20101206web by UTA Shorthorn

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U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

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A T

A R L I N G T O N

Monday December 6, 2010

Volume 92, No. 57 www.theshorthorn.com

Since 1919

Keep the Faith

Buckling the Broncs

Bus advertisements can’t disrupt a person’s belief system, columnist says. OPINION | PAGE 5

Women’s basketball team recovers from Arkansas loss in 81-72 victory over UT-Pan American. SPORTS | PAGE 3

MUSIC

Cans, concert for holidays Music Department student organizations perform to raise items for Mission Arlington. ALYSIA R. BROOKS The Shorthorn staff

Through instrument and song, UTA students evoked the holiday spirit to raise donations for those less fortunate. Several fraternities and sororities from the Music De-

munity. “People need during the holidays,” the vocal performance and journalism senior said. “They need all the time, but you want to give kids whose parents can’t afford it the opportunity to have a good Christmas.” Performances included a brass quintet, a brass sextet, a full band, a cappella choir performances and choir performances with piano accompani-

partment performed a holiday concert Sunday night benefiting Mission Arlington, a local organization that helps families in need. Bags of donations filled with canned foods, blankets and toys lined the entryway to the packed Irons Recital Hall. Tesia Kwarteng, Sigma Alpha Iota president, said the groups chose to donate to Mission Arlington because it’s a local charity that directly affects the com-

ment. Some of the pieces performed were “Silent Night,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “What Child Is This?” and two holiday medleys. Ryan Williams, a Phi Mu Alpha Mu member, said the fraternities and sororities want to extend their music to the community. “We like using the music to MUSIC continues on page 6

ARLINGTON

Ecosystem develops in comfort of home An interdisciplinary studies student wants residents to develop a natural food resource in their backyards. BY NATALIA CONTRERAS The Shorthorn senior staff

An invested Maverick

Chowgene Koay wants to teach people how to grow their own food by recreating a system that’s commonly found in nature. The interdisciplinary studies senior showed Arlington residents on Saturday at the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market how to build aquaponic units, which allow people to grow fruits and vegetables yearly in their own backyards. Aquaponics consists of two main parts, an aquarium for raising aquatic animals and a plant bed for growing plants. All it takes is a couple of pieces of lumber, pipes, plastic, some gravel, a fish tank and some fish, he said. SYSTEM continues on page 6

ARLINGTON

Garden set for use in community UTA and Arlington residents will develop soil beds available for rent and vegetation growth. BY ALYSIA R. BROOKS The Shorthorn staff The Shorthorn: Michael Minasi

UTA police officer Marcus Epps completes daily paperwork while keeping a wary eye out for drivers going past a stop sign on Nov. 20 by Arlington Hall. Epps said paperwork was perhaps the most time consuming aspect of his job.

University involvement is more than a job for UTA police officer and student Marcus Epps The Shorthorn staff

than the average campus

GARDEN continues on page 6

COMMUNITY GARDEN UTA Boulevard

N The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard

Garden

SWEET Center

Marcus Epps, a university studies senior and UTA police officer, poses with wife Chrystina and their children, Haiti, 4, and Adonis, 5.

he said. “And we’re not racist. his life.” As the former stepmaster for We’re not targeting minorities.” The stereotypes aren’t all seriUTA’s Omega Delta Phi, Epps met his wife through his sister’s ous. “Most of the cops I know sorority. Epps said though he’s a stu- don’t like donuts,” he said, laughdent, other students see him as ing. “In fact, most of them are just a police officer with all the health nuts.” As a December 2008 gradustereotypes attached. “We’re nice people. I treat continues on page 6 people amenities. how I want toSleep be treated,” Great late. Walk EPPS to class.

WELCOME BACK!

MORE FUN than the average campus!

Environmental Health and Safety Office

MORE FUN

The Shorthorn: Lorraine Frajkor

than the average campus

What more can you ask for?

• Resort Style Pool • 24 Hour Fitness Center • 24 Hour Cyber Café • 24 Hour Study Lounge

Summit Avenue

It only takes one look at police officer Marcus Epps to understand the formidable aura of police officers. From his closely cropped hair that peeks out from a standard blue cap, his silver Aviator sunglasses and his proudly worn facial hair, the self-described “power ‘stache,” Epps radiates authority. The students who slouch and look away when he approaches might not guess that he’s still one of them. Set to graduate in December with a university studies degree, the 26-year-old has worked with the UTA Police Department since 2008. He said he has the same issues as many students — deadlines, writing reports and paying off student loans. The fact that his work day

consists of patrolling the east side of campus in a blue and orange Dodge Challenger doesn’t make much of a difference in his eyes. It’s not unusual for a UTA officer to be taking classes, said assistant police chief Rick Gomez, citing three other officers who were enrolled in school. The officers that graduate have a special bond to UTA, he said. “Those that graduate from here and join our police department have a vested interest in what goes on here,” Gomez said. “I think that makes them a better officer because this is their university. This is where they graduated from.” Epps’ wife Chrystina Epps emphasized the bond he has for UTA. “He was very involved,” she said. “He learned to love the school for what it invested in

South Davis Drive

MORE FUN

BY TAYLOR CAMMACK

The Arlington Parks and Recreation Department and UTA community members are working together to see how their garden will grow. The members met Saturday at the Arlington Municipal Building to gather volunteers and assign roles for the initial construction of the Arlington Community Garden. The garden is a joint effort to allow residents and students to rent soil beds. The layout is planned for 97 soil beds on almost half an acre of land. The garden will feature benches, a shed, a shade structure and pathways to make it accessible.

• Theater Room • Game Room • FREE WiFi • FREE Cable

JOHNSON CREEK Great amenities. Sleep late. Walk to class. What more can you ask for? CROSSING

• Resort-style pool • 24-hour fitness center • 24-hour cyber café • 24-hour study lounge

• Theater room • Game room • Free Wi-Fi • Free cable

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Page 2

Monday, December 6, 2010

THE SHORTHORN

THREE-DAY FORECAST

CRIME

Today

Suspect arrested in connection to graffiti

Partly sunny • Hi 52°F • Lo 30°F

Tuesday

Chance rain • Hi 54°F • Lo 34°F

If convicted the student could serve up to two years in jail and be fined up to $10,000. BY TAYLOR CAMMACK The Shorthorn staff

Wednesday Sunny • Hi 58°F • Lo 39°F — National Weather Service at www.nws.noaa.gov

A student was arrested after a public safety officer observed him marking graffiti on a desk. Undeclared freshman Brandon Berrios, 19, was arrested at 4:42 a.m. Thursday in connection to graffiti in the Central Library. The public safety officer reported seeing Berrios painting

the word “Aztek,” in gold permanent marker on a desk on the fifth floor of the library. When confronted, Berrios admitted to writing the graffiti. Berrios said he wrote “Aztek,” because it related to his ancestral roots. He was charged with a state jail felony for graffiti and was transported without incident to the Arlington Jail, assistant police chief Rick Gomez said. If convicted, Berrios could serve up to two years in a state or county jail and may be fined up

POLICE REPORT

THURSDAY Suspicious Circumstances A student reported suspicious circumstances at 4:16 p.m. at Lot 36, 201 S. Cooper St. The case was cleared. Disturbance Officer was dispatched at 12:10 p.m. regarding a loud noise disturbance to Meadow Run apartments, 413 Summit Drive. The case was cleared. Minor Accident Officers responded at 11:07 a.m. to a minor accident involving two students in Lot 47, at 901 Oak St. There were no injuries. The case was cleared. Hit and Run A faculty member reported an accident at 8:39 a.m. in Faculty Lot 10 at 500 Nedderman Drive. A driver struck a disabled parking sign pole with a vehicle and fled the scene. The case is active. Theft A student reported that cash was removed from her purse in her apartment at 2:10 a.m. at Centennial Court apartments, 801 Bering Drive. The case is active. The Shorthorn: Aisha Butt

EYE ON THE BIRDIE Varun Sarma, engineering management graduate student, plays badminton with friends Sunday night in the Maverick Activities Center. Sarma said he goes to the MAC to play badminton every Sunday and volleyball every Wednesday.

PERSONAVACATION by Thea Blesener

CALENDAR Calendar submissions must be made by 4 p.m. two days prior to run date. To enter your event, call 817272-3661 or log on to www.theshorthorn.com/calendar

TODAY Charting Chartered Companies: Concessions to Companies, Maps 16001900: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact Erin O’Malley at 817-272-2179.

CORRECTIONS Bring factual errors to The Shorthorn’s attention via e-mail to editor.shorthorn@uta. edu or call 817-272-3188. A correction or clarification will be printed in this space.

News Front Desk ......................... 817-272-3661 News after 5 p.m........................ 817-272-3205 Advertising ................................. 817-272-3188 Fax ............................................. 817-272-5009 UC Lower Level Box 19038, Arlington, TX 76019 Editor in Chief ............................. Mark Bauer editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Managing Editor...................... Dustin L. Dangli managing-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

TAYLOR CAMMACK news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Cartoons take over Facebook to battle child abuse

FRIDAY Warrant Service Police arrested two nonstudents at 2:29 a.m. at Centennial Court apartments, 701 Mitchell Circle, for outstanding warrants.

TheShorthorn.com/ crimemap

the district attorney, the felony charge could be reduced to a criminal mischief charge because the graffiti was on a movable object, UTA police Lt. Yvonne Roque said. If the graffiti costs less than $50 to clean, it would result in a citation comparable to a traffic ticket. If the cost was $50 or more, the penalty could be up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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.

View an interactive map at

to $10,000. Berrios, who was bonded from jail, said the graffiti didn’t warrant the charges he received. “I didn’t do any irreparable damage. It can be erased with Windex,” he said. Over the last month, multiple incidents of the word “Aztek” being marked on walls in the Central Library have been reported. Police have not connected Berrios to those other reported incidents, Gomez said. Depending on the ruling from

Memorial service for Professor Andrew Baum: 2 p.m. Planetarium. To read more about the psychology professor who died Nov. 22, visit theshorthorn. com. The Oresteia of Aeschylus: 7 p.m. Rosebud Theatre. $15 for public, $5 with Mav Express card. For information, contact Stephanie Stylianou at stephanie. stylianou@mavs.uta.edu.

A movement to raise child abuse awareness during the weekend has helped characterized Facebook. Some Facebook users have changed their profile pictures to their favorite cartoon characters to raise child abuse awareness. HELP PREVENT According CHILD ABUSE to messages spreading What: Smasharound the burger will donate site, the goal 15 percent of the was to have proceeds made to Alliance for Chilno human dren, a nonprofit faces on organization loFa c e b o o k cated in Arlington, until Dec. 6. Fort Worth and K i r b i Hurst. Stewart When: 3-10 p.m. changed Dec. 7 her profile Where: 5005 S. picture to Cooper St., Suite the Nin163 tendo video game character Kirby. Stewart, who donates $5 a month to Invisible Children, said the campaign was successful in its mission to raise awareness because of the growing interest. “When it was posted everywhere and I saw everyone’s pictures, I wanted to see what was really going on,” the nursing freshman said. “I think that some people will donate.” Rick Eiland, mechanical engineering graduate student, didn’t change his profile picture and said

Lori Amerson, undeclared freshman

“After I changed my picture I realized it wasn’t doing anything and we’re not donating anything. It’s cute, but I don’t see where it’s helping. It brings awareness and may encourage people, but it’s not doing anything.” Kyndell Bailey, business freshman

he doesn’t think the campaign is doing anything to help children. “I don’t think it’s actually helping kids,” he said. “People probably do it just to put up pictures of their favorite cartoon characters.” The campaign is set to end today, but there are still services and opportunities for people to volunteer for through organizations like Mission Arlington and Alliance for Children.

— Brianna Fitzgerald Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition Showcase: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Gallery at UTA. Free. For information, contact the Art and Art History Department at 817272-5658.

Major Exploration MyPlan Seminar: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Ransom Hall third floor. Space is limited to 15 students. For information, contact Lynne Von Roeder at 817-272-3140 or lvonroeder@uta.edu.

University College Galleries Reception: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Ransom Hall. Free. Meet the artists between noon and 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Leigh Young at leiyoung@uta.edu or 817-272-0777.

TUESDAY Charting Chartered Companies: Concessions to Companies, Maps 16001900: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact Erin O’Malley at 817-272-2179.

Black Holes: 6-7 p.m. Planetarium. $6 for adults, $4 for children. For information, contact the Planetarium at 817-2721183 or planetarium@uta.edu.

Visiting Artist Armin Vit: 12:30 p.m. Fine Arts Building Room 148. For information, contact the Art and Art History Department at 817-272-2891.

Recycling Training: 9:30-11 a.m. University Center Guadalupe Room. Free. For information, contact Becky Valentich at 817-272-0199 or becky@uta.edu.

WEDNESDAY Charting Chartered Companies: Concessions to Companies, Maps 16001900: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact Erin O’Malley at 817-272-2179.

features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion Editor.............................. Ali Mustansir opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports Editor ............................. Sam Morton sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Photo Editor ................................... Aisha Butt photo-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Online Editor ........................ Vinod Srinivasan online-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

“I think it is really good to get awareness out there and to find people who think the same way that you do.”

Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition Showcase: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Gallery at UTA. Free. For information, contact the Art and Art History Department at 817272-5658.

News Editor ............................... John Harden news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Assistant News Editor ............... Monica Nagy assistant-news.shorthorn@uta.edu Design Editor ........................ Lorraine Frajkor design-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Copy Desk Chief ................... Johnathan Silver copydesk-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Scene Editor ............................ Andrew Plock

YOUR VIEW

Webmaster ......................... Steve McDermott webmaster.shorthorn@uta.edu Student Ad Manager ........... Dondria Bowman admanager@shorthorn.uta.edu Marketing Manager ..................... RJ Williams marketing@shorthorn.uta.edu Production Manager................ Robert Harper

FIRST COPY FREE ADDITIONAL COPIES 25 CENTS

17 Month OPT and H1B Seminar: noon1:30 p.m. University Center Guadalupe Room. For more information, contact Satu Birch at international@uta.edu.

View more of the calendar at

TheShorthorn.com/ calendar

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON 91ST YEAR, © THE SHORTHORN 2010 All rights reserved. All content is the property of The Shorthorn and may not be reproduced, published or retransmitted in any form without written permission from UTA Student Publications. The Shorthorn is the student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published in the UTA Office of Student Publications.

Opinions expressed in The Shorthorn are not necessarily those of the university administration.

ial Offers zzles & Spec Games, Pu you sane during to help keep week finals

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Look for The Shorthorn’s Finals Madness section with puzzles, games and relaxing specials from local businesses on Wednesday.

ABOUT SPORTS Sam Morton, editor sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports publishes Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Monday, December 6, 2010

Chalk Talk

O O X X X

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SLC Standings East Southeastern Louisiana Lamar McNeese State Central Arkansas Northwestern State Nicholls

SLC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 5-1 6-3 4-3 3-4 3-5 2-5

West Sam Houston State Texas State UT-San Antonio UTA Stephen F. Austin Texas A&M Corpus Christi

SLC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 5-3 3-4 3-4 3-5 1-6 0-6

SLC RESULTS Thursday McNeese State 65, La.-Lafayette 62 Friday Texas State 64, Weber State 54 New Mexico 64, Lamar 58 Saturday Alcorn St. 66, Northwestern State 64 UTA 81, UT-Pan American 72 Grambling 61, Nicholls 44 Air Force 61, Texas State 41 Texas Southern 64, SFA 63 Lamar 86, Cal Poly 83 Sunday La.-Lafayette 67, Southeastern La. 57 Houston 72, Texas A&M-CC 62

UPCOMING GAMES

Monday Grambling at Sam Houston State Central Baptist at Central Arkansas Tuesday SAGU at Texas State Southern at Lamar Northwestern State at Texas Tech UTSA at Houston Wednesday UTA at TCU SFA at Oklahoma Sam Houston State at North Texas

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Mid-Major Top 25 RK SCHOOL RECORD 1 Old Dominion (19) 4-1 2 Gonzaga (6) 3-2 3 St. Mary’s (1) 6-1 4 Wichita State (4) 3-1 5 Cleveland State 7-0 6 VCU 4-1 7 Butler 3-2 8 Missouri State 4-2 9 George Mason 4-2 10 Loyola (Chicago) (1) 7-0 11 Kent State 6-1 12 Murray State 3-3 13 Creighton 4-2 14 Oakland 3-3 15 North Texas 4-1 16 Rider 4-2 17 South Dakota State 5-0 18 Portland 5-2 19 Ohio 4-2 20 Northern Iowa 2-2 21 Vermont 4-1 22 College of Charleston 4-3 23 Appalachian State 2-2 24 Hampton 5-1 25 Coastal Carolina 6-2

PTS PREV 738 3 709 1 702 5 677 4 647 7 594 8 549 2 502 9 469 10 453 14 403 16 391 6 359 13 345 12 275 23 220 15 201 25 197 17 187 20 165 22 145 NR 140 18 118 21 94 NR 90 NR

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Western Kentucky 81, James Madison 75, Pacific 66, Harvard 45, Wofford 44, Illinois State 36, Morehead State 34, American 33, Evansville 28, Stephen F. Austin 27, Sam Houston State 26, Fairfield 24, VMI 24, Bradley 22, North Dakota State 22, Weber State 22, Montana State 19, Siena 17, Portland State 13, UC Santa Barbara 13, Belmont 11, Jacksonville 11, Morgan State 10, Detroit 9, Akron 8, Long Beach State 6, Davidson 5, UTA 5, ArkansasLittle Rock 3,UMKC 3, Buffalo 1, Long Island 1, North Florida 1.

SPORTS

Overall 4-2 5-3 3-2 4-4 3-3 2-5

West UTA UT-San Antonio Sam Houston State Stephen F. Austin Texas A&M Corpus Christi Texas State

SLC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 5-2 5-2 4-2 4-2 3-5 2-4

81-72 win wraps up homestand Head coach says Mavs responded well to the Broncs’ stampede. BY BRIAN NEPHEW The Shorthorn staff

The women’s team is starting to figure things out. Led by seniors Tamara Simmons and Shalyn Martin, the Mavericks cruised to an 81-72 victory over UT-Pan American on Saturday. They each had doubledigit games and were 12-for14 combined from the charity stripe. Simmons, who was held to just four points on 1-for-11, shooting in Wednesday’s loss to unbeaten Arkansas, righted the ship with 18 points. “I came out with the same focus in today’s game,” Simmons said. “I just let my offense come to me.” S i m mons is av- “I came out eraging 17.1 points per with the game. same focus Mar tin, in today’s the reigning SLC Defen- game. I sive Player just let my of the Year, led the offense Mavericks come to (3-5) on me. ” the defensive end by Tamara c o l l e c t i n g Simmons five steals senior guard and three blocked shots. She said she comes out everyday with the same intensity as before, trying to create mistakes for opposing teams. “We played well defensively together tonight by limiting touches to all of their players,” she said. Other double-digit games for the Mavs came from junior forward Jasmine Smith and freshman forward Desherra Nwanguma, who both scored 11. Nwanguma has come off of the bench for the Mavs and appears to be settling in with strong takes and aggressive boards, despite only being a freshman. The first half was a backand-forth aggressive match on both ends, as UT-Pan American committed 10 fouls and forced the Mavs to make their shots from the line. Head coach Samantha Morrow said while that tactic

UPCOMING GAMES

Tuesday Texas A&M-CC at Marquette La. Tech at Northwestern St. Wednesday Lamar at Rice Loyola (New Orleans) at Nicholls Tennessee-Martin at Central Arkansas North Texas at Sam Houston St.

HOW THE GAME WAS WON UTA 81, UT-PAN AMERICAN 72 SCORE BY HALF 1st 2nd UT-Pan American 43 29 UTA 46 35

FINAL 72 81

UT-Pan American Lady Broncs (4-5) Player FG-FGA REB PTS Opara 5-7 8 10 Jackson 2-7 5 6 Newell 6-12 2 16 Torre 11-18 3 29 Lewis 3-7 4 6 Watson 0-0 0 0 Garner 0-0 0 0 Erlingsdottir 2-5 8 5 Gordon 0-0 1 0 Totals 29-56 33 72

MIN 25 26 38 40 38 1 2 27 3 200

UTA Mavericks (3-5) Player FG-FGA REB Martin 4-14 7 Smith 5-9 1 Rhymes 1-4 2 DeNure 3-3 4 Simmons 6-17 5 Green 0-0 0 Taylor 0-0 0 Walker 2-4 6 Rodriguez 3-5 3 Nwanguma 4-4 3 Totals 28-60 35

MIN 40 17 23 32 32 5 5 18 11 17 200

PTS 16 11 2 8 18 0 0 7 8 11 81

GAME FLOW First Half 46-43 UTA: A high-scoring first half saw double-digit points from Tamara Simmons and Shalyn Martin. Martin played the entire first half and took 12 points, two blocks and three steals to the locker room. UT-Pan American guard CeMonay Newell was hot from the outside, hitting three three-pointers. Michelle Rodriguez and Desherra Nwanguma provided 14 points off the bench to help the Mavs offensively. Second Half 81-72 UTA: Despite a 29-point performance by Broncs guard Bianca Torre, the Mavericks ran away in the second half. After a Torre lay-up made it 72-67 with 2:58 to go, the Broncs couldn’t capitalize and the Mavericks made good with their free throws to clinch it. Tamara Simmons stepped up after an off start against Arkansas, scoring 18 points with 10 coming in the second half.

GAME BALLERS

The Shorthorn: Alese Morales

Freshman guard Michelle Rodriguez goes for a layup against UT-Pan American on Saturday in Texas Hall. Rodriguez had eight first-half points off the bench to help the Mavericks win 81-72.

had the potential for success, her players overcame it and took care of business. “When they came charging at us, we responded well,” she said. The Mavs bench produced 26 points and had less turnovers than their opponent for the first time all season with 15. The Lady Broncs (4-5) had 17. UT-Pan American guard Bianca Torre did everything she could to keep the Mavs from pulling away in the sec-

ond half. She finished the game with 29 points to lead all scorers. In the first half, Lady Broncs guard CeMonay Newell was hot from the outside, but couldn’t help Torre in the second half when the game was on the line. Shalyn Martin’s defense late in the game was ultimately the difference in the win. After Martin was tasked with guarding Torre, she appeared to get a hand on the ball every time down the court.

Another big night for the Lady Broncs came from forward Adanna Opara, who finished with 10 points and eight boards. She also grabbed four offensive rebounds that gave them second looks. The Mavericks will hit the road on Wednesday to face TCU at 6:30 p.m. at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum in Fort Worth. BRIAN NEPHEW

Tamara Simmons, UTA: Coming back from an off game against Arkansas on Wednesday, Simmons connected for 18 points on Saturday. She was more aggressive on the outside and confident in her drives, especially late in the second half. Shalyn Martin, UTA: Martin led the team defensively once again and had 16 points and eight assists on the offensive side. Martin finished the game with seven rebounds, three blocks and five steals which helped the Mavs cruise to victory. Bianca Torre, UT-Pan American: Torre led all scorers with 29 points in her 40 minutes. Torre’s second half run kept her team in the game, but her teammates didn’t step up with her.

sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Time, effort pays off for Reves Jordan Reves spent his summer vacation in the gym improving his game. BY JOSH BOWE The Shorthorn senior staff

SLC RESULTS Thursday Texas A&M 62, SFA 53 Northwestern St. 78, Central Baptist 56 UC-Riverside 82, UTSA 75 Saturday Houston 75, Sam Houston State 71 Rice 75, Lamar 73 Missouri St. 101, Central Arkansas 61 Houston Baptist 88, Texas State 81 UTSA 86, Pepperdine 81 Central Florida 74, Southeastern La. 49

Page 3

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SLC Standings SLC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

The Christmas break is near, but have no fear. You can check out theshorthorn.com/sports over to break to track the basketball teams.

THE SHORTHORN

Source: collegeinsider.com

East Southeastern Louisiana Northwestern State Nicholls Lamar McNeese State Central Arkansas

REMEMBER

The Shorthorn: Michael Minasi

Sophomore forward Jordan Reves performs post feed drills with assistant coach Derrick Daniels (not pictured) on Monday in the Physical Education Building. Reves has been a key player in the Maverick 5-2 start.

COMING INTO HIS OWN YEAR 2009 2010

GP-GS FG-FGA Rebs Off Def Avg A TO Blk Stl Pts Avg 29-3 37-70 95 32 63 3.3 4 26 15 12 89 3.1 7-7 28-52 37 12 25 5.3 5 9 7 5 73 10.4

Jordan Reves’ summer vacation didn’t involve any trips, roller coasters, camp-outs or reunions with old friends. His summer vacation involved two things: a gym and a basketball. The sophomore forward from Jeffersontown, Ky. spent his entire summer in Arlington improving his game. It shows, as his numbers from his freshman year have skyrocketed. “I was here the whole time lifting, working out with Coach [Andrae] Patterson,” he said. “I was already a pretty good skill player, but I didn’t have the strength to do anything with it. Now I have a little of both.” Reves is now second on the team with 10.4 points per game after only scoring 3.1 points per game his freshman year. In fact, all of his numbers are improved, including rebounding, which is thirdbest on the team at 5.3 per game. Last year, Reves had to adjust to a higher level of basketball and the inexperience showed. Caught in foul

trouble in almost every game he played, he only averaged 12.1 minutes per game. “Being one year smarter helps,” he said. “I’ve learned to do small stuff that referees look for different. My team needs me, so I can’t be in foul trouble.” It’d be hard to imagine where UTA would be if he weren’t there. The Mavericks (5-2) are off to a better start than last season with one of most inexperienced teams in Division I basketball. Reves has scored in double-figures in the last three games for UTA and scored a career-high 17 points against HardinSimmons in November. Head coach Scott Cross is excited to see his development because it adds a new layer to the Mavericks offense that wasn’t seen last year: a postup threat in the paint. “He definitely gives us a little bit of a post presence, and you’ve got to have that,” Cross said. “He’s definitely proving it and getting better.” Having Reves in the paint has opened up the games for a lot of Maverick perimeter players as well. During the second half of the Mavericks 87-83 loss to North Texas on Tuesday, sophomore guard Cameron Catlett and Reves ran the pick-and-roll to per-

fection, and Reves scored 10 points in the half. North Texas eventually had to shift coverage toward Reves, which allowed junior forward LaMarcus Reed to catch fire from downtown. He drilled four three-pointers in the half, including one to give the Mavericks a lead. “He stayed the whole summer working out and improving his game, and it’s showing,” Reed said. “When he’s in the paint, he makes the whole team better.” The Mavericks are going to have to count on his size in their upcoming schedule, which gets brutal toward the end of the month. UTA plays at Samford on Saturday, but later this month faces highlevel programs in Arkansas, Texas Tech and the No. 4 Kansas Jayhawks. Reves isn’t satisfied with his play just yet. He said he could always grab more rebounds, and he always winces whenever he sees any missed free throws on the post-game stat sheet. In other words, another summer in Arlington waits. “Oh, I’m definitely doing it again next year,” he said.

JOSH BOWE sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

World VieW

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Monday, December 6, 2010

The ShorThorn

texas

Judge to hold hearing on death penalty process Associated Press

HoUSToN — in the deeply republican state that has executed more convicts than any other and the county that has sent the most to death row, an unusual legal proceeding will begin this week: A democratic judge will hold a lengthy hearing on the constitutionality of the death penalty in Texas. State district Judge Kevin Fine surprised many Texans last spring when he granted what is usually a routine and typically rejected defense motion and ruled the death penalty unconstitutional. His ruling came in the case of John edward Green Jr., who is awaiting trial on charges he fatally shot a Houston woman and wounded her sister during a June 2008 robbery. Following a torrent of criticism from republican Gov. rick Perry and other Texans, Fine clarified his ruling, saying the procedures the state follows in getting a death sentence are unconstitutional. Then Fine rescinded his ruling and ordered the hearing, which starts Monday, saying he needed more information before making a final decision.

Most Texans consider the death penalty a fitting punishment for the worst kind of crimes, and Harris County, which includes the state’s largest city, Houston, has sent more inmates to the lethalinjection gurney than any other in Texas. But, anti-death penalty activists have created serious doubt recently about whether two men were wrongly executed. Fine is an unusual Houston jurist: a democrat who sports dense tattoos and has said he’s a recovering alcoholic and former cocaine user. He declined to be interviewed for this story, but he’s said that he’s taken notice of recent death row exonerations and his ruling will “boil down to whether or not an innocent person has actually been executed.” But Fine also has said he has no personal interest in the death penalty, he believes the death penalty is constitutional and the hearing will be limited to issues related to Green’s case. The hearing, which could last up to two weeks, is expected to include testimony that Green’s attor-

Police shoot man who kidnapped ex-wife NEW BRAUNFELS — Authorities say a Seguin man shot to death by New Braunfels police tried to kill his ex-wife after kidnapping her Thursday night. Police responded to a call that Glenn Godden had forced his wife, who had a protective order against him, out of her parents’ home and into a van. When officers arrived, the van swerved into the path of a patrol car and struck it head-on. Lt. Mark Penshorn said Godden jumped out of the van, pointed a handgun at her, and pulled the trigger, but the gun malfunctioned. Godden fled to an embankment and chambered a round in his weapon, then turned and pointed it at the officers. Police opened fire, and Godden was struck numerous times. The woman was hospitalized and expected to recover.

neys say will show how flaws in such things as eyewitness identification, confessions and forensic evidence have led to wrongful convictions. Green’s attorneys say the hearing is not a referendum on whether Texas should have a death penalty. “We don’t say a state doesn’t have the right to have a death penalty,” attorney Casey Keirnan said. “We’re saying the way we do it in Texas under our statute is unconstitutional.” The debate over possible wrongful executions in Texas has been fueled by the cases of Cameron Todd Willingham and Claude Jones. Willingham was put to death in 2004 after being convicted of burning down his home in Corsicana in 1991 and killing his 2-yearold daughter and 1-year-old twins. His execution has been questioned since several fire experts found serious fault in the arson findings that led to his conviction. Jones was convicted in the 1989 killing of a liquor store owner during a robbery near Point Blank, about 75 miles

nation

AP Photo/Houston Chronicle: Karen Warren

In this March 4, 2010 photo, State District Judge Kevin Fine poses in his courtroom in Houston. Monday Fine will begin a hearing to inspect the constitutionality of the death penalty sentencing process.

Hackers, companies use web site flaw

right to freedom from cruel and unusual punishment because they create a “substantial risk” that innocent people are wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death. Harris County prosecutors filed a petition last month asking the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to stop the hearing, saying Fine doesn’t have the authority to declare the state’s death penalty law unconstitutional.

north of Houston. His 2000 execution was called into question after a new dNA test showed a hair that had been the only piece of physical evidence linking him to the crime scene didn’t belong to him. Green’s attorneys say they plan to bring up the Willingham and Jones cases at the hearing. They claim the state’s death penalty procedures violate the eighth Amendment

SAN FRANCISCO — Dozens of websites have been secretly harvesting lists of places that their users previously visited online, everything from news articles to bank sites to pornography, a team of computer scientists found. The information is valuable for con artists to learn more about their targets and send them personalized attacks. It also allows e-commerce companies to adjust ads or prices — for instance, if the site knows you’ve just come from a competitor that is offering a lower price.

nation

Hundreds attend Wisconsin hostage taker’s funeral Associated Press

MeNoMiNee, Mich. — Photographs of a happy teen who camped, canoed and fished greeted mourners as they gathered Sunday for the funeral of a 15-year-old Wisconsin boy who held his social studies class hostage before shooting himself. None of the hostages were injured. The stage in a school auditorium in Menominee, Mich., where the funeral was held Sunday afternoon, was decorated with a tent and canoe. Menominee is just across the river from Marinette, Wis., where Sam Hengel held 26 classmates and his teacher hostage for six hours Monday. Hengel’s Boy Scout and tae kwon do uniforms also decorated the stage, along with martial arts trophies and

a Green Bay Packers jersey bearing AJ Hawk’s No. 50. A slide show showing Hengel hiking in the woods with his family played before the funeral started. Those gathered left messages on a board in the lobby, where photographs of Hengel as a baby, holding a fish and on a canoe trip were on display. Hengel’s brother Ben wrote, “i will always miss you, brother.” Barb Post of Marinette, said she didn’t know Hengel’s family but attended the funeral anyway to show support. “You care about the people and the family, and you understand it could happen to anybody,” she said. Why Hengel took his class hostage remains a mystery. other students and his teacher have said he was well-liked and had many friends.

world

WikiLeaks founder flees to Switzerland

about a half-hour after school ended, when a man came to the school office looking for his daughter. Principal Corry lambie determined the last class the girl attended was Western Civilization and went to the room to find the door locked. When lambie unlocked the door, Hengel pointed his gun at him and told him to leave. Hengel allowed the girl to go with lambie. The standoff dragged on for four more hours, with teacher Valerie Burd acting as a go-between for Hengel and police. A SWAT team stormed the room after Hengel fired three shots about 8 p.m., destroying the classroom phone and hitting a computer. Hengel shot himself as officers reached him. He died Tuesday morning.

The standoff began Monday afternoon when Hengel returned to his sixth-hour Western Civilization class from a bathroom break. He had two semi-automatic pistols and a backpack jammed with more than 200 rounds of ammunition and a pair of knives. Students and police said he immediately fired three shots, blasting a hole in a wall and tearing apart a film projector. Students talked to him about everything from hunting and fishing to his favorite movies in an attempt to keep him calm. No one else in the school apparently recognized the sound of the shots as gunfire, and Hengel told the teacher to post a note on the door telling seventh-period students to report to the library. As a result, no one realized the class was in danger until

GENEVA — WikiLeaks’ elusive founder, his options dwindling, has turned to Switzerland’s credit, postal and Internet infrastructure to keep his online trove of U.S. State Department cables afloat. Supporters say Julian Assange is considering seeking asylum in Switzerland. He told a Spanish newspaper that he faced “hundreds of death threats,” including some targeting his lawyers and children, aside from the pressure he is getting from prosecutors in the U.S. and other countries. — The Associated Press

FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 6, 2010

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24 Jul 05

By Donna S. Levin

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Q: I have been married for 16 show love in other ways? Do you years. I love my wife dearly. We kiss, hold each other, hold hands, have two wonderful children, hug each other? And do you do and we are a very close family. that in front of the children at My wife is very attentive to our all? If you’re like two friends family and works hard living under the same to take care of all of roof, then I’m not sure us (she is employed what message you’re full time as well). My giving your children wife’s interest in sex is (and they both could be zero. We have gone to affected). And if your counseling separately wife is sticking by you and together, but nothbecause of the children ing changes it. I have but actually shows relearned to accept this, Dr. Ruth sentment toward you, as our sex life has Send your and might push you dwindled to fewer than questions to away if you tried to hug five times a year (and Dr. Ruth Westheimer her, then the message to c/o King Features even then only if we are your children is a negaSyndicate sleeping -- yes, I said tive one. I also wonder 235 E. 45th St., sleeping). We never New York, NY if you were to take on have sex consciously. I 10017 a little bit more of the have learned that this household chores, is who she is, and I acwhether that might cept her for what she is. I am a change her attitude. I’m sorry highly sexual person, and I have that counseling didn’t work, but tried hard to redirect my energy maybe you just didn’t have the to my children and my work (and right counselor. Something is yes, I do masturbate regularly). going on here, and if you don’t My question is this: How do I resolve the underlying problem, make sure that we are raising my I would say it could affect your daughter to have a healthy sexu- children, because keep in mind al life, and that she does not suf- that her attitude might be a result fer the same fate as her mother? of the environment in which she was brought up. A: I understand that you don’t have sex, but do you

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Try to obtain sensitive info using an Internet scam 6 Chase down, as a fly ball 10 Falls behind 14 “Tiny Bubbles” singer 15 Tip-top 16 Towards the sheltered side, at sea 17 Specialized jargon 18 “__ call us, we’ll ...” 19 Red sky, to a sailor 20 Sidewalk periodical vendor 23 __-Locka, Florida 24 Gut courses 25 Edwards or Langley, e.g. 31 Political corruption 32 Police busts 33 Revolutionary statesman Franklin 36 Knocks on the door 37 Response to a fencing lunge 38 Nothing, in tennis 39 Picnic invader 40 Intimidated 41 Tendon 42 Court-ordered parental obligation 44 Show hosts 47 Actor Mineo 48 Philanthropic group chartered by auto execs 54 Notion 55 Univ. sports group 56 Liberate from the hitching post 58 Shakespearean king 59 Tiger Woods’s ex 60 Allow to pass 61 Benevolent order 62 Cowgirl Evans 63 Cropped up

www.sudoku.com

Dr. ruth

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

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ABOUT OPINION Ali Amir Mustansir, editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Monday and Wednesday. Monday, December 6, 2010

OPINION THE SHORTHORN

REMEMBER The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Page 5

EDITORIAL/OUR VIEW

Your silence could be costly Be vocal about where you would rather see budget cuts or you could feel the difference

The Shorthorn: Thea Blesener

Faith isn’t defeated by dissenters The Coalition of Reason won’t sway faith if it was strong to begin with

hat is God? This is a question that many have asked and wondered. It is not misstated. On Dec. 1, Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition of Reason, a chapter of a nontheist group, had bus advertisements set to roll out onto the streets; however, printing issues have delayed the ads. According to a Fort Worth Star-Telegram interview with coordinator Terry McDonald, the ad was not placed to “try to convert anybody.” In most cases, people of various religions will state otherwise. In the Metroplex, there are many faiths that exist. We have our own ideas and beliefs on what God is, who He is or if He is. To be frank, the idea that any organization wants to spend anywhere from one cent to thousands on ads to promote their beliefs or raise awareness, in this case, is not something anyone should care about. A boycott may ensue if the ad runs. What’s amazing is that there are so many people who lack true faith in their own religion. Riding a bus promoting people who are fine without God should not affect your beliefs. Resistance is not something new. Many faiths boycott or protest against ideas they

fighting a system they are accustomed to. Some would argue that people are susceptible to temptation or doubt, and Enriquez III is a journalthat posting views against what is taught ism junior and copy ediwould lead people of faith down the wrong tor for The Shorthorn. path. If anything, the message is a challenge to any believer of any faith, a moJoin the discussion by ment when you decide if your convictions commenting at theshort- are truly unwavering. Most of us are sane and can decide for horn.com. ourselves what is true and what is false. feel are inappropriate or go against what Boycotting buses only proves that the they believe to be true. message is harmful to the teachings of Die-hard Christians will find it difficult your own faith. to remain unbiased because the message Take a step back, look at what you beblatantly stands against what they believe lieve and decide if the ad really matters. All and who it reaches. However, everyone Americans need to believe in is freedom. should remember the bills our country The problem is that many Americans infounded, specifically freedom of speech terpret laws to fit their lifestyles, and they and religion. don’t take into consideration how that It isn’t uncommon to hear ‘take it down’ affects others. when an organization displays a message Getting upset about someone’s mesthat anyone disagrees with. While every- sage that you don’t agree with is useless. one has their own beliefs on what is ap- If you know what you believe in and how propriate or beneficial to them, everyone it has developed, then your values will not needs to remember that we cannot dictate deviate. or restrict the speech of others if they wish Boycotting only feeds the power of the to have their voices heard. message. Continuing to advertise how Our beliefs, far and wide, are our own. much any ad bothers you only reinforces If a person of religion is struggling with its message. the message, then it is likely that they are The only person that allows your foun-

JOSE D. ENRIQUEZ III

Keep the Pace T

The marathon that is college should be taken one leg at a time

he final drop day was a couple of weeks ago, and I couldn’t have been happier. I can now park much closer to the school, and I don’t have to drive around for 15 minutes trying to find a spot. I used to always look forward to this part of the semester, specifically for this reason. But that’s not right. Students who enroll in classes should do everything they can to pass. It’s my hope that next semester the retention rate is higher and more people find success in their classes. I am even willing to give up great parking the last five weeks of the semester for this. See, I’m really not that bad. Here’s what I figure: School is like a marathon. If you look at the whole 26.2 miles ahead of you, you’ll quit. But if you take it one leg of the race at a time it becomes more manageable. I think people quit because they’ve gotten so caught up in the big goal of graduating that they become overwhelmed. Plan for the semester and make your goal to complete it.

Since 1919

ELIZABETH PAGE

Go to class. An amazing event occurs every semester without fail. I’ve seen it in every class I’ve been in. Usually, the third or fourth week of school, about half the class stops showing up. This is dumb. You are paying for those classes. School is not cheap, and if you think you don’t somehow end up paying, you are mistaken. Either you pay for school, your parents assist you or you receive grants and scholarships. There are several ways that you will end up paying for your education. For example, someday you may have to take care of your elderly parents. Your education, and the great job you subsequently land, is going to help you pay your parents’ bill for the nice home you send them to. Maybe the government pays for your education through grants. The country is currently trillions of dollars in debt. That means current debt will be paid by future generations. You will pay for your education with your future taxes, as the U.S. tries to slowly crawl out of the huge hole that it’s in. Go to class, nothing is free. Get to know your teachers and the

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark Bauer E-MAIL editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Page is a journalism senior and guest columnist for The Shorthorn. Join the discussion by commenting at theshorthorn.com. other students in your class. This is one of the best things you can do. Network. The more people you have that you can count on, the more likely you are to be successful. Join study groups, go to tutoring, meet with your professors. These people can help you. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you think you can comfortably handle six hours then only sign up for six hours. It’s better to be successful with a little than to fail with a lot. Once you have some success behind you, and you know your limits, then build on that. But don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed because you’re in a hurry to graduate. Remember, this is a marathon. You take one leg of the race at a time. There’s no shame in taking a slower pace. The goal is to finish.

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 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

This winter break will be a little different. In the last year, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has requested several budget cuts from state agencies to make up for an estimated $20 billion budget shortfall. During the break, the Texas Legislature will begin meeting and discussing ways to reduce spending. As such, information will start to come out about what cuts will be required. During this time, students, faculty, staff and incoming students need to pay attention to what the university is saying. There are several ways to follow announcements: the university website or MavWire will both have releases. TheShorthorn.com is also a way for you to keep connected to what is going on while away. In a recent interview, State Rep. Diane Patrick said education makes up for about half of the state’s budget. It would make sense for more cuts to come out of the largest portion of the budget. It was recently announced that universities would have to return 2-3 percent of funding they received. In a recent interview, university Provost Donald Bobbitt said the return will come from the university’s reserve funds. But what is next? Bobbitt said the university is expecting to have to trim the budget a bit more, but plans to keep things that would affect students off the table. In all fairness, to ask for a solid plan is premature. Solid plans will not begin to take form until the legislative session begins next month. As members of the university community, we need to know what the university has put on the table. University spokesperson Kristin Sullivan said the university’s budget team has been very conservative about their budget in the past few years to keep our financial footing solid. She said they are working on the next budget and will keep in line with state mandates, but more information will be available after the state comptroller releases the next biennium budget in January. Sullivan said nothing is on the table for cuts yet, but the university has asked areas of the university to look into “mission critical” functions. A recent budget reduction method was to take away professor’s telephones, something that could be seen as a hindrance to the quality of education at the university. Students now have a bit more difficulty contacting professors. Students need to get involved so the university knows what they can’t do without. With so many concerns about the budget, it should make sense for students to voice their opinion on where cuts need to be made. Groups like Student Congress are made to look out for students’ best interests, and the university administration takes their suggestions, and those of all students, seriously. Contacting The Shorthorn or sending an email to administrators is also an effective method to get your voice heard. Use them and keep an eye on things at school while you are at home.

DISCOMBOBULATION by Houston Hardaway

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 telephone 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.

Page 6

Monday, December 6, 2010

The ShorThorn

System

BuildiNg AN AquApoNiCs sysTem

continued from page 1

Materials 1. Plant Container • Need either a bucket OR • Lumber and plastic Liner or Pond liner AND • Gravel AND • Lumber 2. Fish Tank • Aquarium / Bucket / Barrel 3. Siphon and Plumbing • Coil or Bell or Inverted • PVC pipes and Fittings • Underwater Pump • BLACK plastic tubing for the Pump • Perforated Tubing 4. Free Fish Food • Duckweed / Black Soldier Fly larvae How To: 1. Design and build a frame so that the plant bed can stand higher than the aquarium. 2. If you do not have a container for the plant bed, you’ll have to build one with the lumber and plastic or pond liner. The volume in the plant bed should be greater than or equal to the volume in the fish tank. 3. Insert a siphon of your choice in the plant bed to bring water back to the fish tank. 4. Once you’ve put in a siphon, you’ll need to make a barrier between the siphon and the gravel in the plant bed. Place the siphon within the perforated tubing and this will keep the gravel out of your plumbing system. 5. Add the gravel to the plant bed while holding down the perforated tubing. 6. Pipe the water from the siphon to the fish tank 7. Plug in the black tubing from the fish tank to the plant bed. 8. Fill up the tank with water. If using tap water, let it sit for a few days to allow the water to de-chlorinate. 9. Plug in the water pump to an electrical source and test your siphon. 10. Add plants first then add your fish.

“The important part is to get people involved and educated on how to do this in their own backyards,” Koay said. “I just want our community to see that there is a solution to environmental issues.” Plants are grown with their roots immersed in the nutrient-rich aquarium water using a solid gravel bed that act as floating rafts. This enables plants to use the water and filter out the compounds toxic to the fish. The plants clean the water and the cycle continues. When aquaponics is combined with a controlled environment, crops can be grown on a year-round basis, he said. Seth Lewis, a Knox Elementary School science teacher, said he went out to the farmers market after he heard about Koay’s demonstration. “I’d like to apply this in my classroom and show my students how to use our natural resources,” Lewis said. The system provides a great visual representation of a rain forest’s ecosystem, he said. University studies senior Sarah Neeley said she can’t wait to begin building her own unit to grow her own food and save some money in the process. “I am vegan, so I like my

NATAliA CoNTReRAs news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Music continued from page 1

The Shorthorn: Alese Morales

Music education junior Eric Riedmeier plays the trombone Sunday evening for a benefit concert at Irons Recital Hall. The concert was to benefit Mission Arlington with donations of cans for the holidays.

The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard

Interdisciplinary studies senior Chowgene Koay teaches residents about aquaponics on Saturday in the Farmers Market. Aquaponics is a method of agriculture that integrates plants and living animals.

continued from page 1

On-site construction is set for Jan. 13-15 next to the SWEET Center off Summit Avenue and UTA Boulevard. Bill Gilmore, Arlington Parks and Recreation Department assistant director, said one of the objectives of the gar-

den is to build a stronger community. “Our message to the students is they can contribute to the community through their efforts,” he said. Gilmore said they are still looking for feedback on what will be allowed in the garden besides fruits and vegetables. About 20 attendees volunteered for task committees that will divide up work for construction days. As-

help as much as we can,” the music education senior said. Chris Sample, Kappa Kappa Psi president, said the groups first had the idea for a charity Christmas three “People need concert or four years during the ago. “Everyholidays. one really They need enjoyed preall the time, paring the music,” he but you said. “And a want to give lot of items were donatkids whose parents can’t ed.”He said afford it the the success of that opportunity first concert to have made the groups dea good to try Christmas.” cide it again this year. Tesia kwarteng Josh Stovocal performance ver, Phi Mu and journalism Alpha presisenior dent, said using his talents to help others and entertain is fulfilling. “When we get to sing for other people, it’s better,” the music education junior said. AlysiA R. BRooks news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Epps continued from page 1

Garden

vegetables. I am fascinated by this method, and I am excited to learn how to do it,” she said. “I would definitely share how to do this with my friends and family.” Ellen Ranit, interdisciplinary studies senior and Environmental Society secretary, said this method is a great way to do something on a small level and use it on a large scale by eating healthier food and saving money. “Food bought at stores don’t have all the nutrients we need,” she said. “In the long run, we have healthier foods by cutting the costs of groceries.” The purpose of building these units is to have a natural resource in which people can feed their communities with healthy food, Koay said. “The first step is to get people to get familiar with this and for them to understand that they have the power and set an example in Arlington and the Metroplex,” he said. “We have these resources to begin doing something for ourselves and the environment.” He said he wants the community to go outdoors, look and appreciate what is around. “Every day we stay indoors is another day wasted to build the world you’d like to see,” he said. “I want to take people outside of their box life.”

ate of the UT System Police Academy, Epps saw how the “hard-nosed” enforcer stigma may develop from the strict mentality that is drilled into officers during their training. In his first year as an officer, he issued more than 800 tickets and booked 30-plus arrests, a pace he now describes as “insane.” “Everyone who comes out of the academy is aggressive,” he said. “They follow the letter of the law, not the spirit of

signments were made for garden council president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and historian. Council members will manage the overall garden operations. Michele Berry, Student Planning Association president, said she would love to see other UTA groups get involved. “As an organization, we’re excited to help out and have our own plot,” the city and regional planning gradu-

the law.” Epps said it took a mellowing process to understand enforcement is about helping people, not always going by the book. To Epps, the “Bad Boys” aura of being a police officer is embellished. His job is mostly writing reports and waiting, he said. “The thrill I get is when I get the call four or five minutes later saying, ‘They got the guy. Thanks for your help,’” he said. Chrystina Epps said her husband exemplifies what it means to be a police officer. “When you think about a police officer, he comes to my

ate student said. Larry Harrison, UTA mechanical operations and grounds director, said the first three years are crucial to the garden’s growth. “We need the community to be involved,” he said. “If we don’t have that, it won’t succeed.”

mind,” she said. “When I have a problem, his mind is very fast, and he knows what I’m supposed to do and who I’m supposed to call.” Expecting his third child in January, Epps plans to change to the night shift to spend more time at home during the day. Although his wife is wary about the risks of being a police officer, she said she’s proud of his commitment to his family, his job and the UTA community. “I think it’s dangerous,” she said. “But he loves his job.” TAyloR CAmmACk news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

ARliNgToN CommuNiTy gARdeN To volunteer, contact Bill Gilmore at bill.gilmore@arlingtontx.gov or visit the Arlington Community Garden’s facebook page.

AlysiA R. BRooks news-editor.shorthorn@mavs.uta.edu

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The ShorThorn

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Monday, December 6, 2010

The ShorThorn

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Experts give tips to avoid tipping the scale Eating smaller portions and breakfast can guard against holiday weight. By Ashley BrAdley The Shorthorn staff

Students may be tempted with holiday feasts and sweets to satisfy their cravings, but limiting the number of fattening foods might help keep off the pounds. Though people commonly associate the holidays with gaining weight, dietitian Brie Woods, who works for the Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth, said watching proportion sizes is one of the key ways to stay on track. Communication junior Jasmine Brown said she tries to stay healthy during the holiday season, but the stress from exams is also a factor when it comes to trying to eat healthy. “I just need to keep my meals at a good proportion and go to the MAC like I always do,” she said. Woods said eating all three meals is also important, and if a bigger dinner is planned to be consumed, having a small

lunch and breakfast can help balance the food intake. She said some people make the mistake of skipping breakfast to make up for the overeating, but that is not the way to go. She said by skipping breakfast, the body produces more glucose, which the brain and liver use to operate. “If you don’t eat, your body thinks you’re starving,” she said. She also tells her clients to pick only certain holiday items to indulge in. For Woods, Christmas-time favorites include Peppermint Mochas from Starbucks and fried cauliflower. She said instead of abstaining from these fattening foods, she lets herself have a couple of servings and skips out on all the rest. “Yes, I love the turkey. Yes, I love the cookies,” she said. “But you don’t get to have everything and be healthy at the same time.” Exercise senior Manny Reyes said he chooses one sweet to indulge in over the holidays and hits the ground running. “I really don’t eat sweets,

but over the holidays I let myself have some,” he said. “I definitely overindulge on pie.” Christopher Ray, Center for Healthy Living and Longevity director and kinesiology assistant professor, said being proactive instead of retroactive during the holidays is the way to go. He said instead of thinking, “Oh, I’ll have this pie and work out harder and longer later,” the way to think is “I’m going to work out harder and longer now so I can have that pie later.” He said moderation and exercise is the key to any healthy lifestyle. “Gaining a large amount of weight takes effort,” he said. “It doesn’t happen overnight. It happens over a period of time. Be honest with yourself and do extra in your workout.” He said year-round health can be easily maintained by calculating calorie intake and work-out expenditures. “You just want to break even,” he said. “It’s that simple.” Ashley BrAdley news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

food for thouGht “How do you plan to stay healthy during the holidays?” “I normally walk a lot, so I don’t have to worry about weight gain, but this holiday I am going to California where I won’t walk a lot. I’m not worried about [overindulging] for weight reasons but maybe for sugar intake.” Justin Wharton

interdisciplinary Studies Junior

now.”

“I just eat whatever I am able to eat. I’m not overly as concerned as other people about gaining weight. I’m excited to eat the mess out of some ham.”

Eden Rodgers

David Potter

nursing junior

biology senior

“I’m actually trying to gain weight right now, so I am overindulging. It helps since there are a bunch of sweets around right

Grade school students and fans crowded Nedderman Hall for robotics competition Grade school students from across Texas each used a favorite childhood toy to tackle real-world challenges engineers face each day in an on-campus competition on Saturday. The College of Engineering hosted the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology LEGO League Robotics Competition qualifiers for students ages 9-14. The theme this year is bioengineering. The Nedderman Hall atrium was crowded with people and children for the six-hour event. “We are part of the first tech challenge and are one of the first original universities involved with the first tech challenge,” engineering assistant dean Carter Tiernan said. Students were put in one of 31 teams and designed and built LEGO robots using the Mindstorms NXT kit, a programmable robotics kit released by LEGO. These robots performed certain tasks in the game like returning a LEGO syringe to home position and separating LEGO blocks that resemble red blood cells and white blood cells. Students were judged in four categories; robot design, presentations, teamwork and the robot’s ability to perform in the game. The registration fee was $50. There were three winners in each cate-

The Shorthorn: Brian Dsouza

Nisha Patel, 10, activates her LEGO robot, Broc, during the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition on Saturday in Nedderman Hall. Patel’s team scored 10 points in the round by successfully completing one mission.

gory. Martha and Josh Morriss Mathematics & Engineering Elementary School was crowned Grand Champion. The elementary school’s coach, Shannon Kirkland, said she was pleased with how the event went. It was smooth and her team had no major difficulties, she said. “It’s amazing to see how the kids came together as a team,” Kirkland said. “They were so excited. You will have some future engineers.”

The Shorthorn: Brian Dsouza

Craig Crawford, 9, cheers for his team Robo Rulers during the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition on Saturday. The Robo Rulers came in second for the robot game.

– Brian Dsouza

For a video of the event, visit The ShorThorn .com

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