T h e
u n i v e r s i T y
o f
T e x a s
a T
a r l i n g T o n
Wednesday february 18, 2009
volume 90, no. 72 www.theshorthorn.com
since 1919
big bang
economy
Obama signs huge stimulus the associated press
DENVER — Racing to reverse the country’s economic spiral, President Barack Obama signed the mammoth stimulus package into law Tuesday and readied a new $50 billion foreclosure rescue for legions of Americans who are in danger of losing their homes. There was no recovery yet for beleaguered automakers, who were back in Washington for more bailout billions. General Motors Corp. said it was closing plants, Chrysler LLC said it was cutting vehicle models and both said they were getting rid of thousands
more jobs as they made their restructuring cases for $5 billion more for Chrysler and as much as $16.6 billion more for GM. The United Auto Workers union said it had agreed to tentative concessions that could help Detroit’s struggling Big Three. Anything but reassured, Wall Street dove ever lower. The Dow Jones industrials fell 297.81 points, closing less than a point above their lowest level in five and a half years. Obama focused on the $787 billion stimulus plan, an ambitious package of federal spendstimulus continues on page 3
admissions
Enrollment up 622 students since last spring The number of full-time students at the university increased by 324 people. taiba sheerin ahmad Contributor to The Shorthorn
Total spring enrollment figures increased for the first time in three years this semester, with a total student population of 24,167 — 2.64 percent more than last year. Enrollment decreased for two spring semesters prior to spring 2009. From 24,323 in spring 2006, it declined to 23,613 in spring 2007 and dropped to 23,545 last spring. “With the current economic situation, the university is happy that enrollment has not just maintained but also increased,” said Donald Bobbitt, Provost and Academic Affairs vice president. The incoming freshman population rose to 145 from 112 in spring 2008. The increase requires the university to plan accommodations for the growing population, Bobbitt said. “We are hiring more faculty
instructors and supporting staff,” he said. The university’s affordability and education quality attracted the new students, Bobbitt said. Minority enrollment increased, and the white student population decreased since 2005. Compared to the 2005 statistics, the white student population decreased 4.3 percent. The change reflects a Texas dynamic, said Dale Wasson, Student Enrollment Services senior associate vice president. The greatest increase was seen with Hispanic students, who increased 3.5 percent since spring 2005, with increases seen each year. Biology sophomore Zoey Sanchez, a Hispanic, said she believes her race feels comfortable at the university. “Since it is more diverse here, we don’t feel like a minority,” she said. Undergraduate enrollment increased to 18,898 this semester, from 17,704 in 2008.
The Shorthorn: Michael Rettig
Astrophysicist and author Neil degrasse tyson pauses while making a point during his lecture Tuesday night in Texas Hall. Tyson gave an often-humorous speech about the place of science in today’s world. The lecture kicked off the Maverick Speaker Series for this semester.
Renowned astrophysicist speaks at Texas Hall by caroLine basiLe Contributor to The Shorthorn
The universe was seen through the eyes of Neil deGrasse Tyson on Tuesday night, when the Hayden Planetarium director and renowned astrophysicist spoke to a sold-out crowd at Texas Hall. At the opening of his lecture, Tyson removed his cowboy boots, remarking that he “might as well be comfortable” while at work. Tyson has appeared on several TV programs, hosts the PBS program “Nova scienceNOW” and has written
nine books. He was also the first guest to appear five times on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.” University President James Spaniolo introduced Tyson. “He may be smart, cool, but few have done more than him to get people excited about science,” Spaniolo said. Tyson, known for his simple way of explaining things, told the audience how astronomy isn’t as complicated as other areas of science. “In biology, the most important molecule is Deoxyribonucleic acid,” he
said. “In astrophysics, the most important term is ‘Big Bang.’ ” During the hour-and-a-half lecture, Tyson touched on many issues including evolution vs. creationism being taught in public schools. “It’s not a tradition of scientists to knock down the door of a Sunday school, telling the preacher what to preach,” he said. “If you don’t like the science because it’s not your belief, it does not mean the science isn’t true.” tysoN continues on page 3
“If you don’t like the science because it’s not your belief, it does not mean the science isn’t true.” neil deGrasse tyson,
Hayden Planetarium director and renowned astrophysicist and author
figures continues on page 3
FaciLities
reaL estate
UC to acquire a more spirited look
Housing slump gives advantage to buyers
The Palo Duro Lounge and The Plaza may be repainted to showcase UTA colors. by sarah Lutz The Shorthorn staff
The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard
and ... action Advertising freshman lucie Wong videotapes jazz studies freshman Brennor Schmitt, left, and nursing freshman Sammy Huda running down the breezeway Tuesday outside the Architecture Building. The students are filming for the Toulmin Analysis, a method for analyzing arguments, as part of an English group project.
The University Center will display more school pride due to a cooperative effort between Student Congress and University Center Operations. The changes could go into effect as early as this summer. SC passed a resolution Feb. 10 and awaits the president’s signature. It proposed to paint the UC interior with school colors orange, blue and white. The university was already considering redoing the Palo
how it started resolution 08-24, “Blue, white, we’ve got the might” submitted: Oct. 14 final vote: 32-0-0
With the present economy, now is a perfect time for people to purchase homes. by aLi mustansir Contributor to The Shorthorn
Duro Lounge and the The Plaza, said David Albart, University Center Operations director. He said he spoke with SC President Travis Boren in November and showed him the concepts produced by the university and KSQ Architects, a firm based in Tulsa, Okla. “With the Palo Duro Lounge, we’ve already got something back
Students in the market for a house may find the national real estate depreciation to their liking. Prices have dropped in about 70 percent of metro areas over the past several years in the U.S., according to a Feb. 5 article on www.financialweek.com. Price drops from the slump’s peak exceeded 5 percent in 116 metro
uC continues on page 3
housiNg continues on page 3
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YOUR DAY
CALENDAR
Calendar submissions must be made by 4 p.m. two days prior to run date. To enter your event, call 817-272-3661 or log on to www.theshorthorn.com/calendar
TODAY
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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Art Exhibition in The Gallery at UTA — Michelle Dizon/ Vincent Valdez: 10 a.m.5 p.m., The Gallery at UTA. Free. For information, contact Patricia Healy at 817-272-5658 or phealy@uta.edu.
Resume Critiques — Graduate Students: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center Palo Duro Lounge. Free. For information, contact Career Services at 817272-2932 or careers@uta.edu. Official Maverick Ring Sales: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., UC. For information, contact Kerri Ressl at 817272-2594 or kressl@uta.edu. Study Abroad Information Session: noon-1 p.m., UC Blanco Room. For information, contact Blake Hart at 817-272-1120 or studyabroad@uta.edu. Time Management: noon-1p.m., 216 Davis Hall. Free. For information, call Counseling Services at 817-272-3671. Honors College Council General Body Meeting: noon-1 p.m., 100 College Hall. Open to all Honors students. Free. For information, contact Cathy Pritchett at 817-272-5409 or hcc@uta.edu. Drop-In Study Abroad Advising: 1:30-3 p.m., UC between Starbucks and Freshens. Free. For information, contact Blake Hart at 817-272-1120 or bhart@ uta.edu.
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Take This Job
Sweaty palms, reflective glasses and the rustle of freshly printed résumés filled the Nedderman Hall atrium Tuesday at the Engineers Week Career Fair. Civil engineering sophomore Neda Hosseiny was hoping to find a summer internship through one of the 31 companies represented at the fair. “I’m just trying to find a company where I can get good experience in the civil engineering field,” she said. The Career Fair is part of the annual Engineers Week that kicks off every Presidents Day. Students were able to talk with employers to get a feel for the careers that are awaiting them after graduation. Some of the companies represented at the fair were Lockheed Martin, Verizon Wireless, Landmark Structures and the U.S. Navy. Engineering Student Ambassador and 2009 Engineers Week chairwoman Jamila Phillips said, “This is an opportunity for students to meet employers and get the chance to get a full-time job or an internship.”
ENGINEERS WEEK EVENTS Wednesday What: Evening alumni speaker When: 6 p.m. Where: 100 Nedderman Hall What: Graduating Senior, Faculty and Alumni Mixer When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Nedderman Hall Rady Room Thursday What: Coffee and donuts When: 8 a.m.–10 a.m. Where: Nedderman Hall atrium What: Organizational displays/ activities When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Where: Nedderman Hall atrium What: Faculty Research Showcase When: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Where: Various labs What: 30-Minute presentations When: 11 a.m., 11:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. SAE Formula Race Car Team Lab Bob Woods Where: 104 Woolf Hall What: Artificial Intelligence Lab Manfred Huber Where: 247 Nedderman Hall
Students cling onto their résumés, waiting to present them to prospective employers. Civil engineering sophomore Neda Hosseiny speaks with a representative of one of the 31 companies that attended Engineers Week Career Fair on Tuesday in Nedderman Hall.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGHAN WILLIAMS CANNON FODDER by Isaac Erickson POLICE REPORT This is a part of the daily activity log produced by the university’s Police Department. To report a criminal incident on campus, call 817-272-3381.
CORRECTIONS Ms. Engineer Sahithi Kalidindi’s name was misspelled in Tuesday’s paper. Also, J. Carter Tiernan, College of Engineering Student Affairs assistant dean, introduced the candidates and winners of Mr. and Ms. Engineer. She was misidentified in Tuesday’s paper.
Editor in Chief .............................. Joan Khalaf editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Managing Editor........................... Justin Rains
ing, police located the resident responsible who said she would try to keep the noise down. Monday
Tuesday
Suspicious circumstances
Disturbance
Police were dispatched to Meadow Run apartments, at 417 S. Summit Ave. at 1:59 a.m. to investigate a noise complaint. After investigat-
Tiara Ellis is the Arlington Police Department media relations coordinator. Her name was misspelled and her title was wrong in the Feb. 11 paper.
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Career Exploration Sessions: 2-2:30 p.m., 216 Davis Hall. Free. For information, call Counseling Services at 817272-3671.
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Police received a report that three individuals were discharging a fire extinguisher in the parking lot at 900 S. Center St. When police arrived at 10:40 p.m., the
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officer was unable to locate the individuals. Injured person – medical assist
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property of The Shorthorn and may not be reproduced, published or retransmitted in any form without written permission from UTA Student Publications. The Shorthorn is the student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published in the UTA Office of Student Publications. Opinions expressed in The Shorthorn are not necessarily those of the university administration.
Guide
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Stimulus continued from page 1
ing and tax cuts designed to revive the economy and save millions of jobs. Most wageearners will soon see the first paycheck evidence of tax breaks that will total $400 for individuals and $800 for couples. The stimulus package was a huge victory for Obama less than one month into his presidency. But he struck a sober tone and lowered expectations for an immediate turnaround in the severe recession that is well into its second year. “None of this will be easy,” he said. “The road to recovery will not be straight. We will make progress, and there may be some slippage along the way.” Still, he declared, “We have begun the essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time.” Underscoring energy-related investments in the new
Housing continued from page 1
areas and exceeded 20 percent in about 50 metro areas. Civil engineering senior Sam Hoefert bought his home last May. He said there are at least three more houses for sale in his neighborhood. One home seller in his parent’s neighborhood dropped $100,000 from their asking price in the past six months. Hoefert expressed hope in turning a profit on his investment. “It has to go up from here,” Hoefert said.
Figures continued from page 1
Undergraduate students taking at least a full class load increased by 324. Wasson said there are sev-
Page 3
The ShorThorn
law, Obama and Vice President Joe Biden flew separately to Denver where the president signed it at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science before roughly 250 people including alternative energy business leaders. Earlier, the pair examined solar panels on the museum’s roof. On Wednesday, Obama will outline another big piece of his recovery effort — a $50 billion plan to help stem foreclosures — in Arizona, one of the states hardest hit by the mortgage defaults that are at the center of the nation’s economic woes. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner mentioned the housing program last week as he rolled out a wide-ranging financial-sector rescue plan that could send $2 trillion coursing through the financial system. Obama is expected to detail how the administration plans to prod the mortgage industry to do more in modifying the terms of home loans so borrowers have lower monthly payments.
Tyson continued from page 1
Tyson graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s in physics and earned his doctorate in astrophysics from Columbia University. He also received nine honorary doctorates. Interdisciplinary studies senior Troy Engelke said he enjoyed hearing Tyson speak, especially after taking several astrophysics classes. “He’s a great speaker, and it was great hearing something I understand and on my level,” he said. Tyson was a member of the “Moon, Mars and Beyond” commission under former President George W. Bush and earned NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest civilian award given by the government space agency. Toward the end of his lecture, Tyson led the audience through a series of increasing
The Shorthorn:Jacob Adkisson
Students and faculty gather Tuesday at the Planetarium as images are unveiled as part of the “Great Observatories” exhibit by NASA.
numbers as the lights in Texas Hall dimmed — beginning with one and increasing to sextillion, the number of stars in the observable universe. He said some people told him they feel small when seeing the universe on
He said buying a house is the cheapest route for students. “It’s the best way to be financially stable — not throwing money away on rent,” he said. President Barack Obama signed the stimulus bill Tuesday, which includes an increase in the tax credit given to first-time home buyers from $7,500 to $8,000. Unlike the previous tax credit, this does not have to be repaid unless you sell your home within three years. North Texas has remained stable compared to the rest of the nation, said Andrew Hansz, real estate associate professor. According to www.economy. com and Fiserv Lending Solutions, the Dallas-Fort Worth
market will not decline more than 1.1 percent. Some markets like California, Florida, Arizona and Nevada have experienced as much as a 30 percent decline, said Darren Hayunga, real estate assistant professor. “Those markets had tremendous mispricing and tremendous buildup,” he said. “Those needed to come down. Dallas didn’t have that buildup. Five years from now, a student [selling a home] shouldn’t be worse off.” Hansz called the housing crisis the culmination of a perfect storm of changes in the housing market. He said some reasons are mortgage securitization
through lenders and the secondary mortgage market, and subprime mortgages, which are mortgages given to lendees with poor credit histories. “It took a long time to get into this — it will take a long time to get out,” Hansz said. “Students should be aware of this.” Hansz emphasized the importance of the Barnett Shale, a natural gas field that covers 5,000 square miles in the North Texas region. He said that it has been a huge boon to the Texas economy because of homeowners selling mineral rights to drill on their property.
eral reasons students are taking heavier class loads: The recession may be increasing education’s importance, the flat-rate tuition may be helping students complete more classes while paying a set amount and the high number of scholarships requiring stu-
dents to enroll full-time may be helping too. Enrollment at the Fort Worth Center increased 25.16 percent since last spring. “The reason for the significant increase is the way our graduate cohorts are set up,” said Mike West, Fort Worth
Center executive director. “Students can manage their family time, work and also graduate as planned with our program.”
P2009 Readers’ Choice
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Please return this ballot to our office in the lower level of the University Center, or come by our booth upstairs in the UC on February 17 – 19 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Results will be published in the Readers’ Choice edition of The Shorthorn.
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aLi muSTanSir news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Taiba Sheerin ahmad news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
such a large scale. But he said they shouldn’t. Tyson wrapped up his lecture by listing what elements humans and the universe both contain. “Not only are we in this uni-
verse, but the universe is in us,” he said. “And I know no more profound thought than that.”
UC
clude accent walls, like the UC mural between the Mav Market and The Plaza. “I know we’re all open to things like that, so I think there just has to be more discussion between UC Operations and Student Congress and students to see exactly what the desire might be,” he said. SC Vice President Bess Alvarez said she authored the resolution after visiting a spring conference on student governance at Texas A&M. She said she was impressed with their student center. “They’re obviously a different university, but the whole purpose behind the resolution is to showcase UT Arlington’s school spirit and school pride,” she said. “We’ve had a brand launch within the last couple years. We’ve had a mascot redesign. We’ve incorporated orange into our school colors. So it’s more of a reflection in that.”
continued from page 1
from [the architecture firm], but we’re still waiting to hear back on the Plaza area,” he said. “We’re going to replace the furniture in those areas and repaint it to be more school spirited.” Albart said UTA is only looking at those two areas, but the project may grow as funds allow. He said he could not say how much it would cost, because he was waiting on the architecture firm for estimates. Work on the project will start when the firm can provide complete plans, he said. “It will not happen in the spring,” he said. “We hope to start some of it in the summertime.” The architecture firm has done jobs for the university before, including the University Club and Connection Café, said John Hall, Administration and Campus Operations vice president. He said the plans could in-
CaroLine baSiLe news.editor-shorthorn.@uta.com
Sarah LuTz news-editor.shorthron@uta.edu
ABOUT OPINION Cohe Bolin, editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Wednesday and Friday. Page 4
OPINION THE SHORTHORN
To limit the amount of DWI charges, police are cracking down in bars Drinking in a bar can cost more than a hangover for the next couple of months. The Arlington Police Department implemented a 60-day crackdown on drunk driving Jan. 19, targeting bars in an effort to stop people from getting behind the wheel after a drink — instead charging them with public intoxication. This is a drastic measure that doesn’t make sense to the average Joe having a beer after a long day at work in a public place — getting arrested for public intoxication. This has the potential to cast too wide a net, and there could be dire consequences for bars and citizens. The arrest is left to the discretion of the policeman at the scene. They determine whether you are drunk enough to qualify for public intoxication. This is already resulting in an increase in public intoxication arrests — there were 30 from Feb. 2-8, EDITORIAL said APD media relaROUNDUP tions coordinator, Tiara The issue: Ellis. The Arlington Police “The point is to slow Department is aggrespeople down and keep sively targeting bars to curb DWI fatalities them off the road if — arresting people for they’ve been drinking,” public intoxication before they get behind she said. “In an effort to the wheel of a car. do that, officers are going to bars, to preemptively We suggest: The APD should tread stop them from driving very carefully with this if they’ve been drinking. issue. Casting such a They want to use this wide net could ensnare lawful citizens just out as a tool to keep people for a good time. who are intoxicated out from behind the wheel of a vehicle.” She said there have already been seven traffic fatalities in the first six weeks of 2009. “If we maintain that ratio throughout the year, we would have record numbers,” Ellis said. In 2008, there were 28 traffic fatalities, 16 of which were drug or alcohol related, Ellis said. A public intoxication charge is a Class C misdemeanor which carries up to a $500 fine. This is much less than a drunk driving charge. The Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission started a statewide program just like this in 2005 that was halted in spring 2006 due to public outcry, said TABC Public Information Officer Carolyn Beck. She said there were many complaints from citizens and legislators to stop the program. TABC says it is not playing a part in the Arlington crackdown. APD says that after the 60 days, it will evaluate the program’s effectiveness and whether to continue it. This could have horrible effects on those who responsibly frequent bars. Going to a bar for a few drinks, even if you aren’t planning to drive, could get you arrested. It’s contradictory to have a bar that serves drinks legally and a person buying those drinks legally, but the effects of the drinks getting them arrested. How fair is that? Why should we have bars if we can’t go and drink at them?
DISCOMBOBULATION by Houston Hardaway
Since 1919
The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Jig is Up
EDITORIAL/OUR VIEW
Don’t Drink and Walk
REMEMBER
Banks receiving bailout funds should be held accountable for how money is spent
T
here are some truly stupid people in this world. Just so we’re clear, we’re not talking about stupid as in “I can’t find my keys.” We all do that. We’re talking about true, lack of common sense, Bill Engvall “here’s your sign” stupidity. More specifically, the brain trusts at the head of the banking industry and the previous administration’s Treasury Department. In December, the banks that received Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds handed out more than $18 billion in bonuses to employees and executives. Many of the bonus recipients were alROB MORTON ready making seven figure salaries. They really didn’t need a Christmas bonus. The truly remarkable thing is the banks called these bonuses “incentives.” So, one has to wonder, incentive for what? Doing your job? No. That’s called a salary. Going above and beyond your usual job duties? OK, maybe. But rather then handing out taxpayers’ money — maybe giving a promotion
The Shorthorn: Isaac Erickson
would be more in-line. If the banks using the bailout funds to payout these bonuses wasn’t bad enough, our government that wrote the check did as good a job at oversight on how the money was spent as a Chihuahua with cataracts.
The bill that created the TARP program also created an oversight committee that will meet periodically to track how the money was spent. Probably the worst insult to anyone with the smallest amount of common sense is the latest move by the banks.
On Feb. 11, while the company bank executives receiving bailout funds were testifying before Congress, a tape was discovered. On this tape was an executive from Morgan Stanley telling others they planned to give employees who stayed a “retention award.” This sounds suspicious like a “re-signing bonus,” but they can’t call it that because in the same phone call, the executive says that they are not to call it a bonus. Oh, puh-leeze. They may be using different words, but it means the same thing. Now, the good news: There are two bills, one in the House and one in the Senate, calling for the creation of a new oversight board with greater power than the one created by the original TARP bill. The two are almost identical except for one key element — while both call for quarterly reports from the banking companies, the House bill only calls for reports on how the TARP funds were spent. The Senate bill calls for reports on all federal assistance received. This just in, we and our elected representatives are on to you, bankers. It wasn’t really that hard. Next time, try not to make it too obvious. Until then, here’s your sign. P.S. There better not be a next time.
— Rob Morton is an Interdisciplinary Studies senior and a columnist for The Shorthorn.
GUEST COLUMN
LETTER
Tax and Spend Again
Business spending, not government spending, boosts economy
The failed policies of Roosevelt don’t solve economic problems, tax cuts do
T
Deal” actually contained. his new legislation President Roosevelt’s own to appropriate funds Secretary of the Treasury, for the so-called Henry Morganthau, was “stimulus package,” is even quoted as saying, “We $1,206,185,567 per page. have tried spending money. That is how much each page We are spending more than of this bill, literally, will cost we have ever spent before, the taxpayers. When I call it and it does not work … I a bill, it is a bill that we will say after eight years of this be paying for over the next Administration, we have just 50 years! as much unemployment as Last week, President COLT ABLES when we started … And an Obama made a comment enormous debt to boot.” about the detractors of this When President Reagan came into not-so bipartisan effort by Congress, that they are referring it to failed office in 1981, he inherited a deep policies of Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” and recession that had been accrued during it contains much of the same ideals the Carter administration. Interest that were prescribed to get us out of rates were more than 17 percent, and tax rates were so high that people were the Depression in the 1930s and ’40s. Who isn’t for infrastructure not paying their tax liability. But the expenditures? Roads, bridges, schools, economy bounced back, not because $50 million for new TSA uniforms, of infrastructure spending this time, $4 billion for antismoking cessation but because Ronald Reagan was an activities and anti-obesity programs, advocate for tax cuts. He was able to get the top income and this list of infrastructure and stimulus goes on. Oh, wait — tax rate down from 50 to 28 percent, antismoking, TSA uniforms, anti- increasing government revenues. obesity — that’s not infrastructure, and Reagan got us out of the recession it is not tax cuts that put money in the and into a time of economic growth where more than 20 million jobs were average citizen’s pocket. Spend money, broaden the created. So which to choose to spur scope of government, and convince the American people that this big- economy? Apparently the idea is to do government spending is needed, and a little bit of tax cuts that has worked in our prosperity depends on it. Sounds the past, and then a lot of the same old like the traditional, big government failed policies of Roosevelt. A list of more than 300 economists liberal ideas. When did America come out of the who disagree with the massive Great Depression? It was after WWII. “stimulus bill” is available at www. Defense spending was increased, cato.org. The policies of “hope” and spurring job growth that jump-started “change” are here, I just “hope” that the economy due to defense products this “change” is worth it. All $1.2 trillion of it. to fight the war. It wasn’t the bridges, roads or the high amount of pork that the “New — Colt Ables is a finance junior
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joan Khalaf E-MAIL editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn is the official student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published four times weekly during fall and spring semesters, and twice weekly during the summer sessions. Unsigned editorials are the opinion of THE SHORTHORN EDITORIAL BOARD and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of individual student writers or editors,
Shorthorn advisers or university administration. LETTERS should be limited to 300 words. They may be edited for space, spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the original work of the writer and must be signed. For identification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s full name, address and telephone number, although the address and tele-
RE: Rob Morton — “It’s the Infrastructure, Stupid.” The loss of logic in his argument angered me to the point of writing The Shorthorn for the first time in my five years at school here. There is a fact Republicans know and Democrats are not willing to accept — spending more money during an economic downturn does not fix anything. History (and common sense) has shown this to be true. Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal never helped the U.S. recover from the Great Depression until the onset of WW II. Henry Morgenthau Jr. was Roosevelt’s Secretary of the Treasury during the Great Depression. Testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee in 1939 he said, “We are spending more money than we have ever spent before, and it does not work. I want to see this country prosperous. I want to see people get a job. We have never made good on our promises. I say after eight years of this administration, we have just as much unemployment as when we started and an enormous debt to boot.” Unemployment is just as high right now as in 1992, when President Clinton got in office. The economy and unemployment was worse in the late ’70s because of the policies of Jimmy Carter (Democrat). In 1979, inflation hit 13.3 percent, and unemployment was above 12 percent. We were able to turn it around in the ’80s. What did the government do? It cut business taxes. By lowering the tax burden the government puts on businesses companies have more money to invest — meaning more employees. So please — Rob and other people out there who might think like him — please educate yourselves better before calling people who disagree with you children.
— Ben Hamman is a finance senior
phone number will not be published. Students should include their classification, major and their student ID number, which is for identification purposes. The student ID number will not be published. Signed columns and letters to the editor reflect the opinion of the writer and serve as an open forum for the expression of facts or opinions of interest to The Shorthorn’s readers.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT
HOUSING
HOUSING
MERCHANDISE
Egg Donation
Childcare
Apartments
Roommates
Pets
Benge Oak Apartments Walk to UTA. 1 Bd/1Bth $425 Move in special $199. (817)291-3385
Need a roommate. $235/mo. 2bd/2ba house. UTA students welcome. 6407 Valleybrooke Ct. Cell 817-907-2927 E-mail jonnyrose26@gmail.com
2 adorable ferrets with large cage. Do not bite, but very energetic. $50 to good home. 817-422-7213
2 rooms for rent, $550 ea. includes util, cable and internet. 7 mi. to UTA, in SW Arl. Nice area. Call 817-734-5730
FREE PUPPIES! Half Lab, half healer. 5 weeks old. Need homes NOW! Call 817-726-2172 for more information.
$5,000$45,000
Energetic, outgoing, patient student needed to work with a 12 year old boy with autism, approx. 20/hrs week. $10/hr 817-504-2113. leave msg.
PAID EGG DONORS for up to 9 donations + Expenses. N/smokers, ages 18-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24GPA>3.0 info@eggdonorcenter.com
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Events HELP KIDS GET HEALTH INSURANCE 100,000 kids in Tarrant County are uninsured. Half would qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, but are not enrolled. We need volunteers who can walk parents through the application. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed. Get community service hours as an enrollment volunteer. Training will be Friday, Feb. 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Stephen UMC, 1800 W. Randol Mill, Arlington. RSVP to tarrantcountychip@yahoo.com
Personals
General
HIRING STUDENTS Now hiring students to read government flood maps for banks. No experience necessary. Competitive starting wages. Part-time a.m. and p.m. shifts available.
Great Experience Apply in person. LPS Flood Services. 1521 N. Cooper St. 4th floor Arl, TX 76011 (817)548-7128. Make up to $75 taking online surveys. www.cashtospend.com
TAKE OVER LEASE 2 bdrm, 1 bath 2 story townhouse next to UTA lot 51. Water, basic cable included. $200 deposit, $600 rent with lease ending 12/31/2009. ellupine@yahoo.com (817) 501-9621
Duplex Nicely updated 2 bd/1 1/2 bath duplex. $550/mo. 817-891-8220
TRANSPORTATION Autos
Sporting Goods
FOR SALE! 1999 Lexus RX-300 $7,500 OBO. Very Clean! Must See! Make an offer. Call Andrew @ 972-921-1594
BIKE FOR SALE. Women’s Raleigh Olympian. $50 or best offer. cmw1229@gmail.com
Homes Looking for a house for you and your friends?
500$/mo +util. Call Gene: (817)275-1111
The Shorthorn is currently accepting applications for the following positions for the Spring Semester; • Reporter • Sports Reporter
Doodlebug, Will you be my • Ad Sales Rep Valentine? Love Maura • Page Designer 817-272-3898 What’s up Arya! Hope you’re Get a job description and having a great semester! an application TODAY! Student Publications Dept. Also, Happy Valentines! University Center, -Matt lower level. David Barringer needs a ValAlso available online at: entine! Please give this guy a www.TheShorthorn.com All are paid positions for date!! Contact Brandon Green UTA students. for details. 719-551-2250 For more information call; Boobear, Put those gloves to 817-272-3188 good use : ) STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Love you, Paid Survey Takers needed in Honeybunny Arlington. 100% FREE to Miscellaneous join. Click on Surveys. SURVEY TAKERS Sperm Donor Wanted: NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per GPA greater than 3.0, survey. GetPaidToThink.com healthy; fitness and personalAPPOINTMENT SETTER ity, contract required. for financial professional Will pay cash for each donaM-Th, 12 hrs per wk tion. 817-300-8809 6:00-9:00 pm 817-226-4032
EMPLOYMENT Childcare
First Baptist Child Development Center A Ministry of First Baptist Church, Arlington Now hiring for part-time afternoon hours. Contact: Louise Michell at (817) 276-6492 CHILD CARE LEAD TEACHER 3-4-year-old class. Implement lesson plans. Serve lunch. Transition to rest time. M-F. 8:00am-1:45pm. Send resume: school@cfcl.cc or call Dian. (817) 534-2189
Hospitality/Service !Bartending! $250/day potential No experience nec Training provided age 18+.ok 1-800-965-6520 x.137 Bartender Apprentice wanted $$$$$$$$$$$$ Showdown (817)-233-5430
Office/Clerical The Shorthorn is seeking a Receptionist for the spring semester. Must be a UTA work-study student available to work MWF, 10-1 & T/Th Noon -1 Apply online at www.uta.edu/snapjob For more information call 817-272-3188
DR. RUTH Q: What are your feelings and comments about the Kama Sutra? It seems you need to be in really good physical condition to follow the instructions. What's your opinion?
wrote down their instructions so long ago in the Kama Sutra.
Q: I have a question for you, and I hope you might be able to help me. My wife and I are happily married. When A: I agree that much of we're making love, she asks what is in the Kama Sutra -me what my fantasy is, and I all the various ways of havtell her it is of seeing her ing sex by assuming differengage in sex with multiple ent positions -- requires conpartners. She gets very tortions that are beyond the excited and encourages me ability of many people. So, to give her full details of the utility of a book like this what would occur, but when lies mostly in the attitude I bring up the discussion of you bring to it. If you are fulfilling this fantasy, she very serious and try really says she doesn't think so, but hard to follow the instruc- Dr. Ruth she always asks what it tions in the Kama Sutra, and Send your would be like to do somefail to get into position after questions to Dr. thing like that. Can you position, that could make Ruth Westheimer please help us? you frustrated and ruin that c/o King particular sexual session. A: People use many difFeatures But if you take a more lightferent fantasies in order to hearted approach, and if the Syndicate, 235 E. help themselves get aroused. couple try to follow the 45th St., New Some of these fantasies instructions but have a good York, NY 10017 would be impossible, or at time even if they fail miserleast almost impossible, to ably, then all that experimentation will make real, such as meeting your be good for their love life because it favorite movie star and having sex will push boredom away. A book like with him or her. Others, like having a "The Joy of Sex" offers an array of threesome, potentially could be made positions that many more couples can real, but the risks to your relationship actually use, and so in some ways is are such that I would strongly advise better. However, if they have the right against trying. I am all for using fantaattitude, any couple can get a lot of sy to help you to become aroused, but enjoyment out of attempting to follow this is a tool that is better left to this the advice of the Indian sages who one purpose.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9 with no repeats. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
Solution Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com
sports
about sports Stephen Peters, editor sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports publishes Tuesday through Friday. Page 6
remember Check www.theshorthorn.com for a brief previewing the women’s basketball game vs. Southeastern Louisiana.
The ShorThorn
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
column
rising in the east Courtesy: North Texas Athletic Department
The Super Pit/Coliseum
Denton, Texas • Opened 1971 for $7.7 million ($40.4 million adjusted for inflation) • 10,032 seats
Courtesy: UTA Media Relations
UTA special events center • Opening 2012* • 6,500 seats* • $73 million* *anticipated figures
Vs.
New special events center will bring energizing balance to the MAC
L
et’s give a big pat on the back to the university for aggressively moving forward with the special events center. As a 5th-year senior, and along with many who have played or are playing on the stage, it’s nice to see the new building finally come to fruition. I like to rattle cages and ruffle feathers, but I’m going to omit the fact that the university was sitting on $35 million of unexpended funds — makes you wonder where that money was four years ago, when the project was an expected $39 million. stephen peters Many of us envy those who will graduate in 2012 in the new arena. But I digress. this new state-of-the-art facility will certainly outshine and outclass other university arenas in the Metroplex. obviously, the new center has an advantage over others because it will be new, but preliminary plans also have it designed very well.
In comparison to the other venues, which have a cookie-cutter, bowl-style seating template, spectators will be just as close to the action all around as they would on the bleacher side of texas Hall. Just imagine having the likes of texas Christian, southern Methodist, North texas and other bigger college programs come to UtA for athletic competition. the possibilities with this arena are grand. HKs, Inc. has designed a conceptual beauty that should galvanize the east side of campus, much like the MAC has the west. throughout the next two-plus years, final plans will be released and precise numbers about costs, seating and amenities will be made public. the working name, special events center, will be long gone, and the fight over naming rights will commence. Just don’t name it with a tag of coliseum at the end, the Metroplex already has enough of those.
— stephen peters is a journalism senior and can be heard weekdays from 7-8 a.m. on “sports Banter in the Morning” on radio.uta.edu
Courtesty: TCU Athletic Department
TCU Daniel Meyer Coliseum
Fort Worth, Texas • Opened 1961 for $1.45 million ($10.3 million adjusted for inflation) • 7,200 seats
SMU Moody Coliseum
Courtesy: SMU Athletic Department
Dallas, Texas • Opened 1956 for $2.5 million ($19.5 million __adjusted for inflation) • 8,998 seats
turn on. boot up. jack in.
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