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THURSDAYNovember 20, 2003
An Inside Look:
■ News ............................................2■ A & E............................................7■ Sports ........................................16
T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f T e x a s - P a n A m e r i c a nPage 4
CCaammppuussVOICEWould you everconsider joining
the PeaceCorps?
SPANNING THE GLOBE
¡Dia de laRevolucion!
People usually attempt to earn a college education togain opportunities that will take them all over the world.This week, the world is coming to UTPA.
Sponsored by the Center for International Studies,Global Week will feature guest speakers from differentparts of the country and Mexico. The conference theme of,"The Global Political, Social and Economical Outlook inthe 21st Century," has given students opportunities to gainknowledge about current international issues.
Sessions such as "U.S. Arab-Relations" and "The Social,Political and Economic Future in Latin America," expressthe problems of the citizens of different countries. Culturalevents, like the showing of the movie "Wedding Banquet"and the art exhibit "The World Through an Artist’s Eyes,"share the different fine-art expressions of people across theglobe.
Dr. Mohammed Farooqui, chair of the biologydepartment, is a member of the advisory committee whichprepared events for Global Week. Farooqui attendedmeetings and formed a panel for a presentation. He alsohad a presentation on "Role and Status of Women inIslam."
"The Global Week is an important event, and I think weshould continue conducting it," Farooqui said. "In thisweek the students are exposed to things that have a globalimpact. They have excellent opportunities to listen toexperts in the fields of politics, business, economy, religionand such."
Before a packed audience in the SBSC auditorium,Farooqui addressed students and faculty who attended thepresentation "Role and Status of Women in Islam." Thepresentation was split into two sections, with the first
explaining the basis of Islam and thesecond addressing the rights ofMuslim women. Farooqui explainedthe misconceptions that are oftenassociated with the religion.
By first explaining the basis ofthe Islam religion to the crowd,Farooqui brought awareness tostudents, many of whom have hadno firsthand knowledge of the topic.
Farooqui explained how everyMuslim woman has rights that areequal to men. Although womenhave to struggle to gain the accessof certain privileges, they havenever been denied their personalrights that were given to them 14centuries ago.
He said that though the veilwomen wear is perceived by non-Muslims as oppressive, the oppositeis the case. In essence, the veilsignifies self-respect, modesty, andat times, social status.
Fooroqui explained that in Islam,women are respected for theirminds, not their bodies. Not only ismodesty esteemed in Islam, it alsoleads to the feeling of protectionfrom idleness.
Questions were raised fromaudience members about various issues dealing withdefinitions of freedom. One person asked why somecountries do not allow Muslim women to drive cars, andanother criticized the fact that in some Muslim countries,
young women are forced to marry against their will.Farooqui and other panel members said that Islam and
its laws are not associated with those actions. Rather than
Elizabeth Padilla/The Pan American
LABOR ECONOMICS— Gloria Wyant discusses international labor organizationsMonday during UTPA’s Global Week celebration, which ends Thursday.
By CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American
Presentations, culturesheadline weeklong event
See GLOBAL page 12
If The Edinburg Economic DevelopmentCorporation, or EEDC, is supposed to belooking out for the best interests of thecitizens of Edinburg, then these citizensbetter start opening their pockets.
For the past couple of months the EEDCboard has stonewalled any or all questionsconcerning the Hector Casas litigationprocess, but based on recent events, thesilence has not been in vain.
As of Friday Nov. 14, a lawsuit was filedby the EEDC board, claiming that Casasfailed to honor an agreement to completeconstruction on a convention center and
restaurant by a specific timeline. There wasa $299,960 payment previously made forthe construction.
According to documents filed at theCounty Court House No. 4, Casas has 20days to respond to the lawsuit.
The suit states that the amount Casasowes the city is actually more than$299,960 because had the job beencompleted, the convention center alonewould have had tax-ripple effects, and thus,would have profited the city more in thelong run.
The amount the convention center wouldhave made the city, which Casas eventuallyhas to pay, has been left up to the courts todecide.
If Casas fails to respond or does notshow up at the hearing, the court will makea judgment without his presence.
Ramiro Garza, EEDC executive directorstated, "the parties involved in the litigationwere notified before the public was.”
“Steps are being taken in order to resolvethis as soon as possible," Garza said.
According to Cynthia Gutierrez, EEDCattorney, "The board explored all itsoptions and because a commitment wasn’tmet by Casas, this was the next step."
Casas is the owner and operator of SheaConstruction, and through a jointagreement with the EEDC spent close to$300,000 to make infrastructureimprovements to a Los Lagos Golf Club
subdivision he owns.The improvements are supposed to be in
exchange for a restaurant and conventioncenter for the city of Edinburg. Casasalready has a two-year extension on theproject, but has built nothing.
According to Casas, the incompletion ofthe construction work has been due toforeman problems, rainy/muddy weatherand lazy workers.
So as of now, Casas owes the boardapproximately $300,000 for incompletework, money which came directly from thepockets of Edinburg’s tax payers.
Now, the question that remains oneveryone’s minds is, will Casas show up incourt?
By VANESSA L. LUCIOThe Pan American
EEDC lawsuit over 300K goes forward against builder
Cinderella teams come and go,but the Edinburg EconomedesJaguars are one team that will belong remembered after Fridaynight’s emotionally charged 21-17
victory over the Donna Redskins ina bi-district playoff game that shookCats Stadium.
Economedes’ comeback victory iscomparable to the dramatic DenverBroncos victories against theCleveland Browns in the 1987 and1988 AFC Championship Games
where quarterback John Elwaytwice led Denver back fromapparent defeats and instead turnedthem into unbelieveable feats ofdetermination that resulted in twostraight Super Bowl appearancesand became sensitive subjects forBrowns fans.
Although Economedesquarterback, Manny Villegas, is halfthe size of Elway, he played with aheart twice as big. Villegasscrambled, ran, and passed theJaguars to victory over theRedskins’ offensive juggernautwho, prior to Friday’s matchup, hadwon three straight games andscored an average of 51.7 points inthat span.
It was Villegas who scored thewinning touchdown with 13seconds left in the game afterdriving the Jags 88 yards in 5:54that included a miraculous 29-yardreception by wide receiver EddieGarza.
"I got to go all I can cause I knewthere was only like 20 seconds leftand if we didn’t score we would gohome," Villegas said. "If we did,there’s another chance we getanother game next week. Our senioryear doesn’t finish."
The electrifying win improvedEconomedes to 8-2 despite havingdropped the season finale against
La Joya, 33-7, two weeks ago.Jaguar head coach and UTPA
alumnus Oscar Salinas thought thatEdinburg’s dismal performanceagainst La Joya at the end ofregular-season play may have lulledDonna into a false sense of security.
"Our kids, they played tough, youknow," Salinas said. "I think we setthem up last week in La Joya."
Economedes’ unplanned "Rope-A-Dope" strategy worked andhanded Donna a heart-breaking lossthat eliminated them from theplayoffs and ended their seasonwith a 7-4 overall record (4-2District 32-5A). The loss was thefirst time the Redskins had lost aplayoff game to another Valleyteam.
"We didn’t play well. My hatgoes off to these guys," Donna headcoach Dave Evans said. "Their firstyear here (in the playoffs) and theyplayed well. I’m real impressedwith them."
Economedes will host their nextplayoff opponent, Corpus ChristiKing (9-2), Saturday at 7 p.m. atCats Stadium. Corpus Christidefeated Laredo Alexander 49-21 intheir Conference 5A, Division IIfirst round playoff matchup lastFriday.
Not to be outdone by their city-
The University of Texas-PanAmerican men’s cross-country teamtook huge strides at the NCAARegional Championships.
Standout Westly Keating fromPharr qualified for the NCAA CrossCountry Championships for thesecond time in as many years, whichwill be held Nov. 24 at NorthernIowa in Cedar Falls.
Overall, the men’s cross countryteam finished eighth with 271 points,their best finish ever at a regionalchampionship. Arkansas and TexasA&M claimed first and second place,which qualified them for the NCAAs.
The Lady Broncs finished 13th outof 17 teams with 369 points. In thewomen’s category, Texas and Baylorqualified for NCAAs by winning thetop two spots in the regionalcompetition.
Keating finished third in the 10Krace with a time of 30:13, justslightly behind the winner PaulMorrison of Texas with a time of29:43. Alistair Cregg of Arkansasoutran Keating for second place.
Keating believes he lost the race atthe end when it was time to kick itinto overdrive.
"We were running hard for the firstfour miles," Keating said. "I kind of
faded a little in the last part of therace, and got out kicked for secondplace."
The Broncs took eighth overallwith 271 points. Arkansas and TexasA&M claimed the top two spots andqualified their teams for the NCAAs.
Senior Hugo Cervantes fromWeslaco finished his career bycoming in 44th with a time of 32:33.
Every member of the young PanAm team finished in the top 100 ofthe race.
UTPA head coach Ricky Vaughnbelieves the next couple of years aregoing to be a huge success for thecross-country teams.
"We are in great shape," Vaughnsaid. "By running as well as we didwith as many freshmen as we have, itshows that we have a lot of greatthings to come in the near future."
The NCAA NationalChampionships are in four days andKeating is training for the race byhimself and through strenuousworkouts.
Assistant Coach Doug Molnarbelieves the weather drained Keatingmore than he realized it did.
"Westly was leading forapproximately four and a half miles,"Molnar said. "The heat and humiditycaught up with him, but hemaintained third place, and did agreat job."
Even though the race will be run in
cold conditions,coach Vaughnbelieves theweather is notthe determiningfactor in a race,but theindividual.
"You can’tuse the weatherconditions aspart of yourreason forsuccess orfailure," Vaughnsaid. "Everyonehas to run in thesame weather,cold is cold andhot is hot. Itcomes down tothe individualwho is mentallytough enough togo out and runtheir race."
Keating isexcited about therace and feels thatthe experience hegained last year atnationals will help him this year.
"Whenever you’re moreexperienced at something, the moreconfidence you have," Keating said."When you have more experience,you aren’t as scared."
Keating is confident that theweather will not be a huge factor forhim, but more so for other athletes.
"The weather hurts other athletes,like the Kenyans, but I can handlethe weather good," Keating said.
■ Hoops Preview . . . . . . 15
■ Stunts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
■ Sports Clipboard . . . . . 13
PAGE 16
SPORTSKeating qualifies, UTPA eighth
Photo by Mike Bond
Junior Westly Keating rests after his third-place finish atthe NCAA Regionals held at Baylor Nov. 15.
Jags drive past ‘Skins, Bobcats rout Hawks
See JAGS page 15
Today
Dallas Mavericks vs.Nov. 22 Denver, 7:30Nov. 25 Chicago, 7:30Nov. 26 at Phoenix, 8
San Antonio Spurs vs.Nov. 20 at Dallas, 6:30Nov. 21 vs. Atlanta, 7:30Nov. 26 vs. Chicago, 7:30
Friday, Nov. 21
NFL SUNDAY
vs.
NBASchedule
6:30
6:30
at
9:30Houston Rockets vs.Nov. 24 at Clippers, 9:30Nov. 26 at Utah, 8
at
Noon4-6 8-2
at
Noon7-3 8-2
at
Photo by Daniz Rivera
The Edinburg Economedes offensive unit prepares for another play in its game-winning drive over the Donna Redskins Nov. 14 at Cats Stadium.
7-4 7-5
7-5 7-4
8-3 6-5
All games p.m.
Killer BeesSchedule
Killer Bees vs. CorpusChristi Rayz at Dodge
Arena, 7:30
Nov. 22 vs. San Angeloat Dodge Arena, 7:30
vs.
Friday, Nov. 21
By MATT HALLThe Pan American
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539(956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122
http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican53nd Year – No. 13
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Dagoberto Perez
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Brian Carr
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Matt Hall
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Joe Anna Moreno
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Dagoberto Perez
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Adviser
Dr. Greg Selber
the PAN AMERICAN is theofficial studentnewspaper of TheUniversity ofTexas-PanAmerican. Views presentedare those of thewriters and do notnecessarily reflectthose of theuniversity.
The Pan Americangladly acceptsletters fromstudents, staff andfaculty regardingnewspaper contentor current issues.The Pan Americanreserves the rightto edit submissionsfor grammar andlength. Please limitsubmission lengthto 300 words. ThePan Americancannot publishanonymous letters,or submissionscontaining hatespeech orgratuitouspersonal attacks.Letters are printedat the discretion ofthe editor andmust include thewriter’s name,class/title andphone number.
Letters policy
November 20 2 0 0 3
Readers with dis-abilities mayrequest an alter-native format ofthis publicationat The PanAmerican busi-ness office. For special assis-tance to attendany event listedin this publica-tion, contact thecoordinator of theevent at least oneweek prior to theadvertised date.
Sports EditorEd Chrnko
A & E EditorOmaira [email protected]
News EditorsBelinda Reyes
Arianna [email protected]
Graphics EditorGabriel O.Hernandez
OPINION l e t t e r s ■ e d i t o r i a l s ■ c a r t o o n sPAGE 2
NEWS■ Physical Plant . . . . . 3■ ‘Silent Night’ . . . . . . . 4■ Search Committee . . 5
In several recent articles nationwide, there is acall from our nation’s capital for Americans tojoin the Peace Corps organization to aid ourneighbor, Mexico.
According to an article by the AssociatedPress, Mexico has refused developmentalassistance from the United States in the past, butrecently has been willing to accept aid from thePeace Corps.
But aside from the organization helpingMexico, one may ask, why get involved as avolunteer?
"For people and students, the Peace Corps is away to give back and help others helpthemselves by sharing their knowledge withmen and women in developing countries," saidJessie Garcia, public affairs specialist for theTexas regional office located in Dallas.
Garcia also said that volunteering is anespecially great way for students, or studentswho have graduated, to gain internationalexperience in decision-making.
"Instead of competing with your peers forentry-level salaries, the Peace Corps allows youto further your potential by obtaininginternational experience," Garcia said. "Whileyour peers are stuck in entry-level positions right
after graduation, you are making decisions thataffect whole communities. The skills you obtainwill allow you to command a good career andpay when you return. Imagine putting‘supervised an international developmentproject’ on your resume."
Garcia continued, saying that the Peace Corps
is the best foreign aid projectAmerica has going.
"Our government is sendingits best and brightest toimplement self-sustainingprojects in communitiesthroughout the world," hecommented.
Garcia added that sincePresident Kennedy signed theexecutive order establishing the
Peace Corps in the early1960s, 5,087 Texans havejoined the agency out of170,000 people nationwide.Today there are 299 Texansserving.
Currently, the Peace Corpshas 6,678 volunteers out in thefield. Since trainees are sentthroughout the year to differentparts of the world, theorganization has to replacethose volunteers who have
finished their two-year service. This year theyneed to send 5,500 volunteers abroad, accordingto Garcia.
In 2002, President Bush said in his State ofthe Union address that he wanted to double the
Peace Corps seeking volunteers By BELINDA REYESThe Pan American
See PEACE CORPS page 11
www.peacecorps.gov
HELPING HAND— There are almost 7,000 volunteersworking worldwide for the Peace Corps.
November 20, 2003 sports Page 15
rival, the Edinburg High Bobcatsdevoured Harlingen South 38-14Saturday night in Harlingen’s BoggusStadium.
Although both teams were evenlymatched offensively and defensively,sophomore running back Jesse Galvánproved otherwise. He rushed for 200yards and scored four touchdowns enroute to the Bobcat’s convincingvictory.
The Bobcats racked up over 450yards of total offense, while theBobcat defense held the Hawks to 308yards.
The Bobcats’ offensive outputtranslated into a 38-0 fourth quarterlead. Harlingen finished the game byscoring the last two touchdowns of thegame and avoided a shutout.
The victory improved the Bobcats to9-1 and propelled them into the nextround of the playoffs where they willface undefeated Corpus ChristiCalallen (11-0), the fifth-ranked 4Ateam in the AP state poll, Friday at 8p.m. at Cats Stadium.
Jags continued from page 16
A dozen games into their inaugural season,and the CHL expansion Killer Bees have man-aged to grind their way into second place inthe Southeast Division.
The Bees (6-4-2) had a bumpy season open-er, but after three wins in as many days lastweek, Río Grande has established itself as aformidable opponent.
What is noticeable now, however, is howquickly Valleyites have taken to the game ofHockey. The Bees sold out the 5,500 capacityDodge Arena in their first three home games,and bested the 3,000 and 4,000 marks for theirfourth and fifth games respectively.
But even with the great attendance andenthusiasm coming from the fans end, it isobvious that many Valleyites have not caughton to all the aspects of the game.
Hockey, like all other sports, is a game ofrules. To the casual observer it is catastropheon ice. It’s a bunch of men with sticks chasinga flat black saucer with the ultimate goal ofputting it past the goalie on the opposite endof the ice, and in the process doing their bestto cause one another bodily harm.
In part, this observation is correct. Hockeyis a fast physical game, fighting is allowed,and injuries occur. But like any other sportthere is an organization to the game play.
The BasicsTeams are allowed 6 players on the ice dur-
ing standard play. One goalie, and typicallytwo forwards, one center, and two defense-
men.The game is composed of three 20-minute
periods, and the basic objective is to score bydriving the puck, a black vulcanized rubberdisk, passed your opponents goalie and intothe net.
The writing on the iceHockey is played on a rink measuring
200’X85’ and is shaped like a rounded rectan-gle.
The rink is divided into three different por-tions: the offensive zone, the neutral zone, andthe defensive zone.
‘These zones are denoted by lines, andthose lines are a big part of the game. There isthe red line, which runs horizontal down themiddle of the ice dividing the neutral zone inhalf, and the blue lines, which denote the endof the neutral zone and the beginning of theoffensive and defensive zones. (There are twoadditional red lines at either end of the rink,which are important in determining icing).
The game begins with a face off in the cen-ter circle, which measures 12 feet in radiusand is perfectly centered on the red line.
Once the game has begun there are certainrules players have to follow, or the game playwill be whistled dead by officials.
Rule # 1, no pass can pass over more thanone line. If a player is in his defensive zone,he may not pass into the neutral zone to aplayer on the opposite side of the red line. Atwo-line pass results in the game beingstopped and a face-off in the guilty teamsdefensive zone.
Rule # 2, players may not enter the offen-sive zone before the puck. If a player is
deemed offsides during game play it results inthe game being stopped, and a face off in theneutral zone closest to that offensive zone. Insome cases game play resumes even if there isan off sides violation. This action is calleddelayed off-sides, and the puck will be whis-tled dead if the team on the offensive playsthe puck, but if the defense breaks up the playthe game resumes.
Rule # 3, the puck cannot be cleared pastthree lines. This is the only rule whichinvolves red line at the ends of the rink. If thepuck passes the center red line, the blue lineand the red line at the end of the ice, it isreferred to as icing. The puck will be whistleddown and a face off will take place in theguilty teams defensive zone.
The teamThe easiest way to understand the function
of the members on a hockey team is to thinkof hockey as basketball with a goalie. Why?Because both basketball and hockey have fivemobile players, capable of scoring. Andbecause both sports have similar terms.
In basketball you have a center, two for-wards, and two guards. In hockey you have acenter, two forwards, and two defensemen.
What is different about hockey in basketballis that the roles are reversed. Where a centerin basketball is big and does little ball han-dling, a center in hockey is quick, and tries tocreate plays. Likewise, in hockey, forwardsare not typically the largest of the team’smembers, although their primary purpose is toscore. Defensemen in hockey are self-explana-tory. They do what they have to make surethere are as few shots on net as possible.
Chaos on ice needs rules tooBy BRIAN CARRThe Pan American
Edinburg EconomedesDate Opponent Score
9/4 Vet. Memorial W49-21
9/12 at Sharyland L0-38
9/18 at Mission - - - -
9/26 Nikki Rowe W10-6
10/3 at Edinburg North W27-24
10/10 PSJA North W28-21
10/17 McAllen High W42-14
10/24 at McAllen Memorial W35-21
10/30 Río Grande City W24-22
11/7 at La Joya L7-33
11/14 Donna W21-17
UTPASportsUpdate
MEN‘S
BRONCS HOOPS PREVIEWWOMEN‘S
"They’re going to be tough, especially going toplay SMU, a conference team. They have agood point guard back so, that’ll be a chal-lenge on my part, but I’ll be up to it."- Sergio Sánchez
"It’s going to be a dogfight, but I think we’regoing to win (SMU game).Of course, we always gointo a game thinking wecan win and I really dothink we can win. We canbeat some of the topschools in the nation, Ibelieve. That’s how talent-ed we are."- Ray Castillo #24 Ray Castillo
#3 Sergio Sánchez
"We can hit you so many different ways, youwon’t see it coming."- Allen Holcomb
"The first few games are going to be interesting.We’re trying to start out good so that we can gointo December...we’re going to have a lot ofgames right back-to-back so if we can start offgood it’s going to be great to help build our con-fidence and go out there and win some moregames throughout the month."- Eric Montalvo
#32 Allen Holcomb
#2 Eric Montalvo LADY BRONC HOOPS
"I feel that we can do the samething we did here the othernight (against Houston Elite).There’s a lot of intensity andeveryone wants to bring acrowd in and they just want towin games. And everyone’shere for pretty much the samereason. So, I’m pretty sure theintensity will be the same."- Molly Schamel
#12 Molly Schamel
#1 Amanda Carlow (left)
"I’m really excited for it(Air Force game). I thinkit’ll be really good. It’ll bean away game, a con-ference game, but it’llgive us momentumgoing into an awaygame and then comeback for our homecrowd then that’ll be abetter feeling."
- Amanda Carlow#21 Kim Lewis
"Against Air Force, Ican’t wait. I thinkeveryone’s prettypumped up about thatgame. We know thatwe have a lot to workon. We’re just going totake it one game at atime and just focus ona step at a time and tryto get the best that wecan so we can be pre-pared for Air Force."- Kim Lewis
November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 3
While the population of the universityis growing at a high rate, staff membersare working hard to make sure the campusis growing and improving at the samespeed.
The Physical Plant Department at UTPAis a service organization responsible formaintaining and operating universityfacilities. The organization endeavors toprovide the university with a safe,functional, as well as, attractive place inwhich students pursue higher education.
The Physical Plant said they welcome,and will seriously consider, any ideasstudents may have on improving services.The website states that the Physical Plantalways appreciates student assistance indetecting any facility related problems oncampus.
According to Marvin Boland, Directorof Planning and Construction of thePhysical Plant, said that the organizationis responsible for all new constructionsthat the university undergoes as well asremodeling, paving, maintenance ofbuildings and grounds, and operation ofall 55 buildings on campus. Custodialservices and anything else that isnecessary to keep students, faculty andstaff in a proper environment foreducation, are constantly being consideredby the staff of the Physical Plant.
The division of the plant includes tworather large divisions of Planning andConstruction, and Maintenance and
Operation of which Albert Ochoa isdirector.
Planning and Construction isresponsible for new construction, futurecampus planning, and major remodelprojects. Maintenance and Operationmaintains all buildings, grounds, andoperates buildings such as Cooling Plantfor Air Conditioning. The short of it is,while Planning and Construction buildsall new structures, Maintenance andOperations overviews the life of thebuildings.
“I will note the more significantconstruction projects,” Boland said. “Weactually have a total of 31 projects goingat this time, in various stages of planningand construction.”
Most notably is the creation of the newEducation building, which will replace thecurrent one that has been on campus since1927 when the school was funded. ThePresident and four Vice Presidents willhave a new building to call home whenthey move into the student servicestowers.
“We are re-roofing several buildingsand will continue to do so for about ayear,” Boland said. “The remodel of theAcademic Annex will be completed inJanuary or February of 2004. We willbegin our new "Wayfinding" signagewithin about a month.”
Along with the buildings beingreworked on, the comfort level of thestudents in the buildings is also beingtaken into account. There will bereworking of the air conditioning systems
in both Amelia Hall and Southwick, aswell as some air conditions systems in thedorms.
“We will begin re-insulating the ChillWater pipes in the Walkway in a couple ofmonths as well,” Boland said. ”I could goon about the renovations going to occur,but this is probably enough for now.”
With the semester ending for studentsand several faculty members, the workersof the Physical Plant will be working hardto finish heavy construction while thefewest number of civilians are on campus.
“We try to schedule noisy constructionduring breaks, so there will beconsiderable construction occurring,”Boland said. “We will probably shutdown the Cooling Plant for some neededrepairs and change out some machinery,which means there will be no airconditioning in the buildings.”
Although members of the PhysicalPlant work hard, there is also time to playhard as well. Every year there is an awardbanquet that recognizes the hard workingmembers of the Physical Plant Dept.
“This is one of the few occasions thatall personnel are able to gather in thesame room at the same time,” Bolandcommented.
Although the members work silently,the accomplishments of the Physical Plantcan be seen every day by people whowalk around campus. Although studentsmay not compliment the buildings, theabsence of serious complaints can makeany worker prouder of their work.
“We always have staff members that
have done extraordinary work, and we tryto recognize them during this luncheon,”Boland said. ”I don't want to give namesout now, since that would spoil part ofour holiday affair.”
Construction, awards in Physical Plant near futureBy CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American
Work in ProgressPhysical Plant
Following are several of theongoing construction and repair
projects on UTPA campus:
New Education Building
Remodeled Student Services Tower
Building roof replacements
Remodeled Academic Annex
Reworked air conditioning systems across campus
Re insulation of chill water pipes in various walkways
Source: UTPA Physical PlantIf you have ever thought of
dumping everything and runningaway to join the circus, you betterbe sure you are up to the mental andphysical rigors of circus life.
At least, that is what Sterling andReid’s lifelong stuntman, Martín
España, will tell you.España had spent the day driving
to and from Brownsville on hismotorcycle, where he helped put upthe Big Top circus tent, thenreturned to Hidalgo to perform inthree shows Saturday, all in thesame day, at the Dodge Arena.
España, originally of Atlixco,Puebla in México, but who now
resides in Orlando, Fla., was literal-ly born behind a circus and is justone of the many cogs that make theSterling and Reid Circus run.
When not performing, España isalso the prop boss. He coordinates35 people before, during, and after aperformance.
Right before intermissionSaturday night, España donned ared and white lycra outfit withwhite boots.
Slightly resembling a lucha librepersonality, he hopped on a special-ly modified motorcycle mounted ona wire and proceeded to rev diago-nally up the wire from the DodgeArena floor to the opposite end ofthe arena where flags representingthe United States, Canada, México,and Texas hang from the rafters.
España did all this while a femaleperformer dangled below him on atrapeze attached to the motorcycle.The poblano’s big finale was a 180-degree swivel around the wire thatincluded the dangling performer.
The amount of energy, concentra-tion, and physical fortitude neededfor this type of lifestyle is not some-thing the average person couldendure.
The 43-year-old España is anavid sports fan and a fourth-genera-tion member of La Familia España,a well-known family of trapeze
artists in México.During his youth, España and his
family spent six years in Brazilwhere the circus in which they wereperforming had its contract renewed10 times (six months each term)before they decided to head backhome.
He explained that the trapeze andother acts are a sport and require alot of dedication.
"This is a sport," España said. "Idon’t drink, I don’t smoke, no onein my family does. We’ve alwaysbeen trapeze artists. I still take partin the elevated acts. My act is thehighest we have in the show, it’sover 50 feet high."
In addition to his many duties,España is in charge of coordinatingthe construction of the Big Top,which is another physically chal-lenging aspect of circus life.
"That’s something spectacularthat fills me with satisfaction,"España describes. "To build thatmonster (the Big Top) in three orfour hours is something spectacular.When you first get to the site,there’s nothing, but in four hoursthere’s a tremendous city."
Aside from the work involved,España and his crew have also hadto endure extreme temperatureswhile building the Big Top whilegoing about their regular duties.
"In this climate (the Valley’s) ittakes a lot, but we’ve also madestops where there is snow and it’scold," España explained. "The cir-cus is a show that can’t wait. Likethe saying goes, ‘the show must goon.’ And this show doesn’t stop. Wework from January to December."
Despite the hectic schedule andendless hours of work, España stillfinds time to train.
"It’s in the blood," España said. "Ilift weights, resistance training, Irun in the mornings, a little, and Istill do acrobatics. I don’t let myselfgo for nothing."
During the course of España’scareer, he has had the opportunity totravel all over the world and is avid-ly against the use of drugs, which isa message he tries to spread throughthe circus since their main audienceare the children.
"We’ve run around half theworld. That’s also a great way tokeep in good physical shape,"España said. "I’m also totallyagainst drugs. I fight against thatwith my children, with my family,and we try to show today’s youththat sports is the most importantthing right now. Look at me, 43years old and I’m still runningaround, doing flips, death-defyingtriple-somersaults, and I feel like ateenager."
Stuntman Martín España does a handstand during his high-wire act.
Photo by Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
November 20, 2003 sports Page 14
Strength and stamina keyin life of circus stuntman
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
This "Silent Night" was not an early preludeto the Christmas holidays. It was a night oflaughter and enjoyment for over 150 peopleattending the American Sign LanguageOrganization event, "Silent Night" Fridayevening, Nov. 7 at the University of Texas-PanAmerican Xochitl Room.
A brainchild of Keith Sibley, ASL advisorand teacher, "Silent Night" is a potluck dinnernamed for the 45 minutes of silence thatoccurs during the dinner. No one is allowed tospeak except through sign language. Sibley,who is hearing-impaired, is helping buildbridges.
"I feel its time for the hearing people tounderstand what the deaf world is like," hesaid, signing through his interpreter, DoloresTrevino. "It’s called swim or sink, that’s how Ifeel [and] it’s also what first-year signlanguage students feel when incorporating signlanguage for the first time.”
"We never thought of that and nobody hadever been through that experience before,"Sibley said. "Everyone comes together, thedeaf and the hearing, and you begin tounderstand. You start working together."
Eric Martinez, president of ASL, said theywelcome ASL members, sign languagestudents from UTPA, South Texas CommunityCollege, McAllen High School, McAllenMemorial, members of Valley Association forIndependent Living and guests once everysemester. Martinez, 25, a communicationsdisorder major, served as interpreter and signedto the attendees, directing them where to placethe dishes of food and drinks for the event.
Sibley’s wife, Paula, a sign language teacherat UTPA and McAllen Memorial High School,is deaf. She began the night’s festivities bysigning a welcome and introduction, andTrevino again translated this to the hearingcommunity. They invited the audience toserve themselves and to remember: Nospeaking throughout the 45 minutes.
Voices quiet and the silence begins, hands goup and rapid hand movements cut through theair as individuals and groups converse throughsign language.
For 45 minutes the world of the hearingopened up to the hearing-impaired experience,a world with a very unique culture of its own.The room took on a different kind of silence.The hearing population awakened anddiscovered it’s not so pleasant being on theother side. But the faces of the deaf andhearing-impaired are happy, happy for sharingtheir world with them.
"All they [deaf and hearing-impaired] wantis to be acknowledged and to know that theyare their own culture," Maria Cuevas, a first-year UTPA sign language student said. "Theycan express themselves, and when you seethem somewhere say hi, that’s what they reallywant."
Sibley knows this all too well. Growing upin a hearing world where few understood thedeaf was very hard. He was living in silence.It didn’t matter even if you could speak. Forhim the change occurred when he discoveredthere was a school for the deaf.
"It was such a shock," Sibley said. "I was sosurprised, it was such a different world. Ilearned the culture. I graduated fromGallaudet University in Washington, D.C., theonly university for the deaf in the U.S., andbegan teaching sign language."
He’s been building bridges ever since.In the United States, deaf children of deaf
parents may well have American SignLanguage, rather than spoken English orSpanish as their first language of fluency,according to a study made by the GallaudetResearch Institute. There are over 10,000 deafand hearing-impaired people in the Rio GrandeValley. Here in the Valley, the hearingpopulation is beginning to realize learningAmerican Sign Language is as important aslearning Spanish.
For more information on other ASLactivities, contact Eric Martinez [email protected].
November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 4
Billy CardenasKinesiologyJunior
I would join because some countries donot have money to support their people.The U.S. likes to help people, I’d like tobe one of those people that assist themwith any problems that they are goingthrough.
Cesar MartinezCommunicationSenior
I don’t think so. I hardly have time formyself – it’s a good organization thathelps people in need. Under the rightcircumstances I would definitelyconsider joining.
Walter BerriosEnglishGraduate Student
Yes. Someone needs to providesecurity for others.
Would you ever considerjoining the Peace Corps?VOICE
CCaammppuuss
Ivette Vargas Broadcast/JournalismSophomore
Probably not because it’s an obligation.I’m young, I would want to finish schoolfirst. I’d leave it up to someone olderwho’s more experienced.
Adelle ClintonSociologyGraduate Student
Yes, I definitely would. Service is a bigpart of my life. That is why I am a part ofa service sorority, Kappa Delta Chi.Everybody complains about the situationthat the world is in, but the reality is thata few people can change it.
By DIANA CORPUS GARZAThe Pan American
‘Night’ without wordshelps build empathy
Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
WORKING HAZARDS— Three Physical Plant employees make repairs to theexterior of the Student Services Building Wednesday.
Volleyball awards
The University of Texas-Pan American volleyballteam had four membersnamed to the All-Independent 2003 team.
Senior outside hitterJaclyn Muszynski wasnamed to the team for thefourth consecutive year.
Freshman libero CarolMarcengo and junior CathiNetemeyer were voted ontothe second team, whilefreshman Heather Bravowas named to the All-Freshman team.
IFC comes toDodge Arena
The IFC’s “Rumble on theRío” will be held at theDodge Arena Dec. 6.
The event marks the firsttime the controversial sportwill be held in the state ofTexas.
There are 10 fights sched-uled on the card, includingthree superfights.
The Mixed Martial Artsevents are a no-holds
barred sport.The use of both hands
and feet, submission holds,and chokes are just some ofthe aspects that make this acontroversial and dangeroussport. Rounds are five min-utes long.
Football rivalriesset for weekend
Saturday will see a pair oftraditional college rivalriesthat have made footballwhat it is today.
Fourth-ranked Ohio State(10-1) will face fifth-rankedMichigan (9-2) at Ann Arbor.
The game’s importancewill be multiple. Thematchup will decide the BigTen Conference title. Bothteams hold identical 6-1league records.
In addition, OSU willattempt to beat theWolverines for the thirdstraight time, a feat theyhaven’t accomplished sincewinning four in a row from1960-63.
Last season, theBuckeyes defeatedMichigan 14-9.
The other rivalry will beplayed out on the WestCoast between USC (9-1)and UCLA (6-5).
In the NFL, the PittsburghSteelers will visit theCleveland Browns in one ofthe oldest rivalries in foot-ball history.
The Browns defeated theSteelers 33-13 earlier in theseason and hold a slightedge in the all-time series,54-48.
Rockets beatGolden State
Yao Ming scored 15points in the fourth quarterand led the HoustonRockets to an 85-83 victoryover Golden StateWednesday.
The Rockets improved to8-3 on the season, 5-1 atthe new Toyota Center,while Golden State fell to 4-7.
The Warriors took a slim65-64 lead at the end of thethird quarter before Houstonreacted and came back towin. Ming finished the gamewith 23 points.
November 20, 2003 Sports Page 13
SPORTS CLIPBOARD
2003 CHL StandingsNorthwest W L OTL PTSColorado 10 4 1 21Tulsa 7 6 2 16Oklahoma City 7 7 1 15Wichita 5 6 2 12New Mexico 3 8 1 7Northeast W L OTL PTSMemphis 12 3 0 24Bossier-Shreveport 7 3 1 15Indianapolis 7 4 1 15Fort Worth 2 8 3 7Southwest W L OTL PTSSan Angelo 9 5 1 19Amarillo 9 4 0 18Odessa 5 7 2 12Lubbock 4 7 1 9Southeast W L OTL PTSLaredo 10 3 1 21RGV Killer Bees 7 4 2 16Corpus Christi 5 6 2 12Austin 5 7 1 11
NFL Week 12 ScheduleAway Home Date TimePittsburgh Cleveland Nov. 23 NoonCarolina Dallas Nov. 23 NoonNew England Houston Nov. 23 NoonIndianapolis Buffalo Nov. 23 NoonSan Francisco Green Bay Nov. 23 NoonDetroit Minnesota Nov. 23 NoonSeattle Baltimore Nov. 23 NoonNew Orleans Philadelphia Nov. 23 NoonJacksonville N.Y. Jets Nov. 23 NoonChicago Denver Nov. 23 3:05 p.m.St. Louis Arizona Nov. 23 3:05 p.m.Oakland Kansas City Nov. 23 3:15 p.m.Tennessee Atlanta Nov. 23 3:15 p.m.Cincinnati San Diego Nov. 23 3:15 p.m.Washington Miami Nov. 23 7:30 p.m.N.Y. Giants Tampa Bay Nov. 24 8 p.m.
Valley High SchoolFootball
Playoff Schedule
Friday, Nov. 21Area Round - Class 5A Division IIPSJA North (10-1) vs. Laredo Nixon (9-1)at Shirley Field in Laredo, 7:30Area Round - Class 4A Division ICorpus Christi Calallen (11-0) at EdinburgHigh (9-1), 8Area Round - Class 4A Division IIRockport-Fulton (7-4) vs. Sharyland (10-1)at Tom Landry Stadium, 8Brownsville Porter (9-1) at Gregory-Portland (8-3), 7:30Area Round - Class 3A Division IILyford (8-3) vs. Devine (6-5) at Robstown,7:30
Saturday, Nov. 22Area Round - Class 5A Division IEagle Pass (7-4) vs. Harlingen (7-3) atFarris Stadium, San Antonio, 4Area Round - Class 5A Division IICorpus Christi King (9-2) at EdinburgEconomedes (8-2), 7Area Round - Class 3A Division IIHondo (9-2) vs. Port Isabel (7-3) at Alice,2
2003-2004 UTPAWomen’s Basketball
Schedule
Date Opponent/TimeNov. 7 Houston Elite (Exh.)
Nov. 21 Air Force. 6
Nov. 22 Boise State/Dayton, 4/6:30
Nov. 25 TAMUI, 5
Nov. 29 St. Edward’s, 5
Dec. 5 St. Louis, TBA
Dec. 6 Kansas State/Sac., TBA
Dec. 14 Oral Roberts, 7
Dec. 17 Texas, 7
Dec. 19 Marshall, 7
Dec. 21 Central Michigan, 2
Dec. 28 Tulsa, 2
Dec. 31 Prairie View A&M, 5
Jan. 2 UT-Arlington, 7
Jan. 7 Sacramento State, 9:05Jan. 9 San Diego State, 9
Jan. 11 Louisiana-Lafayette, 4
Jan. 13 SE Louisiana, 7
Jan. 22 SW Missouri State, 7:05
Jan. 24 TAMUCC , 7
Jan. 27 Incarnate Word, 7
Jan. 31 IPFW, Noon
Feb. 3 Northern Colorado, 7
Feb. 9 Prairie View A&M, 7
Feb. 16 Louisiana-Lafayette, 5
Feb. 19 IPFW, 5
Feb. 24 TAMUCC, 7
Feb. 28 SE Louisiana, 7
March 3 Northern Arizona, 8
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
UpcomingUTPA Schedule
Friday, Nov. 21
Women’s basketball at Air Force, 6
Saturday, Nov. 22
Women’s basketball vs/ Boise
State/Dayton at Colorado Springs,
Colo., 4/6:30
Men’s basketball vs. SMU at SPI
Convention Center, 7
Monday, Nov. 24
NCAA Cross Country champi-
onships at Cedar Falls, Iowa
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Women’s basketball vs. Texas
A&M-International at Field House,
5
Men’s basketball vs. Texas A&M-
International at Field House, 7:30
Saturday, Nov. 29
Women’s basketball vs. St.
Edward’s at Field House, 5
Men’s basketball vs. Texas-
Arlington at Field House, 7:30
2003-2004 UTPAMen’s Basketball
Schedule
Date Opponent/Time
Nov. 4 Monterrey Tech (Exh.)
Nov. 8 Houston Quest (Exh.)
Nov. 22 Southern Methodist, 7
Nov. 25 Texas A&M-Int’l, 7:30
Nov. 29 Texas-Arlington, 7:30
Dec. 1 SWA of God, 7:30
Dec. 4 Missouri-Kansas City, 7
Dec. 6 Texas-San Antonio, 7
Dec. 12 Mississippi Valley St., 7
Dec. 14 Sam Houston State, 2
Dec. 17 North Texas, 7:30
Dec. 20 Rice, 7:05
Dec. 22 Oklahoma State, 7
Dec. 29 Oklahoma, 7
Dec. 31 McMurry, 7:30
Jan. 6 Baylor, 7
Jan. 8 North Texas, 7
Jan. 14 Wright State, 6:05
Jan. 19 Missouri-K.C., 7:30
Jan. 21 Texas-Arlington, 7
Jan. 28 IPFW, 7:30
Feb. 2 Alcorn State, 7:30
Feb. 4 Lamar, 7:30
Feb. 7 IPFW, Noon
Feb. 11 Arkansas State, 7:30
Feb. 14 TAMUCC, 7:30
Feb. 16 Air Force, 7:30
Feb. 19 Central Baptist, 7:30
Feb. 28 TAMUCC, 7
March 1 Arkansas State, 7:05
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
UTPA Softball“A” League
Schedule
Wednesday, Dec. 3Bronc Express vs. Los Conejos, 7Bucky’s Brig. #1 vs. EBC, 8Bucky’s Brigade #2 vs. Bucky’sBrigade #3, 9
All games p.m. unless noted.
Mexican Soccer League
Team W - D - L GF:GA PTS Scorer / Team Gx-Tigres 11 - 4 - 3 36:18 37 L.G. Rey, ATE 13x-U.N.A.M. 10 - 5 - 3 33:23 35 J.S. Cardozo, TOL 12x-Pachuca 9 - 6 - 3 26:18 33 R. Navia, MOR 12U.A.G. 9 - 4 - 5 29:24 31 A. Fernandes, MTY 11x-Atlante 8 - 6 - 4 30:19 30 E. Mora, VCZ 11Necaxa 7 - 8 - 3 22:17 29 C.M. Morales, ATS 11Santos 7 - 7 - 4 38:27 28 A. Moreno, NCX 10x-Toluca 8 - 3 - 7 31:21 27 E. Marcón, UAG 9Guadalajara 8 - 2 - 8 28:27 26 W. Gaitán, TIG 9América 7 - 4 - 7 30:25 25 L.I. Quinteros, PUE 9Morelia 7 - 4 - 7 24:27 25 A. Silvera, TIG 8Cruz Azul 6 - 6 - 6 25:28 24 J. Borgetti, SAN 8Veracruz 7 - 3 - 8 32:39 24 C. Blanco, AME 8Monterrey 5 - 7 - 6 29:28 22 C. Ochoa, QUE 8Irapuato 6 - 4 - 8 23:31 22 G. Franco, MTY 7Puebla 5 - 5 - 8 22:26 20 A. González, IRA 7Chiapas 5 - 4 - 8 20:33 19 M. Sabah, GUA 7Atlas 5 - 3 - 10 28:31 18Club San Luis 2 - 5 - 11 19:37 11Querétaro 1 - 3 - 14 16:44 6 6 tied with 6 goalsx - clinched playoff (liguilla) berth
Group I Group II Group III Group IV33 - Pachuca 35 - U.N.A.M. 37 - Tigres 30 - Atlante27 - Toluca 31 - U.A.G. 25 - Morelia 29 - Necaxa22 - Monterrey 28 - Santos 24 - Cruz Azul 26-Guadalajara20 - Puebla 25 - América 20 - Chiapas 24 - Veracruz18 - Atlas 6 - Querétaro 11 - San Luis 22 - Irapuato
Week 18 results Nov. 11-16: Toluca 5, San Luis 0; Puebla 1, Monterrey0; Morelia 1, Chiapas 1; Cruz Azul 2, Veracruz 3; Tigres 1, Santos 1;Guadalajara 1, Atlas 0; Necaxa 1, América 0; Irapuato 0, Pachuca 1;U.N.A.M. 2, U.A.G. 2; Querétaro 0, Atlante 2.
Week 19 schedule Nov. 22: Chiapas vs. Querétaro; Veracruz vs.Irapuato; U.A.G. vs. Cruz Azul; Monterrey vs. U.N.A.M.; San Luis vs.Guadalajara; Atlas vs. Necaxa; Santos vs. Toluca; Atlante vs. Tigres;América vs. Puebla; Pachuca vs. Morelia.
November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 12 November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 5
pointing to Islam as enforcing harsh rules onwomen, Dr. Elamin Ibrahim, chemistry professor,explained that often governments of other authoritiesmake decisions such as these. Muslim law considerswomen the equal of men and always has, he said.
Ms. Hanan Amro, who teaches mathematics atSTCC, gave her own view of being a woman whopractices Islamic traditions.
"My freedom is different than yours," Amro said."I’m sure that in your culture there are things thatyou choose not to do, or feel you shouldn’t. It’s thesame situation with what I choose to be. Women inthis country itself have different views of whatexactly ‘freedom’ is."
"The one thing I would like students to get fromGlobal Week is a true understanding of globalevents, rather than depending on what they get fromnewspapers, TV, and radio," Farooqui said.
Dr. Sonia Alianak, assistant professor of politicalscience, presented the speech "United States SaudiRelations." She also moderated a panel on WorldOrganizations in the 21st Century.
"These events bring to the attention of studentsworld events, which is so necessary these days,"Alianak said. "The one thing is interculturalawareness and tolerance. All students should benefitfrom Global Week."
During activity time Tuesday, Alianak andpolitical science professor Samuel Freeman spokeabout U.S.-Saudi Relations, and the Israeli-PalestineRoadmap, respectively.
Freeman addressed the ongoing frustration andpain the Palestinian people have been going throughwith the Israelis concerning the power and control of
land.Freeman stated that 80 percent of the land, which
originally belonged to Palestine, now belongs toIsrael. The Israelis, for their part, believe in ancientBiblical ties to the land plus victory in war againstvarious Arab armies, justify their being there.
Freeman said that Israel also controls the amountof water Palestine villages receive, and claimed thatthat villages do not receive water when there ishostility between them and the Israeli soldiers.
"The people of Palestine do not want theabsolution of Israel, but rather, the recovery ofPalestinian sovereignty," Freeman said.
Currently, the United States has viewed thetrauma occurring in the Israel-Palestinian Conflict ina one-sided manner, according to Freeman. TheUnited States is a firm ally of the Israelis and hasbeen since the formation of the state on 1948.
Freeman expressed discontent with the way manypeople view the conflict, saying that coverage ofwrongdoing on the part of Israelis gets short shrift inthe American media due to U.S. support for Israel.The exact opposite point has been argued by manymedia scholars, who insist that since the 1967 Six-Day War, the coverage of Israel has grownincreasingly negative, and coverage of the underdogPalestinians has grown more positive.
Thursday’s highlights include a presentation onNAFTA and maquiladoras at 9:10 a.m.,one on the50th anniversary of women’s sufferage at noon, anda speech by the consuls general of India and Israel.
The Indian consul speaks at 11:30 a.m. in theEngineering Building, while the Israeli consulatspeaks at 7 p.m. at the Student Union Theater.
GLOBAL continued from page 1
At this point in time, everyone is awarethat President Miguel Nevarez has signed hisresignation as UTPA leader, effective in 2004.However, the question of who will take hisplace still lingers. Students, as well ascommunity members and faculty staff,wonder who, how and when UTPA will seeits’ next president.
On Oct. 29, Charles Miller, chairman ofthe University of Texas System Board ofRegents, announced the selected 18 memberswho will serve on the Presidential SearchAdvisory Committee, to be chaired by Dr.Teresa Sullivan, executive vice chancellor forAcademic Affairs for the UT system.Chancellor Mark G. Yudof will also serve onthe committee.
The many tasks of the committee will be toset up a selection criterion that meets theneeds of UTPA, lay out ground rules, set atimeline of events, and interview and verifyeach possible candidate’s qualifications suchas academic, administrative and businessskills. The Advisory Committee will submitthrough its chairman, a recommendation listof no fewer than five or more than 10candidates, with no preference indicated tothe Board. The process will beginimmediately with advertisements in nationalpublications for the position. However, manypeople, skeptical about non-Texans, haveasked why a national search is necessary.
"If it comes down to it, and the last two orfive candidates we have meet all the requiredspecifications and they’re great andcharismatic and all of them but one are
unfamiliar with the region, then you couldprobably say that the native Texan would getthe position," Rodolfo Arevalo, UTPA vicepresident for Academic Affairs said. "This isnot to say that the Board will have a biasagainst anybody, but rather that their majorconcern is to appoint somebody who is morethan familiar with the region, situation andthe needs of the UTPA community."
Representing the Board of Regents on thecommittee will be H. Scott Caven, Jr. ofHouston, and Robert Estrada of Dallas. Dr.Ricardo Romo from UT-San Antonio and Dr.David Watts from UT-Permian Basin are thetwo presidents from other UT Systeminstitutions that will serve on the committee.The UTPA faculty representatives, as selectedby the faculty Senate, are Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge, associate professor of psychologyand anthropology; Dr. Ala Qubbaj, assistantprofessor of mechanical engineering; and Dr.Teofilo Ozuna, associate professor ofeconomics and finance. Dr. Rodolfo Rocha,dean of the UTPA College of Arts andHumanities, was selected by the UTPA DeansCouncil.
Representing the UTPA staff, as selectedby the campus Staff Senate, are ArturoRamos, assistant director of the LearningAssistance Center, and Maha Fay Maglinao, ajunior biology and chemistry double major.They were appointed by the StudentGovernment Association to serve andrepresent the student population of UTPA. Asfor the UTPA Alumni Association, itspresident, R.D. Guerra was chosen.
In accordance with the Board of Regents’rules, the community representatives areMike Allen, president and CEO of the
McAllen Economic DevelopmentCorporation; The Honorable RicardoHinojosa, district judge of the United StatesDistrict Court for the Southern District ofTexas; Joe Ramirez, chairman of J.R.Enterprises and current UTPA foundationboard president; Anne Shepard, formerchairman of the Harlingen Chamber ofCommerce; and Ms. Margaret McAllen,former Pan American University regent andco-founder of the Pan American Foundation.
Student concerns regarding their futureacademic leader are of vital importance to theboard, so Maglinao will attempt to address asmany requests as possible. Any questionsstudents want to ask at the committeemeetings should be and will be forwarded toSGA. In turn, SGA will let it be known toMaglinao, so her participation in thecommittee is fulfilled.
"I am very happy I was chosen for thisposition, yet I still feel very nervous aboutnot knowing what to do, it is a greatresponsibility to have on your shoulders,"Maglinao said. "This is the election orrecommendation of the man/woman who willlead UTPA into greater excellence."
The search will take anywhere from nineto 11 months. However, during that timespan, UTPA can expect to follow its normalroutine because Nevarez will continueworking until a successor is named. It isnoted that in 20-plus years on the job, he hasmanaged to develop a strong communicationbond publicly on campus as well as in thecommunity. His replacement will seek tokeep these ties strong and even improvethem.
"The institution has chartered a course on
how it wants to grow in the time involved.The next president will merely tweak andallow the university to continue growing,"Arevalo said. "There will be no drasticchanges, Pan Am is on the path to excellenceand will continue to be regardless of whotakes the position; the Board will make sureof this."
By HILDA MORALESThe Pan American
State representatives are struggling to comeup with a solution to public school financeissues. Critics say they either have to raise moremoney for the school districts by increasingtaxes, or lower the quality of education. In thatconception, it’s a lose – lose situation.
The Mexican American Legislative Caucus,or MALC, held a hearing Nov. 14 at UTPA totry and find a solution to the state’s schoolfunding problem that will make the most peoplehappy.
MALC is a non-profit organization made upof over 40 members of the Texas House ofRepresentatives. About 10 differentrepresentatives have hosted meetings in differentcities throughout the state, listening totestimonies by local superintendents,administrators and the public.
UTPA President Miguel Nevarez andEdinburg Mayor Richard Garcia attended themeeting briefly in order to laud the legislatorsfor taking on the issue. Garcia said he did notenvy their job.
"I commend people like the legislators andour educators," Garcia said. "Education is anational issue, not just a state or local issue."
Rep. Miguel Wise, D-Weslaco, said that thismonumental task is going to affect everyone’schildren, and therefore is an important issue.
"We should try to find a way to make thisissue more seamless to make sure our kids getthe quality of education they deserve," Wisesaid. "We have a duty, not just to our kids, but tosociety as a whole."
According to local Representative AaronPena, the job of the representatives during the
funding hearing is to listen. One of the problems is the competition
between wealthy school districts and low-income school districts. Since 1993, the "RobinHood Plan" has been in effect to gather fundsfrom the wealthier districts to give to the poorerdistricts.
This plan was eliminated by a recent Housesession because the wealthy districts felt thatthey were paying too much for the poor districts,and wanted more of their money to stay local.
The proponents of the Robin Hood plan arguethat taking from the rich to give to the poorbalances out the quality of education.
"It’s just an American sense of fairness thatevery student, regardless of what part of the statethey’re from, whether it be the wealthier districtsor the poorest colonia in South Texas, should allhave the same access to education," Penacommented.
Pena said another problem was that thegrowth in the state became so dramatic that theexisting funding source became inadequate topay for education. A tax increase would be asource for alternative funding, but is the leastpopular solution. Somehow legislators have tocome up with a new system.
Rather than having the powerful interestgroups in Austin make a decision alone, theHouse wanted to go directly to the people inorder to obtain feedback. The MALC isgathering testimonies from all over the state thatwill lead up to a monumental debate to takeplace in Austin some time in April.
"We can’t do anything without the public,"Pena said. "We’re simply representatives for alarge group of people. We can make choices, butthese choice have to be consistent with thedialogue of the people."
By CHRISTINA HARRISThe Pan American
School finances debated
Committee to replace Nevarez solidified
Linda Flores/The Pan American
WISHBONE— A campus palm tree grows creatively, winding its way beyond alightpost and arching its way skyward.
When she was growing up in Nyssa, Oregon,Dr. Dora Ramirez-Dhoore’s mother used to tellher ghost stories, or cuentos about ghosts thatused to scare her. Inspired by those stories,Ramirez-Dhoore is writing cuentos of her own.
She is the newest faculty member in theEnglish Department at The University of Texas-Pan American. Having started this semester, sheis currently teaching Mexican AmericanLiterature and Composition I. Ramirez-Dhoorereceived her B.A. from Oregon State in 1995,her master’s from New Mexico State in 1997and her doctorate degree from the University ofNebraska-Lincoln in 2003. She worked as ateacher’s assistant at New Mexico StateUniversity and University of Nebraska beforecoming to UTPA.
Ramirez-Dhoore’s work experience includesseveral published book reviews.
"It has been a good experience," Ramirez-Dhoore said.
She has written: "Relocations and BorderCrossings in College Literature: Oral Fixations,”"Her Wild American Self: Book Review,” and“In Present Tense: Writing and Art By YoungWomen." She is currently working on amonograph, a book on Latina/o rhetoric.Ramirez-Dhoor is collaborating with two otherLatino writers, Patricia Trujillo, a graduatestudent from San Antonio, and Damian Bacafrom Syracuse University. She makes periodictrips to San Antonio to meet with the group anddiscuss aspects of the book. The group is havingto finance this project on their own.
"I wish someone was financing it, but we arefinding pennies to pay for it out of ownpockets," Ramirez-Dhoore said.
It is this rich tradition of the family that fuelspassion for Latino literature. "I am reallyinterested in the way that stories teach you aboutlife. And people need to have a fullunderstanding of their world and not justMexican American literature, but Latino
literature as a whole. That includes Cuban,Spanish, Dominicans and others as well. We aresuch a cuento-driven culture," Ramirez-Dhooresaid. "My mom would take us inside and tell usghost stories, and they would scare me. I wouldsleep with the door of my room open."
Because Ramirez-Dhoore grew up in Oregon,the legend of the Llorona (the weeping woman)is not as prevalent as it is in the Southwest ofthe United States.
"I grew up on ‘El Cu-Cuy,’ or the Latinversion of the ‘Boogie Man.’ But listening to thescary stories just gets my imagination going,and so when I read other stories about theLlorona, they do seem familiar to me," she said.
She became even more interested inMexican-American literature because as timewent by she felt it was about "My life," she said.The undergraduate program at Oregon StateUniversity had a very traditional literatureprogram, without any Mexican-Americanliterature classes, or even African Americanliterature. So she took a class in sociology calledGender and Society, it was in this class that sheread a book by a Chicano for the first time. Thebook was Rudolfo Anaya’s, "Bless Me, Ultima."
"I just loved it. I said to myself, this is me! Icould actually relate to it," she said. "There wasso much out there that I never knew about. Asan undergraduate, when I read that book, I juststarted doing my own research teaching myselfabout Latino literature."
Ramirez-Dhoore has been inspired by otherLatina writers as well. One of her biggestinfluences has been Norma Cantu, who wrote abook called "Canicula," a book of small"vignettes" or short stories.
"When I was attending The University ofNebraska, she visited. I had the opportunity tomeet her and she understood my position. She isvery supportive, especially of Chicano writers,"Ramirez-Dhoore said.
Another Latina writer she highly admires isDenise Chavez, who has written several books.Chavez’s books include,"The Last of the MenuGirls," and "Loving Pedro Infante." These books
also capture the Latino experience. WhileRamirez-Dhoore attended New Mexico StateUniversity in 1995, Chavez was one of herprofessors.
"Denise is an incredible motivator. She is soentertaining, just watching her you getinformation about her life," she said.
While working on her masters at NewMexico State, Ramirez-Dhoore also studied theBritish Romantics, such as William Blake, MaryTighe and Mary Wellstone-Craft. She continuedstudying Chicano literature, when one of herprofessors suggested that she look at the "humanconnection" between all of these cultures. Shealso looked at the connection between theFrench Revolution and the Mexican Revolution,and the way that underprivileged classes writeabout their situations. She found that most arevery much the same.
“Although it sounds ‘cliché’ this ‘humanconnection’ prevails throughout humanity andcultures," she said.
Ramirez-Dhoore approaches her classes in ahistorical sense because she feels that knowing aculture’s history is very important. Shecommented that one of her students feels he haslearned so much history in her class.
"A lot of contemporary Latino writers arebecoming more explorative in their writing, butmany of the authors before 1980 really focusedon their history. You need to have your historyin order to understand your literature," sheexplained. "It’s important for our communitiesto understand these stories because we’re aculture of cuentos and chisme (stories andgossip), because many of these cuentos arefilled with history. We are a culture that tellsstories and we need to put it down in writingand continue that tradition.”
What does the future hold for Latina andLatino writers of the future?
"Men and women like Maria Amparo Ruiz deBurton, Sandra Cisneros, Rodolfo Anaya,Denise Chavez, Judith Ortiz Coffer, NormaCantu and many others have paved the way forus,” Ramirez-Dhoore said. “Now it is us who
are coming up and understand, and appreciateall the work that’s been done by them. We stillhave a lot of work to do, but we’re movingforward.”
As for the future of Latino literature ingeneral, Dr. Rene Saldana, Jr., author andcreative writing professor said, "Latino writingis important simply because the Latinocommunity, albeit, the Mexican American,Cuban, Puerto Rican, etc., hasn’t had a voice inAmerican Literature until recently. They arefinally being taken seriously and have become avoice that is part of the American tapestry, andit’s a very legitimate voice," he said. "I thinkthere is still quite a way to go because we’re stillclassified as ‘minority literature,’ or “‘iteratureof color,’ it needs to be called ‘AmericanLiterature,’ and become accepted as part ofAmerican culture."
When Ramirez-Dhoore is not busy workingon the monograph or preparing for her nextclass, she loves to spend time with her extendedfamily and friends, read for fun, and when shereally has time, she gardens. She treasures thetime with her husband and son. She is marriedto Marc Dhoore, whom she met at Oregon StateUniversity and married in Nebraska. Togetherthey have an 18-month old son named Louis.
"It’s all about cherishing the moments withyour friends and family," Ramirez-Dhoor said.
Since coming to the Valley, Ramirez-Dhooresaid she has been impressed with students’energy and interest in not only Latino literature,but in all kinds of writing.
She is currently teaching Sandra Cisneros’book "Caramelo," and "Who Would HaveThought It," by Maria Amparo Ruiz de Burton,one of the first turn-of-the-century Latinawriters, and "Martin & Meditations on the SouthValley," by Jimmy Santiago Baca.
"I really appreciate the students’ energy whenit comes to Latino literature. Many of them feelreally attached to it." Ramirez-Dhoore said. "It’sgood to have something you can relate to. Thestudents have been very appreciative, it’s likethis energy that I’ve never felt before."
UTPA professor finds value in Latina litBy ESMIE CASILLASThe Pan American
Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
JAMMIN’— At the Moonlit Rock Concert Wednesday night at the Quad,the band, 1:23, performed its music.
President SearchCommittee named
An member committee willseek a replacement for MiguelA Nevarez in Below are
several members:
Dr Teresa Sullivan UT System
Mark Yudof System Chancellor
Dr Ricardo Romo UTSA pres
Dr Rodolfo Rocha UTPA
Maha Fay Maglinao student rep
R D Guerra UTPA Alumni Assoc
November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 6 November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 11
One would never know by talking to him thatone of Amado Balderas’ first real jobs wasperforming in a very popular Valley hip-hopband in the late ‘80s. He would later becomevery politically involved in the Chicano StudentMovement while attending the University ofTexas-Pan American in the mid ‘90s. Thesedays, Balderas teaches history at EconomedesHigh School in Edinburg.
Born in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico,Balderas came to the Valley with his parentswhen he was eight years old and is the oldest offive brothers and a sister. Balderas remembersthe experience of leaving Reynosa as one of thehardest things he had to face in his young life.
“When my family came to live in Edinburg itwas very hard for me to start a whole new life,because I was forced away from all myexperiences in Mexico,” Balderas said. “I hadalso lived on a ranch with my grandfather inMexico.”
Another tough experience he had to face waswhen his grandfather became ill in Reynosa. Atthe time his father was told by immigration thathe could not leave the United States. Balderasremembers that his father did not understandwhy he could not go to Mexico, and he watchedhim cry. Eventually, his grandfather passedaway and neither he nor his father had theopportunity to see him.
“It’s very important to have your familyaround, not only your immediate family, butyour mom, father, your tios and tias,” Balderassaid. “I tell my students to get a camera and totape their oldest living relative and usually theycome back with something they didn’t know.Family is going to be there when there’s nobodyelse.”
In the late ‘80s Balderas decided to attendcollege at Pan American University and get adegree in medical technology, but his life took aturn.
“I wasn’t making good grades and startedtaking advantage of my youth,” he said.
He got a job in the music industry producingand practicing rap. He formed a hip-hop bandand also produced some albums. His bandbecame very popular because it was the onlyrap band around in the late ‘80s. One of thegroups they opened for was Run DMC, whenthey came to the Valley during that time.
The name of Balderas’ band was the RocketCrew. They actually put out a couple of maxi-singles, a cassette containing four songs on it.Balderas wrote and produced the songs theyrecorded and said he enjoyed being out there
performing. “People thought our group was from a
different part of the U.S.,” Balderas said. “Atthat time there were hardly any Mexican kidsdoing that kind of music. All the stuff I wasdoing was part of my creative aspect, it had tocome out some way.”
Some band equipment was stolen, and afterone of the group’s members pawned what wasleft of their instruments, Balderas made his finaldecision to return to UTPA in 1992.
“I suddenly realized it was time to go back toschool because I wanted to. I came back tostudy electric engineering. I was trying to keepaway from everything in school, but along theway I got involved politically in the ChicanoStudent Movement,” he said. “Then I took aclass in Mexican American Literature. Therewere things I questioned and I started readingmore about it.”
He went on to form a MECHA chapter, anorganization that was part of the ChicanoMovement at the time. He traveled all over theUnited States and became a vocal voice forstudent and Mexican American rights.
“We talked about a lot of things no onewanted to talk about,” said Balderas, who evenhad long hair at the time.
While attending UTPA, he also took somecreative writing classes. Balderas said his lifechanged when one of his professors took himaside after reading a paper he had written andasked him what his major was. When he toldher it was electrical engineering she suggestedthat he should be a liberal arts major. He saidthose words liberated him, especially since hehad just blanked out on a calculus test. He knew
that electrical engineering wasn’t his truecalling. Balderas went on to graduate fromUTPA in 1998 with a degree in English and aminor in history. He received his certificationfor teaching that summer.
Balderas startedwriting poetrywhen he was inhigh school. Manypeople call hiswork “rap poetry,”but he prefers tocall it “NuevaOnda” poetry, or“New Wave”poetry. One of theChicano writersthat influencedhim is RaulSalinas, who alsouses a “jazzy”sound in hiswritings. LuisAlberto Urista,known as“Alurista,” andRicardo Sanchez,are two otherChicano writerswho haveinfluencedBalderas.
“I neverthought about it asa ‘rap’ thing. I always thought my poetry wouldbe different. It was like free style. I likeexperimenting with different rhythms,” Balderassaid. “I like to use metaphors and imagery fromthe Mechica, the Aztecs and the Mayans. Somany different things, it’s like a mezcla, amixture. ”
When Balderas performs his poetry, he readsfrom the heart and captures the attention of hisaudience. He doesn’t just read, he moves hishands to emphasize the words he is saying.
“What I am trying to say is that everythingout there is dealing with some sort of love,” hesaid. “Like the earth gives love because it givesyou good things.”
Balderas read his poetry on Oct. 21, at theEdinburg Public Library where he hosted theOpen Mic night for his high school students andthe public. The Open Mic night was one ofthree events geared toward teens in an effort tobring young people back to the library. Balderasalso encouraged and gave his students anopportunity to write and read their poetry at theevent.
“I tried to hype them up for the poetry jam.For a lot of them it was the first time they haveever read. They never thought they could do it,”Balderas said. “I don’t even know how I gotsome of them to read. I was very proud ofthem.”
He plans to work with the Edinburg PublicLibrary to have more Open Mic nights for hisstudents. He’s also planning for the next readingto be even better and possibly involve more areahigh schools.
Although Balderas loves poetry, he alsoenjoys teaching history and Mexican-AmericanLiterature at Economedes High School. Havinggood communication with his students isimportant to Balderas. One of his students,Imera, raised her voice during the interview andsaid she was like a social worker because youcan talk to him about anything.”
Another student, Jaime Lozano said, “Mr.Balderas has been helping me with my journal.I’ve been writing songs and stuff like that.”
The word most of this students used todescribe him is “cool,” but they also showed alot of respect for him.
Balderas made an appearance at the LopezBar readings, a yearly event where writers andpoets gather for an evening of poetry and prose.The show can go on well into the night. He hasread his poetry at the Open Mic night at Barnes& Noble in McAllen and is consideringpublishing his poetry.
“People have been asking me about it and Ithink the time has come for me to do it, ” heconcluded.
By ESMIE CASILLASThe Pan American
I never thought aboutit as a ‘rap’ thing. Ialways thought mypoetry would bedifferent. It was likefree style. I likeexperimenting withdifferent rhythms.
““
- Amado Balderas,Teacher and poet
Esmie Casillas/The Pan American
RAP POET— Amado Balderas has a background in music and poetry,and teaches history at Edinburg’s Economedes High School.
EL PASO – The Texas border area might beon its way to producing great medicalprofessionals. On Oct. 30. Gov. Rick Perryannounced that there would be $2 million tofinance start-up costs for a new medical schoolin El Paso. Perry was joined by Rep. Joe Pickett,D-El Paso, and Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso,for the ceremonial signing at the Texas TechHealth Sciences Center.
The funding was made possible when thegovernor identified additional savings in Junethrough line-item vetoes from the state budget.There is also an agreement between state Houseand Senate leadership concerning this issue.
The bill authorizes Texas Tech University toissue up to $45 million in tuition revenue bondsfor school construction. The construction is saidto start in early 2005 and be completed in 2007.
Dr. M. Roy Wilson, Texas Tech HealthSciences Center president, said Perry's trip to El
Paso demonstrated his endorsement of the newmedical school.
"It's an opportunity for him to show the peopleof El Paso he's supporting this," Wilson said.
The medical school will be the state’s firstnew addition in 26 years, and the ninth in Texas.Perry is very enthusiastic about the school, sinceit will be the first ever on the border. He feels
that an increase in medical education is astepping-stone to the solution of health problemsprevalent in the border area.
"This four-year medical school will attractmore research dollars and the kind of vitalresearch projects needed to combat illness uniqueto the border, as well as those commonthroughout the world," Perry said. "Today we aremaking the next important step toward ahealthier border and a healthier Texas."
Texas Tech officials said that the number ofdoctors in the area has declined in recent years.El Paso has about 120 doctors for every 100,000people, versus the national average of 198 per100,000 people. It is assumed that the newschool will help the area with the shortage.
This school is not the only health related issuethe governor has pursued. On Nov. 19 heannounced that $9 million have been given tohelp finance the Regional Academic HealthCenter (RAHC) in Harlingen. RAHC allowsthird-year and fourth year students to getadvanced medical training in this region. There
are similar facilities in Edinburg andBrownsville.
The money was made available through line-item vetoes to the state budget as well, but was afar cry from the $19 million that was promisedbefore budget cuts took their toll. This moneyallocation for the RAHC is an addition tomillions of dollars appropriated in the 2004-2005state budget. Instructional and operationalsupport has appropriations of $6.25 million,$3.16 million for debt service on tuition revenuebonds and $2.62 million for special itemssupport.
Perry again stated how crucial it is to havenew health programs implemented and currentones improved in border areas.
"Funding for the Regional Academic HealthCenter will play a vital role in treating, healingand improving the lives of people along theTexas-Mexico border," Perry said. "The RAHCmission of training future doctors and medicalprofessionals of the Rio Grande Valley is criticalto a healthier border and a healthier Texas."
Border medical school to debut in El Paso; completion by 2007By OSCAR GARZAThe Pan American
This four-year medicalschool will attract moreresearch dollars and thekind of vital researchprojects needed to combatillness unique to theborder, as well as thosecommon throughout theworld.
““- Rick Perry,
Governor of Texas
High school sophomore Lori Ann dreams ofbeing a veterinarian one day, and is looking atattending Texas A&M to make her dreamscome true. Her mother Elia, on the other hand,knows the day will come when Lori Ann makesthat 375-mile trek from Edinburg to CollegeStation, and that makes her nervous.
"I am proud of her decision to go to collegebecause I strongly believe in getting aheadthrough education," Elia said. "However, as aparent, I am afraid of sending my daughter sofar away to college. I would prefer she stay andattend the local university instead."
Elia can’t seem to cut the apron strings. "I ask myself, will she be ok?" she said.
"What if something happens and we’re notaround to help her?"
On Nov. 21, the International Museum of Art& Science (IMAS) at 1900 Nolana in McAllen,in association with Austin-based NushankProductions, will present to parents and studentssuch as Elia and Lori Ann,"She Flies."
"She Flies" is a play about a young girlnamed Milagros and her dreams of attending anIvy League school, and her struggle betweenher family’s wishes and her own desire to makethe right choices in life.
"It’s important for both parents and childrento see this play," Evana Vleck, IMAS educationcoordinator said. "Sometimes we, as parents,struggle to find the perfect words to encourageour children. Watching this play together is oneof those ways of letting their children know thatthey are there for their support. It can opendoors for conversation and questions that wemight all have as human beings."
The play is based on a short story byEdcouch-Elsa author David Rice. McAllennative Michael D. Garcia, founder of NushankProductions, wrote the screenplay from Rice’sshort story and directs the play.
Over 4,000 students from across the RioGrande Valley were able to see this play lastspring. The showings were funded through theGEAR UP project at The University of Texas-Pan American, and according to Dr. Mary Alice
Reyes, GEAR UP Director, the play left a bigimpression.
"The message that they walked away withwas that they should pursue their dream ofattending college wherever it may be located;that there are scholarships and other financialaid opportunities for them to attend, thateveryone has a special talent that can bedeveloped by attending some form of post-secondary education," Reyes said.
Reyes also said the comments from thestudents centered on identification with themain character "Milagros," regarding parents’reluctance to let them go away to college,fulfilling dreams of attending college, collegeaffordability and the problems these issues posein a family.
She advises parents to trust the work theyhave done to prepare their children to face theworld.
"They need to place value in the investmentthey have made over the years in teaching theirchildren to be the people they are today andallow them to further develop into the adultsthey can still become. We must let them go, likePajaro in the play, Milagros was meant to fly.Our students should also be provided the sameopportunity."
Although Elia wants the same opportunity forLori Ann, the thought of having her so far awaystill makes her jittery.
"I will support Lori Ann’s decision to attain apost-secondary education wherever she decidesto attend, and our family will do what we haveto do to get her there," Elia said. "Maybe wecan move to College Station."
The four school performances scheduledhave been sold out for weeks and one publicperformance is left. According to Vleck, IMAShas discussed adding other performances to theline-up.
Cost for attending is $4.50 per person. Thepublic performance is from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30p.m., and a question-and-answer session willfollow the performance.
The play is sponsored in part by ClarkChevrolet.
For more information or to book a show,contact Evana Vleck at 682-1564.
By ELOY M. SAENZThe Pan American
Play tackles home ties
By now, many people have heard thecommon phrase, “Reduce, Reuse,Recycle.” But in reality, most do notfollow this advice.
Billions of pounds of trash get throwninto city dumps every year, causing allsorts of environmental problems. The cityof Edinburg is dealing with overcrowdingat its landfill right now, and at theUniversity of Texas-Pan American, theRecords Management Office (RMO) hasfinally decided to do something about theissue of recycling.
UTPA has combined forces in contractwith Lone Star Shredding in Weslaco towork together in placing recycling binsfor paper collection in every building oncampus.
The process for UTPA’s recyclingeffort is very simple, and moreimportantly, is done free of charge.Daniel Montalvo, UTPA recordstechnician with RMO, explained theprocess.
“There are bins for every department.When a bin is full, they call me andsomeone from Records Managementpicks it up and brings it over to myoffice,” Montalvo said. “In my office, thepapers are shredded. Then, it is sent toLone Star Shredding to be put in bailsand recycled, paying us a penny perpound.”
So in other words, UTPA is bothshredding paper and recycling it at thesame time. Matt Mattar, president ofLone Star Shredding, feels that recyclingis good not just for the environment butalso for the university.
“A ton can be gained from recycling,”Mattar said. “First of all, it doesn’t go tothe landfill. Recycling involves less
mining for making more plastic, andfewer trees needed for more paper. Plus,UTPA saves money for not having wastemanagement empty out trash cans to acity dump.”
The recycling bins are much like thecity trash bins, only they have a slit ontop as well as a lock, so that only papercan fit into it. Some bins have beenplaced in lounges, mechanical rooms, andstorage rooms throughout campus.
The most important reason for theshredding and recycling of paper is forthe confidentiality of UTPA students’personal information. If students findother students’ information, they couldsteal an identity. The shredding ofpersonal information ensures protectionagainst this.
There are two important laws regardingprivate student information. The HealthInsurance and Portability AccountabilityAct, known as HIPPA, protects students’medical information, the Graham LeachBliley, known as GLB, protects financialand school information.
Paula Berkeley, UTPA RMO analyst,saw the need for such private informationto be shredded for student safety.
“The HIPPA and GLB have made itnecessary to take precautions to personalinformation that must be shredded for thestudents’ protection,” she said.
So far all departments have bins. Butonly certain types of paper can berecycled, such as typing paper, phonebooks, notebook paper and colored paper.Newspaper, cardboard paper and carbonpaper, on the other hand, cannot berecycled.
If any department is interested in a bin,representatives should call DanielMontalvo at the UTPA Records Center at292-7203, or call his cell phone at 457-9317.
UTPA’s recycling effortwill dispose of evidenceBy JULIAN CAVAZOSThe Pan American
PEACE CORPS continued from page 2
size of the Peace Corps from its current levels of7,000 to 14,000 in 2007. Right now the agencyis in 71 nations, and there are more than 30nations on the waiting list to get Peace Corpsprograms. That increases the need forvolunteers, especially those with health,
education, environment andagriculture backgrounds, Garciaadded.
Qualifications for joining theagency are: one must be a U.S. borncitizen who is at least 18 years oldwith appropriate skill. Someprograms require that applicants havea college degree and all educationalprograms require a four-year degree.Non-degreed applicants must havefour to six years experience inbusiness management, agriculture(farming, ranching), or construction.There is also a 27-monthcommitment, which includes 12weeks of training. Volunteers cansign up for a third year if they want.
Garcia said that knowing a foreignlanguage is not necessary in someregions because the Peace Corps willteach volunteers proper languageskills for wherever they are sent. Theonly exceptions for the languagebarrier would be people wanting to
serve in Latin America and West Africa. "In Latin America you would need two years
of college Spanish or be fluent in Spanish,"Garcia said. "If you wanted to serve in WestAfrica, you would need two years of collegeFrench or be a fluent French speaker."
The Texas regional office annually sends outrecruitment officers to campuses throughout thestate. In March of 2003, Peace Corpsrecruitment officer Daniel Mendieta visitedUTPA.
"UTPA is a large campus with lots ofdiversity that the Peace Corps is looking for,"Mendieta said. "I was really impressed with thestudent body, especially the resource of healthmajors, which is one of our biggest needs. Thecareer services office was extremely helpful andfriendly. I cannot wait to be back."
Garcia said that more than 100 [UTPA]students stopped by and spoke with recruiters,and some are now in the application process. Inthe past, nearly 30 UTPA students have takenpart in the organization.
"One student has already been nominated [tojoin], Lars Gilberts, who graduated in May 2003from UTPA," Garcia said.
Sophomore biology major Jessica Garcia saidthat she would like to join the organization someday.
"Joining the Peace Corps is something thatI’ve always wanted to do because I have lived
my life for me, and I’d like to take some timeaway from that and impact someone else’s life
in a big way," she said. "I really don’t knowhow or when I am going to do it because schoolis my main priority right now."
For more information about joining the Peace
Corps visit www.peacecorps.gov or call toll free1-800-424-8580.
www.peacecorps.gov
VOLUNTEERS— People from 71 countries haveworked in overseas jobs for the Peace Corps.
Reynosa native makes name as versatile performer
Peace CorpsFactoids:
Current number of volunteers and trainees:
Budget: million for fiscal year
Valley History: volunteers:UTPA:
Age: Average is
Gender: of volunteers arefemale
Oldest Volunteer: years old
Source: www peacecorps gov
November 20, 2003 arts & entertainment Page 10
REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW
You better not pout because holiday moviesare coming to town, and to initiate the alwaysoverwhelming amount of Christmas andThanksgiving films is Will Ferrell’s Elf.
Elf is just in time for the holiday seasonrolling in with the random cold fronts and theearly Christmas light sales at Wal-Mart,marking the beginning of several holiday,jingle-all-the-way type films. But can Elfcontinue its box office success all through thewintery (barely cold) season?
At its first week of release, Elf has landedsecond in weekend gross with $31.1 millionsince its debut. So, I decided to take a trip toCarmike 20. Popcorn and lemon drops inhand, I wanted to see what all the earlyChristmas hype was about.
Saturday Night Live’s Ferrell portrays hisusual off beat SNL characteristics in this"human misfit, gone elf misfit, back to humanmisfit" holiday comedy. Left for adoption,raised by elves and sent back to New York tofind his biological father leaves Buddy the Elfsearching for more than his roots, but the trueholiday spirit.
He finds little holiday jeers in his shy loveinterest, selfish father, and when he findshimself working among costumed holidayelves in New York’s popular department store,Gimbel’s.
The journey as he searches for his roots andbring back the true holiday spirit to NewYorkers becomes the film’s plot, but leaves theaudience searching for something more-- their
$7.50 dollar’s worth. Something more than apredictable Christmas movie.
Will Ferrell’s humor works very well forhalf of the film. I found myself laughing outloud a few times, but what the film has inhumor, lacks in originality. The plot was notstrong enough to carry the humor past thesecond half. It begins to drag, even throughthe film’s climax.
It makes you wonder if Ferrell can carry afilm solo, following several supporting roles incomedies like Old School, Austin Powers,Superstar, Night at the Roxbury andZoolandar. Mr. Ferrell is probably best suitedwith the hour and a half variety show,Saturday Night Live.
Elf’s supporting cast includes James Caan,Bob Newhart and Ed Asner. The PG film isdirected by Jon Favreau and runs 97 minutes.
‘Elf’ turns cheer to drear
The three of them are almost childlike.Alien-like. They are blue and mysterious.Bald too. And mute, but never silent.Their shiny blue skin glimmers under thestage lights as they pound away on drums,pipes--- anything that will make a sound,transforming it into good old fashionedrock and roll.
They are the Blue Man Group, aneclectic trio which features an entertainingcombination of percussive music, theater,art, science, and social commentary.
The Complex Rock Tour launched inMay 2003 is Blue Man Group's first rocktour in the United States. It features musicfrom the group's second album, “TheComplex.” The tour sets itself apart fromBlue Man Group's theatrical show,“Tubes,” which plays regularly in NewYork, Chicago and Boston. It’s differentbecause it is created to capture the themeof a rock concert.
On Nov. 14 The Verizon WirelessAmphitheater of San Antonio was filledwith excited fans anticipating the show’sexhilarating music.
This visually amazing concert takes theaudience through a rock concertexperience, complete with everyday rockconcert techniques like the head bob,jumping up and down and the midairimaginary fist pump. It takes the audienceinto a very interactive music journey witha high-tech modern light show and specialeffects that will have them on their feet bythe end of the show.
The group even features special guestvocalists Venus Hum and Tracy Bonhamwho take the Blue Man Group’sinstrumental music to another level withdistinctive voices.
Blue Man Group's 1999 debut album,“AUDIO” was nominated for a Grammyin the Best Pop Instrumental Albumcategory.
Recently, they released their highlyanticipated second album, “TheComplex.” “The Complex” featured lyricsfrom guest vocalists, unlike their firstinstrumental album. While writing it,Blue Man Group simultaneously createdthe state-of-the-art rock show thatcaptured the mood and theme of thealbum very well.
The show will continue its tour aroundthe United States on Friday, Nov. 21 and22 in Biloxi Miss. Houston was its finalperformance in Texas.
Blue Man Group rocks on
By AARON LOZANOThe Pan American
By AARON LOZANOThe Pan American
Will Ferrellsteps into ‘Elf’shoes for hislatestHollywoodrole. Ferrellplays Buddy,a human try-ing to grow upin an elf’sWorld. Thisis Ferrell’sfirst solo star-ring role.
The Blue Man Group creates a message thatis heard without words. The trio’s latest cre-ation has a modern rock flair, and has takenthem to major cities across the nation.
Dona Rosita’s Jalapeno Kitchen, a one-woman play starring Ruby Nelda Perez, is heading to theAlbert Jeffers Theater at the University of Texas-Pan American. Perez has performed this pieceall over the country, and now she’s bringing her show to UTPA. Dona Rosita’s will run Nov. 20 to22 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. Members of the UTPA theatre staff will host a reception aftereach performance. Thursday night’s reception will be Simply Singles, and is aimed at individualsof all ages who don’t have family ties in the Rio Grande Valley. Friday is for Parents of Little Kidswho will discuss issues such as baby sitters and good school districts. Saturday is for parents ofteens who are concerned with curfew and privileges, and Sunday is for Empty Nesters whose chil-dren have grown up and moved out. For information, reservations and ticket prices, call theUniversity Theater box office, 381-3581 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Coutresy of blueman.com
Special to The Pan American
Courtesy of yahoo.com
■ Stuntman . . . . . . . . . 8
■ Museum . . . . . . . . . . 9
■ Reviews . . . . . . . . .10ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 7
AroundTown
Art ShowNov. 19- Dec. 13Place: The UniversityGallery Event: “Profile, a BFAExhibit featuring artwork byMariana Mugica, KennethNg, Barbara Ruiz, JoseRuiz, and Carlos Angulo. Phone: (956) 381-2655 callfor gallery hours andinformation.
Knight NightNov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.Event: El Rey Cinemapresents the films Excaliburand First Night.Phone: (956) 971-9825
Concert BandNov. 25 at 7:30 p.m.Place: UTPA Fine ArtsAuditoriumEvent: The UTPA ConcertBand will perform works byTommy fry, Carl Seale,Jerome Kern and manymore.Phone: (956) 381-3471
Sesame Street LiveNov. 25-26Place: Dodge Arena Event: Come see Elmo, theCookie Monster, the Count,Big Bird, Bert and Ernie,and all the other SesameStreet favorites in a musicalproduction.Price: $12, $15 and $18Phone:1-866-RIO-TIXX
AlegriaDec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.Place: UTPA Fine ArtsAuditoriumEvent: The UTPA FolkloricDance Company kicks offtheir performance season.Phone: (956)393-2230 callfor other dates, time, andinformation.
ShoppingDec. 5-7Place: McAllen Civic CenterEvent: Junior League ofMcAllen, Inc. presents DiasFestivos Marketplace 2003.Phone: 682-0071
Are the kids alright?Producer Karen Bernstein and
independent filmmaker Ellen Spiro ofMobilus Media in Austin brought thatquestion to Mary DeFerreire, presidentof the Rio Grande ValleyPsychological Association.
Bernstein and Spiro are filming adocumentary about Texas childrenwith mental illness, and they choseMcAllen as one of their filminglocations. Grants for filming areprovided by the Hogg Foundation forMental Health. Jeffery Patterson andEllen Wartella of the foundation arethe executive producers of thedocumentary, Are the kids alright?
According to Jeffery Patterson,director of communications for theHogg foundation, the foundation hasprovided two grants totaling about$60,000 for this project in the past 18months. The foundation choseMobilus Media to lead this projectbecause it is a respected awardwinning media group.
Bernstein and Spiro plan to have thedocumentary, which originally began
as a research project one year ago, airon Texas PBS and possibly nationally.The release date has not beendetermined, but the projectedcompletion date is spring 2004.
But why film in McAllen?“We had wanted to show the
diverse issues related to mental illnessand children throughout the state ,”Bernstein said, “and felt it importantto cover borderissues.”
The hourlongdocumentary willshow that peoplefrom every cultureare equally at risk ofmental illness.
“These disorderscan have substantialand powerful effectson any family,”Patterson said, “regardless ofethnicity,socioeconomicstatus, or geographiclocation.”
The media groupbrought its camerasto the Rio GrandeValley to take a
closer look at how mental illnessaffects hispanic families. DeFerreire ofthe International and MulticulturalPsychological Services was contactedto make an appearance on the film.
According to DeFerreire herpractice focuses on the delivery ofmental health services and initialdiagnostic assessments.
She was recorded in a variety ofsituations including:interviews, therapysessions with theconsent of thepatients, and withher staff in a meetingwhere they discussedtheir concerns aboutmental health care inTexas. She washonored to be a partof this project.
“It’s really quite aresponsibility toshow my professionas a psychologist
and the richness ofwhat we can do whenwe provide qualityhealth services,”Deferreire said.
Deferreire was
pleased to help Mobilus Media withthis film because she thinks peopleneed to be aware of mental healthissues in Texas.
“It’s a sobering view of the plight ofTexas,” Deferreire said, “in the poorattention the state continues todemonstrate regarding the mentally illpeople who live here.”
DeFerreire, as a part of the RioGrande Valley mental HealthCoalition, feels that this is the righttime to bring these issues to lightbecause of the mental health crisis thathas been created as a result of HouseBill 2292.
This bill was part of House Bill 1,which approves the final legislativebudget for the next two years. HouseBill 2292 stated that as of Oct. 26adults with mental illness andchildren under the confidential helpfor impaired professional studentsprogram cannot receive services fromcounselors or psychologists.
DeFerreire is glad the public willsee the reality of the situation.
“I feel that it will bring great shameto Texas for what they have done tomental health services,” saidDeFerreire.
By OMAIRA GALARZAThe Pan American
Documentary discusses mental health
Valley artists and students will have the opportunityto indulge in artistic creations this weekend.
South Texas Community College (STCC) will hostan art show exhibiting the artwork of Amado Pena andKirk Clark. Pena’s art is inspired by life. Pena’s artworkfeatures the life and crafts of Native Americans. Clarkwho features a contemporary lifestyle in his work isrecognized for his use of the ancient Chinese style ofBagua in his art works.
Along with the two artists the art show will featurethe works of a local self-taught artist by the name ofClaudia Garza. Garza received her associates degree ofart from STCC and is currently working toward abachelor’s degree from UTPA.
Garza began developing an interest for art at a veryyoung age. At about the age of six she began drawinghouses, but she added perspective to her drawings. Herparents realized she had a talent for drawing so theybegan to buy her art sets, sketch books, and crayons.Garza commented that drawing was always verynatural to her.
“I started painting and drawing when I was verysmall and I began developing my skills on my own,”said Garza. “I was born with it [the ability to draw].”
Garza’s art work consists of surrealism, portraits,figure paintings, and murals. Garza explains surrealismas an art form that deals with dreams and thesubconscious. It is often used as a way to portray realsituations in an unreal and impossible way. It can beseen as a way to make the real unreal. Garzacommented that sometimes she draws her dreams.
All of the proceeds from the art show will benefit theValley Scholars program. Garza stated that she wasallowed to feature her work with these artists becauseshe herself was a Valley Scholar. In order to beconsidered for the Valley Scholars Program a studentmust have graduated in the top 10 percent of his or her
graduating class. Garza firmly believes that theprogram helped her financially get through hereducation at STCC.
“If it hadn’t been for Valley Scholars I wouldn’t havegone to college at all.”
This event will take place on Nov. 21 and 22 and willbe open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. AllRio Grande Valley high school art classes areencouraged to attend. Amado Pena and Kirk Clark willbe available for autographs. The show will take place atthe STCC student lounge Building H. This art exhibit isbeing sponsored by the McAllen Chamber ofCommerce, Charles Clark Chevrolet, H-E-B, KGBT-TV Channel 4, The Monitor, and The Mesquite Review.
For more information call STCC at (956)683-2621 orvisit www.stcc.cc.tx.us/valleyscholars.
Surrealism makes artist’s dreams realityBy DULCE GONZALEZThe Pan American
(Above): “The Powers that We Have,” was createdbecause the artist feels that humans have the power toboth create and destroy nature.(Right):”Trapped” was inspired by the artist’s feelings atthe time it was created.
Mary DeFerreire, president of theRio Grande Valley PsychologicalAssociation makes an appearancein a documentary by Mobilus Mediaabout mental health care in Texas.
Daniel Aguilar/ The Pan American
Courtesy of Claudia Garza
November 20, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 9November 20, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 8
Stuntman rises from
the fal l
reelopinions
What do you thinkof the latest child
molestation allegations brought
against MichaelJackson?
“Michael Jackson is extremelyscary. There has been so much con-troversy surrounding him that it isprobably for the best. Keep yourkids away from him.”
-Adrian A. VillagomezFreshmanBiology Pre-Med
“Even though he doesn’t look it,Michael jackson is still a person.He is entitled to his privacy.”
-Ricardo TorresFreshmanUndecided
“I really didn’t care. It doesn't per-tain to me. I barely have time formyself so I’m not following thatcontroversy.”
-Jocabed MarquezSeniorPre-Med
“I think the whole thing is ridicu-lous. the first incident happened solong ago, what are you going todo? I mean, people are still goingto buy his CDs.”
-Roland SilvaFreshmanScience
“Why are these people giving theirchildren to this person? Why arethey putting their children in aposition to get hurt? This isbeyond me.
-Benicio DiazJuniorComm./TV-Film
Stuntman rises from
the fal lWith a smile from ear-to-
ear and dressed in a tuxedo,former Chicago lawyerturned performance directorof the Sterling and ReidBros. 3-Ring Circus, PhilipDolci stood on the DodgeArena floor Saturday nightwith a proud look admiringthe steady flow of people thatslowly filled the arena tocapacity for the lastperformance of the circus’two-day stay in Hidalgo.
Before arriving in Hidalgo,the circus had made astopover in Corpus Christi onWednesday and Thursday.After their last showThursday night, they toredown the Big Top and droveto Hidalgo. By 8 a.m. Friday,Sterling and Reid was readyfor its opening show at theDodge Arena later that night.On Saturday, in betweenperformances, a separatecrew drove out toBrownsville and set up theBig Top. Then the crew didan about face and headedback to Hidalgo for theremainder of theirperformances at the arena.
"It’s a labor of love," Dolcisaid. "If you don’t love thecircus, you can’t be in it."
Dolci is also no stranger toSouth Texas and its longdistances.
"I’ve been to South Texasnumerous occasions withsmaller tented circuses,"Dolci said. "I love thepeople, the food, the culture,the laidback...when you’regoing at circus speed though,playing two or three towns aweek, showing seven days aweek and need an answernow, the mañana business isa little frustrating, but onceyou get used to it, it’s afantastic way to do business."
During the day, Dolci andthe circus signed a contractwith what Sterling and Reidhave billed as the "World’s
Greatest Stuntman", KirkJones. Jones made headlinesacross the country a fewweeks ago when he wentover Niagara Falls (18stories) without anyprotection and survived.
"I believe we could’vemade the contract over thephone, over the fax," Dolcisaid. "However, I told Kirkyou have to come out and seeand meet us. If you’re goingto live with us for a year andtravel with it, you have to seewhat it’s about. If you thinkwe’re a bunch of gypsies,you’re not going to want tobe traveling with us."
After this seasonconcludes, the 57-year-oldSterling and Reid Circus willbecome the Toby TylerCircus and will have Jones asone of its headlineattractions.
"I’m entering a field I was
invited to join, the TobyTyler Circus, and perhaps Ican meet people, and in myown way, if I can help somepeople," Jones said whiledigging into a bowl of icecream. "Then I feel this allwas worth while (going overthe falls and joining the
circus). I love the smiles onthe faces of the children andyou can’t help but smileyourself."
When asked about hisadventure of going overNiagara Falls, Jonesexplained that since he wasstill facing criminal chargesin Canada for his acts, hewas not allowed to fullydivulge the details of whatled him to attempt such afeat. However, Jones did saythat "desperate men dodesperate actions."
He has been charged withcriminal mischief, which is amisdemeanor under Canadianlaw, and carries a $1,000(Canadian) fine and 90 daysin jail. He has also beencharged with performing anillegal stunt which carries afine of up to $10,000. Jonesis currently out on a $1,000bond and will face trial next
month.Despite the charges and
legal ramifications he isfacing, Jones continued tohappily eat his ice creamsundae and optimisticallyexpressed that it is probablethat the charges against himwill be dismissed.
Although Jones’ stunt hasbrought him someunexpected notoriety, hewanted to make sure that noone "emulated" his action ofa few weeks ago.
"Niagara Falls is awonderous place to behold.It’s one of nature’s greatwonders," Jones described. "Ido not want anyone tobecome part of the Niagara.It kills on average of 10 and12 people a year who gothere and die. Those thingsare never reported in thepress unfortunately."
After Jones’ disclaimers,he tried to explain what wentthrough his mind as he wentover the falls.
"So many mixed emotionswere in my head, I was fairlycertain that I would notsurvive," Jones described."However...once I hit theedge of the falls and I wasfalling, I knew then, a spirithad come over me that Idecided to fight the falls, notlet them take me away."
Jones broke two ribs andinjured his vertebrae as aresult of his fall and is stillrecovering. However, heexplained that the fall wasthe least of his problemsbecause the real dangers arethe powerful whirlpools andeddys.
"They’ve found bodiesdown there that have beenbeheaded and just ripped toshreds," Jones said. "As Ilooked back, I got a chanceto look on the other side ofthe falls, I truly was amazed,there were so many rocksdown there that I don’t evenknow how I slipped throughthem."
What he does know is thatit’s a miracle that he is aliveand wants to use his "secondchance at life to help others."
For the time being, Joneswill be doing publicity forSterling and Reid.Eventually, Jones will also beused as a stuntman.
So many mixed
emotions were in
my head, I was
fairly certain that I
would not survive. “
“
- Kirk Jones,“World’s Greatest Stuntman”
Kirk Jones, the only human to survivea fall over Niagara Falls, now performsfor Sterling and Reid Brothers as the“World’s Greatest Stuntman.”
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
A 14-foot tall mammoth skeleton and a gigantic sea lizardskeleton is just one of the many exhibits that the new expansion ofthe Museum of South Texas History will feature.
The Grand Opening for the new expansion, which was 40 yearsin the making, will finally take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov.22. About 14 people will serve as re-enactors of the 18th and 19thcenturies during the opening celebration. Each person will bepacking their cannons, muskets, and other past weaponry to add tothe realistic nature of the event.
“Any Living History Interpreter who brings a weapon will beasked to step forward and fire a volley saluting all eras and allcultures of South Texas History,” said Robert M. Benavides, a re-enactor who will be playing a wide range of characters.
The expansion will feature several exhibits including realisticreplicas of 18th and 19th century houses, wagons, Indians,soldiers, cowboys, and the front end of a steamboat that is two-thirds the actual size. Because of the many wars that took placeduring that time, including the Mexican War and U.S. Civil War,the museum also features weapons and tools of the time period.However, the major crowd-pleaser should be the mammothskeleton.
Although the mammoth is long-extinct, it made an appearanceon the hit movie X-Men 2 during a scene that was filmed inside amuseum set. The museum actually obtained the mammoth fromthe producers of the film, which in exchange for borrowing it,didn’t have to pay any shipping costs.
“Everybody thinks the mammoth is cool,” said Danny Gurwitz,immediate past-chairman of the board. “I think the people need tohurry and get over here.”
The ancient sea reptile is relevant to the museum becausecenturies ago, the entire Valley was under water. Along with theprehistoric animals that make an appearance, native people areshown in dioramas, which took seven weeks to make because thebackground was entirely hand-painted.
The expansion is limited to the 18th and 19th centuries;however, the 20th-century exhibit will be completed in 2004 or2005.
“I have not seen a museum that will impress you any more thanthis one,” said Paul Moffitt, properties chairman, who oversawmuch of the construction on the project.
In order to pay for the new expansion, the museum raised a totalof $5.5 million in pledges and gifts. Over $2.4 million went to newconstruction costs, exhibits cost $1.9 million, renovation cost
$740,000 and equipment and furnishings cost about $450,000, andendowment fees totaled $1 million.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and is free tothe public. Anyone who gets there before noon will enter free.Anyone after noon will be charged the regular admission fee, whichis $4 for adults, $3 for seniors 62 and over, $2.50 for students whobring their school identification, $1.50 for children 5-12, and nocharge for children 0-4.
Carol Lynn Looney has worked on the expansion project for morethan four years. She believes that the public is going to be amazed atthe major improvements.
“It’s equal to anything they would see anywhere in the UnitedStates,” said Looney. “What a significant contribution this area hasmade to Texas, Mexico, and the United States.
By CHRISTINA HARRISThe Pan American
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE MUSEUM OF
SOUTH TEXAS HISTORY
Jim McKone (left), the PR officer of the Museum of South TexasHistory, stands in front of a mammoth skeleton. This, and severalother prehistoric skeletons will be showcased when the museumreopens on Nov. 22.
Daniel Aguilar/ The Pan American
Christina Harris/ The Pan American
November 20, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 9November 20, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 8
Stuntman rises from
the fal l
reelopinions
What do you thinkof the latest child
molestation allegations brought
against MichaelJackson?
“Michael Jackson is extremelyscary. There has been so much con-troversy surrounding him that it isprobably for the best. Keep yourkids away from him.”
-Adrian A. VillagomezFreshmanBiology Pre-Med
“Even though he doesn’t look it,Michael jackson is still a person.He is entitled to his privacy.”
-Ricardo TorresFreshmanUndecided
“I really didn’t care. It doesn't per-tain to me. I barely have time formyself so I’m not following thatcontroversy.”
-Jocabed MarquezSeniorPre-Med
“I think the whole thing is ridicu-lous. the first incident happened solong ago, what are you going todo? I mean, people are still goingto buy his CDs.”
-Roland SilvaFreshmanScience
“Why are these people giving theirchildren to this person? Why arethey putting their children in aposition to get hurt? This isbeyond me.
-Benicio DiazJuniorComm./TV-Film
Stuntman rises from
the fal lWith a smile from ear-to-
ear and dressed in a tuxedo,former Chicago lawyerturned performance directorof the Sterling and ReidBros. 3-Ring Circus, PhilipDolci stood on the DodgeArena floor Saturday nightwith a proud look admiringthe steady flow of people thatslowly filled the arena tocapacity for the lastperformance of the circus’two-day stay in Hidalgo.
Before arriving in Hidalgo,the circus had made astopover in Corpus Christi onWednesday and Thursday.After their last showThursday night, they toredown the Big Top and droveto Hidalgo. By 8 a.m. Friday,Sterling and Reid was readyfor its opening show at theDodge Arena later that night.On Saturday, in betweenperformances, a separatecrew drove out toBrownsville and set up theBig Top. Then the crew didan about face and headedback to Hidalgo for theremainder of theirperformances at the arena.
"It’s a labor of love," Dolcisaid. "If you don’t love thecircus, you can’t be in it."
Dolci is also no stranger toSouth Texas and its longdistances.
"I’ve been to South Texasnumerous occasions withsmaller tented circuses,"Dolci said. "I love thepeople, the food, the culture,the laidback...when you’regoing at circus speed though,playing two or three towns aweek, showing seven days aweek and need an answernow, the mañana business isa little frustrating, but onceyou get used to it, it’s afantastic way to do business."
During the day, Dolci andthe circus signed a contractwith what Sterling and Reidhave billed as the "World’s
Greatest Stuntman", KirkJones. Jones made headlinesacross the country a fewweeks ago when he wentover Niagara Falls (18stories) without anyprotection and survived.
"I believe we could’vemade the contract over thephone, over the fax," Dolcisaid. "However, I told Kirkyou have to come out and seeand meet us. If you’re goingto live with us for a year andtravel with it, you have to seewhat it’s about. If you thinkwe’re a bunch of gypsies,you’re not going to want tobe traveling with us."
After this seasonconcludes, the 57-year-oldSterling and Reid Circus willbecome the Toby TylerCircus and will have Jones asone of its headlineattractions.
"I’m entering a field I was
invited to join, the TobyTyler Circus, and perhaps Ican meet people, and in myown way, if I can help somepeople," Jones said whiledigging into a bowl of icecream. "Then I feel this allwas worth while (going overthe falls and joining the
circus). I love the smiles onthe faces of the children andyou can’t help but smileyourself."
When asked about hisadventure of going overNiagara Falls, Jonesexplained that since he wasstill facing criminal chargesin Canada for his acts, hewas not allowed to fullydivulge the details of whatled him to attempt such afeat. However, Jones did saythat "desperate men dodesperate actions."
He has been charged withcriminal mischief, which is amisdemeanor under Canadianlaw, and carries a $1,000(Canadian) fine and 90 daysin jail. He has also beencharged with performing anillegal stunt which carries afine of up to $10,000. Jonesis currently out on a $1,000bond and will face trial next
month.Despite the charges and
legal ramifications he isfacing, Jones continued tohappily eat his ice creamsundae and optimisticallyexpressed that it is probablethat the charges against himwill be dismissed.
Although Jones’ stunt hasbrought him someunexpected notoriety, hewanted to make sure that noone "emulated" his action ofa few weeks ago.
"Niagara Falls is awonderous place to behold.It’s one of nature’s greatwonders," Jones described. "Ido not want anyone tobecome part of the Niagara.It kills on average of 10 and12 people a year who gothere and die. Those thingsare never reported in thepress unfortunately."
After Jones’ disclaimers,he tried to explain what wentthrough his mind as he wentover the falls.
"So many mixed emotionswere in my head, I was fairlycertain that I would notsurvive," Jones described."However...once I hit theedge of the falls and I wasfalling, I knew then, a spirithad come over me that Idecided to fight the falls, notlet them take me away."
Jones broke two ribs andinjured his vertebrae as aresult of his fall and is stillrecovering. However, heexplained that the fall wasthe least of his problemsbecause the real dangers arethe powerful whirlpools andeddys.
"They’ve found bodiesdown there that have beenbeheaded and just ripped toshreds," Jones said. "As Ilooked back, I got a chanceto look on the other side ofthe falls, I truly was amazed,there were so many rocksdown there that I don’t evenknow how I slipped throughthem."
What he does know is thatit’s a miracle that he is aliveand wants to use his "secondchance at life to help others."
For the time being, Joneswill be doing publicity forSterling and Reid.Eventually, Jones will also beused as a stuntman.
So many mixed
emotions were in
my head, I was
fairly certain that I
would not survive. “
“
- Kirk Jones,“World’s Greatest Stuntman”
Kirk Jones, the only human to survivea fall over Niagara Falls, now performsfor Sterling and Reid Brothers as the“World’s Greatest Stuntman.”
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
A 14-foot tall mammoth skeleton and a gigantic sea lizardskeleton is just one of the many exhibits that the new expansion ofthe Museum of South Texas History will feature.
The Grand Opening for the new expansion, which was 40 yearsin the making, will finally take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov.22. About 14 people will serve as re-enactors of the 18th and 19thcenturies during the opening celebration. Each person will bepacking their cannons, muskets, and other past weaponry to add tothe realistic nature of the event.
“Any Living History Interpreter who brings a weapon will beasked to step forward and fire a volley saluting all eras and allcultures of South Texas History,” said Robert M. Benavides, a re-enactor who will be playing a wide range of characters.
The expansion will feature several exhibits including realisticreplicas of 18th and 19th century houses, wagons, Indians,soldiers, cowboys, and the front end of a steamboat that is two-thirds the actual size. Because of the many wars that took placeduring that time, including the Mexican War and U.S. Civil War,the museum also features weapons and tools of the time period.However, the major crowd-pleaser should be the mammothskeleton.
Although the mammoth is long-extinct, it made an appearanceon the hit movie X-Men 2 during a scene that was filmed inside amuseum set. The museum actually obtained the mammoth fromthe producers of the film, which in exchange for borrowing it,didn’t have to pay any shipping costs.
“Everybody thinks the mammoth is cool,” said Danny Gurwitz,immediate past-chairman of the board. “I think the people need tohurry and get over here.”
The ancient sea reptile is relevant to the museum becausecenturies ago, the entire Valley was under water. Along with theprehistoric animals that make an appearance, native people areshown in dioramas, which took seven weeks to make because thebackground was entirely hand-painted.
The expansion is limited to the 18th and 19th centuries;however, the 20th-century exhibit will be completed in 2004 or2005.
“I have not seen a museum that will impress you any more thanthis one,” said Paul Moffitt, properties chairman, who oversawmuch of the construction on the project.
In order to pay for the new expansion, the museum raised a totalof $5.5 million in pledges and gifts. Over $2.4 million went to newconstruction costs, exhibits cost $1.9 million, renovation cost
$740,000 and equipment and furnishings cost about $450,000, andendowment fees totaled $1 million.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and is free tothe public. Anyone who gets there before noon will enter free.Anyone after noon will be charged the regular admission fee, whichis $4 for adults, $3 for seniors 62 and over, $2.50 for students whobring their school identification, $1.50 for children 5-12, and nocharge for children 0-4.
Carol Lynn Looney has worked on the expansion project for morethan four years. She believes that the public is going to be amazed atthe major improvements.
“It’s equal to anything they would see anywhere in the UnitedStates,” said Looney. “What a significant contribution this area hasmade to Texas, Mexico, and the United States.
By CHRISTINA HARRISThe Pan American
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE MUSEUM OF
SOUTH TEXAS HISTORY
Jim McKone (left), the PR officer of the Museum of South TexasHistory, stands in front of a mammoth skeleton. This, and severalother prehistoric skeletons will be showcased when the museumreopens on Nov. 22.
Daniel Aguilar/ The Pan American
Christina Harris/ The Pan American
November 20, 2003 arts & entertainment Page 10
REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW
You better not pout because holiday moviesare coming to town, and to initiate the alwaysoverwhelming amount of Christmas andThanksgiving films is Will Ferrell’s Elf.
Elf is just in time for the holiday seasonrolling in with the random cold fronts and theearly Christmas light sales at Wal-Mart,marking the beginning of several holiday,jingle-all-the-way type films. But can Elfcontinue its box office success all through thewintery (barely cold) season?
At its first week of release, Elf has landedsecond in weekend gross with $31.1 millionsince its debut. So, I decided to take a trip toCarmike 20. Popcorn and lemon drops inhand, I wanted to see what all the earlyChristmas hype was about.
Saturday Night Live’s Ferrell portrays hisusual off beat SNL characteristics in this"human misfit, gone elf misfit, back to humanmisfit" holiday comedy. Left for adoption,raised by elves and sent back to New York tofind his biological father leaves Buddy the Elfsearching for more than his roots, but the trueholiday spirit.
He finds little holiday jeers in his shy loveinterest, selfish father, and when he findshimself working among costumed holidayelves in New York’s popular department store,Gimbel’s.
The journey as he searches for his roots andbring back the true holiday spirit to NewYorkers becomes the film’s plot, but leaves theaudience searching for something more-- their
$7.50 dollar’s worth. Something more than apredictable Christmas movie.
Will Ferrell’s humor works very well forhalf of the film. I found myself laughing outloud a few times, but what the film has inhumor, lacks in originality. The plot was notstrong enough to carry the humor past thesecond half. It begins to drag, even throughthe film’s climax.
It makes you wonder if Ferrell can carry afilm solo, following several supporting roles incomedies like Old School, Austin Powers,Superstar, Night at the Roxbury andZoolandar. Mr. Ferrell is probably best suitedwith the hour and a half variety show,Saturday Night Live.
Elf’s supporting cast includes James Caan,Bob Newhart and Ed Asner. The PG film isdirected by Jon Favreau and runs 97 minutes.
‘Elf’ turns cheer to drear
The three of them are almost childlike.Alien-like. They are blue and mysterious.Bald too. And mute, but never silent.Their shiny blue skin glimmers under thestage lights as they pound away on drums,pipes--- anything that will make a sound,transforming it into good old fashionedrock and roll.
They are the Blue Man Group, aneclectic trio which features an entertainingcombination of percussive music, theater,art, science, and social commentary.
The Complex Rock Tour launched inMay 2003 is Blue Man Group's first rocktour in the United States. It features musicfrom the group's second album, “TheComplex.” The tour sets itself apart fromBlue Man Group's theatrical show,“Tubes,” which plays regularly in NewYork, Chicago and Boston. It’s differentbecause it is created to capture the themeof a rock concert.
On Nov. 14 The Verizon WirelessAmphitheater of San Antonio was filledwith excited fans anticipating the show’sexhilarating music.
This visually amazing concert takes theaudience through a rock concertexperience, complete with everyday rockconcert techniques like the head bob,jumping up and down and the midairimaginary fist pump. It takes the audienceinto a very interactive music journey witha high-tech modern light show and specialeffects that will have them on their feet bythe end of the show.
The group even features special guestvocalists Venus Hum and Tracy Bonhamwho take the Blue Man Group’sinstrumental music to another level withdistinctive voices.
Blue Man Group's 1999 debut album,“AUDIO” was nominated for a Grammyin the Best Pop Instrumental Albumcategory.
Recently, they released their highlyanticipated second album, “TheComplex.” “The Complex” featured lyricsfrom guest vocalists, unlike their firstinstrumental album. While writing it,Blue Man Group simultaneously createdthe state-of-the-art rock show thatcaptured the mood and theme of thealbum very well.
The show will continue its tour aroundthe United States on Friday, Nov. 21 and22 in Biloxi Miss. Houston was its finalperformance in Texas.
Blue Man Group rocks on
By AARON LOZANOThe Pan American
By AARON LOZANOThe Pan American
Will Ferrellsteps into ‘Elf’shoes for hislatestHollywoodrole. Ferrellplays Buddy,a human try-ing to grow upin an elf’sWorld. Thisis Ferrell’sfirst solo star-ring role.
The Blue Man Group creates a message thatis heard without words. The trio’s latest cre-ation has a modern rock flair, and has takenthem to major cities across the nation.
Dona Rosita’s Jalapeno Kitchen, a one-woman play starring Ruby Nelda Perez, is heading to theAlbert Jeffers Theater at the University of Texas-Pan American. Perez has performed this pieceall over the country, and now she’s bringing her show to UTPA. Dona Rosita’s will run Nov. 20 to22 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. Members of the UTPA theatre staff will host a reception aftereach performance. Thursday night’s reception will be Simply Singles, and is aimed at individualsof all ages who don’t have family ties in the Rio Grande Valley. Friday is for Parents of Little Kidswho will discuss issues such as baby sitters and good school districts. Saturday is for parents ofteens who are concerned with curfew and privileges, and Sunday is for Empty Nesters whose chil-dren have grown up and moved out. For information, reservations and ticket prices, call theUniversity Theater box office, 381-3581 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Coutresy of blueman.com
Special to The Pan American
Courtesy of yahoo.com
■ Stuntman . . . . . . . . . 8
■ Museum . . . . . . . . . . 9
■ Reviews . . . . . . . . .10ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 7
AroundTown
Art ShowNov. 19- Dec. 13Place: The UniversityGallery Event: “Profile, a BFAExhibit featuring artwork byMariana Mugica, KennethNg, Barbara Ruiz, JoseRuiz, and Carlos Angulo. Phone: (956) 381-2655 callfor gallery hours andinformation.
Knight NightNov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.Event: El Rey Cinemapresents the films Excaliburand First Night.Phone: (956) 971-9825
Concert BandNov. 25 at 7:30 p.m.Place: UTPA Fine ArtsAuditoriumEvent: The UTPA ConcertBand will perform works byTommy fry, Carl Seale,Jerome Kern and manymore.Phone: (956) 381-3471
Sesame Street LiveNov. 25-26Place: Dodge Arena Event: Come see Elmo, theCookie Monster, the Count,Big Bird, Bert and Ernie,and all the other SesameStreet favorites in a musicalproduction.Price: $12, $15 and $18Phone:1-866-RIO-TIXX
AlegriaDec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.Place: UTPA Fine ArtsAuditoriumEvent: The UTPA FolkloricDance Company kicks offtheir performance season.Phone: (956)393-2230 callfor other dates, time, andinformation.
ShoppingDec. 5-7Place: McAllen Civic CenterEvent: Junior League ofMcAllen, Inc. presents DiasFestivos Marketplace 2003.Phone: 682-0071
Are the kids alright?Producer Karen Bernstein and
independent filmmaker Ellen Spiro ofMobilus Media in Austin brought thatquestion to Mary DeFerreire, presidentof the Rio Grande ValleyPsychological Association.
Bernstein and Spiro are filming adocumentary about Texas childrenwith mental illness, and they choseMcAllen as one of their filminglocations. Grants for filming areprovided by the Hogg Foundation forMental Health. Jeffery Patterson andEllen Wartella of the foundation arethe executive producers of thedocumentary, Are the kids alright?
According to Jeffery Patterson,director of communications for theHogg foundation, the foundation hasprovided two grants totaling about$60,000 for this project in the past 18months. The foundation choseMobilus Media to lead this projectbecause it is a respected awardwinning media group.
Bernstein and Spiro plan to have thedocumentary, which originally began
as a research project one year ago, airon Texas PBS and possibly nationally.The release date has not beendetermined, but the projectedcompletion date is spring 2004.
But why film in McAllen?“We had wanted to show the
diverse issues related to mental illnessand children throughout the state ,”Bernstein said, “and felt it importantto cover borderissues.”
The hourlongdocumentary willshow that peoplefrom every cultureare equally at risk ofmental illness.
“These disorderscan have substantialand powerful effectson any family,”Patterson said, “regardless ofethnicity,socioeconomicstatus, or geographiclocation.”
The media groupbrought its camerasto the Rio GrandeValley to take a
closer look at how mental illnessaffects hispanic families. DeFerreire ofthe International and MulticulturalPsychological Services was contactedto make an appearance on the film.
According to DeFerreire herpractice focuses on the delivery ofmental health services and initialdiagnostic assessments.
She was recorded in a variety ofsituations including:interviews, therapysessions with theconsent of thepatients, and withher staff in a meetingwhere they discussedtheir concerns aboutmental health care inTexas. She washonored to be a partof this project.
“It’s really quite aresponsibility toshow my professionas a psychologist
and the richness ofwhat we can do whenwe provide qualityhealth services,”Deferreire said.
Deferreire was
pleased to help Mobilus Media withthis film because she thinks peopleneed to be aware of mental healthissues in Texas.
“It’s a sobering view of the plight ofTexas,” Deferreire said, “in the poorattention the state continues todemonstrate regarding the mentally illpeople who live here.”
DeFerreire, as a part of the RioGrande Valley mental HealthCoalition, feels that this is the righttime to bring these issues to lightbecause of the mental health crisis thathas been created as a result of HouseBill 2292.
This bill was part of House Bill 1,which approves the final legislativebudget for the next two years. HouseBill 2292 stated that as of Oct. 26adults with mental illness andchildren under the confidential helpfor impaired professional studentsprogram cannot receive services fromcounselors or psychologists.
DeFerreire is glad the public willsee the reality of the situation.
“I feel that it will bring great shameto Texas for what they have done tomental health services,” saidDeFerreire.
By OMAIRA GALARZAThe Pan American
Documentary discusses mental health
Valley artists and students will have the opportunityto indulge in artistic creations this weekend.
South Texas Community College (STCC) will hostan art show exhibiting the artwork of Amado Pena andKirk Clark. Pena’s art is inspired by life. Pena’s artworkfeatures the life and crafts of Native Americans. Clarkwho features a contemporary lifestyle in his work isrecognized for his use of the ancient Chinese style ofBagua in his art works.
Along with the two artists the art show will featurethe works of a local self-taught artist by the name ofClaudia Garza. Garza received her associates degree ofart from STCC and is currently working toward abachelor’s degree from UTPA.
Garza began developing an interest for art at a veryyoung age. At about the age of six she began drawinghouses, but she added perspective to her drawings. Herparents realized she had a talent for drawing so theybegan to buy her art sets, sketch books, and crayons.Garza commented that drawing was always verynatural to her.
“I started painting and drawing when I was verysmall and I began developing my skills on my own,”said Garza. “I was born with it [the ability to draw].”
Garza’s art work consists of surrealism, portraits,figure paintings, and murals. Garza explains surrealismas an art form that deals with dreams and thesubconscious. It is often used as a way to portray realsituations in an unreal and impossible way. It can beseen as a way to make the real unreal. Garzacommented that sometimes she draws her dreams.
All of the proceeds from the art show will benefit theValley Scholars program. Garza stated that she wasallowed to feature her work with these artists becauseshe herself was a Valley Scholar. In order to beconsidered for the Valley Scholars Program a studentmust have graduated in the top 10 percent of his or her
graduating class. Garza firmly believes that theprogram helped her financially get through hereducation at STCC.
“If it hadn’t been for Valley Scholars I wouldn’t havegone to college at all.”
This event will take place on Nov. 21 and 22 and willbe open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. AllRio Grande Valley high school art classes areencouraged to attend. Amado Pena and Kirk Clark willbe available for autographs. The show will take place atthe STCC student lounge Building H. This art exhibit isbeing sponsored by the McAllen Chamber ofCommerce, Charles Clark Chevrolet, H-E-B, KGBT-TV Channel 4, The Monitor, and The Mesquite Review.
For more information call STCC at (956)683-2621 orvisit www.stcc.cc.tx.us/valleyscholars.
Surrealism makes artist’s dreams realityBy DULCE GONZALEZThe Pan American
(Above): “The Powers that We Have,” was createdbecause the artist feels that humans have the power toboth create and destroy nature.(Right):”Trapped” was inspired by the artist’s feelings atthe time it was created.
Mary DeFerreire, president of theRio Grande Valley PsychologicalAssociation makes an appearancein a documentary by Mobilus Mediaabout mental health care in Texas.
Daniel Aguilar/ The Pan American
Courtesy of Claudia Garza
November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 6 November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 11
One would never know by talking to him thatone of Amado Balderas’ first real jobs wasperforming in a very popular Valley hip-hopband in the late ‘80s. He would later becomevery politically involved in the Chicano StudentMovement while attending the University ofTexas-Pan American in the mid ‘90s. Thesedays, Balderas teaches history at EconomedesHigh School in Edinburg.
Born in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico,Balderas came to the Valley with his parentswhen he was eight years old and is the oldest offive brothers and a sister. Balderas remembersthe experience of leaving Reynosa as one of thehardest things he had to face in his young life.
“When my family came to live in Edinburg itwas very hard for me to start a whole new life,because I was forced away from all myexperiences in Mexico,” Balderas said. “I hadalso lived on a ranch with my grandfather inMexico.”
Another tough experience he had to face waswhen his grandfather became ill in Reynosa. Atthe time his father was told by immigration thathe could not leave the United States. Balderasremembers that his father did not understandwhy he could not go to Mexico, and he watchedhim cry. Eventually, his grandfather passedaway and neither he nor his father had theopportunity to see him.
“It’s very important to have your familyaround, not only your immediate family, butyour mom, father, your tios and tias,” Balderassaid. “I tell my students to get a camera and totape their oldest living relative and usually theycome back with something they didn’t know.Family is going to be there when there’s nobodyelse.”
In the late ‘80s Balderas decided to attendcollege at Pan American University and get adegree in medical technology, but his life took aturn.
“I wasn’t making good grades and startedtaking advantage of my youth,” he said.
He got a job in the music industry producingand practicing rap. He formed a hip-hop bandand also produced some albums. His bandbecame very popular because it was the onlyrap band around in the late ‘80s. One of thegroups they opened for was Run DMC, whenthey came to the Valley during that time.
The name of Balderas’ band was the RocketCrew. They actually put out a couple of maxi-singles, a cassette containing four songs on it.Balderas wrote and produced the songs theyrecorded and said he enjoyed being out there
performing. “People thought our group was from a
different part of the U.S.,” Balderas said. “Atthat time there were hardly any Mexican kidsdoing that kind of music. All the stuff I wasdoing was part of my creative aspect, it had tocome out some way.”
Some band equipment was stolen, and afterone of the group’s members pawned what wasleft of their instruments, Balderas made his finaldecision to return to UTPA in 1992.
“I suddenly realized it was time to go back toschool because I wanted to. I came back tostudy electric engineering. I was trying to keepaway from everything in school, but along theway I got involved politically in the ChicanoStudent Movement,” he said. “Then I took aclass in Mexican American Literature. Therewere things I questioned and I started readingmore about it.”
He went on to form a MECHA chapter, anorganization that was part of the ChicanoMovement at the time. He traveled all over theUnited States and became a vocal voice forstudent and Mexican American rights.
“We talked about a lot of things no onewanted to talk about,” said Balderas, who evenhad long hair at the time.
While attending UTPA, he also took somecreative writing classes. Balderas said his lifechanged when one of his professors took himaside after reading a paper he had written andasked him what his major was. When he toldher it was electrical engineering she suggestedthat he should be a liberal arts major. He saidthose words liberated him, especially since hehad just blanked out on a calculus test. He knew
that electrical engineering wasn’t his truecalling. Balderas went on to graduate fromUTPA in 1998 with a degree in English and aminor in history. He received his certificationfor teaching that summer.
Balderas startedwriting poetrywhen he was inhigh school. Manypeople call hiswork “rap poetry,”but he prefers tocall it “NuevaOnda” poetry, or“New Wave”poetry. One of theChicano writersthat influencedhim is RaulSalinas, who alsouses a “jazzy”sound in hiswritings. LuisAlberto Urista,known as“Alurista,” andRicardo Sanchez,are two otherChicano writerswho haveinfluencedBalderas.
“I neverthought about it asa ‘rap’ thing. I always thought my poetry wouldbe different. It was like free style. I likeexperimenting with different rhythms,” Balderassaid. “I like to use metaphors and imagery fromthe Mechica, the Aztecs and the Mayans. Somany different things, it’s like a mezcla, amixture. ”
When Balderas performs his poetry, he readsfrom the heart and captures the attention of hisaudience. He doesn’t just read, he moves hishands to emphasize the words he is saying.
“What I am trying to say is that everythingout there is dealing with some sort of love,” hesaid. “Like the earth gives love because it givesyou good things.”
Balderas read his poetry on Oct. 21, at theEdinburg Public Library where he hosted theOpen Mic night for his high school students andthe public. The Open Mic night was one ofthree events geared toward teens in an effort tobring young people back to the library. Balderasalso encouraged and gave his students anopportunity to write and read their poetry at theevent.
“I tried to hype them up for the poetry jam.For a lot of them it was the first time they haveever read. They never thought they could do it,”Balderas said. “I don’t even know how I gotsome of them to read. I was very proud ofthem.”
He plans to work with the Edinburg PublicLibrary to have more Open Mic nights for hisstudents. He’s also planning for the next readingto be even better and possibly involve more areahigh schools.
Although Balderas loves poetry, he alsoenjoys teaching history and Mexican-AmericanLiterature at Economedes High School. Havinggood communication with his students isimportant to Balderas. One of his students,Imera, raised her voice during the interview andsaid she was like a social worker because youcan talk to him about anything.”
Another student, Jaime Lozano said, “Mr.Balderas has been helping me with my journal.I’ve been writing songs and stuff like that.”
The word most of this students used todescribe him is “cool,” but they also showed alot of respect for him.
Balderas made an appearance at the LopezBar readings, a yearly event where writers andpoets gather for an evening of poetry and prose.The show can go on well into the night. He hasread his poetry at the Open Mic night at Barnes& Noble in McAllen and is consideringpublishing his poetry.
“People have been asking me about it and Ithink the time has come for me to do it, ” heconcluded.
By ESMIE CASILLASThe Pan American
I never thought aboutit as a ‘rap’ thing. Ialways thought mypoetry would bedifferent. It was likefree style. I likeexperimenting withdifferent rhythms.
““
- Amado Balderas,Teacher and poet
Esmie Casillas/The Pan American
RAP POET— Amado Balderas has a background in music and poetry,and teaches history at Edinburg’s Economedes High School.
EL PASO – The Texas border area might beon its way to producing great medicalprofessionals. On Oct. 30. Gov. Rick Perryannounced that there would be $2 million tofinance start-up costs for a new medical schoolin El Paso. Perry was joined by Rep. Joe Pickett,D-El Paso, and Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso,for the ceremonial signing at the Texas TechHealth Sciences Center.
The funding was made possible when thegovernor identified additional savings in Junethrough line-item vetoes from the state budget.There is also an agreement between state Houseand Senate leadership concerning this issue.
The bill authorizes Texas Tech University toissue up to $45 million in tuition revenue bondsfor school construction. The construction is saidto start in early 2005 and be completed in 2007.
Dr. M. Roy Wilson, Texas Tech HealthSciences Center president, said Perry's trip to El
Paso demonstrated his endorsement of the newmedical school.
"It's an opportunity for him to show the peopleof El Paso he's supporting this," Wilson said.
The medical school will be the state’s firstnew addition in 26 years, and the ninth in Texas.Perry is very enthusiastic about the school, sinceit will be the first ever on the border. He feels
that an increase in medical education is astepping-stone to the solution of health problemsprevalent in the border area.
"This four-year medical school will attractmore research dollars and the kind of vitalresearch projects needed to combat illness uniqueto the border, as well as those commonthroughout the world," Perry said. "Today we aremaking the next important step toward ahealthier border and a healthier Texas."
Texas Tech officials said that the number ofdoctors in the area has declined in recent years.El Paso has about 120 doctors for every 100,000people, versus the national average of 198 per100,000 people. It is assumed that the newschool will help the area with the shortage.
This school is not the only health related issuethe governor has pursued. On Nov. 19 heannounced that $9 million have been given tohelp finance the Regional Academic HealthCenter (RAHC) in Harlingen. RAHC allowsthird-year and fourth year students to getadvanced medical training in this region. There
are similar facilities in Edinburg andBrownsville.
The money was made available through line-item vetoes to the state budget as well, but was afar cry from the $19 million that was promisedbefore budget cuts took their toll. This moneyallocation for the RAHC is an addition tomillions of dollars appropriated in the 2004-2005state budget. Instructional and operationalsupport has appropriations of $6.25 million,$3.16 million for debt service on tuition revenuebonds and $2.62 million for special itemssupport.
Perry again stated how crucial it is to havenew health programs implemented and currentones improved in border areas.
"Funding for the Regional Academic HealthCenter will play a vital role in treating, healingand improving the lives of people along theTexas-Mexico border," Perry said. "The RAHCmission of training future doctors and medicalprofessionals of the Rio Grande Valley is criticalto a healthier border and a healthier Texas."
Border medical school to debut in El Paso; completion by 2007By OSCAR GARZAThe Pan American
This four-year medicalschool will attract moreresearch dollars and thekind of vital researchprojects needed to combatillness unique to theborder, as well as thosecommon throughout theworld.
““- Rick Perry,
Governor of Texas
High school sophomore Lori Ann dreams ofbeing a veterinarian one day, and is looking atattending Texas A&M to make her dreamscome true. Her mother Elia, on the other hand,knows the day will come when Lori Ann makesthat 375-mile trek from Edinburg to CollegeStation, and that makes her nervous.
"I am proud of her decision to go to collegebecause I strongly believe in getting aheadthrough education," Elia said. "However, as aparent, I am afraid of sending my daughter sofar away to college. I would prefer she stay andattend the local university instead."
Elia can’t seem to cut the apron strings. "I ask myself, will she be ok?" she said.
"What if something happens and we’re notaround to help her?"
On Nov. 21, the International Museum of Art& Science (IMAS) at 1900 Nolana in McAllen,in association with Austin-based NushankProductions, will present to parents and studentssuch as Elia and Lori Ann,"She Flies."
"She Flies" is a play about a young girlnamed Milagros and her dreams of attending anIvy League school, and her struggle betweenher family’s wishes and her own desire to makethe right choices in life.
"It’s important for both parents and childrento see this play," Evana Vleck, IMAS educationcoordinator said. "Sometimes we, as parents,struggle to find the perfect words to encourageour children. Watching this play together is oneof those ways of letting their children know thatthey are there for their support. It can opendoors for conversation and questions that wemight all have as human beings."
The play is based on a short story byEdcouch-Elsa author David Rice. McAllennative Michael D. Garcia, founder of NushankProductions, wrote the screenplay from Rice’sshort story and directs the play.
Over 4,000 students from across the RioGrande Valley were able to see this play lastspring. The showings were funded through theGEAR UP project at The University of Texas-Pan American, and according to Dr. Mary Alice
Reyes, GEAR UP Director, the play left a bigimpression.
"The message that they walked away withwas that they should pursue their dream ofattending college wherever it may be located;that there are scholarships and other financialaid opportunities for them to attend, thateveryone has a special talent that can bedeveloped by attending some form of post-secondary education," Reyes said.
Reyes also said the comments from thestudents centered on identification with themain character "Milagros," regarding parents’reluctance to let them go away to college,fulfilling dreams of attending college, collegeaffordability and the problems these issues posein a family.
She advises parents to trust the work theyhave done to prepare their children to face theworld.
"They need to place value in the investmentthey have made over the years in teaching theirchildren to be the people they are today andallow them to further develop into the adultsthey can still become. We must let them go, likePajaro in the play, Milagros was meant to fly.Our students should also be provided the sameopportunity."
Although Elia wants the same opportunity forLori Ann, the thought of having her so far awaystill makes her jittery.
"I will support Lori Ann’s decision to attain apost-secondary education wherever she decidesto attend, and our family will do what we haveto do to get her there," Elia said. "Maybe wecan move to College Station."
The four school performances scheduledhave been sold out for weeks and one publicperformance is left. According to Vleck, IMAShas discussed adding other performances to theline-up.
Cost for attending is $4.50 per person. Thepublic performance is from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30p.m., and a question-and-answer session willfollow the performance.
The play is sponsored in part by ClarkChevrolet.
For more information or to book a show,contact Evana Vleck at 682-1564.
By ELOY M. SAENZThe Pan American
Play tackles home ties
By now, many people have heard thecommon phrase, “Reduce, Reuse,Recycle.” But in reality, most do notfollow this advice.
Billions of pounds of trash get throwninto city dumps every year, causing allsorts of environmental problems. The cityof Edinburg is dealing with overcrowdingat its landfill right now, and at theUniversity of Texas-Pan American, theRecords Management Office (RMO) hasfinally decided to do something about theissue of recycling.
UTPA has combined forces in contractwith Lone Star Shredding in Weslaco towork together in placing recycling binsfor paper collection in every building oncampus.
The process for UTPA’s recyclingeffort is very simple, and moreimportantly, is done free of charge.Daniel Montalvo, UTPA recordstechnician with RMO, explained theprocess.
“There are bins for every department.When a bin is full, they call me andsomeone from Records Managementpicks it up and brings it over to myoffice,” Montalvo said. “In my office, thepapers are shredded. Then, it is sent toLone Star Shredding to be put in bailsand recycled, paying us a penny perpound.”
So in other words, UTPA is bothshredding paper and recycling it at thesame time. Matt Mattar, president ofLone Star Shredding, feels that recyclingis good not just for the environment butalso for the university.
“A ton can be gained from recycling,”Mattar said. “First of all, it doesn’t go tothe landfill. Recycling involves less
mining for making more plastic, andfewer trees needed for more paper. Plus,UTPA saves money for not having wastemanagement empty out trash cans to acity dump.”
The recycling bins are much like thecity trash bins, only they have a slit ontop as well as a lock, so that only papercan fit into it. Some bins have beenplaced in lounges, mechanical rooms, andstorage rooms throughout campus.
The most important reason for theshredding and recycling of paper is forthe confidentiality of UTPA students’personal information. If students findother students’ information, they couldsteal an identity. The shredding ofpersonal information ensures protectionagainst this.
There are two important laws regardingprivate student information. The HealthInsurance and Portability AccountabilityAct, known as HIPPA, protects students’medical information, the Graham LeachBliley, known as GLB, protects financialand school information.
Paula Berkeley, UTPA RMO analyst,saw the need for such private informationto be shredded for student safety.
“The HIPPA and GLB have made itnecessary to take precautions to personalinformation that must be shredded for thestudents’ protection,” she said.
So far all departments have bins. Butonly certain types of paper can berecycled, such as typing paper, phonebooks, notebook paper and colored paper.Newspaper, cardboard paper and carbonpaper, on the other hand, cannot berecycled.
If any department is interested in a bin,representatives should call DanielMontalvo at the UTPA Records Center at292-7203, or call his cell phone at 457-9317.
UTPA’s recycling effortwill dispose of evidenceBy JULIAN CAVAZOSThe Pan American
PEACE CORPS continued from page 2
size of the Peace Corps from its current levels of7,000 to 14,000 in 2007. Right now the agencyis in 71 nations, and there are more than 30nations on the waiting list to get Peace Corpsprograms. That increases the need forvolunteers, especially those with health,
education, environment andagriculture backgrounds, Garciaadded.
Qualifications for joining theagency are: one must be a U.S. borncitizen who is at least 18 years oldwith appropriate skill. Someprograms require that applicants havea college degree and all educationalprograms require a four-year degree.Non-degreed applicants must havefour to six years experience inbusiness management, agriculture(farming, ranching), or construction.There is also a 27-monthcommitment, which includes 12weeks of training. Volunteers cansign up for a third year if they want.
Garcia said that knowing a foreignlanguage is not necessary in someregions because the Peace Corps willteach volunteers proper languageskills for wherever they are sent. Theonly exceptions for the languagebarrier would be people wanting to
serve in Latin America and West Africa. "In Latin America you would need two years
of college Spanish or be fluent in Spanish,"Garcia said. "If you wanted to serve in WestAfrica, you would need two years of collegeFrench or be a fluent French speaker."
The Texas regional office annually sends outrecruitment officers to campuses throughout thestate. In March of 2003, Peace Corpsrecruitment officer Daniel Mendieta visitedUTPA.
"UTPA is a large campus with lots ofdiversity that the Peace Corps is looking for,"Mendieta said. "I was really impressed with thestudent body, especially the resource of healthmajors, which is one of our biggest needs. Thecareer services office was extremely helpful andfriendly. I cannot wait to be back."
Garcia said that more than 100 [UTPA]students stopped by and spoke with recruiters,and some are now in the application process. Inthe past, nearly 30 UTPA students have takenpart in the organization.
"One student has already been nominated [tojoin], Lars Gilberts, who graduated in May 2003from UTPA," Garcia said.
Sophomore biology major Jessica Garcia saidthat she would like to join the organization someday.
"Joining the Peace Corps is something thatI’ve always wanted to do because I have lived
my life for me, and I’d like to take some timeaway from that and impact someone else’s life
in a big way," she said. "I really don’t knowhow or when I am going to do it because schoolis my main priority right now."
For more information about joining the Peace
Corps visit www.peacecorps.gov or call toll free1-800-424-8580.
www.peacecorps.gov
VOLUNTEERS— People from 71 countries haveworked in overseas jobs for the Peace Corps.
Reynosa native makes name as versatile performer
Peace CorpsFactoids:
Current number of volunteers and trainees:
Budget: million for fiscal year
Valley History: volunteers:UTPA:
Age: Average is
Gender: of volunteers arefemale
Oldest Volunteer: years old
Source: www peacecorps gov
November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 12 November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 5
pointing to Islam as enforcing harsh rules onwomen, Dr. Elamin Ibrahim, chemistry professor,explained that often governments of other authoritiesmake decisions such as these. Muslim law considerswomen the equal of men and always has, he said.
Ms. Hanan Amro, who teaches mathematics atSTCC, gave her own view of being a woman whopractices Islamic traditions.
"My freedom is different than yours," Amro said."I’m sure that in your culture there are things thatyou choose not to do, or feel you shouldn’t. It’s thesame situation with what I choose to be. Women inthis country itself have different views of whatexactly ‘freedom’ is."
"The one thing I would like students to get fromGlobal Week is a true understanding of globalevents, rather than depending on what they get fromnewspapers, TV, and radio," Farooqui said.
Dr. Sonia Alianak, assistant professor of politicalscience, presented the speech "United States SaudiRelations." She also moderated a panel on WorldOrganizations in the 21st Century.
"These events bring to the attention of studentsworld events, which is so necessary these days,"Alianak said. "The one thing is interculturalawareness and tolerance. All students should benefitfrom Global Week."
During activity time Tuesday, Alianak andpolitical science professor Samuel Freeman spokeabout U.S.-Saudi Relations, and the Israeli-PalestineRoadmap, respectively.
Freeman addressed the ongoing frustration andpain the Palestinian people have been going throughwith the Israelis concerning the power and control of
land.Freeman stated that 80 percent of the land, which
originally belonged to Palestine, now belongs toIsrael. The Israelis, for their part, believe in ancientBiblical ties to the land plus victory in war againstvarious Arab armies, justify their being there.
Freeman said that Israel also controls the amountof water Palestine villages receive, and claimed thatthat villages do not receive water when there ishostility between them and the Israeli soldiers.
"The people of Palestine do not want theabsolution of Israel, but rather, the recovery ofPalestinian sovereignty," Freeman said.
Currently, the United States has viewed thetrauma occurring in the Israel-Palestinian Conflict ina one-sided manner, according to Freeman. TheUnited States is a firm ally of the Israelis and hasbeen since the formation of the state on 1948.
Freeman expressed discontent with the way manypeople view the conflict, saying that coverage ofwrongdoing on the part of Israelis gets short shrift inthe American media due to U.S. support for Israel.The exact opposite point has been argued by manymedia scholars, who insist that since the 1967 Six-Day War, the coverage of Israel has grownincreasingly negative, and coverage of the underdogPalestinians has grown more positive.
Thursday’s highlights include a presentation onNAFTA and maquiladoras at 9:10 a.m.,one on the50th anniversary of women’s sufferage at noon, anda speech by the consuls general of India and Israel.
The Indian consul speaks at 11:30 a.m. in theEngineering Building, while the Israeli consulatspeaks at 7 p.m. at the Student Union Theater.
GLOBAL continued from page 1
At this point in time, everyone is awarethat President Miguel Nevarez has signed hisresignation as UTPA leader, effective in 2004.However, the question of who will take hisplace still lingers. Students, as well ascommunity members and faculty staff,wonder who, how and when UTPA will seeits’ next president.
On Oct. 29, Charles Miller, chairman ofthe University of Texas System Board ofRegents, announced the selected 18 memberswho will serve on the Presidential SearchAdvisory Committee, to be chaired by Dr.Teresa Sullivan, executive vice chancellor forAcademic Affairs for the UT system.Chancellor Mark G. Yudof will also serve onthe committee.
The many tasks of the committee will be toset up a selection criterion that meets theneeds of UTPA, lay out ground rules, set atimeline of events, and interview and verifyeach possible candidate’s qualifications suchas academic, administrative and businessskills. The Advisory Committee will submitthrough its chairman, a recommendation listof no fewer than five or more than 10candidates, with no preference indicated tothe Board. The process will beginimmediately with advertisements in nationalpublications for the position. However, manypeople, skeptical about non-Texans, haveasked why a national search is necessary.
"If it comes down to it, and the last two orfive candidates we have meet all the requiredspecifications and they’re great andcharismatic and all of them but one are
unfamiliar with the region, then you couldprobably say that the native Texan would getthe position," Rodolfo Arevalo, UTPA vicepresident for Academic Affairs said. "This isnot to say that the Board will have a biasagainst anybody, but rather that their majorconcern is to appoint somebody who is morethan familiar with the region, situation andthe needs of the UTPA community."
Representing the Board of Regents on thecommittee will be H. Scott Caven, Jr. ofHouston, and Robert Estrada of Dallas. Dr.Ricardo Romo from UT-San Antonio and Dr.David Watts from UT-Permian Basin are thetwo presidents from other UT Systeminstitutions that will serve on the committee.The UTPA faculty representatives, as selectedby the faculty Senate, are Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge, associate professor of psychologyand anthropology; Dr. Ala Qubbaj, assistantprofessor of mechanical engineering; and Dr.Teofilo Ozuna, associate professor ofeconomics and finance. Dr. Rodolfo Rocha,dean of the UTPA College of Arts andHumanities, was selected by the UTPA DeansCouncil.
Representing the UTPA staff, as selectedby the campus Staff Senate, are ArturoRamos, assistant director of the LearningAssistance Center, and Maha Fay Maglinao, ajunior biology and chemistry double major.They were appointed by the StudentGovernment Association to serve andrepresent the student population of UTPA. Asfor the UTPA Alumni Association, itspresident, R.D. Guerra was chosen.
In accordance with the Board of Regents’rules, the community representatives areMike Allen, president and CEO of the
McAllen Economic DevelopmentCorporation; The Honorable RicardoHinojosa, district judge of the United StatesDistrict Court for the Southern District ofTexas; Joe Ramirez, chairman of J.R.Enterprises and current UTPA foundationboard president; Anne Shepard, formerchairman of the Harlingen Chamber ofCommerce; and Ms. Margaret McAllen,former Pan American University regent andco-founder of the Pan American Foundation.
Student concerns regarding their futureacademic leader are of vital importance to theboard, so Maglinao will attempt to address asmany requests as possible. Any questionsstudents want to ask at the committeemeetings should be and will be forwarded toSGA. In turn, SGA will let it be known toMaglinao, so her participation in thecommittee is fulfilled.
"I am very happy I was chosen for thisposition, yet I still feel very nervous aboutnot knowing what to do, it is a greatresponsibility to have on your shoulders,"Maglinao said. "This is the election orrecommendation of the man/woman who willlead UTPA into greater excellence."
The search will take anywhere from nineto 11 months. However, during that timespan, UTPA can expect to follow its normalroutine because Nevarez will continueworking until a successor is named. It isnoted that in 20-plus years on the job, he hasmanaged to develop a strong communicationbond publicly on campus as well as in thecommunity. His replacement will seek tokeep these ties strong and even improvethem.
"The institution has chartered a course on
how it wants to grow in the time involved.The next president will merely tweak andallow the university to continue growing,"Arevalo said. "There will be no drasticchanges, Pan Am is on the path to excellenceand will continue to be regardless of whotakes the position; the Board will make sureof this."
By HILDA MORALESThe Pan American
State representatives are struggling to comeup with a solution to public school financeissues. Critics say they either have to raise moremoney for the school districts by increasingtaxes, or lower the quality of education. In thatconception, it’s a lose – lose situation.
The Mexican American Legislative Caucus,or MALC, held a hearing Nov. 14 at UTPA totry and find a solution to the state’s schoolfunding problem that will make the most peoplehappy.
MALC is a non-profit organization made upof over 40 members of the Texas House ofRepresentatives. About 10 differentrepresentatives have hosted meetings in differentcities throughout the state, listening totestimonies by local superintendents,administrators and the public.
UTPA President Miguel Nevarez andEdinburg Mayor Richard Garcia attended themeeting briefly in order to laud the legislatorsfor taking on the issue. Garcia said he did notenvy their job.
"I commend people like the legislators andour educators," Garcia said. "Education is anational issue, not just a state or local issue."
Rep. Miguel Wise, D-Weslaco, said that thismonumental task is going to affect everyone’schildren, and therefore is an important issue.
"We should try to find a way to make thisissue more seamless to make sure our kids getthe quality of education they deserve," Wisesaid. "We have a duty, not just to our kids, but tosociety as a whole."
According to local Representative AaronPena, the job of the representatives during the
funding hearing is to listen. One of the problems is the competition
between wealthy school districts and low-income school districts. Since 1993, the "RobinHood Plan" has been in effect to gather fundsfrom the wealthier districts to give to the poorerdistricts.
This plan was eliminated by a recent Housesession because the wealthy districts felt thatthey were paying too much for the poor districts,and wanted more of their money to stay local.
The proponents of the Robin Hood plan arguethat taking from the rich to give to the poorbalances out the quality of education.
"It’s just an American sense of fairness thatevery student, regardless of what part of the statethey’re from, whether it be the wealthier districtsor the poorest colonia in South Texas, should allhave the same access to education," Penacommented.
Pena said another problem was that thegrowth in the state became so dramatic that theexisting funding source became inadequate topay for education. A tax increase would be asource for alternative funding, but is the leastpopular solution. Somehow legislators have tocome up with a new system.
Rather than having the powerful interestgroups in Austin make a decision alone, theHouse wanted to go directly to the people inorder to obtain feedback. The MALC isgathering testimonies from all over the state thatwill lead up to a monumental debate to takeplace in Austin some time in April.
"We can’t do anything without the public,"Pena said. "We’re simply representatives for alarge group of people. We can make choices, butthese choice have to be consistent with thedialogue of the people."
By CHRISTINA HARRISThe Pan American
School finances debated
Committee to replace Nevarez solidified
Linda Flores/The Pan American
WISHBONE— A campus palm tree grows creatively, winding its way beyond alightpost and arching its way skyward.
When she was growing up in Nyssa, Oregon,Dr. Dora Ramirez-Dhoore’s mother used to tellher ghost stories, or cuentos about ghosts thatused to scare her. Inspired by those stories,Ramirez-Dhoore is writing cuentos of her own.
She is the newest faculty member in theEnglish Department at The University of Texas-Pan American. Having started this semester, sheis currently teaching Mexican AmericanLiterature and Composition I. Ramirez-Dhoorereceived her B.A. from Oregon State in 1995,her master’s from New Mexico State in 1997and her doctorate degree from the University ofNebraska-Lincoln in 2003. She worked as ateacher’s assistant at New Mexico StateUniversity and University of Nebraska beforecoming to UTPA.
Ramirez-Dhoore’s work experience includesseveral published book reviews.
"It has been a good experience," Ramirez-Dhoore said.
She has written: "Relocations and BorderCrossings in College Literature: Oral Fixations,”"Her Wild American Self: Book Review,” and“In Present Tense: Writing and Art By YoungWomen." She is currently working on amonograph, a book on Latina/o rhetoric.Ramirez-Dhoor is collaborating with two otherLatino writers, Patricia Trujillo, a graduatestudent from San Antonio, and Damian Bacafrom Syracuse University. She makes periodictrips to San Antonio to meet with the group anddiscuss aspects of the book. The group is havingto finance this project on their own.
"I wish someone was financing it, but we arefinding pennies to pay for it out of ownpockets," Ramirez-Dhoore said.
It is this rich tradition of the family that fuelspassion for Latino literature. "I am reallyinterested in the way that stories teach you aboutlife. And people need to have a fullunderstanding of their world and not justMexican American literature, but Latino
literature as a whole. That includes Cuban,Spanish, Dominicans and others as well. We aresuch a cuento-driven culture," Ramirez-Dhooresaid. "My mom would take us inside and tell usghost stories, and they would scare me. I wouldsleep with the door of my room open."
Because Ramirez-Dhoore grew up in Oregon,the legend of the Llorona (the weeping woman)is not as prevalent as it is in the Southwest ofthe United States.
"I grew up on ‘El Cu-Cuy,’ or the Latinversion of the ‘Boogie Man.’ But listening to thescary stories just gets my imagination going,and so when I read other stories about theLlorona, they do seem familiar to me," she said.
She became even more interested inMexican-American literature because as timewent by she felt it was about "My life," she said.The undergraduate program at Oregon StateUniversity had a very traditional literatureprogram, without any Mexican-Americanliterature classes, or even African Americanliterature. So she took a class in sociology calledGender and Society, it was in this class that sheread a book by a Chicano for the first time. Thebook was Rudolfo Anaya’s, "Bless Me, Ultima."
"I just loved it. I said to myself, this is me! Icould actually relate to it," she said. "There wasso much out there that I never knew about. Asan undergraduate, when I read that book, I juststarted doing my own research teaching myselfabout Latino literature."
Ramirez-Dhoore has been inspired by otherLatina writers as well. One of her biggestinfluences has been Norma Cantu, who wrote abook called "Canicula," a book of small"vignettes" or short stories.
"When I was attending The University ofNebraska, she visited. I had the opportunity tomeet her and she understood my position. She isvery supportive, especially of Chicano writers,"Ramirez-Dhoore said.
Another Latina writer she highly admires isDenise Chavez, who has written several books.Chavez’s books include,"The Last of the MenuGirls," and "Loving Pedro Infante." These books
also capture the Latino experience. WhileRamirez-Dhoore attended New Mexico StateUniversity in 1995, Chavez was one of herprofessors.
"Denise is an incredible motivator. She is soentertaining, just watching her you getinformation about her life," she said.
While working on her masters at NewMexico State, Ramirez-Dhoore also studied theBritish Romantics, such as William Blake, MaryTighe and Mary Wellstone-Craft. She continuedstudying Chicano literature, when one of herprofessors suggested that she look at the "humanconnection" between all of these cultures. Shealso looked at the connection between theFrench Revolution and the Mexican Revolution,and the way that underprivileged classes writeabout their situations. She found that most arevery much the same.
“Although it sounds ‘cliché’ this ‘humanconnection’ prevails throughout humanity andcultures," she said.
Ramirez-Dhoore approaches her classes in ahistorical sense because she feels that knowing aculture’s history is very important. Shecommented that one of her students feels he haslearned so much history in her class.
"A lot of contemporary Latino writers arebecoming more explorative in their writing, butmany of the authors before 1980 really focusedon their history. You need to have your historyin order to understand your literature," sheexplained. "It’s important for our communitiesto understand these stories because we’re aculture of cuentos and chisme (stories andgossip), because many of these cuentos arefilled with history. We are a culture that tellsstories and we need to put it down in writingand continue that tradition.”
What does the future hold for Latina andLatino writers of the future?
"Men and women like Maria Amparo Ruiz deBurton, Sandra Cisneros, Rodolfo Anaya,Denise Chavez, Judith Ortiz Coffer, NormaCantu and many others have paved the way forus,” Ramirez-Dhoore said. “Now it is us who
are coming up and understand, and appreciateall the work that’s been done by them. We stillhave a lot of work to do, but we’re movingforward.”
As for the future of Latino literature ingeneral, Dr. Rene Saldana, Jr., author andcreative writing professor said, "Latino writingis important simply because the Latinocommunity, albeit, the Mexican American,Cuban, Puerto Rican, etc., hasn’t had a voice inAmerican Literature until recently. They arefinally being taken seriously and have become avoice that is part of the American tapestry, andit’s a very legitimate voice," he said. "I thinkthere is still quite a way to go because we’re stillclassified as ‘minority literature,’ or “‘iteratureof color,’ it needs to be called ‘AmericanLiterature,’ and become accepted as part ofAmerican culture."
When Ramirez-Dhoore is not busy workingon the monograph or preparing for her nextclass, she loves to spend time with her extendedfamily and friends, read for fun, and when shereally has time, she gardens. She treasures thetime with her husband and son. She is marriedto Marc Dhoore, whom she met at Oregon StateUniversity and married in Nebraska. Togetherthey have an 18-month old son named Louis.
"It’s all about cherishing the moments withyour friends and family," Ramirez-Dhoor said.
Since coming to the Valley, Ramirez-Dhooresaid she has been impressed with students’energy and interest in not only Latino literature,but in all kinds of writing.
She is currently teaching Sandra Cisneros’book "Caramelo," and "Who Would HaveThought It," by Maria Amparo Ruiz de Burton,one of the first turn-of-the-century Latinawriters, and "Martin & Meditations on the SouthValley," by Jimmy Santiago Baca.
"I really appreciate the students’ energy whenit comes to Latino literature. Many of them feelreally attached to it." Ramirez-Dhoore said. "It’sgood to have something you can relate to. Thestudents have been very appreciative, it’s likethis energy that I’ve never felt before."
UTPA professor finds value in Latina litBy ESMIE CASILLASThe Pan American
Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
JAMMIN’— At the Moonlit Rock Concert Wednesday night at the Quad,the band, 1:23, performed its music.
President SearchCommittee named
An member committee willseek a replacement for MiguelA Nevarez in Below are
several members:
Dr Teresa Sullivan UT System
Mark Yudof System Chancellor
Dr Ricardo Romo UTSA pres
Dr Rodolfo Rocha UTPA
Maha Fay Maglinao student rep
R D Guerra UTPA Alumni Assoc
This "Silent Night" was not an early preludeto the Christmas holidays. It was a night oflaughter and enjoyment for over 150 peopleattending the American Sign LanguageOrganization event, "Silent Night" Fridayevening, Nov. 7 at the University of Texas-PanAmerican Xochitl Room.
A brainchild of Keith Sibley, ASL advisorand teacher, "Silent Night" is a potluck dinnernamed for the 45 minutes of silence thatoccurs during the dinner. No one is allowed tospeak except through sign language. Sibley,who is hearing-impaired, is helping buildbridges.
"I feel its time for the hearing people tounderstand what the deaf world is like," hesaid, signing through his interpreter, DoloresTrevino. "It’s called swim or sink, that’s how Ifeel [and] it’s also what first-year signlanguage students feel when incorporating signlanguage for the first time.”
"We never thought of that and nobody hadever been through that experience before,"Sibley said. "Everyone comes together, thedeaf and the hearing, and you begin tounderstand. You start working together."
Eric Martinez, president of ASL, said theywelcome ASL members, sign languagestudents from UTPA, South Texas CommunityCollege, McAllen High School, McAllenMemorial, members of Valley Association forIndependent Living and guests once everysemester. Martinez, 25, a communicationsdisorder major, served as interpreter and signedto the attendees, directing them where to placethe dishes of food and drinks for the event.
Sibley’s wife, Paula, a sign language teacherat UTPA and McAllen Memorial High School,is deaf. She began the night’s festivities bysigning a welcome and introduction, andTrevino again translated this to the hearingcommunity. They invited the audience toserve themselves and to remember: Nospeaking throughout the 45 minutes.
Voices quiet and the silence begins, hands goup and rapid hand movements cut through theair as individuals and groups converse throughsign language.
For 45 minutes the world of the hearingopened up to the hearing-impaired experience,a world with a very unique culture of its own.The room took on a different kind of silence.The hearing population awakened anddiscovered it’s not so pleasant being on theother side. But the faces of the deaf andhearing-impaired are happy, happy for sharingtheir world with them.
"All they [deaf and hearing-impaired] wantis to be acknowledged and to know that theyare their own culture," Maria Cuevas, a first-year UTPA sign language student said. "Theycan express themselves, and when you seethem somewhere say hi, that’s what they reallywant."
Sibley knows this all too well. Growing upin a hearing world where few understood thedeaf was very hard. He was living in silence.It didn’t matter even if you could speak. Forhim the change occurred when he discoveredthere was a school for the deaf.
"It was such a shock," Sibley said. "I was sosurprised, it was such a different world. Ilearned the culture. I graduated fromGallaudet University in Washington, D.C., theonly university for the deaf in the U.S., andbegan teaching sign language."
He’s been building bridges ever since.In the United States, deaf children of deaf
parents may well have American SignLanguage, rather than spoken English orSpanish as their first language of fluency,according to a study made by the GallaudetResearch Institute. There are over 10,000 deafand hearing-impaired people in the Rio GrandeValley. Here in the Valley, the hearingpopulation is beginning to realize learningAmerican Sign Language is as important aslearning Spanish.
For more information on other ASLactivities, contact Eric Martinez [email protected].
November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 4
Billy CardenasKinesiologyJunior
I would join because some countries donot have money to support their people.The U.S. likes to help people, I’d like tobe one of those people that assist themwith any problems that they are goingthrough.
Cesar MartinezCommunicationSenior
I don’t think so. I hardly have time formyself – it’s a good organization thathelps people in need. Under the rightcircumstances I would definitelyconsider joining.
Walter BerriosEnglishGraduate Student
Yes. Someone needs to providesecurity for others.
Would you ever considerjoining the Peace Corps?VOICE
CCaammppuuss
Ivette Vargas Broadcast/JournalismSophomore
Probably not because it’s an obligation.I’m young, I would want to finish schoolfirst. I’d leave it up to someone olderwho’s more experienced.
Adelle ClintonSociologyGraduate Student
Yes, I definitely would. Service is a bigpart of my life. That is why I am a part ofa service sorority, Kappa Delta Chi.Everybody complains about the situationthat the world is in, but the reality is thata few people can change it.
By DIANA CORPUS GARZAThe Pan American
‘Night’ without wordshelps build empathy
Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
WORKING HAZARDS— Three Physical Plant employees make repairs to theexterior of the Student Services Building Wednesday.
Volleyball awards
The University of Texas-Pan American volleyballteam had four membersnamed to the All-Independent 2003 team.
Senior outside hitterJaclyn Muszynski wasnamed to the team for thefourth consecutive year.
Freshman libero CarolMarcengo and junior CathiNetemeyer were voted ontothe second team, whilefreshman Heather Bravowas named to the All-Freshman team.
IFC comes toDodge Arena
The IFC’s “Rumble on theRío” will be held at theDodge Arena Dec. 6.
The event marks the firsttime the controversial sportwill be held in the state ofTexas.
There are 10 fights sched-uled on the card, includingthree superfights.
The Mixed Martial Artsevents are a no-holds
barred sport.The use of both hands
and feet, submission holds,and chokes are just some ofthe aspects that make this acontroversial and dangeroussport. Rounds are five min-utes long.
Football rivalriesset for weekend
Saturday will see a pair oftraditional college rivalriesthat have made footballwhat it is today.
Fourth-ranked Ohio State(10-1) will face fifth-rankedMichigan (9-2) at Ann Arbor.
The game’s importancewill be multiple. Thematchup will decide the BigTen Conference title. Bothteams hold identical 6-1league records.
In addition, OSU willattempt to beat theWolverines for the thirdstraight time, a feat theyhaven’t accomplished sincewinning four in a row from1960-63.
Last season, theBuckeyes defeatedMichigan 14-9.
The other rivalry will beplayed out on the WestCoast between USC (9-1)and UCLA (6-5).
In the NFL, the PittsburghSteelers will visit theCleveland Browns in one ofthe oldest rivalries in foot-ball history.
The Browns defeated theSteelers 33-13 earlier in theseason and hold a slightedge in the all-time series,54-48.
Rockets beatGolden State
Yao Ming scored 15points in the fourth quarterand led the HoustonRockets to an 85-83 victoryover Golden StateWednesday.
The Rockets improved to8-3 on the season, 5-1 atthe new Toyota Center,while Golden State fell to 4-7.
The Warriors took a slim65-64 lead at the end of thethird quarter before Houstonreacted and came back towin. Ming finished the gamewith 23 points.
November 20, 2003 Sports Page 13
SPORTS CLIPBOARD
2003 CHL StandingsNorthwest W L OTL PTSColorado 10 4 1 21Tulsa 7 6 2 16Oklahoma City 7 7 1 15Wichita 5 6 2 12New Mexico 3 8 1 7Northeast W L OTL PTSMemphis 12 3 0 24Bossier-Shreveport 7 3 1 15Indianapolis 7 4 1 15Fort Worth 2 8 3 7Southwest W L OTL PTSSan Angelo 9 5 1 19Amarillo 9 4 0 18Odessa 5 7 2 12Lubbock 4 7 1 9Southeast W L OTL PTSLaredo 10 3 1 21RGV Killer Bees 7 4 2 16Corpus Christi 5 6 2 12Austin 5 7 1 11
NFL Week 12 ScheduleAway Home Date TimePittsburgh Cleveland Nov. 23 NoonCarolina Dallas Nov. 23 NoonNew England Houston Nov. 23 NoonIndianapolis Buffalo Nov. 23 NoonSan Francisco Green Bay Nov. 23 NoonDetroit Minnesota Nov. 23 NoonSeattle Baltimore Nov. 23 NoonNew Orleans Philadelphia Nov. 23 NoonJacksonville N.Y. Jets Nov. 23 NoonChicago Denver Nov. 23 3:05 p.m.St. Louis Arizona Nov. 23 3:05 p.m.Oakland Kansas City Nov. 23 3:15 p.m.Tennessee Atlanta Nov. 23 3:15 p.m.Cincinnati San Diego Nov. 23 3:15 p.m.Washington Miami Nov. 23 7:30 p.m.N.Y. Giants Tampa Bay Nov. 24 8 p.m.
Valley High SchoolFootball
Playoff Schedule
Friday, Nov. 21Area Round - Class 5A Division IIPSJA North (10-1) vs. Laredo Nixon (9-1)at Shirley Field in Laredo, 7:30Area Round - Class 4A Division ICorpus Christi Calallen (11-0) at EdinburgHigh (9-1), 8Area Round - Class 4A Division IIRockport-Fulton (7-4) vs. Sharyland (10-1)at Tom Landry Stadium, 8Brownsville Porter (9-1) at Gregory-Portland (8-3), 7:30Area Round - Class 3A Division IILyford (8-3) vs. Devine (6-5) at Robstown,7:30
Saturday, Nov. 22Area Round - Class 5A Division IEagle Pass (7-4) vs. Harlingen (7-3) atFarris Stadium, San Antonio, 4Area Round - Class 5A Division IICorpus Christi King (9-2) at EdinburgEconomedes (8-2), 7Area Round - Class 3A Division IIHondo (9-2) vs. Port Isabel (7-3) at Alice,2
2003-2004 UTPAWomen’s Basketball
Schedule
Date Opponent/TimeNov. 7 Houston Elite (Exh.)
Nov. 21 Air Force. 6
Nov. 22 Boise State/Dayton, 4/6:30
Nov. 25 TAMUI, 5
Nov. 29 St. Edward’s, 5
Dec. 5 St. Louis, TBA
Dec. 6 Kansas State/Sac., TBA
Dec. 14 Oral Roberts, 7
Dec. 17 Texas, 7
Dec. 19 Marshall, 7
Dec. 21 Central Michigan, 2
Dec. 28 Tulsa, 2
Dec. 31 Prairie View A&M, 5
Jan. 2 UT-Arlington, 7
Jan. 7 Sacramento State, 9:05Jan. 9 San Diego State, 9
Jan. 11 Louisiana-Lafayette, 4
Jan. 13 SE Louisiana, 7
Jan. 22 SW Missouri State, 7:05
Jan. 24 TAMUCC , 7
Jan. 27 Incarnate Word, 7
Jan. 31 IPFW, Noon
Feb. 3 Northern Colorado, 7
Feb. 9 Prairie View A&M, 7
Feb. 16 Louisiana-Lafayette, 5
Feb. 19 IPFW, 5
Feb. 24 TAMUCC, 7
Feb. 28 SE Louisiana, 7
March 3 Northern Arizona, 8
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
UpcomingUTPA Schedule
Friday, Nov. 21
Women’s basketball at Air Force, 6
Saturday, Nov. 22
Women’s basketball vs/ Boise
State/Dayton at Colorado Springs,
Colo., 4/6:30
Men’s basketball vs. SMU at SPI
Convention Center, 7
Monday, Nov. 24
NCAA Cross Country champi-
onships at Cedar Falls, Iowa
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Women’s basketball vs. Texas
A&M-International at Field House,
5
Men’s basketball vs. Texas A&M-
International at Field House, 7:30
Saturday, Nov. 29
Women’s basketball vs. St.
Edward’s at Field House, 5
Men’s basketball vs. Texas-
Arlington at Field House, 7:30
2003-2004 UTPAMen’s Basketball
Schedule
Date Opponent/Time
Nov. 4 Monterrey Tech (Exh.)
Nov. 8 Houston Quest (Exh.)
Nov. 22 Southern Methodist, 7
Nov. 25 Texas A&M-Int’l, 7:30
Nov. 29 Texas-Arlington, 7:30
Dec. 1 SWA of God, 7:30
Dec. 4 Missouri-Kansas City, 7
Dec. 6 Texas-San Antonio, 7
Dec. 12 Mississippi Valley St., 7
Dec. 14 Sam Houston State, 2
Dec. 17 North Texas, 7:30
Dec. 20 Rice, 7:05
Dec. 22 Oklahoma State, 7
Dec. 29 Oklahoma, 7
Dec. 31 McMurry, 7:30
Jan. 6 Baylor, 7
Jan. 8 North Texas, 7
Jan. 14 Wright State, 6:05
Jan. 19 Missouri-K.C., 7:30
Jan. 21 Texas-Arlington, 7
Jan. 28 IPFW, 7:30
Feb. 2 Alcorn State, 7:30
Feb. 4 Lamar, 7:30
Feb. 7 IPFW, Noon
Feb. 11 Arkansas State, 7:30
Feb. 14 TAMUCC, 7:30
Feb. 16 Air Force, 7:30
Feb. 19 Central Baptist, 7:30
Feb. 28 TAMUCC, 7
March 1 Arkansas State, 7:05
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
UTPA Softball“A” League
Schedule
Wednesday, Dec. 3Bronc Express vs. Los Conejos, 7Bucky’s Brig. #1 vs. EBC, 8Bucky’s Brigade #2 vs. Bucky’sBrigade #3, 9
All games p.m. unless noted.
Mexican Soccer League
Team W - D - L GF:GA PTS Scorer / Team Gx-Tigres 11 - 4 - 3 36:18 37 L.G. Rey, ATE 13x-U.N.A.M. 10 - 5 - 3 33:23 35 J.S. Cardozo, TOL 12x-Pachuca 9 - 6 - 3 26:18 33 R. Navia, MOR 12U.A.G. 9 - 4 - 5 29:24 31 A. Fernandes, MTY 11x-Atlante 8 - 6 - 4 30:19 30 E. Mora, VCZ 11Necaxa 7 - 8 - 3 22:17 29 C.M. Morales, ATS 11Santos 7 - 7 - 4 38:27 28 A. Moreno, NCX 10x-Toluca 8 - 3 - 7 31:21 27 E. Marcón, UAG 9Guadalajara 8 - 2 - 8 28:27 26 W. Gaitán, TIG 9América 7 - 4 - 7 30:25 25 L.I. Quinteros, PUE 9Morelia 7 - 4 - 7 24:27 25 A. Silvera, TIG 8Cruz Azul 6 - 6 - 6 25:28 24 J. Borgetti, SAN 8Veracruz 7 - 3 - 8 32:39 24 C. Blanco, AME 8Monterrey 5 - 7 - 6 29:28 22 C. Ochoa, QUE 8Irapuato 6 - 4 - 8 23:31 22 G. Franco, MTY 7Puebla 5 - 5 - 8 22:26 20 A. González, IRA 7Chiapas 5 - 4 - 8 20:33 19 M. Sabah, GUA 7Atlas 5 - 3 - 10 28:31 18Club San Luis 2 - 5 - 11 19:37 11Querétaro 1 - 3 - 14 16:44 6 6 tied with 6 goalsx - clinched playoff (liguilla) berth
Group I Group II Group III Group IV33 - Pachuca 35 - U.N.A.M. 37 - Tigres 30 - Atlante27 - Toluca 31 - U.A.G. 25 - Morelia 29 - Necaxa22 - Monterrey 28 - Santos 24 - Cruz Azul 26-Guadalajara20 - Puebla 25 - América 20 - Chiapas 24 - Veracruz18 - Atlas 6 - Querétaro 11 - San Luis 22 - Irapuato
Week 18 results Nov. 11-16: Toluca 5, San Luis 0; Puebla 1, Monterrey0; Morelia 1, Chiapas 1; Cruz Azul 2, Veracruz 3; Tigres 1, Santos 1;Guadalajara 1, Atlas 0; Necaxa 1, América 0; Irapuato 0, Pachuca 1;U.N.A.M. 2, U.A.G. 2; Querétaro 0, Atlante 2.
Week 19 schedule Nov. 22: Chiapas vs. Querétaro; Veracruz vs.Irapuato; U.A.G. vs. Cruz Azul; Monterrey vs. U.N.A.M.; San Luis vs.Guadalajara; Atlas vs. Necaxa; Santos vs. Toluca; Atlante vs. Tigres;América vs. Puebla; Pachuca vs. Morelia.
November 20, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 3
While the population of the universityis growing at a high rate, staff membersare working hard to make sure the campusis growing and improving at the samespeed.
The Physical Plant Department at UTPAis a service organization responsible formaintaining and operating universityfacilities. The organization endeavors toprovide the university with a safe,functional, as well as, attractive place inwhich students pursue higher education.
The Physical Plant said they welcome,and will seriously consider, any ideasstudents may have on improving services.The website states that the Physical Plantalways appreciates student assistance indetecting any facility related problems oncampus.
According to Marvin Boland, Directorof Planning and Construction of thePhysical Plant, said that the organizationis responsible for all new constructionsthat the university undergoes as well asremodeling, paving, maintenance ofbuildings and grounds, and operation ofall 55 buildings on campus. Custodialservices and anything else that isnecessary to keep students, faculty andstaff in a proper environment foreducation, are constantly being consideredby the staff of the Physical Plant.
The division of the plant includes tworather large divisions of Planning andConstruction, and Maintenance and
Operation of which Albert Ochoa isdirector.
Planning and Construction isresponsible for new construction, futurecampus planning, and major remodelprojects. Maintenance and Operationmaintains all buildings, grounds, andoperates buildings such as Cooling Plantfor Air Conditioning. The short of it is,while Planning and Construction buildsall new structures, Maintenance andOperations overviews the life of thebuildings.
“I will note the more significantconstruction projects,” Boland said. “Weactually have a total of 31 projects goingat this time, in various stages of planningand construction.”
Most notably is the creation of the newEducation building, which will replace thecurrent one that has been on campus since1927 when the school was funded. ThePresident and four Vice Presidents willhave a new building to call home whenthey move into the student servicestowers.
“We are re-roofing several buildingsand will continue to do so for about ayear,” Boland said. “The remodel of theAcademic Annex will be completed inJanuary or February of 2004. We willbegin our new "Wayfinding" signagewithin about a month.”
Along with the buildings beingreworked on, the comfort level of thestudents in the buildings is also beingtaken into account. There will bereworking of the air conditioning systems
in both Amelia Hall and Southwick, aswell as some air conditions systems in thedorms.
“We will begin re-insulating the ChillWater pipes in the Walkway in a couple ofmonths as well,” Boland said. ”I could goon about the renovations going to occur,but this is probably enough for now.”
With the semester ending for studentsand several faculty members, the workersof the Physical Plant will be working hardto finish heavy construction while thefewest number of civilians are on campus.
“We try to schedule noisy constructionduring breaks, so there will beconsiderable construction occurring,”Boland said. “We will probably shutdown the Cooling Plant for some neededrepairs and change out some machinery,which means there will be no airconditioning in the buildings.”
Although members of the PhysicalPlant work hard, there is also time to playhard as well. Every year there is an awardbanquet that recognizes the hard workingmembers of the Physical Plant Dept.
“This is one of the few occasions thatall personnel are able to gather in thesame room at the same time,” Bolandcommented.
Although the members work silently,the accomplishments of the Physical Plantcan be seen every day by people whowalk around campus. Although studentsmay not compliment the buildings, theabsence of serious complaints can makeany worker prouder of their work.
“We always have staff members that
have done extraordinary work, and we tryto recognize them during this luncheon,”Boland said. ”I don't want to give namesout now, since that would spoil part ofour holiday affair.”
Construction, awards in Physical Plant near futureBy CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American
Work in ProgressPhysical Plant
Following are several of theongoing construction and repair
projects on UTPA campus:
New Education Building
Remodeled Student Services Tower
Building roof replacements
Remodeled Academic Annex
Reworked air conditioning systems across campus
Re insulation of chill water pipes in various walkways
Source: UTPA Physical PlantIf you have ever thought of
dumping everything and runningaway to join the circus, you betterbe sure you are up to the mental andphysical rigors of circus life.
At least, that is what Sterling andReid’s lifelong stuntman, Martín
España, will tell you.España had spent the day driving
to and from Brownsville on hismotorcycle, where he helped put upthe Big Top circus tent, thenreturned to Hidalgo to perform inthree shows Saturday, all in thesame day, at the Dodge Arena.
España, originally of Atlixco,Puebla in México, but who now
resides in Orlando, Fla., was literal-ly born behind a circus and is justone of the many cogs that make theSterling and Reid Circus run.
When not performing, España isalso the prop boss. He coordinates35 people before, during, and after aperformance.
Right before intermissionSaturday night, España donned ared and white lycra outfit withwhite boots.
Slightly resembling a lucha librepersonality, he hopped on a special-ly modified motorcycle mounted ona wire and proceeded to rev diago-nally up the wire from the DodgeArena floor to the opposite end ofthe arena where flags representingthe United States, Canada, México,and Texas hang from the rafters.
España did all this while a femaleperformer dangled below him on atrapeze attached to the motorcycle.The poblano’s big finale was a 180-degree swivel around the wire thatincluded the dangling performer.
The amount of energy, concentra-tion, and physical fortitude neededfor this type of lifestyle is not some-thing the average person couldendure.
The 43-year-old España is anavid sports fan and a fourth-genera-tion member of La Familia España,a well-known family of trapeze
artists in México.During his youth, España and his
family spent six years in Brazilwhere the circus in which they wereperforming had its contract renewed10 times (six months each term)before they decided to head backhome.
He explained that the trapeze andother acts are a sport and require alot of dedication.
"This is a sport," España said. "Idon’t drink, I don’t smoke, no onein my family does. We’ve alwaysbeen trapeze artists. I still take partin the elevated acts. My act is thehighest we have in the show, it’sover 50 feet high."
In addition to his many duties,España is in charge of coordinatingthe construction of the Big Top,which is another physically chal-lenging aspect of circus life.
"That’s something spectacularthat fills me with satisfaction,"España describes. "To build thatmonster (the Big Top) in three orfour hours is something spectacular.When you first get to the site,there’s nothing, but in four hoursthere’s a tremendous city."
Aside from the work involved,España and his crew have also hadto endure extreme temperatureswhile building the Big Top whilegoing about their regular duties.
"In this climate (the Valley’s) ittakes a lot, but we’ve also madestops where there is snow and it’scold," España explained. "The cir-cus is a show that can’t wait. Likethe saying goes, ‘the show must goon.’ And this show doesn’t stop. Wework from January to December."
Despite the hectic schedule andendless hours of work, España stillfinds time to train.
"It’s in the blood," España said. "Ilift weights, resistance training, Irun in the mornings, a little, and Istill do acrobatics. I don’t let myselfgo for nothing."
During the course of España’scareer, he has had the opportunity totravel all over the world and is avid-ly against the use of drugs, which isa message he tries to spread throughthe circus since their main audienceare the children.
"We’ve run around half theworld. That’s also a great way tokeep in good physical shape,"España said. "I’m also totallyagainst drugs. I fight against thatwith my children, with my family,and we try to show today’s youththat sports is the most importantthing right now. Look at me, 43years old and I’m still runningaround, doing flips, death-defyingtriple-somersaults, and I feel like ateenager."
Stuntman Martín España does a handstand during his high-wire act.
Photo by Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
November 20, 2003 sports Page 14
Strength and stamina keyin life of circus stuntman
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539(956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122
http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican53nd Year – No. 13
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the PAN AMERICAN is theofficial studentnewspaper of TheUniversity ofTexas-PanAmerican. Views presentedare those of thewriters and do notnecessarily reflectthose of theuniversity.
The Pan Americangladly acceptsletters fromstudents, staff andfaculty regardingnewspaper contentor current issues.The Pan Americanreserves the rightto edit submissionsfor grammar andlength. Please limitsubmission lengthto 300 words. ThePan Americancannot publishanonymous letters,or submissionscontaining hatespeech orgratuitouspersonal attacks.Letters are printedat the discretion ofthe editor andmust include thewriter’s name,class/title andphone number.
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November 20 2 0 0 3
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OPINION l e t t e r s ■ e d i t o r i a l s ■ c a r t o o n sPAGE 2
NEWS■ Physical Plant . . . . . 3■ ‘Silent Night’ . . . . . . . 4■ Search Committee . . 5
In several recent articles nationwide, there is acall from our nation’s capital for Americans tojoin the Peace Corps organization to aid ourneighbor, Mexico.
According to an article by the AssociatedPress, Mexico has refused developmentalassistance from the United States in the past, butrecently has been willing to accept aid from thePeace Corps.
But aside from the organization helpingMexico, one may ask, why get involved as avolunteer?
"For people and students, the Peace Corps is away to give back and help others helpthemselves by sharing their knowledge withmen and women in developing countries," saidJessie Garcia, public affairs specialist for theTexas regional office located in Dallas.
Garcia also said that volunteering is anespecially great way for students, or studentswho have graduated, to gain internationalexperience in decision-making.
"Instead of competing with your peers forentry-level salaries, the Peace Corps allows youto further your potential by obtaininginternational experience," Garcia said. "Whileyour peers are stuck in entry-level positions right
after graduation, you are making decisions thataffect whole communities. The skills you obtainwill allow you to command a good career andpay when you return. Imagine putting‘supervised an international developmentproject’ on your resume."
Garcia continued, saying that the Peace Corps
is the best foreign aid projectAmerica has going.
"Our government is sendingits best and brightest toimplement self-sustainingprojects in communitiesthroughout the world," hecommented.
Garcia added that sincePresident Kennedy signed theexecutive order establishing the
Peace Corps in the early1960s, 5,087 Texans havejoined the agency out of170,000 people nationwide.Today there are 299 Texansserving.
Currently, the Peace Corpshas 6,678 volunteers out in thefield. Since trainees are sentthroughout the year to differentparts of the world, theorganization has to replacethose volunteers who have
finished their two-year service. This year theyneed to send 5,500 volunteers abroad, accordingto Garcia.
In 2002, President Bush said in his State ofthe Union address that he wanted to double the
Peace Corps seeking volunteers By BELINDA REYESThe Pan American
See PEACE CORPS page 11
www.peacecorps.gov
HELPING HAND— There are almost 7,000 volunteersworking worldwide for the Peace Corps.
November 20, 2003 sports Page 15
rival, the Edinburg High Bobcatsdevoured Harlingen South 38-14Saturday night in Harlingen’s BoggusStadium.
Although both teams were evenlymatched offensively and defensively,sophomore running back Jesse Galvánproved otherwise. He rushed for 200yards and scored four touchdowns enroute to the Bobcat’s convincingvictory.
The Bobcats racked up over 450yards of total offense, while theBobcat defense held the Hawks to 308yards.
The Bobcats’ offensive outputtranslated into a 38-0 fourth quarterlead. Harlingen finished the game byscoring the last two touchdowns of thegame and avoided a shutout.
The victory improved the Bobcats to9-1 and propelled them into the nextround of the playoffs where they willface undefeated Corpus ChristiCalallen (11-0), the fifth-ranked 4Ateam in the AP state poll, Friday at 8p.m. at Cats Stadium.
Jags continued from page 16
A dozen games into their inaugural season,and the CHL expansion Killer Bees have man-aged to grind their way into second place inthe Southeast Division.
The Bees (6-4-2) had a bumpy season open-er, but after three wins in as many days lastweek, Río Grande has established itself as aformidable opponent.
What is noticeable now, however, is howquickly Valleyites have taken to the game ofHockey. The Bees sold out the 5,500 capacityDodge Arena in their first three home games,and bested the 3,000 and 4,000 marks for theirfourth and fifth games respectively.
But even with the great attendance andenthusiasm coming from the fans end, it isobvious that many Valleyites have not caughton to all the aspects of the game.
Hockey, like all other sports, is a game ofrules. To the casual observer it is catastropheon ice. It’s a bunch of men with sticks chasinga flat black saucer with the ultimate goal ofputting it past the goalie on the opposite endof the ice, and in the process doing their bestto cause one another bodily harm.
In part, this observation is correct. Hockeyis a fast physical game, fighting is allowed,and injuries occur. But like any other sportthere is an organization to the game play.
The BasicsTeams are allowed 6 players on the ice dur-
ing standard play. One goalie, and typicallytwo forwards, one center, and two defense-
men.The game is composed of three 20-minute
periods, and the basic objective is to score bydriving the puck, a black vulcanized rubberdisk, passed your opponents goalie and intothe net.
The writing on the iceHockey is played on a rink measuring
200’X85’ and is shaped like a rounded rectan-gle.
The rink is divided into three different por-tions: the offensive zone, the neutral zone, andthe defensive zone.
‘These zones are denoted by lines, andthose lines are a big part of the game. There isthe red line, which runs horizontal down themiddle of the ice dividing the neutral zone inhalf, and the blue lines, which denote the endof the neutral zone and the beginning of theoffensive and defensive zones. (There are twoadditional red lines at either end of the rink,which are important in determining icing).
The game begins with a face off in the cen-ter circle, which measures 12 feet in radiusand is perfectly centered on the red line.
Once the game has begun there are certainrules players have to follow, or the game playwill be whistled dead by officials.
Rule # 1, no pass can pass over more thanone line. If a player is in his defensive zone,he may not pass into the neutral zone to aplayer on the opposite side of the red line. Atwo-line pass results in the game beingstopped and a face-off in the guilty teamsdefensive zone.
Rule # 2, players may not enter the offen-sive zone before the puck. If a player is
deemed offsides during game play it results inthe game being stopped, and a face off in theneutral zone closest to that offensive zone. Insome cases game play resumes even if there isan off sides violation. This action is calleddelayed off-sides, and the puck will be whis-tled dead if the team on the offensive playsthe puck, but if the defense breaks up the playthe game resumes.
Rule # 3, the puck cannot be cleared pastthree lines. This is the only rule whichinvolves red line at the ends of the rink. If thepuck passes the center red line, the blue lineand the red line at the end of the ice, it isreferred to as icing. The puck will be whistleddown and a face off will take place in theguilty teams defensive zone.
The teamThe easiest way to understand the function
of the members on a hockey team is to thinkof hockey as basketball with a goalie. Why?Because both basketball and hockey have fivemobile players, capable of scoring. Andbecause both sports have similar terms.
In basketball you have a center, two for-wards, and two guards. In hockey you have acenter, two forwards, and two defensemen.
What is different about hockey in basketballis that the roles are reversed. Where a centerin basketball is big and does little ball han-dling, a center in hockey is quick, and tries tocreate plays. Likewise, in hockey, forwardsare not typically the largest of the team’smembers, although their primary purpose is toscore. Defensemen in hockey are self-explana-tory. They do what they have to make surethere are as few shots on net as possible.
Chaos on ice needs rules tooBy BRIAN CARRThe Pan American
Edinburg EconomedesDate Opponent Score
9/4 Vet. Memorial W49-21
9/12 at Sharyland L0-38
9/18 at Mission - - - -
9/26 Nikki Rowe W10-6
10/3 at Edinburg North W27-24
10/10 PSJA North W28-21
10/17 McAllen High W42-14
10/24 at McAllen Memorial W35-21
10/30 Río Grande City W24-22
11/7 at La Joya L7-33
11/14 Donna W21-17
UTPASportsUpdate
MEN‘S
BRONCS HOOPS PREVIEWWOMEN‘S
"They’re going to be tough, especially going toplay SMU, a conference team. They have agood point guard back so, that’ll be a chal-lenge on my part, but I’ll be up to it."- Sergio Sánchez
"It’s going to be a dogfight, but I think we’regoing to win (SMU game).Of course, we always gointo a game thinking wecan win and I really dothink we can win. We canbeat some of the topschools in the nation, Ibelieve. That’s how talent-ed we are."- Ray Castillo #24 Ray Castillo
#3 Sergio Sánchez
"We can hit you so many different ways, youwon’t see it coming."- Allen Holcomb
"The first few games are going to be interesting.We’re trying to start out good so that we can gointo December...we’re going to have a lot ofgames right back-to-back so if we can start offgood it’s going to be great to help build our con-fidence and go out there and win some moregames throughout the month."- Eric Montalvo
#32 Allen Holcomb
#2 Eric Montalvo LADY BRONC HOOPS
"I feel that we can do the samething we did here the othernight (against Houston Elite).There’s a lot of intensity andeveryone wants to bring acrowd in and they just want towin games. And everyone’shere for pretty much the samereason. So, I’m pretty sure theintensity will be the same."- Molly Schamel
#12 Molly Schamel
#1 Amanda Carlow (left)
"I’m really excited for it(Air Force game). I thinkit’ll be really good. It’ll bean away game, a con-ference game, but it’llgive us momentumgoing into an awaygame and then comeback for our homecrowd then that’ll be abetter feeling."
- Amanda Carlow#21 Kim Lewis
"Against Air Force, Ican’t wait. I thinkeveryone’s prettypumped up about thatgame. We know thatwe have a lot to workon. We’re just going totake it one game at atime and just focus ona step at a time and tryto get the best that wecan so we can be pre-pared for Air Force."- Kim Lewis
THURSDAYNovember 20, 2003
An Inside Look:
■ News ............................................2■ A & E............................................7■ Sports ........................................16
T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f T e x a s - P a n A m e r i c a nPage 4
CCaammppuussVOICEWould you everconsider joining
the PeaceCorps?
SPANNING THE GLOBE
¡Dia de laRevolucion!
People usually attempt to earn a college education togain opportunities that will take them all over the world.This week, the world is coming to UTPA.
Sponsored by the Center for International Studies,Global Week will feature guest speakers from differentparts of the country and Mexico. The conference theme of,"The Global Political, Social and Economical Outlook inthe 21st Century," has given students opportunities to gainknowledge about current international issues.
Sessions such as "U.S. Arab-Relations" and "The Social,Political and Economic Future in Latin America," expressthe problems of the citizens of different countries. Culturalevents, like the showing of the movie "Wedding Banquet"and the art exhibit "The World Through an Artist’s Eyes,"share the different fine-art expressions of people across theglobe.
Dr. Mohammed Farooqui, chair of the biologydepartment, is a member of the advisory committee whichprepared events for Global Week. Farooqui attendedmeetings and formed a panel for a presentation. He alsohad a presentation on "Role and Status of Women inIslam."
"The Global Week is an important event, and I think weshould continue conducting it," Farooqui said. "In thisweek the students are exposed to things that have a globalimpact. They have excellent opportunities to listen toexperts in the fields of politics, business, economy, religionand such."
Before a packed audience in the SBSC auditorium,Farooqui addressed students and faculty who attended thepresentation "Role and Status of Women in Islam." Thepresentation was split into two sections, with the first
explaining the basis of Islam and thesecond addressing the rights ofMuslim women. Farooqui explainedthe misconceptions that are oftenassociated with the religion.
By first explaining the basis ofthe Islam religion to the crowd,Farooqui brought awareness tostudents, many of whom have hadno firsthand knowledge of the topic.
Farooqui explained how everyMuslim woman has rights that areequal to men. Although womenhave to struggle to gain the accessof certain privileges, they havenever been denied their personalrights that were given to them 14centuries ago.
He said that though the veilwomen wear is perceived by non-Muslims as oppressive, the oppositeis the case. In essence, the veilsignifies self-respect, modesty, andat times, social status.
Fooroqui explained that in Islam,women are respected for theirminds, not their bodies. Not only ismodesty esteemed in Islam, it alsoleads to the feeling of protectionfrom idleness.
Questions were raised fromaudience members about various issues dealing withdefinitions of freedom. One person asked why somecountries do not allow Muslim women to drive cars, andanother criticized the fact that in some Muslim countries,
young women are forced to marry against their will.Farooqui and other panel members said that Islam and
its laws are not associated with those actions. Rather than
Elizabeth Padilla/The Pan American
LABOR ECONOMICS— Gloria Wyant discusses international labor organizationsMonday during UTPA’s Global Week celebration, which ends Thursday.
By CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American
Presentations, culturesheadline weeklong event
See GLOBAL page 12
If The Edinburg Economic DevelopmentCorporation, or EEDC, is supposed to belooking out for the best interests of thecitizens of Edinburg, then these citizensbetter start opening their pockets.
For the past couple of months the EEDCboard has stonewalled any or all questionsconcerning the Hector Casas litigationprocess, but based on recent events, thesilence has not been in vain.
As of Friday Nov. 14, a lawsuit was filedby the EEDC board, claiming that Casasfailed to honor an agreement to completeconstruction on a convention center and
restaurant by a specific timeline. There wasa $299,960 payment previously made forthe construction.
According to documents filed at theCounty Court House No. 4, Casas has 20days to respond to the lawsuit.
The suit states that the amount Casasowes the city is actually more than$299,960 because had the job beencompleted, the convention center alonewould have had tax-ripple effects, and thus,would have profited the city more in thelong run.
The amount the convention center wouldhave made the city, which Casas eventuallyhas to pay, has been left up to the courts todecide.
If Casas fails to respond or does notshow up at the hearing, the court will makea judgment without his presence.
Ramiro Garza, EEDC executive directorstated, "the parties involved in the litigationwere notified before the public was.”
“Steps are being taken in order to resolvethis as soon as possible," Garza said.
According to Cynthia Gutierrez, EEDCattorney, "The board explored all itsoptions and because a commitment wasn’tmet by Casas, this was the next step."
Casas is the owner and operator of SheaConstruction, and through a jointagreement with the EEDC spent close to$300,000 to make infrastructureimprovements to a Los Lagos Golf Club
subdivision he owns.The improvements are supposed to be in
exchange for a restaurant and conventioncenter for the city of Edinburg. Casasalready has a two-year extension on theproject, but has built nothing.
According to Casas, the incompletion ofthe construction work has been due toforeman problems, rainy/muddy weatherand lazy workers.
So as of now, Casas owes the boardapproximately $300,000 for incompletework, money which came directly from thepockets of Edinburg’s tax payers.
Now, the question that remains oneveryone’s minds is, will Casas show up incourt?
By VANESSA L. LUCIOThe Pan American
EEDC lawsuit over 300K goes forward against builder
Cinderella teams come and go,but the Edinburg EconomedesJaguars are one team that will belong remembered after Fridaynight’s emotionally charged 21-17
victory over the Donna Redskins ina bi-district playoff game that shookCats Stadium.
Economedes’ comeback victory iscomparable to the dramatic DenverBroncos victories against theCleveland Browns in the 1987 and1988 AFC Championship Games
where quarterback John Elwaytwice led Denver back fromapparent defeats and instead turnedthem into unbelieveable feats ofdetermination that resulted in twostraight Super Bowl appearancesand became sensitive subjects forBrowns fans.
Although Economedesquarterback, Manny Villegas, is halfthe size of Elway, he played with aheart twice as big. Villegasscrambled, ran, and passed theJaguars to victory over theRedskins’ offensive juggernautwho, prior to Friday’s matchup, hadwon three straight games andscored an average of 51.7 points inthat span.
It was Villegas who scored thewinning touchdown with 13seconds left in the game afterdriving the Jags 88 yards in 5:54that included a miraculous 29-yardreception by wide receiver EddieGarza.
"I got to go all I can cause I knewthere was only like 20 seconds leftand if we didn’t score we would gohome," Villegas said. "If we did,there’s another chance we getanother game next week. Our senioryear doesn’t finish."
The electrifying win improvedEconomedes to 8-2 despite havingdropped the season finale against
La Joya, 33-7, two weeks ago.Jaguar head coach and UTPA
alumnus Oscar Salinas thought thatEdinburg’s dismal performanceagainst La Joya at the end ofregular-season play may have lulledDonna into a false sense of security.
"Our kids, they played tough, youknow," Salinas said. "I think we setthem up last week in La Joya."
Economedes’ unplanned "Rope-A-Dope" strategy worked andhanded Donna a heart-breaking lossthat eliminated them from theplayoffs and ended their seasonwith a 7-4 overall record (4-2District 32-5A). The loss was thefirst time the Redskins had lost aplayoff game to another Valleyteam.
"We didn’t play well. My hatgoes off to these guys," Donna headcoach Dave Evans said. "Their firstyear here (in the playoffs) and theyplayed well. I’m real impressedwith them."
Economedes will host their nextplayoff opponent, Corpus ChristiKing (9-2), Saturday at 7 p.m. atCats Stadium. Corpus Christidefeated Laredo Alexander 49-21 intheir Conference 5A, Division IIfirst round playoff matchup lastFriday.
Not to be outdone by their city-
The University of Texas-PanAmerican men’s cross-country teamtook huge strides at the NCAARegional Championships.
Standout Westly Keating fromPharr qualified for the NCAA CrossCountry Championships for thesecond time in as many years, whichwill be held Nov. 24 at NorthernIowa in Cedar Falls.
Overall, the men’s cross countryteam finished eighth with 271 points,their best finish ever at a regionalchampionship. Arkansas and TexasA&M claimed first and second place,which qualified them for the NCAAs.
The Lady Broncs finished 13th outof 17 teams with 369 points. In thewomen’s category, Texas and Baylorqualified for NCAAs by winning thetop two spots in the regionalcompetition.
Keating finished third in the 10Krace with a time of 30:13, justslightly behind the winner PaulMorrison of Texas with a time of29:43. Alistair Cregg of Arkansasoutran Keating for second place.
Keating believes he lost the race atthe end when it was time to kick itinto overdrive.
"We were running hard for the firstfour miles," Keating said. "I kind of
faded a little in the last part of therace, and got out kicked for secondplace."
The Broncs took eighth overallwith 271 points. Arkansas and TexasA&M claimed the top two spots andqualified their teams for the NCAAs.
Senior Hugo Cervantes fromWeslaco finished his career bycoming in 44th with a time of 32:33.
Every member of the young PanAm team finished in the top 100 ofthe race.
UTPA head coach Ricky Vaughnbelieves the next couple of years aregoing to be a huge success for thecross-country teams.
"We are in great shape," Vaughnsaid. "By running as well as we didwith as many freshmen as we have, itshows that we have a lot of greatthings to come in the near future."
The NCAA NationalChampionships are in four days andKeating is training for the race byhimself and through strenuousworkouts.
Assistant Coach Doug Molnarbelieves the weather drained Keatingmore than he realized it did.
"Westly was leading forapproximately four and a half miles,"Molnar said. "The heat and humiditycaught up with him, but hemaintained third place, and did agreat job."
Even though the race will be run in
cold conditions,coach Vaughnbelieves theweather is notthe determiningfactor in a race,but theindividual.
"You can’tuse the weatherconditions aspart of yourreason forsuccess orfailure," Vaughnsaid. "Everyonehas to run in thesame weather,cold is cold andhot is hot. Itcomes down tothe individualwho is mentallytough enough togo out and runtheir race."
Keating isexcited about therace and feels thatthe experience hegained last year atnationals will help him this year.
"Whenever you’re moreexperienced at something, the moreconfidence you have," Keating said."When you have more experience,you aren’t as scared."
Keating is confident that theweather will not be a huge factor forhim, but more so for other athletes.
"The weather hurts other athletes,like the Kenyans, but I can handlethe weather good," Keating said.
■ Hoops Preview . . . . . . 15
■ Stunts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
■ Sports Clipboard . . . . . 13
PAGE 16
SPORTSKeating qualifies, UTPA eighth
Photo by Mike Bond
Junior Westly Keating rests after his third-place finish atthe NCAA Regionals held at Baylor Nov. 15.
Jags drive past ‘Skins, Bobcats rout Hawks
See JAGS page 15
Today
Dallas Mavericks vs.Nov. 22 Denver, 7:30Nov. 25 Chicago, 7:30Nov. 26 at Phoenix, 8
San Antonio Spurs vs.Nov. 20 at Dallas, 6:30Nov. 21 vs. Atlanta, 7:30Nov. 26 vs. Chicago, 7:30
Friday, Nov. 21
NFL SUNDAY
vs.
NBASchedule
6:30
6:30
at
9:30Houston Rockets vs.Nov. 24 at Clippers, 9:30Nov. 26 at Utah, 8
at
Noon4-6 8-2
at
Noon7-3 8-2
at
Photo by Daniz Rivera
The Edinburg Economedes offensive unit prepares for another play in its game-winning drive over the Donna Redskins Nov. 14 at Cats Stadium.
7-4 7-5
7-5 7-4
8-3 6-5
All games p.m.
Killer BeesSchedule
Killer Bees vs. CorpusChristi Rayz at Dodge
Arena, 7:30
Nov. 22 vs. San Angeloat Dodge Arena, 7:30
vs.
Friday, Nov. 21
By MATT HALLThe Pan American
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
