement your income: P/T QA Inspectors needed 1-2 weeks a month 1st and 2nd shifts available $9-$10 an hour Will Train MUST BE ON CALL Reply to Job_-@apl.com *Please include available hours & related experience or resume.
Bartender Apprentice wanted $$$$$$$$$$$$ Showdown (817)-233-5430 !Bartending! $250/day potential No experience nec Training provided age 18+.ok 1-800-965-6520 x.137 Pharmacy Tech Bilingual Cashier Hours flexible. Rays Pharmacy 975 N. Cooper 817-274-8221 Need p/t sales associate, friendly, professional, and efficient person to join our fast paced family owned pharmacy in Arlington. Evenings & Sat. approx. 30/hrs. apply within at Randol Mill Pharmacy 1014 N. Fielder
Office/Clerical Medical practice in Ft. Worth seeking individual to work at front desk. Computer skills & typing capability of 50wpm required. Reception work involved. Will train. Permanent P/T position. Minimum 4 hrs a day. Hours flexible. $12/hr Fax resume to; 817-731-7981
The Shorthorn is seeking an Advertising Assistant for Fall 2009 Must be a UTA work-study student available to work weekday afternoons. Apply online at www.uta.edu/snapjob For more information call 817-272-3188
PART-TIME ADMIN ASST 20-25 hrs/week, flexible M-F 8-6, $10/hr, for small film production company in N. Arlington. Duties include assisting president with a variety of tasks including client services, clerical planning, and accounts. Must be dependable, organized, and professional. Ideal for PR, marketing or business student. Must be willing to work a minimum of one year. Qualified candidates send resume to: info@prairiepictures.com
Charming 2/1/1 @ UTA, lg CONDO FOR SALE fenced yrd, hdwd floors, 1 Why rent when you can own? is seeking a Receptionist car garage (817)478-7794 Updated 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 for the summer semester. bath condo in desirable north Roommates Must be a UTA work-study student. Remmington Square Apts Arlington location. Great Looking for female roomMon - Fri, Noon - 5pm 1006 Thannisch. Large 1 bd/ floor plan for roommates. mate to live in UTA apartApply online at 1 bath. $450/mo. Free cable Washer, dryer and refrigerament. Move in Sept. 1st. tor will remain with accept- Call 817-300-2343 or e-mail www.uta.edu/snapjob and internet. 817-274-1800. able offer. 1105 Bert Drive For more information call ALL BILLS PAID! pooreamanda@yahoo.com #B. $94,900 817-272-3188 1 Bedroom-$475/month Roomie Wanted! Call Robert with Temple Clean and quiet, No pets $450 all bills paid plus interRealty (972) 978-3950 Sales Walking distance to UTA net. 2br/2bth furnished apartDuplex 817-277-8243 Sales: Students! ment except bedroom. Cell: 817-308-5229 Summer Workers Needed. Pet Friendly. Contact Brett: Townhouse For Sale or Lease $13 base/appt. Flexible bremckee@gmail.com or Cute 3/2.5 with 2 car carport THE COMMONS ON Schedules. Scholarships pos469-585-2813 ready for move in. Lots of PARK SPRINGS sible. Customer sales/service. Looking for a roommate. trees on greenbelt, but HOA $466 or $501 for 1 B/ R Apts No Experience Necessary. Catalina Apartments, across Enjoy the hot summer in the maintains! 230 Westview 817-279-0085 from Rec. $315 + bills. Terrace. (817) 543-0000 sparkling pool. Select from Seasonal I am awesome. 817-705-2244 the 546 or 708 sq. ft. apt. WALK TO CAMPUS kyle.shook@mavs.uta.edu V-BALL OFFICIALS home in control access gated 1 and 2 bedroom units NEEDED Townhomes community. Pets welcome! $550-675 a month. $1750-$2000, 600 Grand Avenue 2 bd/1 2115 Park Springs Cir. Water and lawn paid. Clean Evn &Weknd, Jr Hi & HS, bth townhome. Washer/dryer, Arlington, TX 76013 and ready, on Elm St. www.fwmetrovb.org, dues water, and cable provided. Move In Specials available to Call Jason (817) 472-5455 and uniform req. Jul 23rd $625/mo 817-274-1800 students that bring in this ad. -Mid Nov (817) 483-4338 Homes (817) 265-1721 TRANSPORTATION FOOTBALL OFFICIALS Center Chase Loft HOUSE FOR RENT House NEEDED Apartments Autos for rent in South Arlington. No exp nec. We train you! Live close, sleep late, 3 bedrooms 2 baths. Stay active, earn $$, eve & walk to class ABC AUTO SALES Call 214-681-9356 wkends, JrHi&HS, summer $399 1 Bedroom loft BUY-SELL-TRADE thru MidNov. HOUSE FOR RENT 5 $99 move in plus Biggest selection of cars www.fwfo.org MINS TO UTA $100 off next month in the country (888) 393-6660 3 bed/2 bath. 817-277-1533 at the lowest prices! Professionally managed. $199 Move In Special abcauto535@yahoo.com HOUSING Wood Floors throughout. On 1 & 2 Bedrooms www.abc-auto-sales.com mmitch_2@hotmail.com Apartments 817-274-3403 817-535-0075 Cloisters condominiums Jim Rhea at 817-239-0815 or Benge Oak Apartments 1998 Ford Taurus (817) 875-7643 Condo for Rent! Walk to UTA. 1 Bed/ 1Bath $2000 139k miles. For Rent - Spacious 3-1-2. $750 a month plus utility Move in special $199. Black, excellent A/C, good hdwd floors, fenced yard. 2 Bedroom 2 Bath (817)291-3385 tires, AM/FM cassette, Walk to UTA. (817)478-7794 Pet friendly w/ club house, Quadrangle Apt. 509 Bowen electric windows. House for Rent - 3 bed 1.5 pools and tennis courts! Rd. 1/bd 2 level apt. $475/mo Good Transportation bath, minutes from UTA 10 minutes from UTA includes water. $150 deposit 817-227-7146 (214)478-6559 Call Christine at (817)274-1800 (214) 316-0979 704 Lynda Lane 1 bd/ 1 ba $400/mo laundry on property, free basic cable & water paid. (817)-274-1800
The Shorthorn
Priscilla of Boston Wedding Dress for sale Size 8-10 Retail $5500 Will sell for $500 Ivory w/ crystal embellishments, mermaid style. 903-517-4647 or nwallace@mavs.uta.edu
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SERVICE DIRECTORY Wedding Services WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY The magic of your wedding with artistic memories that will last forever. Zak Zatar 972-330-1353 zak_1974@yahoo.com
Guide
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DR. RUTH Q: I have been raped a few client could tell that. But perhaps an times throughout my life, each explanation of why other women event being about five years apart get excited by rape fantasies might or so. My concern is about the fact help you to understand your own that, even though I did not get off or situation. Many women are brought up being told that they enjoy the events themmust protect themselves selves, I have found against men, who want myself turned on by viosex only for their own lent sex, and I often have needs. (As you now have dreams of being raped, finally discovered, that is which turn me on sexualnot true.) These lessons ly, often resulting in an leave them with a fear of orgasm. I don't quite letting themselves go understand why the when it comes to sex. thought of being raped They hold in their sexual turns me on even though I desires in order not to be know that it would devas- Dr. Ruth taken in by some man. tate me if I were to be Send your (This might be conscious raped again. Until my questions to Dr. current experience, I Ruth Westheimer or subconscious.) But in a rape fantasy, the woman never had a sexual rela- c/o King has no choice but to give tionship with anyone who Features gave me any pleasure or Syndicate, 235 E. in, as she's not in control. So, rape fantasies allow emotional attachment in 45th St., New some women the freedom any way. Is there anything York, NY 10017 to imagine performing I can do to rid myself of certain acts that their upbringing these desires? keeps them from doing. So it's not A: Because you've been raped, that women who have such fanyour feelings toward violent sex tasies have a desire to be raped, but might be colored by your experi- rather it is a method of giving themence, and so your situation is some- selves permission to do things in what different from what it may be their fantasy life that they couldn't like for other women, but only a even dream of doing if they weren't psychologist who saw you as a being forced.
FOR RELEASE JULY 15, 2009
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis ACROSS 1 Hamascontrolled strip 5 Supply-anddemand subj. 9 Dog attractor 14 TV host Trebek 15 Aborted, at NASA 16 Comedian Fields 17 Auburn color named for a painter 19 When many coffee breaks occur 20 Not give an inch 22 Tomcat 23 Vegas job: Abbr. 24 Bring home 27 Garage door gadget 34 Clay, since 1964 35 Four: Pref. 36 Like most income 37 Ship’s post that secures cables 39 Phonies 41 Mailroom stamp ltrs. 42 __ Mountains: central U.S. range 44 Passes over 46 Third-century date 47 Dairy Queen treat 49 Bear lead-in 50 Tenn. athlete 51 NASA moon craft 53 Solar or wind power, e.g. 62 “The Hot Zone” virus 63 Antique work 64 It can follow the last word of 20-, 27-, 47- and 53across 65 Japan is in it, with “the” 66 Golfer Aoki 67 Hair woe 68 Smack ending 69 Okla. or La., once
By George Fitzgerald
DOWN 1 Hoods’ guns 2 Landed 3 Epsilon follower 4 Pink-slipping 5 Elevates in rank 6 Cooking oil source 7 S-shaped molding 8 Unspoken okays 9 Twinkly at night 10 British wheels 11 Brute question? 12 Security interest 13 Advance 18 On __: trying to lose 21 East Berlin’s land, initially 24 Fat cat 25 “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” singer 26 Industry bigwig 28 Cultural spirit 29 Writer’s woe 30 Sri Lankan language 31 Industry bigwigs 32 “Ick factor 10!” 33 Rocker Van Halen 38 One with an itinerary
7/15/09 Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved
(c)2009 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
40 Type of heel 43 One claiming to have the answers 45 Court worker 48 __ mode 52 Earn 53 Aunts and uncles: Abbr. 54 Irving Bacheller’s “__ Holden” 55 PBS science show
7/15/09
56 Marcia’s “Desperate Housewives” role 57 Jet-setter’s jet 58 Old U.S. gas 59 Stand 60 Growl 61 Demented blacksmith in “Son of Frankenstein”
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
SCENE
ABOUT SCENE Dustin L. Dangli, editor features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Scene is published Wednesday. Page 6
REMEMBER The Scene Page is always looking for the scoop. If you have any events or story ideas let us know. Wednesday, July 15, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
Your SCENE Each week, Scene gives Mavericks the chance to be heard by voicing their thoughts, feelings and opinions.
Erica Berry, architecture graduate student What’s your biggest fear? “Not being ready when I get out [of school]. I want to teach high school students and I just don’t know if I’m ready.” What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this summer? “July Fourth at Cedar Creek Lake. Boating, skiing and drinking.” What do you look for in a person? “There’s a lot of things but if I had to choose a main one — perseverance. See what you want and get it.”
Photo Illustration: Jacob Adkisson
THE BEWITCHING WORLD OF HARRY The chosen one still entertains millions worldwide BY SARA PINTILIE Contributor to The Shorthorn
Jonathan Hurd economics junior What’s your biggest fear? “Not knowing what I’m going to do after college.” What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this summer? “I went up to Austin and got to watch some fireworks. Yeah, Austin fireworks are better than Arlington because it’s Austin.” What do you look for in a person? “A good butt. They can’t be crazy because it scares me. Also a good personality.” — Dustin Dangli
FILM/DVD RELEASES The Haunting in Connecticut, Rated PG-13 This horror film, based on a true story follows the life of a family living in a Victorian home with a dark history. As the family discovers the house’s past they begin to encounter evil spirits. — Amazon.com
Pick of the Week Visit Rangers Ballpark in Arlington This week’s suggestion comes from broadcast news senior Patrick Modrovsky. He said nothing beats a baseball game and having the Ballpark so close to campus. Tickets can run as cheap as $10 and the Ballpark offers deals frequently. Modrovsky said beer and hot dogs are expensive and aren’t necessary for the baseball experience. He said baseball is about friends, great weather and enjoying the sport.
TheShorthorn.com Exclusives Are you a wizard? In celebration of the new Harry Potter film, submit photos of your wizard costumes to features-editor.shorthorn@ uta.edu. The best costume will be printed in the next issue. Drop7 Read the review of the iPhone game that has been gaining hype among the gaming community. Drop7 puts together aspects of other puzzle games to create a fresh hybrid.
W
ith more than 350 million readers, printed in 65 languages, Harry Potter and his seven adventures comprise some of the most sensational literature in recent history. His likeness is plastered on lunch boxes, T-shirts, towels, bedding and anything with the novelty ability. “Before this, how many people would stay at midnight for a book?” education senior Laura Brown said. When the last novel released in 2007, the freestanding Barnes and Noble in south Arlington, which later moved to The Parks mall, packed so many Harry Potter fans that the fire department came out to ensure people waited outside because the store was beyond capacity. Why though? Why such a following for these novels? “There’s always something to relate to: suspense, mystery. It’s not just for one subset of people. It appeals to everyone,” Brown said.
The Wizard
The Boy
The Hero
“I love the magic. I like the idea of things that defy the concept of what’s real and true,” English doctoral student Barbi Fowler said. “They can fly and evaporate and that’s pretty nifty.” Inside the books lie familiar fantasy elements along with Rowling’s magical inventions. “I saw the first movie because my mom wanted to see it,” Fowler said. “The next day, we went out and bought all the books.” English doctoral student Jarrod Stringer said the parallelisms of the worlds make it equally fun and real. He also stressed that magic can go beyond witchcraft and fantasy, like the magic of relationships, hope and storytelling. “One of the most compelling things of ‘Harry Potter’ is that it illustrates we have more power in our daily life than we think,” Stringer said. “We see that in Harry, Hermione and Ron. They are facing the decisions of adulthood and that’s fascinating to watch.” But magic makes the series as notorious as it is famous. Harry Potter lies on several banned books list for its subject of witchcraft. Brown wrote a paper for a class stating the opposition to a mother trying to ban the Harry Potter series from the son’s school. “A lot of people feel the magical element is dangerous,” she said. “It’s not anti-Christian. They were just born with it. It’s a genetic trait. It’s like rolling your tongue.” But notoriety might just fuel the fire. As Hermione said in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, “Oh Harry, don’t you see? If she could have done one thing to make absolutely sure that every single person in this school will read your interview, it was banning it!”
Though the books take place in a magical world, the majority of the pages focus on the people, not the wizards. Brown relates to the Hogwarts residents. She said she found herself comparing herself and friends to characters in the story. “The character interactions seem so normal. You have three misfit friends. One really poor and a really nerdy, awkward girl,” she said. “That’s really positive stuff for kids.” Brown and Fowler said they related to super-student Hermione. Fowler said she appreciated that the author, J.K. Rowling, didn’t take the typical route. For example the leading man and Hermione didn’t end up together. But though Harry Potter experiences extraordinary things, facing adulthood makes the novel relatable. “He’s thrust into this world where he has to grow up,” Brown said. “And see everything with a different perspective so he can cope and understand it all.”
“Harry has a larger view of the world than his peers,” Stringer said. “To see Severus as a human being after all that verbal abuse. That’s pretty commendable.” Stringer taught the spring course British Literature, Its Magicality, illustrated his point by describing a scene from the film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. “Moaning Myrtle said something like, ‘If you die, come and see me.’ Ron was freaked out by this but Harry just looked at her and said ‘I will.’ To understand that at the age,” Stringer trailed off, thinking about it with a pensive smile on his face. English lecturer Angela Matthews said Harry Potter’s popularity lies on Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey. The Hero’s Journey suggests a series of events to happen, Matthews said. The list includes tropes like a mysterious origin, called to adventure, having a mentor and facing battles. “Hero’s journey is a metaphor for struggles in our lives,” Matthews said. “Readers recognize their own struggles, familiar struggles.” Stringer said unification is important to the series. “People who only read or heard of the first book don’t really get the Harry Potter experience,” he said. Harry Potter is a trio of relatable personas, something for everyone. He became a symbol for escape, hope and friendship. “Harry Potter relates to everyone,” interdisciplinary studies freshman Anna Morgan Thompson said. “Its a great story about the values of good versus evil and the triumphs of love.”
ation: Jacob Photo Illustr
Magical Maturation BY DUSTIN L. DANGLI The Shorthorn Scene editor
All great heroes face a time when they must become men. Audiences have watched Harry grow from the first film when he entered the magic school as a boy, through the next four where he overcame puberty and dark magic, to the newest film where he finally begins to grow into an adult. Continuing the protagonist’s battle against evil forces, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is another fantastic entry to the series. The acting, the story and the overall tone of the film capture Harry’s struggle to become a hero. In this dark adventure, based on the sixth book of the same title, Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry headmaster, leads Harry on a mission to de-
stroy the evil wizard Voldemort. Because Dumbledore leads Harry to combat the evil forces, Potter is not yet a true hero until he himself decides to answer the call of duty. The commands from Dumbledore force Potter into espionage, deception and zombies. Potter shows growth in his campaign to bring his dark rival Draco Malfoy to justice. While few believe his rival is up to no good, Potter takes it upon himself to uncover Draco’s plan rather than wait for a command from above. Much like the last film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, this film has a dark tone. The opening scenes follow the evil Death Eaters as they wreak havoc on both the magic and human worlds. While there are no gruesome deaths or over-the-top
Adkisson
Latest entry in J.K. Rowling’s saga does the job violence, director David Yates intelligently handles the dark tones while keeping the PG rating. At one point a character struggles on the floor with blood quickly seeping through his shirt in multiple areas. Although not graphic, the audience can still understand he’s in pain, a lot of it. There’s more to the film than violence and fighting dark forces. Another part of growing up follows Potter and company’s journey into romance. Ron Weasley fan girls will get a kick out of how much attention the film pays to Ron’s love triangle. Hermione Granger even cries over a boy and actress Emma Watson’s acting is the only thing that holds the scene back from captivating all potential emotional weight. The film does a great job at fitting
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE Director: David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Emma Watson Rating: PG Score: ★★★★★
a complete story within the two-anda-half hour block. Never does a scene feel unnecessary as each adds to either the dark or romantic plot lines. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a worthy addition to the series and by all means does the book justice. Even those that haven’t read the series will enjoy the film, which is another summer blockbuster. DUSTIN L. DANGLI features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu