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Wednesday September 2, 2009
Volume 91, No. 7 www.theshorthorn.com
Since 1919 INDEX Your Day News Opinion
Social Scoops
2 3, 6 4
Science majors can enjoy free ice cream and meet the new College of Science dean. YOUR DAY | PAGE 2
An Exotic Collection
RESEARCH
Program matches funds for Tier One Emerging research institutions can now apply for matching donation funds thanks to House Bill 51. BY ALI MUSTANSIR The Shorthorn senior staff
The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard
Several preserved Bipes canaliculatus, or Mexican Mole Lizards, are among the collection at the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center. Native to Mexico, this vertebrate has two front legs that set it apart from other reptiles.
Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center facilitates research on a large number of rare species BY VINOD SRINIVASAN
N
The Shorthorn staff
ear Maverick Stadium there’s a large dimly-lit room. Inside, dead eyes of lizards, turtles, snakes and frogs look out at researchers from glass jars partially filled with ethanol. The Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center allows students and researchers to work with herpetological specimens and numerous opportunities to work in herpetology. The 6,000-square-foot facility houses the greatest number and variety of amphibian and reptile specimens in Texas, said Carl Franklin, research center biological curator and collections manager. Rapidly approaching 150,000 total specimens, the center is recognized almost weekly and used as a reference in various biological research publications. Franklin said the facility gives him a great opportunity to do what he has always loved. “I always wanted to work with herpetology, and the museum here is one of the best in the nation,” he said. Biology chair Jonathan Campbell said the research center often loans specimens to other research entities, like other universities and the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History. “We are known not only for our collection but also for the fact that we discover new species each year,” Campbell said. The research center houses 185 type species, which refers to the original group of specimens, discovered and collected, of a species. UTA also has holotypes, which are organisms stud-
REPTILE COMPARISON Total number of specimens at: UTA: Approximately 150,000 Texas A&M: 93,000 UT-Austin: 63,000
ied when a species was first formally named, Franklin said. Franklin said a research paper is published every 7.2 days using research found at the center. This is largely due to the vast collection available to researchers, he said. There are more than 4,500 species from almost 90 different countries. The center not only encourages research but also helps the conservation of various species. “Everything we do is for posterity and the future,” said Franklin. A species no longer found in the wild is the golden toad of Monteverde, Costa Rica. The research center’s museum houses a number of this specific specimen, collected in 1968. The toad has become virtually extinct and was last seen in 1990. The specimens aren’t brought to the research center alive and are usually euthanized in the country of origin. This may seem shocking to some people as the animals are sacrificed in the name of research, Franklin said. But, he said, more amphibians and reptiles are killed in less academic ways. He said that 12.5 million amphibians and reptiles were imported and exported as pets or as food in the past year. Six million specimens have been colAMPHIBIANS continues on page 3
The university announced today that of the $3.75 million it has received in donations for various research projects. $1.1 million may qualify for state matching funds. Today was the first day for universities to begin applying for matching funds through the Texas Research Incentive Program, one of several programs designed to help Texas universities attain Tier One status. Tier One is used to describe schools that have achieved nationally-recognized research status. Three Texas universities have attained that status: Rice University, Texas A&M University and UT-Austin. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board staff will review all applications. The board has given the seven eligible universities - UTA, UT-Dallas, UT-El Paso, UTSan Antonio, University of Houston, University of North Texas and Texas Tech – 30 days to submit applications, said Susan Brown, coordinating board planning and accountability assistant commissioner. The board has not yet received any applications she said. “I believe this will help encourage additional research funding for these institutions,” she said. “But we do not yet have a good feel for what is going to be submitted.” The program is a $50 million fund created by House Bill 51 in the last Texas legislature session. The state passed HB 51, written by Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, in May to allow emerging research institutions to compete for funds and recognition at the national level. The fund is for use over the next two years. Branch said today was an exciting day in higher education. “The guns have gone off in the race for Tier One,” Branch said. Branch said HB 51 was written with a competition in mind. He said legislators tried other methods that were not effective. He said a previous attempt was to designate TIER ONE continues on page 3
STUDENT GOVERNANCE
The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard
Biological Curator and Collections Manager Carl J. Franklin holds a Giant Chinese Salamander (Andrias davidianus ) on Friday afternoon at the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center.
SC creates position to aid external relations New student director will help act as a liaison between the university, City of Arlington and the state. BY BRYAN BASTIBLE The Shorthorn senior staff
ENGINEERING
College turns 50, celebrations begin today The day kicks off with a ribbon cutting followed by free tours of the Engineering Laboratory Building. BY JOHNATHAN SILVER The Shorthorn senior staff
Fifty years after beginning, the College of Engineering has produced 21,000 alumni and each year millions of dollars in research . The half-century mark will begin with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony for the remodeled Engineering Laboratory Building from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. today at 500 W. First St. The college has a past to reflect on and a future to look forward to, said former UTA President Wendell Nedderman, the college’s first dean. The college had much ground work to do in the beginning, Nedderman said. Today the college is recognized statewide and nationally. “In 1959 we were starting from scratch. I
think we’ve made progress,” he said. “What’s satisfying to me is that what I see today is an outstanding College of Engineering.” He will speak about the early history of the college during opening remarks. Other expected guests will include President James Spaniolo, Jack Woolf, former Arlington State College (now UTA) president, and Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas. ENGINEERING continues on page 6
Student Congress added and elected an executive board member position who would focus, primarily, on making sure that students are heard outside the university. SC unanimously voted for the amendment that would establish an external relations director and elected former science senator Kachi Amajor to the position. Currently, the SC executive board is comprised of the president, vice president, parliamentarian, program director and the recording secretary. Some of the duties of the new director are to chair the External Relations Council — which was also setup Tuesday as a permanent SC committee — attend Arlington City Council meetings when appropriate and coordinate Maverick Legislation Day DIRECTOR continues on page 6
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
YOUR DAY
TWO-DAY FORECAST — National Weather Service at www.weather.gov
Today
Thursday
10% chance of rain • High 93°F Low 72°F
20% chance of storms • High 93 °F Low 68°F
SLOW PARTICIPATION IN FIRE DRILL RAISES CONCERN
CALENDAR 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
. Sept
TODAY
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School supplies drive for Webb Elementary: All day, University Center lower level and residence hall offices. For information, contact UTA Volunteers at 817-272-2963 or utavolunteers@uta.edu. The EPA: Balancing environmental interests: 7-8 a.m., 601 Nedderman Hall. For information, contact Roger Tuttle at 817272-3682 or tuttle@uta.edu. College of Engineering 50th anniversary kick-off and ribbon-cutting for remodeled Engineering Laboratory Building: 10-11 a.m., 500 W. First St. For information, contact Tracey Kocher at 817-272-3679 or kocher@uta.edu. Carter Blood Drive: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., University Center mall and Central Library mall. For information, contact Karen Monken at 817-272-2963 or pk@uta.edu. Drop-in study abroad advising: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center between Starbucks and Freshens. Free. For information, contact Blake Hart at 817-272-1120 or bhart@uta.edu. “Stars at Night are Big and Bright”: 2-3 p.m., the 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 the Planetarium at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu. $2 Movie - Cars: 2:30 p.m., the Planetarium. Come see your favorite movies again on our really big screen. For information, contact the Planetarium at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@ uta.edu. Dean Kamen - inventor, physicist, entrepreneur: 7 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. For information, contact Tracey Kocher at 817-272-3679 or tkocher@uta.edu.
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THURSDAY Carter Blood Drive: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., University Center mall and Central Library mall. For information, contact Karen Monken at 817-272-2963 or pk@ uta.edu.
Fire and Life Safety fire marshal Steve Walt criticized the performance of the Garden Club apartments residents during a quarterly fire drill Tuesday. The average time should lie between three and four minutes, whereas the residents took 20.
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ixty-two occupants slowly trickled out of the Garden Club apartments during a quarterly fire drill Tuesday morning. The fire drill, that should have taken between three and four minutes, dragged on for 20 minutes as 36 of the residents had to be asked to leave the building. The residents were told the month of the fire drill, but not the date, to emphasize the preparedness in case of a fire. One of the stairways was blocked with an orange cone to simulate a fire in a corner of an apartment and rerouted residents who used it as their standard exit. Fire and Life Safety fire marshal Steve Walt asked the crowd to leave its personal belongings and take the matter more seriously. Walt said knowing the exact date of the drill wouldn’t be effective.
Drop-in study abroad advising: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center between Starbucks and Freshens. Free. For information, contact Blake Hart at 817-272-1120 or bhart@uta.edu. Career exploration session: Noon- 12:30 p.m., 216 Davis Hall. Free. For information, contact Counseling Services at 817-2723671. “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket”: 2-3 p.m., the 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 the Planetarium at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu. Boys & Girls Club visit: 3-5 p.m., 608 N. Elm St. Free. For information, contact UTA Volunteers at 817-272-2963 or utavolunteers@uta.edu. Study abroad fall fiesta/ambassadors kick-off party: 5:30 p.m., Swift Center lawn. Free. For information, contact Blake Hart at 817-272-1120 or studyabroad@uta.edu. “Black Holes”: 6-7 p.m., the 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 the Planetarium at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu.
CORRECTIONS Bring factual errors to The Shorthorn’s attention via e-mail to editor.shorthorn@uta.edu or call 817-272-3188. A correction or clarification will be printed in this space.
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
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Garden Club apartments residents congregate outside their homes during a quarterly fire drill.
PHOTOS BY RASY RAN
SCIENCE
Meet and greet with frozen treats
WHEN AND WHERE
The College of Science will host its annual ice cream social Wednesday for new and returning science majors. Science students will be given free ice cream from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Life Science Building main lobby. The new dean of the College of Science, Pamela Jansma, said she looks forward to meeting students. “The ice cream social is a fun way for me to meet and greet new and returning students in an informal setting and also make science approachable to them,” Jansma said. She said that it’s important for students and faculty to have a good relationship to facilitate student-teacher communication.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today Where: Life Science Building main lobby
She said she hopes to use the event as a way to springboard upperclassman into being more involved in the college’s issues. Faculty members, as well administrators, will serve students bowls of vanilla ice cream with their choice of toppings, from Oreo pieces to hot fudge. — Vinod Srinivasan
POLICE REPORT Warrant Service – Misdemeanor During a routine traffic stop at 4:16 p.m. at 300 Lampe St., a non-student was arrested for outstanding warrants out of Arlington Police Department.
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.
MONDAY Suspicious Person A criminal trespass warning was issued at 10:58 p.m. at 800 Pecan St. to a non-student for the entire campus for soliciting money from a student. Warrant Service – Felony A felony warrant was served on a student at 6:35 p.m. at 211 Cooper St. The student was found at the Social Work building and was placed under arrest. The warrant was out of Arlington Police Department.
Investigation A staff member reported the strong odor of natural gas at 3:45 p.m. at Nedderman Hall and as a precaution, officers evacuated the building. The smell originated from hot asphalt that had recently been laid down. Theft An officer was dispatched at 11 a.m. to Woolf Hall to meet with a faculty member in regard to a computer monitor that had been stolen.
For a crime map, visit THE SHORTHORN .com Copy Desk Chief .......................Anna Katzkova copydesk-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Scene Editor .......................... Dustin L. Dangli features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Photo Editor .........................Andrew Buckley photo-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Online Editor ...................... Jennifer Cudmore online-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Webmaster ........................... Troy Buchwalter webmaster.shorthorn@uta.edu Student Ad Manager ....................... Mike Love admanager@shorthorn.uta.edu Marketing Manager .................... Kevin Green Production Manager................ Robert Harper Ad Artists .................................. Benira Miller Receptionists ....................... Jeanne Lopez
FIRST COPY FREE ADDITIONAL COPIES 25 CENTS THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON 91ST YEAR, © THE SHORTHORN 2009 All rights reserved. All content is the property of The Shorthorn and may not be reproduced, published or retransmitted in
any form without written permission from UTA Student Publications. The Shorthorn is the student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published in the UTA Office of Student Publications. Opinions expressed in The Shorthorn are not necessarily those of the university administration.
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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The ShorThorn
Amphibians
Jars containing the remains of reptiles and amphibians like this Terrapene ornata, or The Ornate Box Turtle, are among the collection at the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center.
continued from page 1
lected in the past 300 years for herpetological research. Graduate student Christian Cox, who has been working in the research center for the past two years, “Having an said the facility is paraunderstanding mount to studying and understanding amphibians of diversity and reptiles. of wildlife is “The museum is a great important to place for me to study specimens, tissue samples, as living in this well as the opportunity to world.” travel in to the field to do research,” Cox said. Carl Franklin, Franklin said the study research center biological of amphibians and reptiles curator and collections is important for conserving manager and understanding animals but also finding out where humans fall into the big picture. “Having an understanding of diversity of wildlife is important to living in this world,” Franklin said. Vinod SriniVaSan news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard
Tier One continued from page 1
the schools that would receive state funding, but it left other schools dissatisfied. Branch said the funding limit is $25 million per year and any exceeding amount will go in a queue. Next year the queue will be contingent on legislators continuing the program. UT-Dallas announced Tuesday it had been pledged $16.8 million in donations. UT-San Antonio received a single donation of $2.5 million from Valero Energy Corp. According to a UTA press release, $1 million in gifts to UTA are from Carrizo Oil & Gas. Other gifts are from Texas Instruments Inc., The Texas Health Research and Education Institute and university alumnus Mustaque Ahmed. University spokesperson Kristin Sullivan said the exact donation amount isn’t available yet. The university will match $2.4 million in funds through the Maverick Match program. The Maverick Match, funded through natural gas revenue, will match gifts for endowments of $25,000 or more paid
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donationS Breakdown
ut SySteM
Donations of $100,000-$999,999 will be matched to 50% Donations of $1 million to $1.9 million will be matched to 75% Donations of $2 million or more will be matched 100%
Campus police to undergo audit Officials will conduct a UT System-wide review of all 14 campus departments.
Donations exceeding $10 million, donations that are pledged but not yet received, or donations for undergraduate scholarships or grants will not be matched.
By ChaSe FeeMSter The Shorthorn staff
out throughout less than five years. Gifts of $100,000 or more qualify for funding from Maverick Match and the incentive program. “These gifts represent a growing recognition of UT Arlington’s academic excellence. This is a long-term effort to increase the private support of the research mission of the University, and we are gratified by this initial response,” said UT Arlington President James Spaniolo in a press release. “It’s not about one day. This is a decade-long effort to build a national research institution.” ali MuStanSir news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The UT System will conduct a formal review of all affiliated campus police departments this fall. A panel of university system officials, auditors and lawyers are set to visit the system’s 14 campus police departments. Audits are performed on a regular basis at each police department, but not on any specific schedule, said UT System spokesman Matt Flores. “This will be a close examination of day-to-day operations,” he said. Flores said this review will cover financial accounting, record keeping and compliance issues at the state and federal level. Rick Gomez, UTA assistant po-
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lice chief, said this visit is a measure taken to review performance in all the police departments. Within the past year, three campus police chiefs were separately accused of misconduct. UTA was not among those campuses. Howard Miller, former UT-Pan American police chief, was fired after an internal investigation last year. The Collin County District Attorney’s office is investigating Colleen Ridge, former UT-Dallas police chief, after accusations including use of a state-issued vehicle for personal use. Ridge resigned in May, after she denied the allegation, according to a Dallas Morning News article. UT-Dallas communications vice president Susan Rogers had no comments. David Hernandez, former UTSan Antonio police chief, resigned in July after an employee complained of sexual harassment.
Dan Pena, UT-San Antonio assistant police chief, said that he doesn’t think the three campuses that have had issues with their police chiefs are the targets of this formal review. Pena said he could not comment on the ongoing investigation. The UT System requires all police officers serving at any affiliated campuses to go through its own police academy. The police academy began in 1967 and has since trained 1,690 officers. Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education requires 618 hours of curriculum, while the UT academy contains 884 hours, according to the UT System Police Academy Web site.
ChaSe FeeMSter news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
ABOUT OPINION Cohe Bolin, opinion editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Wednesday and Friday. Page 4
OPINION THE SHORTHORN
EDITORIAL/OUR VIEW
New policies for research funding Passing of Proposition 4 will bring UTA closer to top tier status Proposition 4 is definitely something we want passed in November. This state constitutional amendment should propel us closer to Tier One status, bring recognition as a national research university and ultimately benefit the university, its students, faculty, staff and alumni. A student’s degree from UTA will become more valuable if we obtain this as there will be more degree programs, more top-notch faculty and facilities, and more research dollars, which in turn will generate more research. Proposition 4 will create a new National Research University Fund, which will eliminate the Higher Education Fund, with the money in the EDITORIAL latter transferring ROUNDUP to the former, as The issue: stated by the Center With Tier One status dangling before the for Public Policy university, the constiPriorities. The new tutional amendment on the ballot in November fund is estimated to is crucial to achieving be about $425 milthis goal. lion. We suggest: The 81st LegislaGetting involved — ture, passed House making sure to vote in November, and Bill 51 along with encouraging others to three other provote — will benefit this grams for Tier One endeavor which in turn will benefit all of us. funding. The other programs are still viable if the amendment fails. One of those programs is the Texas Research Incentive Program, for qualifying emerging research institutions, which will match private donations up to $10 million. Released late Tuesday, the university announced $3.75 million in donations for research on campus, including a $1 million commitment from Carrizo Oil and Gas, which will create a new graduate fellowship program. Research is a hot topic around campus, especially as the university’s College of Engineering is celebrating its 50th anniversary, which kicks off today. The funds to help us along to Tier One could be greatly aided by Proposition 4 and the three other programs within House Bill 51. Let’s get involved and work together to get the amendment adopted that should raise the university to national recognition for the research done on our campus. — The Shorthorn editorial board Cohe Bolin, Shawn Johnson, Jason Boyd, Dustin Dangli, Marissa Hall, and Mark Bauer
DISCOMBOBULATION by Houston Hardaway
Since 1919
REMEMBER The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Wednesday, September 2, 2009
When Science and Politics Collide The lack of American innovation, a serious concern in the evergrowing global environment The Shorthorn: Justo Martinez
T
hroughout the blighted epoch of the Bush administration the policy was basically: “Religion good, science BAD!” Faith-based initiatives replaced research and scientific review and gittin’ people into heaven was high on the priority list. This is why America is and has been slipping. If we want to remain the brightly-glowing, guiding star in this foggy night we call global society, then we need to reestablish dominance in the fields of science and innovation. We need to spend the most so that we can achieve the most. Never again should we allow projects like the Large Hadron Collider, a particle accelerator, to go from Texas to Switzerland just because our government won’t spend money on anything they can’t turn into a weapon of mass destruction. During the spring ’09 semester I attended a lecture by Neil deGrasse Tyson, an eminent physicist and one of modern America’s titans of science. In the course of his presentation, Tyson highlighted the positive effects of a strong national policy in favor of discovery and exploration in the context of history’s great explorers. Physical boundaries such as oceans, mountains and deserts are no longer on the frontier of exploration. The atom and its components; the anatomy of the brain; the evolutionary components of DNA; cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, Lou Geh-
While these contributions are great, the rig’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis – these are the exploration frontiers in modern problem is, the university researchers built the ATLAS detector for the collider and society. These days, people are running around then sent it to Switzerland, where the real as though their hair were on fire, bemoan- discoveries will be made. Similarly, the 454 ing the economy and dreading the day sequencer UTA recently purchased with a when China will supplant the good-ol’ $600,000 grant was developed by a company called Roche, which is based – guess U-S-of-A as the new global super power. If you want to know how to fix the where – in Switzerland. Imagine the benefits to the economy and put America back American people if that techat the top of the hill from which nology had been developed in it has reigned as king these the States; even now, universimany decades, I’ll tell you. ties in the U.S. and other counScience. tries would be pouring millions That’s it. into an American company, Urge your congressmen and which would pay taxes to the governors to pour as many of American government and your tax dollars into cancer centhose taxes would then go to ters and research labs. Be comAmerican schools. mitted to the cause of scientific Yes, it’s true that scientific pursuit the way preachers are JUSTIN SHARP achievement costs money. Lots committed to Jesus. of money, in fact. But as the In that vein, you should all be pleased to know that UTA is doing its axiom goes, you have to spend money to share to provide for America’s scientific make money. America should be investing in the future. A group at the university, led by physics professor Kaushik De, built most discoveries that will create the world of of the collider, the machine that could the generations to come. The returns, both help us discover the origins of our universe monetary and intellectual, on such investthrough experimentation and evidence ments have always been, and will always be, immeasurable. gathering. Recently, the university acquired a 454 genome sequencer, which could help de— Justin Sharp is a journalism senior termine the order of DNA building blocks for pursuits ranging from cures for cancer and a columnist for The Shorthorn to more efficient biofuels.
Morality Matters The debate about government-run health care often misses the point
S
o many fallacies, so little much in their philosophical cores. attention span. People who support a govPeople supporting the current efforts to revolution- ernment-run health care sysize health care in America are tem may not consciously or labeled bleeding-heart liberals. verbally recognize that their Opponents are greedy, heart- position is based on the concept that the common good less Republicans. Lost in the fracas are non- is the arbiter of morality. If it partisan, philosophical foun- helps most people and harms few, or none, then the means dations of a rational debate. are not important. Many who supPeople who oppose port or oppose the the federal medical inhotly contested surance concept don’t bill struggling always recognize that through Congress, the moral center of a do so with little or rational opposition is no regard to the about individual rights party politics inas opposed to the convolved. But about cept of “group rights.” as many see it as Both sides find the an elephant versus best media talking donkey matter. CLIFF HALE heads and sound bites Politics is a subfrom people great and set of philosophy, but the systems of cranking small, important and obscure, out — or sabotaging — leg- who support or attack the carislation dominate the public riers of the red and blue flags, and then repeat or refute them. discussion. Complex issues are usually Such ad hominem attacks — convoluted in implementation and supports — disqualify and in argument, but not so such pronouncements from
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marissa Hall E-MAIL editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn is the official student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published four times weekly during fall and spring semesters, and twice weekly during the summer sessions. Unsigned editorials are the opinion of THE SHORTHORN EDITORIAL BOARD and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of individual student writers or editors,
reasonable discourse, but more often than not, conversations about the issue are anything but reasonable or rational. Emotion runs fast and deep in this dialogue, and emotion is the sort of impetus that leads to the public election of Hitler and the lynching of blacks. Crucial decisions are best made on the principled observation and discussion of the facts. Quoting one’s favorite, biased pundit is substituted for intellectual inquiry and it turns all public controversies into popularity contests. Because Rush Limbaugh or Jon Stewart said it doesn’t qualify it as meaningful. Basing argument on how Ron Paul or Nancy Pelosi voted is intellectual malingering. Health care is only the hottest current topic involved in the dumbing down of American philosophical debate. Setting up, then bailing out dubious financial institutions and practices suffers the same pop culture superficiality. So do
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-
the justifications or denouncements of so-called “war” in Afghanistan and Iraq, the use of torture and the morality of prohibition. In nature, a tactic among many wild, ground-nesting birds is called “the broken wing” ruse. A parent bird, sensing a predator, will peep pathetically and run around erratically with one wing jutting out and brushing the ground as if injured. Hopefully drawing a predator or scavenger away from the eggs, the parent will then launch into the air and fly to safety. When professionals appear in the media and pronounce positions opposing or promoting your own, moral and intellectual integrity demand that you consider whether or not that wing is broken, and if the eggs you are being distracted from are useful, or rotten. — Cliff Hale is an interdisciplinary studies junior 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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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Apartments
1 bedroom and bath for rent in large 4 bedroom home. $165, no utilities, kitchen priv. washer/dryer, Christian, male, non-smoker, 817-446-0464, 1pm - 9pm Need Roommate for apartment. $325/mo. All bills paid. Half block from UTA. Call Casey, 682-472-8653
LEAD TEACHER for 3 and 4-year-old class. 8:00 am-2:00pm Monday-Friday. Follow structured program with lesson plans. Supervise children. $9.00 hour. Call Dian for informaPAID EGG DONORS for up tion or interview. email: school@cfcl.cc to 9 donations + Expenses. (817) 534-2189 N/smokers, ages 18-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24GPA>3.0 Babysitter needed for 13 info@eggdonorcenter.com mo. old. Friday 1-5 pm. Salary Negotiable. Lost & Found (817)368-7331 P/T in home nanny needed Found Young, female cat. 11 weeks, for 14mo. old & 10wk old twins. Love for children reMackeral white Tabby with quired. M-F, 2:30-6:30pm, yellow eyes. Found at UTA Blvd and Cooper near Swift reference required. Contact Center on August 30th. Very Amber, (214)995-5216 or ahcolby99@yahoo.com tame. Call 817-858-9858 AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE and domestic help Miscellaneous needed, Monday-Friday, In need of baseball players 3-6pm, Must have references. for a competitive adult base- Non-smokers. Call (817) ball team. Wood Bat League. 909-1224 or email, juliebarCall David 817-975-9822 ganier@sbcglobal.net General Female Vocalist, needed for music album, if interested Part Time Help contact me at: needed for a State Vehicle Inswapnil.baral@mavs.uta.edu spector. We are located about two blocks from UTA. Please apply in person 8-10am EMPLOYMENT Mon-Sat. No experience needed for the right person. Childcare Flexible hours. 817-275-0341
$5,000$45,000
AFTER SCHOOL CARE. small group of 12-15 children, ages 5-12. Supervise play. Interact with students. $8.00/ hour. email Dian: school@cfcl.cc or call (817) 534-2189 Energetic, outgoing, patient student needed to work with a 12 year old boy with autism, approx. 20/hrs week. $10/hr 817-733-8561. leave msg.
Part Time Jobs Inbound call center needs customer service rep for flexible shifts evenings and weekends. Must type 40 wpm. Please call (817)459-2292 STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers needed in Arlington. 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys. Veterinary Assistant, P/T 30+hrs./week. 20 min. from campus. Experience not necessary. 972-988-1550
is currently accepting applications for the following positions for the fall semesters; • Reporter • Ad Sales Rep • Sports Reporter • Graphic Artist • Copy Editor • Online Assistant Get a job description and an application TODAY! Student Publications Dept. University Center, lower level. Also available online at: www.TheShorthorn.com All are paid positions for UTA students. For more information call; 817-272-3188 Survey Takers Needed: Make $5-$25 per survey. GetPaidToThink.com.
Hospitality/Service
Arlington Ins. Agency needs p/t help. Weekdays 2-5 p.m. Great phone voice, energetic, bilingual. Will train. 817-261-5777
Springcrest Apartments 2007 Springcrest Dr. 25% disc. for UTA students No applic. fee & No deposit. 817-792-3015
Teaching/Tutoring
Duplex
Arlington ISD is hiring substitutes, visit www.aisd.net or call 682-867-7290 for further information.
WALK TO CAMPUS 1 and 2 bedroom units $550-675 a month. Water and lawn paid. Clean and ready, on Elm St. Call Jason (817) 472-5455
Technical IT/WEB DESIGN Person needed to design web pages for several apartment complexes in the DFW area. Email resume to kelly@legendmgmt.com or fax to 817-701-0523.
Townhomes TOWNHOME SALE OR LEASE Large 3/2.5 w/2 CP ready for move in. Lots of trees on greenbelt! 230 Westview Terr. $89,900 sale. $1,300 lease. Call Amy at (817) 543-0000
Homes Charming 2/1/1 @ UTA, lg fenced yrd, hdwd floors, 1 car garage (817)478-7794 Wimbledon Home/Rooms 2700 sq. ft. 3BR/ 2.5 B, pool, double garage, fenced yard, Perfect for roommates. 10 mins. from UTA. $1450 house/ $475 for rooms. 254-898-1000 or
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
janice@cedarsonthebrazos.com
Do You Need a Cheap Car? We buy cars at dealer auctions. Call me if you need a car. 817-401-2008 ask for Richard ‘99 Jeep Cherokee Sport 5 sp.4 wheel drive.165 k. miles. $3500.Call 817-277-1085
Motorcycles Motorcycle ’97 Virago 1100 Very clean, very reliable, All original - never wrecked Many extras - $3400 OBO 817-312-4669 View on Craig’s List Follow this link! http://dallas.craigslist.org/ ftw/mcy/1329419511.html ’02 KAWASAKI VUL750 Great Condition. 5150 miles. $3400 or best offer. (817) 469-8669
MERCHANDISE
TRANSPORTATION
Books
Autos
Still renting books? LOL! Swap your books instead @ utabooklist.com
ABC AUTO SALES BUY-SELL-TRADE Biggest selection of cars in the country at the lowest prices! abcauto535@yahoo.com www.abc-auto-sales.com 817-535-0075
SERVICE DIRECTORY Musical Services Piano Lessons, fun and affordable, learn what you have always wanted to learn, Karen Garcia 817-793-2347, karen@doshermusic.com
Medical PHYSICAL THERAPY TECH Sports Rehab Specialists is seeking a part-time physical therapy tech from 2-7pm Mon & Weds. Fax resumes to 817-877-1106 or email clay@sportsrehabspecialists.net (817) 877-8977
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2 “Star Trek” navigator 3 Got down 4 Saves 5 Odorless gas 6 Stick shift gear 7 Irritate 8 Yellowstone grazer 9 Slangy word of indifference 10 Destroy, as a paper trail 11 Intentions 12 Brouhaha 13 Europe’s highest active volcano 19 It’s what’s happening 21 Made, as a knot 24 Decoratively curved molding 25 Drift gently 26 Pie serving 27 Church leader 28 Sea duck with prized plumage 29 “American Me” actor/director Edward James __ 30 Courage, in slang 31 Senator Specter
9/2/09 Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
DOWN 1 Likewise
By Jerome Gunderson 9/3/09
Q: Every time my partner and I have oral sex or intercourse, I feel like Q: I recently found out my friend is I have to urinate when I'm about to gay (although this was no big surprise orgasm. I know that after I ejaculate, I to me). The problem is that I can't stop have to go to the bathroom and uri- thinking about this. I don't think about nate. Even when we are having oral her specifically or about another persex, I feel that my urine is son who is the same sex as coming out, so I then stop it. me (I have no interest in Is there something wrong homosexual sex), but for with my penis? I asked a some unclear reason I have nurse once, and she told me a fear of becoming gay, or that it was just a natural that subconsciously I may be feeling and that it was just gay but just don't know it. I the seminal fluid that I feel. have been married for 10 But I'm sure that it is not years with no interest in true. It's like sometimes straying, but why is this when I'm masturbating, it is bothering me so much? my urine that comes first, or Dr. Ruth vice versa, it comes after- Send your A: When you get ward. If it is a problem, can questions to Dr. aroused, do you fantasize you advise me on who to see Ruth Westheimer about someone of the oppoand what I can do about it? c/o King site sex, or about someone of the same sex? If a person Features A: Ordinarily, I would can become aroused only by agree with the nurse you Syndicate, 235 E. people of the same sex, no spoke with, but you're say- 45th St., New matter who they're actually ing that you actually see York, NY 10017 having sex with, then they urine come out of your penis are considered to be gay. If before the ejaculate when you mastur- that's not the case with you, then you're bate, so that makes me think that definitely not gay, and my advice to something else is going on here. My you is to stop worrying about it. If suggestion would be to masturbate, these thoughts come to you, push them and when this initial fluid comes out, away. The more you allow yourself to put some in a bottle. Bring that to a think about them, the more persistent urologist and have it tested. If it's urine, they'll be, but if you push them aside then the urologist will know what can every time, you'll see that they'll soon be done. If it's not, at least you won't disappear. have to worry about this any longer.
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis ACROSS 1 PDQ relative 5 Violin virtuoso Zimbalist 10 Out of harm’s way 14 “To Sir With Love” singer 15 Decorative sofa fabric 16 Dagger handle 17 Narrow cut 18 “Little” comedian’s big brother? 20 Blink later than, in a contest 22 Scooter favored by ’60s British mods 23 “That __ hay!” 24 Was indebted to 26 “Big” wrestler’s little brother? 30 Road trip guide 33 Homeric epic 34 Liberal faction, with “the” 35 Valuable rock 36 Whirling water 37 Streaker with a tail 39 Grease target 40 So-so test grade 41 “Horrors!” 42 Tabloid creature 43 Mess up 44 “Thin” character actor’s big brother? 47 Big hair style 48 Conscription category 49 Words of sympathy 52 Trivial 56 “Heavy” R&B singer’s little brother? 59 Computer symbol 60 Put in the hold 61 Piebald horse 62 River through Saint Petersburg 63 Gave the once-over 64 Libidinous deity 65 State, to Sarkozy
(c)2009 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
DR. RUTH
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
(c)2009 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
32 Hammerhead parts 37 Burn slightly 38 Not fooled by 39 Like some batteries 41 Rubbed out, gangster style 42 Did very well on 45 Like a spitz’s ears 46 Not alfresco 47 Packing heat
9/2/09
49 Key 50 Modeling medium 51 Assistant 52 Pub order 53 Hip-hopper born Tracy Marrow 54 Source of a stellar explosion 55 Pesky biter 57 Special __: military force 58 “Mamma __!”
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
Page 6
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The ShorThorn
Engineering continued from page 1
The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley
Former science senator Kachi Amajor, right, delivers a two-minute speech before Student Congress’ vote for an external relations director on Tuesday in the University Center. Amajor ran against liberal arts senator Eleanor Khonje.
Director continued from page 1
during Texas Legislature sessions. The council works with the governmental bodies outside the university, such as the City of Arlington. The position will help voice the city’s already existing partnerships for things like the revitalization of downtown Arlington’s “college town.” “Over the last three years the ERC has done a lot for the university and the students, and I’m really glad we’ve chosen to make it permanent so it can continue to be an influence,” said engineering senator Collins Watson. Amajor said she hopes all her hard work to get elected doesn’t go to waste. “I was excited and my heart was beating out of my ears,” she said. Amajor ran against liberal arts senator Eleanor Khonje. “I think she’s going to make an amazing ER director,” Khonje said. “I’m here to assist her in any way possible.” The two candidates had two minutes to deliver a speech and weren’t allowed to field questions. The SC voted on ballots, but the final vote for the ER director was not available for public record. Nursing senator Caitlin Wright nominated Amajor for the position. “Ever since the position was announced, Kachi seemed to have so much heart and drive to put toward that position,” she said. She said she hopes that with Amajor as the new ER director, the university will get more public visibility and gain more support from the community.
College of engineering 50th anniversary CeleBration Sept. 2 Schedule of Events:
Rep. Diane Patrick, R-Arlington, will attend the ribbon-cutting and present an official resolution from the Texas House of Representatives commemorating the college’s 50th anniversary and the Engineering Research Complex’s construction. The resolution will be put in the legislative body’s records permanently, Patrick said. “The new building is an addition to a long establishment of the College of Engineering. It’s a shining new star in a long history of excellence,” she said. “The additional facility will enable the college to expand on its programs and therefore make an even stronger impact on the region and state.” The lab building’s third floor was completed in July and was ready for use on the first day of classes. With more than 27,000 square feet added, the new facility now can hold the entire bioengineering department and other engineering department labs. “The new labs in the ELB are essential for faculty members in several of our academic departments to advance their research, attract external research funding, and attract
10-11 a.m. Ribbon cutting for the remodeled Engineering Laboratory Building at 500 W. First St., followed by a tour of the building. Free and open to the public. 11:30 a.m. Engineering Bash - Get together for new and returning engineering students on the Engineering Lab Building mall 7 p.m. Segway inventor Dean Kamen will speak at the Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Free and open to the public.
high-quality graduate students,” said College of Engineering Dean Bill Carroll. “The labs are really first class and will benefit the college and the university in the years ahead as we pursue national research university stature.” Johnathan silver news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
nursing Broken egos
other resolutions introduCed at the meeting: Resolution 09-15 “Mavs Go Green and use Web 2.0” suggests The Shorthorn discontinue it’s paper circulation and publish content online Resolution 09-16 “SENIORitis” would allow graduating seniors to receive 12 commencement ceremony tickets, enrolled students access with their IDs, and increasing the age required for a ticket from 2 to 5. Resolution 09-17 “Can I Live” would allow the university to provide a room for meditation, reflection and prayer. Resolution 09-18 “Pardon Our Progress” would allow administration to create a blog or Web site that regularly updates students on construction and maintenance projects
SC President Kent Long said he was anxious for the vote to come out. “I knew both girls would do great, I think it’ll be a great year,” he said. There was no discussion about creating the position and making the committee permanent before Tuesday’s vote. “I was surprised there was no discussion because it is new and I think people would have more questions,” said SC Vice President Melanie Johnson. “But hopefully that means we did a great job answering their questions beforehand and it means that our senators did their homework.” Four resolutions were also introduced at the meeting.
The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran
Nursing adviser Justin Gerstenberger debunked myths Tuesday night at Pickard Hall for nursing sophomores. The introduction session paired potential students with advisers, then regrouped for a final Q&A.
To read the full story, visit Bryan BastiBle news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The ShorThorn .com
The Nursing Constituency Council held the Successful Sophomores Start Here forum, educating students on how to get prepared for nursing school and clarifying misconceptions that have been circulating amongst nursing applicants. Nursing adviser Justin Gerstenberger said he wants students to understand that you don’t just apply to nursing school. He said the program actually wants to know more about its students then them just having a 4.0 grade point average. NCC President Jaime Parker said the university nursing programs are diverse with students who applied one time and others that applied more than once, but applicants should have fun in the application process. “I hope that students get encouragement for the program even if they are not accepted to nursing school next semester,” she said. The council holds this program once every semester for applicants who have applied to the nursing program but this year the forum was open to freshmen, too.
-Micaela Titus