Thursday, February 18, 2010 Serving the University of Texas at Austin community since 1900 www.dailytexanonline.com Aluminum bats pose problems By Austin Ries Daily Texan Staff There is no way to ignore the ping of an aluminum bat. The powerful, high-pitched sound fills youth and col¥legiate baseball stadiums around the nation. And while it gives hitters more pop and velocity, those missile-seeking line drives that trampoline off bats at more than 120 miles per hour can put infielders, espe¥cially pitchers, at risk of injury. Ò{Assistant] Coach [Skip] Johnson calls them a weapon in your hand, and itÕs true,Ó said Texas junior catcher Cam¥eron Rupp. Around the nation, players have fallen victim to the pow¥er a batted ball can produce. 12-year-old Steven Domalews¥ki was hit by a line drive at a Police Athletic League game in Wayne, N.J., in 2006. The ball knocked him down and stopped his heart for a few minutes before he was revived and taken to a hospital in a coma. Another case occurred in 2005, when a line drive struck the temple of 16-year-old pitch- Groups disagreeon managing of iconic Cactus Cafe By Michael Moran Daily Texan Staff The first meeting of the UT organization Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe turned into a bitter exchange between two students, highlighting oppos¥ing viewpoints over the future of the cafe. The organization, created Fri¥day to support the preservation of the cafe in its current state, held a meeting Wednesday eve¥ning in the Texas Union to re¥cruit members for various posi¥tions. The Union announced in January its recommendation to close the cafe and to reassign cafe employees to other positions in the Union. UT officials informed the Union last year that it would have to cut parts of its budget to come up with money to pro¥vide UT faculty with pay raises. Although the boardÕs decision carries some weight, University President William Powers Jr. will make the final decision. Zachary Bidner, a govern¥ment senior and a founding member of the organization, said he opposes the current rec¥ommendation to Òre-purposeÓ the cafe and put a group of stu¥dents in charge of it. ÒRe-purposing is just another word for closing,Ó Bidner said during a speech at the meet¥er Bill Kalant from Oak Lawn High School outside of Chica¥go. Kalant was rushed to the hospital, where doctors told his parents he was on Òthe cliff of death.Ó After spending two weeks in a coma, Kalant woke up and had to learn to tie his shoes and walk again. Then there was a summer night back in 2003, when a ball smashed into 18-year-old Bran¥don PatchÕs left temple during his American Legion game in Montana. He died a few hours later. All three players were hit with balls struck off of an alu¥minum bat, fueling the cru¥sade against metal bats in am¥ateur baseball. Proponents of the movement suggest that the maximum velocity of a base¥ball struck by a wooden bat is less than that of one struck by an aluminum bat. In 2007, the New York City Council banned aluminum bats in high school. In Illinois, KalantÕs father said his son wouldnÕt have been as serious¥ly injured if a wooden bat had BATS continues on page 8 ing, which had an attendance of about 60 people. ÒCan you justify that?Ó asked Adam Gates, interrupting Bid¥ner during his speech. ÒA stu¥dent committee could be a via¥ble answer.Ó The cafe is currently managed by Texas Union employees. Bidner said the student or¥ganization wants to work with the nonprofit organization Save the Cactus Cafe to raise funds to keep the cafe operating in its current state while putting pressure on the Union Board to reconsider its decision. The orga¥nization will hold a rally in the CAFE continues on page 2 Plan pushes timely exit for students By Shabab Siddiqui Daily Texan Staff No one could have imagined the proverbial ÒStay in SchoolÓ campaigns would someday be¥come so powerful that a UT committee would have to pro¥pose a ÒMake Sure You Get Out, TooÓ plan. A recommendation to limit the maximum number of semesters in which an undergraduate can enroll at UT was among several proposals presented to President William Powers Jr. in a report by the Second Task Force on Enroll¥ment Strategy on Tuesday. The 20-person task force, com¥posed of professors, alumni, vice presidents, staff and students, is responsible for providing rec¥ommendations to the presidentÕs office on how to manage enroll¥ment at UT. The first task force was appointed by former Uni¥versity President Larry Faulkner in 2003. In 2008, Provost Steven Leslie appointed a second task force to review and update the previous report. The report states the average time it takes for undergraduates at UT to graduate is 8.5 semes¥ters, even though most under¥graduate programs require only eight. The plan, which recom¥mends a 10-semester maximum, would be a push toward a time¥ly graduation and would free up classes for other students. Cur¥rently, about 76 percent of fresh¥men end up graduating from UT within five years, while 81 per¥cent graduate within six, accord¥ing to the Office of Information Management and Analysis. The number does not include stu¥dents who transfer to a different university or drop out. According to the report, time¥ly graduation is a Òfundamen¥tal issue for enrollment manage¥ment,Ó and students who stay for extended periods Òreduce the [UniversityÕs] capacity to serve other students who wish to attend UT.Ó Powers and Leslie are under no obligation to adopt the full report but will likely refer to it when making decisions for the University. Urton Anderson, an account¥ing professor and task force PROPOSAL continues on page 2 Passersby conned into purchasing electronics Scam artists becoming more prevalent near campus, UTPD says By Bobby Longoria Daily Texan Staff Scam artists popping up around campus selling Òhigh¥endÓ stereo equipment at Òlow¥endÓ prices have left student victims with holes in their wal¥lets. There have been four attempt¥ed Òwhite-van speaker scamsÓ on campus since Feb. 9, one of which was successful, accord¥ing to reports compiled by the University of Texas Police De¥partment. The sellers posed as electronic-store salespersons or home theater equipment install¥ers and persuaded unknowing customers into buying stereo equipment at prices far above their actual value. ÒItÕs buyer beware,Ó said Aus¥tin Police Department Cpl. Scott Perry. ÒIf someone is saying they consider [an item] to be worth a lot of money, and you are buy¥ing it, if it isnÕt worth a lot, then whoÕs at fault? DonÕt buy into your greed. Go with your gut. If you feel itÕs too good to be true, then it probably is.Ó Perry said in these cases, no crime is actually being commit¥ted, so there is little action APD can take. On Feb. 9, a person wearing a Best Buy polo shirt approached a UT student, whose name was withheld by UTPD, outside of Almetris Duren Residence Hall. The seller told the student that he was selling overstocked merchandise at a discounted price. The student gave the per¥son $220 for the stereo equip¥ment. Later that day, the student looked up the equipment online and realized he had overpaid the seller. On Feb. 11 at around 12:15 p.m., freshman Roy Fox was ap¥proached outside of Universi¥ty Towers by two men in a red Ford Explorer. The men told Fox they were home-stereo equip¥ment installers and had received two free stereos through an in¥ventory mishap. They showed Fox a brochure of the Olin Ross equipment and pointed to its suggested retail price of $2,000. They then offered the equip¥ment to Fox for the Òlow priceÓ of $800. Fox and the men walked to an ATM, where Fox was only able to withdraw $480. Fox said he SCAM continues on page 2 Mayor addresses Austin economy, credits University By Collin Eaton do was last yearÕs speaker. education, climate change, land tin Area League of Women Vot-Daily Texan Staff ÒToday, the league works to use and election and campaign ers in her introductory remarks. Austin small businesses and Local humorist Mary Gordon the University are two key fac-Spence led the leagueÕs paint¥tors in keeping the cityÕs econo-ing and portrait auction, includ¥my afloat during the recession, ing framed photographs of Mol¥said Mayor Lee Leffingwell at ly Ivins, an Austin native and the State of the City Dinner on columnist known for her humor, ÔÔ WeÕre bigger than Boston, bigger than Denver, Wednesday night. and former Gov. Ann Richards. Leffingwell gave the key-bigger than Seattle, Baltimore, Atlanta, and weÕre The portrait of Richards sold for note speech at the Austin Area $200. neck-and-neck with San Francisco.Ó League of Women VotersÕ an-When Leffingwell went to the nual dinner at the University of Ñ Lee Le¥ngwell, mayor podium, he said he wanted to Texas Club. focus on the most pressing issue The league has hosted the for the nation and the city: the event since 1992, with city of-economy. ficials serving as speakers to ÒItÕs way past time to ac¥showcase the achievements of effect change in a wide variety finance reform,Ó said Frances Austin. Police Chief Art Aceve-of issues, including healthcare, McIntyre, president of the Aus-JOBS continues on page 2 NEWS Thursday, February 18, 2010 THE DAILY TEXAN Volume 110, Number 152 25 cents CONTACT US Main Telephone: (512) 471-4591 Editor: Jillian Sheridan (512) 232-2212 editor@dailytexanonline.com Managing Editor: Ana McKenzie (512) 232-2217 managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com News O¥ ce: (512) 232-2207 news@dailytexanonline.com Web O¥ ce: (512) 471-8616 online@dailytexanonline.com Mary Kang |Daily Texan Staff Mayor Lee Leffingwell speaks at the State of the City Dinner on Wednesday evening. NEWS BRIEFLY Austin-Bergstrom tops councilÕs list as Best Airport in America A passenger survey released Tuesday by the Airports Council International lists the Austin-Berg¥strom International Airport as the Best Airport in America for 2009 and the second best airport for its capacity of 5 to 15 million annual passengers. The Airport Service Quality pas¥senger survey, performed quarter¥ly, aims to compile passengersÕ per¥ceptions of more than 30 aspects of service quality in an airport. Ac¥cording to the councilÕs Web site, it identifies 10 factors important to customer service: ambience, termi¥nal cleanliness, waiting area com¥fort, availability and cleanliness of washrooms, courtesy and helpful¥ness of the airport staff, business lounges, ease of making connec¥tions, passport/ID inspection expe¥rience and quality of shopping fa¥cilities. Jason Zielinski, spokesman for the Austin Aviation Department, said these factors are already the airportÕs key goals. ÒWe strive to keep a nice clean terminal and to provide the utmost courtesy in customer service,Ó Zie¥linski said. ÒWe also take great pride in keeping ambience by pro¥viding local art, music and restau¥rants. When [passengers] step off the plane, they get the actual feel of Austin.Ó At the center of the main ter¥minal is a stage that often fea¥tures local artists playing live mu¥sic. Throughout the airport, pas¥sengers can look at art and exhibits that represent the city. The airport also houses a life-size bronze stat¥ue of Barbara Jordan, a Texas na¥tive and the first African-American state senator, as well as a terminal named in her honor. Austin-Bergstrom moved up in rank from 2008, when the ACI sur¥very placed it as third in both cat¥egories. Ñ Gabrielle Cloudy Sports O¥ ce: (512) 232-2210 sports@dailytexanonline.com JOBS: Leffingwell proclaims PROPOSAL: Students may feel Life & Arts O¥ ce: (512) 232-2209 pressure to make decision lifeandarts@dailytexanonline.com music, energy as cityÕs future From page 1 may not be cut out for it,Ó An- Photo O¥ ce: derson said. ÒAnd for most ma¥ (512) 471-8618 member, said students who jors, you can still adjust. This is From page 1 gwell said Austin performed and other issues. photo@dailytexanonline.com cross the 10-semester threshold five full years of semester work. well compared to the rest of the The National League of knowledge that weÕre already would still be allowed to enroll I think the impacts [of the recom- Retail Advertising: country. He said he attributes Women Voters was established living in a pretty big city,Ó Lef¥in summer school but would mendation] are relatively small.Ó (512) 471-1865 the cityÕs success to the vitality in 1920 after the 19th Amend¥ not be allowed to take cours-According to Information fingwell said. ÒWeÕre bigger of its small businesses. Ninety ment was ratified. The Austin joanw@mail.utexas.edu es during a regular long semes-Management and Analysis, than Boston, bigger than Den¥ percent of AustinÕs businesses and Texas Leagues of Women ver, bigger than Seattle, Balti¥ter at UT. The report excludes about 160 out of the 7,033 fresh- ClassiÞ ed Advertising: have about 10 employees. Voters are one year older than more, Atlanta, and weÕre neck¥part-time students, programs men who entered UT in the fall (512) 471-5244 He said that UT is also a the national league, hosting that take longer than four years of 2003 are still continuing as and-neck with San Francisco.Ó classiÞ eds@dailytexanonline.com staple of the cityÕs economy their first meeting in San Anto¥ to complete and students with sixth-year seniors. The quality of life begins and that Austin is no longer a nio in 1919 after Texas was the special circumstances. Government senior Cord with a good job, so the econo¥ sleepy college town. ninth state to ratify the amend- Anderson said the policy, if Hodgson said he can see howmy must grow as the popula¥ÒWithout a doubt, [UT] is ment. The Texan strives to present all infor¥ tion grows, he said. The indus¥implemented, could deter stu-the policy could force some stu¥ one of our cityÕs greatest assets, ÒThose Texas women back mation fairly, accurately and complete¥ tries of AustinÕs future are re¥dents from double majoring dents to feel boxed into a major ly. If we have made an error, let us know economic and otherwise,Ó Leff-in those days were very ac¥ or switching majors. Accord-that does not fit them. about it. Call (512) 232-2217 or e-mail newable energy, creative media ingwell said. ÒItÕs a university tive,Ó said league member Car¥ managingeditor@dailytexanonline.com. ing to the report, the process ÒI can see it being tough for like AustinÕs large music events our football team can be proud ol Olewin. ÒItÕs a big statement for changing majors after a stu-those who donÕt know what and medical technology. of.Ó about Texas women when you dent has accumulated 90 hours they want to do,Ó Hogdson Although Austin lost 26,000 After LeffingwellÕs speech, go down Congress Avenue and or more will require special ap-said. ÒBut when it comes to a jobs and sales tax revenue de¥ members of the league ques-you see the statue of the lady clined steeply last year, Leffin¥proval. Also, freshmen who certain point, you have to make COPYRIGHT tioned the mayor on education with her cannon.Ó choose to transfer to a different a decision.Ó Copyright 2009 Texas Student college after their first semester Lauren Ratliff, government Media. All articles, photographs will have to demonstrate both senior and president of the Sen¥ and graphics, both in the print and that they can handle the aca-ate of College Councils, said the online editions, are the property CAFE:Student committee may take over demic work in the new college group will decide in the next of Texas Student Media and may and that they can finish their few weeks whether they will en¥ not be reproduced or republished degree in 10 semesters. dorse the task forceÕs report. in part or in whole without written From page 1 bers on the Union Board, itÕs students,Ó he said. Anderson said students Anderson said a semester cap permission. more about the space itself,Ó Although Nash and OÕRourke West Mall on Feb. 26, the date of would need to recognize earli-sets expectations for students. OÕRourke said. ÒStudents want already have ideas of what the Union BoardÕs next meeting. er if a major does not suit them ÒItÕs not clear that itÕs in the to perform there. Students want should happen to the cafe, they ÒI think our most important and that most students should studentsÕ best interest to stay in to be a part of the programming want to assure students that they thing is getting enough stu¥not have a problem with switch-there longer,Ó Anderson said. of the Cactus Cafe.Ó are open to other solutions. TODAYÕS WEATHER dents so we can overturn the ing early in their college years. ÒI think people need to focus Andrew Nash, Student Events ÒThe Cactus Cafe is not clos- Union Board announcement ÒYou should take the hint that on getting their degree and get- Center president, an elected po-ing,Ó OÕRourke said. ÒBut it is High Low that wanted to close the Cac¥if youÕre not succeeding, you ting out.Ó sition, plans to recommend to going to change, and thatÕs hap¥ tus,Ó Bidner said. ÒThatÕs kind 62 46 the board that a registered stu-pening unless the Union man¥ of our urgent first goal.Ó dent organization be put in agement reconsiders its deci- Student Government Presi- GAH! charge of the cafe. That organi-sion.Ó dent Liam OÕRourke said he sup- SCAM: Education, dialogue zation would book student acts ports the creation of a student group to run the cafe. OÕRourke on weekdays and turn the cafe will meet with Bidner and mem-over to outside performers on can prevent dishonest sales RECYCLE bers of the student organization weekends, Nash said. I think our most your copy of Thursday to discuss the future ÒWeÕre proposing a student From page 1 discovered it was a scam be¥of the cafe. group that will work to ensure important thing THE DAILY TEXAN fore completing the sale. Offi¥ÒFor the student mem-that the space is being used for ÔÔis getting enough became suspicious when the cers searched the area but were students so we can men were still eager to take unable to find the sellers. whatever money he could offer UTPD officer Darrell Hal- This newspaper was written,    overturn the Union THE DAILY TEXAN edited and designed with pride and ended the deal. Fox later stead said although different Board announcement by The Daily Texan and Texas checked the price of the equip-people may be involved in each Student Media. c that wanted to close ment online from his iPhone case, they are all a part of the Permanent Staff Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jillian Sheridan and found out the stereo was same scheme. According to UT the Cactus.Ó Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ana McKenzieAssociate Managing Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin Mulvaney, Sean Beherec, Erik Reyna     being sold at $100. System rules, people are not al- Associate Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremy Burchard, Dan Treadway, David Muto20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price. Ò[They were] too excited lowed to solicit products on Ñ Zachary Bidner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lauren Winchester, Roberto Cervantes News Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blair Watler about it,Ó Fox said. ÒGuard campus without a proper per¥ founding member of Associate News Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pierre Bertrand, Lena Price plus t/s your money, and donÕt get in¥mit. All students should be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claire Cardona, Viviana AldousSenior Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald Rich, Audrey White, Alex Geiser Student Friends of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shabab Siddiqui, Bobby Longoria, Priscilla Totiyapungprasert volved into sketchy business wary of cheap deals involving Copy Desk Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nausheen JivaniAssociate Copy Desk Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cristina Herrera, Vicky Ho, Matt Jones Cactus Cafe with shady people you donÕt supposedly Òhigh-endÓ prod- Design Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .Olivia Hinton know.Ó ucts, Halstead said. Senior Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shatha Hussein    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Veronica Rosalez, Mustafa Saifuddin On Feb. 12, UTPD officers is-ÒIt takes everybody here at Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Young       Associate Photo Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bryant Haertlein, Peter Franklin sued criminal trespass warn-UT pitching in to keep each Senior Photographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Kang,Tamir Kalifa ings to a person selling ste-other safe,Ó he said. ÒGetting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peyton McGee, Daniela Trujillo, Bruno MorlanLife&Arts Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Wermund reo equipment from a tan-col-people engaged in dialogue Associate Life&Arts Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amber Genuske Senior Entertainment Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rob Rich, Frankie Marin, Jr. ored Honda and a second per-and letting each other know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Ross Harden, Lane Lynch, Kate ErgenbrightFeatures Entertainment Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gerald Rich, Audrey Campbell, Mary Lingwall son selling equipment from a whatÕs going on is part of that Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blake Hurtik black SUV. education process. I donÕt see Associate Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael SherfieldSenior Sports Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan Hurwitz, Laken Litman, Austin Ries, Chris Tavarez Later that day, two people these individuals coming back. Comics Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carolynn CalabreseMultimedia Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juan Elizondo wearing Best Buy shirts at-Do I see this particular scam Associate Multimedia Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachael Schroeder, Blas GarciaSenior Videographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlos Medina tempted to sell Kinetic stereo coming back to UT? The an¥equipment to a student who swer is yes.Ó Issue Staff Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Collin Eaton, Chris Thomas, Nehal Patel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karishma DesGupta, Gabrielle Cloudy, Michael MoranPhotographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bobby Longoria, Chris Kosho, Shannon KintnerSports Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rishi Daulat, Sameer Bhuchar, Will AndersonLife&Arts Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlo Castillo, Victoria HeckenlaibleColumnist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave PlayerPage Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Suchada Sutasirisap, Hollis O'Hara, Alexa HartCopy Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alysha Behn, Jonathan Damrich, Kaitlin KaufmannWire Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith Gardner Life&Arts/Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelsey Crow    Comics Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gave Alvarez, Connor Shou, Sammy Martinez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brianne Klitgaard, Claudine Luana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vivian Gao, Katie Carrell    Advertising Director of Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jalah GoetteRetail Advertising Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brad Corbett   Account Executive/Broadcast Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carter GossCampus/National Sales Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan BowermanAssistant to Advertising Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C.J. SalgadoStudent Advertising Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathryn Abbas    Student Advertising Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ryan Ford, Meagan GribbinStudent Account Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anupama Kulkarni, Ashley Walker, An Ly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cameron McClure, Daniel Ruszkiewkz, Lauren Aldana      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laci Long, Tommy DanielsClassified Clerks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teresa Lai Special Editions, Editorial Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elena Watts     Web Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny GroverSpecial Editions, Student Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kira Taniguchi     Graphic Designer Interns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Thomas, Lisa HartwigSenior Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Felimon Hernandez   The Daily Texan (USPS 146-440), a student newspaper at The University of Texas at Austin, is published by Texas Student     Media, 2500 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78705. The Daily Texan is published daily except Saturday, Sunday, federal holidays and exam periods, plus the last Saturday in July. Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, TX 78710. News contributions will be accepted by telephone (471-4591) or at the editorial office (Texas Student Media Building 2.122).    For local and national display advertising, call 471-1865. For classified display and national classified display advertising, call 471-1865. For classified word advertising, call 471-5244. Entire contents copyright 2009 Texas Student Media.         The Daily Texan Mail Subscription Rates One Semester (Fall or Spring) $60.00 Two Semesters (Fall and Spring) 120.00 Summer Session 40.00 One Year (Fall, Spring and Summer) 150.00 To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call 471-5083. Send orders and address changes to Texas Student Media, P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713-8904, or to TSM Building C3.200, or call 471-5083. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Texan, P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713.   2/18/10 Monday .............Wednesday, 12 p.m.Thursday.................Monday, 12 p.m. Texan Ad Tuesday.................Thursday, 12 p.m.Friday......................Tuesday, 12 p.m. Classified Word Ads 10 a.m. Deadlines Wednesday................Friday, 12 p.m. (Last Business Day Prior to Publication) Wire Editor: Keith Gardner www.dailytexanonline.com Thursday, February 18, 2010 WORLD&NATION THE DAILY TEXAN Man cleared of murder conviction By Martha Waggoner The Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. Ñ A North Carolina man who insisted he was innocent of murder through more than 16 years in prison was declared a free man Wednesday after a groundbreaking exonera¥tion pressed by the nationÕs only statewide innocence panel. Greg TaylorÕs shackles were re¥moved and he was swept into the arms of his relatives, including a daughter and the son-in-law he met for the first time. Taylor said he was thrilled that he was no longer considered guilty of mur¥dering a prostitute in 1991. ÒTo think all these years what this day would be like; 6,149 days and finally the truth has pre¥vailed,Ó said Taylor, 47, after three judges agreed he didnÕt kill Jac¥quetta Thomas. The three judges, appointed by the stateÕs chief justice, heard arguments and testimony at the recommendation of the North Carolina Innocence Commission, the only state-run agency in the country dedicated to proving a convicted personÕs innocence. The judges ruled not only that Taylor was not guilty of the beat¥ing death of Thomas, but that he proved his innocence after a case that questioned the policies of state investigators and experts whose work put Taylor behind bars. Unlike a trial, where the prose¥cution must prove a defendantÕs guilt, the defense had to prove TaylorÕs innocence. The attor¥neys did that by taking apart al¥most every aspect of the prosecu¥tionÕs case. Wake County District Attor¥ney Colon Willoughby, whose of¥fice led the charge to keep Taylor behind bars, immediately walked over to Taylor after the verdict. ÒI told him IÕm very sorry he was convicted,Ó Willoughby said later. Aside from the scientific ev¥idence and the eyewitness tes¥timony, the strongest point in TaylorÕs favor was his steadfast refusal to confess. Police and prosecutors Ñ including Assis¥tant District Attorney Tom Ford, who prosecuted Taylor at trial and handled most of the ques¥tioning at the hearing Ñ repeat¥edly offered a reduced sentence if he would testify against Beck. Taylor refused. North Carolina lawmakers es¥tablished the innocence commis¥sion in 2006. Of the hundreds of cases reviewed by the innocence agency, only three have made it to a hearing before the bodyÕs commissioners. Only one other has gone to a three-judge panel, and that was rejected. US agencies fear a link to al-Qaida in terrorized Somalia By Katharine Houreld The Associated Press NAIROBI, Kenya Ñ U.S. re¥strictions designed to stop ter¥rorists in Somalia from diverting aid are hurting humanitarian op¥erations there, U.N. officials said Wednesday. U.N. agencies have not seen any evidence from the American gov¥ernment that food aid is being di¥verted to Islamists fighting the U.N.-backed Somali government, said the top U.N. humanitarian of¥ficial for Somalia, Mark Bowden. ÒWhat we are seeing is a polit¥icization of humanitarian issues,Ó Bowden said. The U.S. reduced its funding to Somalia last year after its Office of Foreign Assets Control expressed fear that the extended supply line and insurgent-heavy areas where aid agencies were operating meant aid could be diverted to a group with links to al-Qaida. Bowden says agencies were being asked to comply with im¥practical requirements by the U.S. He said stateside employees of USAID were eager to resolve the impasse but said that they faced resistance from higher up in the administration. A White House spokesman placed blame for the situation on terror groups active in Somalia. ÒThe actions of al-Shabaab and other violent extremists are what are denying Somalis ur¥gently needed humanitarian aid,Ó spokesman Tommy Vietor said. The World Food Program pulled out of much of Somalia af¥ter local Islamist leaders demand¥ed $20,000 every six months to al¥low them to operate. WFP will not restart its opera¥tions until the conditions are lifted and they are given assurances they will be allowed to operate safely, said spokesman Peter Smerdon. Editor in Chief: Jillian Sheridan Phone: (512) 232-2212 E-mail: editor@dailytexanonline.com Associate Editors: Jeremy Burchard David Muto Thursday, February 18, 2010 Dan Treadway OPINION THE DAILY TEXAN FIRING LINES E-mail your Firing Lines to firingline@dailytexanonline.com. Letters must be fewer than 300 words. The Texan reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, clarity and liability. LEGALESE Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan are not necessar¥ily those of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees. Aramark and the art of the slow no By Estella Cota Daily Texan Guest Columnist For nearly one year, students and members of the community group Fair Food Austin have petitioned Ar¥amark, the food-service provider of the Texas Union, to reach an agree¥ment with the Coalition of Immoka¥lee Workers to improve wages and working conditions for Florida to¥mato pickers. And for nearly one year, Aramark representatives at both the local and national levels have responded with silence, mis¥information and delay tactics. Stu¥dents at Aramark-serviced campus¥es from Florida to California report similar experiences. The Coalition of Immokalee Work¥ers is a Florida-based farmworker or¥ganization at the cutting edge of hu¥man rights advocacy and corporate accountability. Since 2005, the CIW has signed Òfair foodÓ agreements with fast-food leaders Yum Brands (Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut), McDonaldÕs, Burger King and Sub¥way. It reached its first supermarket agreement with Whole Foods Mar¥ket in 2007. And last year, the CIW expanded into the food-service in¥dustry by formalizing partnerships with Compass Group and Bon Ap¥petit Management Company. These accords are being imple¥mented at three Florida farms, in¥cluding the stateÕs third largest to¥mato producer. Tomato harvesters at these farms are receiving fairer wag¥es and are ensured a voice on the job. The farms, in turn, receive a premi¥um price for more fairly produced tomatoes and preferential suppli¥er status from participating retail gi¥ants. The campaign represents a win¥win-win scenario for workers, grow¥ers and retailers alike. It is an inno¥vative, market-based solution to the structural problems of farmworker poverty and powerlessness. Florida farm labor conditions span a dark spectrum from everyday ex¥ploitation to extremes of forced la¥bor. In fact, as the CIW and law en¥forcement officials testified before a 2008 U.S. Senate subcommittee hear¥ing, the Department of Justice has prosecuted seven modern-day slav¥ery cases in Florida agriculture since 1997. These cases almost certainly represent only the tip of the iceberg and stem from the retrograde labor relations at the heart of the industry. AramarkÕs Texas Union outlets claim not to source tomatoes from the sunshine state (as if labor condi¥tions in Mexico are any better), yet the company as a whole buys a sig¥nificant volume of Florida tomatoes for dining halls along the eastern seaboard and throughout the Mid¥west. As documented in a 2004 Ox¥fam American study, these high-vol¥ume, low-cost purchasing policies directly translate into downward pressure on farmworkersÕ wages and working conditions. Despite its invisible yet real involvement in the lives of tomato harvesters, Aramark refuses to join the reform movement already underway. ÒWhen we first started this cam¥paign, back during the Taco Bell boycott, we learned a new term: the ÔSlow No,ÕÓ said Gerardo Reyes of the CIW. ÒThatÕs where corporations string you along with meeting after meeting, trying to maintain the illu¥sion that theyÕre working toward a solution when, in fact, theyÕre busy working on a parallel path toward a different deal intended to perpet¥uate the very problem youÕre trying to solve.Ó ÒWhether they admit it or not, we think thatÕs exactly what Ara¥mark is doing today,Ó continued Reyes. ÒThey were talking with us, claiming they wanted to work with us, when in fact theyÕre work¥ing with the growers on yet anoth¥er Ôfox guarding the henhouseÕ deal, despite the fact that Florida toma¥to growers have never been capable of policing themselves. Well, thatÕs not acceptable, and weÕre quite sure it wonÕt be acceptable to students on the campuses where Aramark does business.Ó Aramark could learn a lot from competitor Bon Appetit, the food¥service provider at St. EdwardÕs University in South Austin. Because Bon Appetit signed an agreement with the CIW in April 2009, it is now serving students ethically produced tomatoes whenever possible. Bon Appetit not only respected the farm¥workers in its supply chain enough to forge a genuine partnership but also respected the informed opin¥ions of its student customer base. Ar¥amarkÕs behavior, on the other hand, provides a bitter study in contrast. Hopefully the Texas Union board and University administrators will remember this when AramarkÕs con¥tract comes up for renewal. Cota is an engineering junior. GALLERY The cyclistsÕ lobby By Dave Player Daily Texan Columnist Last year, cycling advocates banded togeth¥er to lobby for the ÒSafe Passage Bill.Ó The bill would create a state law mandating that driv¥ers move into the next lane or a Òsafe distanceÓ over when passing a vulnerable road user, a category that includes cyclists, roadside work¥ers and stranded motorists. Supporters were shocked when Gov. Rick Perry vetoed the legis¥lation. Many of the cyclists who nursed the bill through the legislative process promised retri¥bution against Perry. Over 3,000 cyclists have signed a petition stating their intention to vote against Perry in this yearÕs Republican guber¥natorial primary. The incumbent Perry faces a tough primary election with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and upstart Debra Medina; Tex¥as is an open primary state, meaning prima¥ry voting is open to any citizen, regardless of party affiliation. It will be interesting to see whether cyclists can lobby effectively. Cyclists have yet to show they have political clout, especially at the state¥wide level. And while the March primaryÕs re¥sults may be a more accurate indicator, itÕs un¥likely cyclists can become a political force. For one, cyclists are overwhelmingly centered in urban communities. While they may be able to lobby effectively on a municipal level, their in¥fluence weakens at the state level once subur¥ban and rural interests are factored in. Secondly, cyclistsÕ political interests outside of cycling-related issues may be closely aligned with already-established interest groups. Cy¥cling is often trumpeted by pro-environmen¥tal groups as a socially conscious, pro-Green lifestyle choice. As such, cyclists often fall un¥der the umbrella of the environmental agenda, which tends to lean left and vote Democrat. A hypothetical conservative candidate may view the cyclist voting bloc as a lock to vote liberal¥ly and thus not worth targeting in a campaign. An interest group is only valuable if its votes are perceived as contested. An interesting contrast to the power struggle between bikes and cars on Austin streets is the relationship between cyclists and pedestrians here on campus. The safety dynamic between the two is drastically different. On city streets, the car, by merit of its speed and size, is the ag¥gressor. Traffic laws, such as the Safe Passage bill, are created to protect the vulnerable par¥ty. As much as Austin drivers may be inconve¥nienced, the responsibility lies with the driver to avoid a situation that could put a cyclistÕs life in danger. In this case, the majority must strive to accommodate the minority. However, on campus, those roles switch. The cyclist becomes the aggressor on campus. A speeding cyclist can cause serious injury if he or she were to collide with a pedestrian. Anyone traveling through one of the many high-traf¥fic areas of campus knows the sight of cyclists weaving in and out of crowds of students. Qualifications are also a concern. While UT Parking requires every bike on campus be reg¥istered, students donÕt always comply. Driving a car requires a safety course, auto insurance and a license Ñ casually riding a bike requires only a trip to Wal-Mart. Last spring, UTPD began a crackdown on cyclists who violated traffic laws. UTPD offi¥cers issued 35 tickets to cyclists in less than two hours. Some cyclists were unhappy that UTPD had suddenly chosen to enforce previously ig¥nored traffic laws. However, there was little fol¥low-up to that outrage; no uproar, no forming of a cyclist coalition and certainly no threats of petition or political advocacy. Cyclists are a minority at UT, but with an es¥timated 8,000 bikers on campus, their presence is well-noted. While itÕs unlikely that Texas bik¥ers have enough political clout to sway a ma¥jor state race like the governorship, UT cyclists have a large enough constituency in a small enough sphere of influence to dictate major changes such as the addition of more bike lanes or better bike security on campus. One of the difficulties in establishing a last¥ing organization on a college campus is that students are a transitory population. It is hard to get students to invest themselves into such an effort when their time on the 40 Acres will be up in a few short years. However, as cycling rises in popularity on campus, traffic issues will only increase. ItÕs in the best interest of the Uni¥versity and its student body to address cycling concerns before they become a problem. Unfor¥tunately, the mechanism to harness that student voice does not yet seem to exist. Player is a plan II junior. THE FIRING LINE UTÕs Opportunity to Go Green-er On March 2 and 3, students will vote on creat¥ing a ÒGreen Fund.Ó A Green Fund sets aside money for specifi¥cally ÒgreenÓ projects. These projects can include anything from grants and scholarships for stu¥dents working on environmental issues, to water efficient irrigation systems or even campus bike¥share programs. Texas State University recently used their Green Fund to pay for 30 elliptical machines for its recreation center. The machines actually feed energy back into the campus power grid. The machines take the human-generated kinetic energy and convert it into alternating currents, which is what we use through power outlets. A 30-minute workout can power a computer for 30 minutes or a light bulb for 2 1/2 hours. While this fund will cause a tuition increase (of 0.1 percent), many of the projects it can fund will generate long-term savings to the University. In 2007, UT retrofitted lighting in its buildings, and this saved $1.9 million a year. ThatÕs about $40 per student saved. The Green Fund would continue programs like this to con¥tinue saving money. If enacted, a Green Fund committee, with majority student representation, would pick projects suggested by students, faculty and staff. Any leftover money at the end of the semester would roll over to the next year. The fund would be supported by a self-imposed tuition increase of $5 per semester for all students. This would generate $500,000 a year. $400,000 of this would actually be spent by the committee, and the other $100,000 would support financial aid to keep our University affordable for students of all financial backgrounds. Over 100 colleges and universities across 30 state, have already invested in similar programs. The University of North Texas, the University of Houston, UT-El Paso, UT-Pan American and even our good friends at Texas A&M, will all be voting on the same plan this semester. The Green Fund will put money in studentsÕ hands to promote projects important to us. While the University has done lots of green things lately, it is up to students to make sure that this continues during a time of unsure fund¥ing from other sources. This is our opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of environmental sus¥tainability and increased student input on how the University we love so much impacts the environment. Ñ Laura Fidelman Public relations junior NEWS Thursday, February 18, 2010 Leaders insist on voting early Democrat Mark Strama stresses impact of student voters in election process By Gabrielle Cloudy Daily Texan Staff After early voting for the March 2 primary elections be¥gan Tuesday, state Rep. Mark Strama said the nation will soon see effective change with more student involvement in the po¥litical process. ÒIf young peo¥ple stick around, then weÕll see the change that we voted for in 2008,Ó Strama said Wednesday at a University Democrats meeting. He suggested to the more than 30 attendees ways that young people can make an impact through voting and shared his opinions on the current political environment. Ò[Strama] is the fastest-ris¥ing star,Ó said Jimmy Talarico, UDems president emeritus and a government junior. ÒHeÕs artic¥ulate, inspiring and informative. HeÕs just a great speaker. Hope¥fully he will inspire [students] to vote and use politics to help their community.Ó Mary Throop, StramaÕs chief of staff, said although primary elec¥tions typically generate low vot¥er turnout, they are just as im¥portant as general elections. ÒTravis County has a lot of lo¥cal judge races, and some donÕt have Republican competition,Ó Throop said. ÒHopefully he can motivate people to get out and answer phones and do some block walking for candidates and, overall, vote in the prima¥ries.Ó Politicians are addressing is¥sues that impact youth directly, so it is important for students to get involved, said UDems Presi¥dent Melessa Rodriguez. ÒItÕs our civic duty to vote,Ó Rodriguez said. ÒWe take it for granted, but itÕs a privilege. ItÕs a way our voices are heard, and [politicians] take notice.Ó Adressing the national health care debate, Strama said it is pos¥sible to provide universal health care without increasing costs. ÒYou have to know when to put public policy over poli¥tics,Ó he said. ÒItÕs a sad thing that the Republicans are refus¥ing health care.Ó Strama emphasized the impor¥tance of young voters in an elec¥tion. He said it was the surprising number of young people turning out to vote for the fist time that made the 2008 presidential elec¥tion so significant. ÒBefore 2008, [representatives] didnÕt spend time on people who have never voted,Ó he said. ÒObama changed that. He said, ÔIf I invest in them, then maybe they will invest in me.ÕÓ Strama said UDemsÕ volunteer efforts helped him win the state representative seat in 2004. Rodriguez said she believes that StramaÕs words of advice will not only encourage UDems in their efforts, but will also en¥courage students to vote and be¥come more involved in politics. Perry challenges EPA ruling on unhealthy gasses By Chris Thomas Daily Texan Staff The state of Texas filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals on Tuesday, chal¥lenging the Environmen¥tal Protection AgencyÕs find¥ings that greenhouse gases in the state are a threat to pub¥lic health. In the agencyÕs endanger¥ment findings, published Dec. 7, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson concluded that Òthe current and projected concen¥trations of the six key well¥mixed greenhouse gases Ñ carbon dioxide, methane, ni¥trous oxide, hydrofluorocar¥bons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride Ñ in the atmosphere threaten the pub¥lic health and welfare of cur¥rent and future generations.Ó Gov. Rick Perry filed the suit with the help of Attorney General Greg Abbott and Tex¥as Agricultural Commissioner Todd Staples. posted a response to the suit on the agencyÕs Web site. Re¥gion 6 includes Texas as well as Arkansas, Oklahoma, Lou¥isiana and New Mexico. Ò[TuesdayÕs] action is not surprising,Ó Armendariz said. ÒTexas officials have re¥peatedly expressed opposi¥tion to the EPAÕs common¥sense approach to begin re¥ducing harmful greenhouse gases. Texas, which contrib¥utes up to 35 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted by industrial sources in the Unit¥ed States, should be leading the way in this effort. Instead, Texas officials are attempting to slow progress with unnec¥essary litigation.Ó EPA Region 6 spokesman Dave Bary said the EPAÕs re¥sults are scientifically proven and supported with statistics. ÒIt is disappointing that Perry has seen fit to argue their validity,Ó Bary said. Luke Metzger, di-Perry said the rector of Envi-EPA is making ronment Tex¥ generalizations as, said Per¥ and scaring the ÔÔchallenge to the EPAÓ Today, the state of ryÕs main public. ÒToday, the Texas is taking its problem with state of Texas is the EPAÕs find¥ taking its chal-ings is that the lenge to the Ñ Rick Perry Intergovern -EPA,Ó Perry mental Pan- Governor said in a press el on Climate conference held Change, an Tuesday. ÒThis organization Low turnout during first days of polling does not surprise county officials By Nehal Patel Daily Texan Staff Less than 0.5 percent of regis¥tered voters participated in ear¥ly voting Tuesday for the Trav¥is County primary election on March 2, according to a report from the county clerk. Fewer than 2,800 of the more than 580,000 registered voters in Travis County voted on the first day of early voting. Of those votes, more than 2,600 were cast in person while more than 100 were mail-in ballots. The results of the March 2 primary will de¥termine the party candidates who run in the November general elec¥tion for offices including gover¥nor, lieutenant governor and var¥ious judicial seats. ÒThe trend is, itÕs always a trick¥le [of people] the first couple of days,Ó Travis County clerk Dana DeBeauvoir said. ÒItÕs like no¥body knows weÕre voting, then it gradually increases. Everybody comes out and votes, especially on the last two days. ItÕs human na¥ture to procrastinate.Ó Despite the initial small num¥bers, more people are moving toward voting early, the county clerkÕs office said. In the 2006 gu¥bernatorial general election, about 43 percent of registered voters vot¥ed early. In the 2008 party prima¥ry elections, about 52 percent vot¥ed early, and in the 2008 presiden¥tial general election, about 75 per¥cent voted early. Less than 0.5 percent of regis- ELECTION continues on page 9 misguided plan paints a big tar¥get on the backs of Texas en¥ergy producers and the nearly 200,000 Texans that they em¥ploy.Ó Greenhouse gases were for¥mally recognized as harmful to human health in the 2007 Supreme Court case Massa¥chusetts v. EPA. In the case, the court decided the EPA had the right to control green¥house-gas emissions. The EPA said in a regula¥tion proposed in September that it would require passen¥ger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles made between 2012 and 2016 to maintain a com¥bined average emissions level of 250 grams of carbon diox¥ide per mile, which is equiv¥alent to 35.5 miles per gal¥lon. The proposed regulation on greenhouse gases would largely affect Texas, which currently leads the nation in carbon dioxide emissions. Al Armendariz, EPA region¥al administrator for Region 6, Perry believes has a histo¥ry of questionable findings, was used almost exclusively for the study. Metzger said he believes that this claim is unsubstantiated. ÒThese complaints are bo¥gus, legally wrong and sci¥entifically unsound,Ó he said. ÒWhile the EPA did rely on the IGCC to develop their findings, they also used stud¥ies by the [National Ocean¥ic and Atmospheric Admin¥istration], NASA and the U.S. Navy.Ó Environment Texas is a statewide advocacy group that has aimed to promote clean, renewable energy in Texas since 2006. ÒGov. Perry should win an Olympic medal for tak¥ing the environment down¥hill,Ó Metzger said. ÒGlobal warming is the greatest envi¥ronmental threat facing Texas and the planet, and Gov. Per¥ryÕs obstructionism puts the state at great risk.Ó Owner of Highland Mall declines buyout proposal Rejected $10 billion offer would lift company from Chapter 11 bankruptcy By Collin Eaton Daily Texan Staff The recently bankrupt own¥er of AustinÕs Highland Mall re¥jected a $10 billion buyout offer from Simon Properties Group, one of the largest real estate com¥panies in the United States. Simon Property Group, based in Indianapolis, Ind., received a letter of response Tuesday from ed that the restructuring process is still among its possible options for emerging from bankruptcy. According to a Feb. 16 Si¥mon statement, General Growth PropertyÕs process has been long and drawn out. Simon Property Group Chairman and CEO Da¥vid Simon said the offer is the Òbest possible outcomeÓ for the failing company, as it would cover the cost of emerging from bankruptcy. According to Travis Cen¥tral Appraisal District records, the value of the Highland Mall General Growth Properties. Gen¥ property was set at $43 million in eral Growth Prop¥ 2009. erties indicated in In the Har- the letter that it It would cover the vard Business would pursue the process of emerg¥ing from bank¥ruptcy but that the company rec¥ognizes Òthe po¥ cost of emerging from bankruptcy. ReviewÕs recent ranking of the top 50 CEOs glob¥ally, released in February, Simon ranked 46th. tential value that Simon could bring as an option for the compa¥ny to emerge from Chapter 11.Ó The company, which owns over 200 malls across the country, de¥cided to file for Chapter 11 bank¥ruptcy on April 16, 2009, after it could no longer afford to pay its long-standing debt or settle out of court with its creditors. According to a Feb. 16 General Growth Prop¥erties press release, the company began restructuring to pay off its debt. In its letter to Simon Prop¥erty Group, the company stat-The Harvard Business Review measures efficiency in three ways, including a mathemati¥cal deduction of the industryÕs profits to see the CEOÕs contri¥bution to his companyÕs prof¥its. The study also measured the amount of shareholder return during CEO tenure and translat¥ed international profits into in¥flation-adjusted U.S. dollars. The ranking compared 1,999 CEOs from 1,205 companies across all fields. Agencies encourage students to volunteer time By Karishma Hossain Daily Texan Staff More than 75 nonprofit and government agencies were scat¥tered around the West Mall on Wednesday to combat low vol¥unteer turnout by recruiting stu¥dent volunteers. The Spring 2010 Volunteer Fair, hosted by the Volunteer and Service Learning Center and the UT Student Volunteer Board, provided students with information on various volun¥teer opportunities in Central Texas. The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas, The Blood Cen¥ter of Central Texas, Austin Public Libraries and the Texas Special Olympics were among the organizations present at the fair with tables, sign-up sheets and plenty of giveaways for in¥terested students. Each organization had its own specific goals and mission state¥ments. Some were dedicated to promoting global causes like re¥cycling and breast cancer aware¥ness, while others worked to ad¥dress more specific problems closer to home. Eula West is the project man¥ager for Crossroads Community, a nonprofit aimed at aiding un¥derprivileged families. She ex¥pressed the organizationÕs need for volunteer tutors. ÒWe are in desperate need of more volunteers,Ó West said. ÒWe are crying out to UT students to share their talents and their time to build a healthy flourishing community.Ó Students made their way from table to table, learning about their options, grabbing goodies and signing up for events. Peter Frey, the project manager for the En¥trepreneurs Foundation, said al¥though many nonprofit organi¥zations have the funding, spon¥sorships and motivation needed to continue their efforts, they are hindered by one crucial problem: low volunteer turnout. ÒSometimes, it is tough for or¥ganizations to rely on volunteers because there is no guarantee,Ó Frey said. ÒWe are dealing with peopleÕs time here, and it is un¥realistic to assume that everyone that signs up will actually show up.Ó Glen Baumgart, director of the Volunteer and Service Learning Center, said that the problem lies elsewhere. ÒI donÕt think the problem is enough volunteers,Ó Baumgart said. ÒStudents volunteer in huge numbers. I think the problem is in training and orientation, and communication with nonprofits. By the time students get set up, half the semester could be gone.Ó Business honors freshman The¥resa Tan attended WednesdayÕs fair, showing that there are still students who are willing to make a difference. ÒIt sounds selfish, but by help¥ing other people, youÕre helping yourself,Ó Tan said. ÒTrue, youÕre using up valuable time and arenÕt getting paid for it, but the self¥satisfaction and people skills you gain afterwards are worth it.Ó Sports Editor: Blake Hurtik E-mail: sports@dailytexanonline.com Phone: (512) 232-2210 SPORTS www.dailytexanonline.com Thursday, February 18, 2010 THE DAILY TEXAN MENÕS TENNIS Solid fundamentals carry Kutrovsky By Rishi Daulat Daily Texan Staff When you watch senior Dimitar Kutrovsky on the ten¥nis court, donÕt expect to see a flashy or orthodox game. HeÕs quiet, standing at an unintimi¥dating 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and plays with two hands on both sides. He doesnÕt look like someone whoÕs just 12 wins away from becoming the winningest play¥er in Texas menÕs tennis history. But he is. With 110 careers wins, 28 this season alone, heÕs hot on the tail of wins leader Jack Brasington. What he lacks in techni¥cal and physical flashiness, he more than makes up for in men¥tal toughness. ÒWhen I first saw him play at the Orange Bowl, Dimitar needed a lot of work on differ¥ent parts of his game Ñ volleys, his doubles game Ñ he didnÕt really have a backhand slice,Ó said Ricardo Rubio, the Texas assistant tennis coach. ÒHow¥ever, one thing I noticed right away was he was very mental¥ly tough. He was a big fighter, and he had a lot of confidence in himself, which really helped him.Ó Kutrovsky grew up playing tennis in Sofia, Bulgaria. He was one of the top-ranked ju¥nior players in the world, and coming out of high school, Kutrovsky wasnÕt sure if he wanted to attend college or start playing professionally. ÒWhen I was recruiting him, he didnÕt respond to my e-mails for about a month,Ó Rubio said. ÒOnce he decided that college was the best option and looked at the rankings, he contacted me back. I offered him a schol¥arship and he filled out the pa¥perwork from there. He was a kid who was very mature for his age and from Day One, he took care of his business. Back home it was difficult for him to get good coaching, so thatÕs why I think he wanted to play here.Ó Even with the minor defi- MENÕS BASKETBALL TEXAS 70, MISSOURI 82 Texas falters again, loses on the road against Missouri By Will Anderson Daily Texan Staff All of the promise No. 15 Texas showed against Nebraska last week¥end wilted in the face of MissouriÕs full-court press as the Tigers won 82¥70 at home Wednesday evening. The Longhorns (20-6, 6-5 Big 12) lost for the sixth time in nine games, while Missouri (19-7, 7-4) gained a crucial home victory on its NCAA resume and jumped Texas in the Big 12 standings. In a losing effort, Jordan Hamil¥ton scored a game-high of 24 points off the bench and added five re¥bounds. It was the freshmanÕs best offensive game since the victory over Oklahoma State on Feb. 1. Damion James and Avery Brad¥ley each added 18 points for Texas, but that was the extent of the HornsÕ offensive production. No other play¥er in burnt orange converted more than three field goals. Texas coach Rick Barnes harped on assist-to-turnover ratio after the losses to Kansas and Oklahoma. Texas showed improvement in that area against Nebraska but strug¥gled versus Missouri, making just 11 assists while giving up the ball 17 times. MissouriÕs aggressive press caused many of those turnovers, as the Tigers finished with 10 steals to the LonghornsÕ three. Free throws, which looked sol¥id for Texas against the Cornhusk¥ers, came back to haunt the Long¥horns on Wednesday. Texas con¥verted just 53 percent of its shots from the line and missed 10 of 19 free throws in another close, physi¥cal Big 12 contest. Kim English put up 20 points for Missouri, including 15 in the second half, and four other Tigers scored at least 9. Missouri jumped out to an ear¥ly 8-0 lead as the TigersÕ up-tem¥po style caught the Horns stagnant. It took over three minutes for Tex¥as to score its first field goal, a mid¥range jumper from Bradley, but the team couldnÕt catch Mizzou in the opening half and entered the break down 32-31. LOSS continues on page 8 ciencies in his game, Kutrovsky still played No. 1 singles for Texas during his freshman year. Fast forward three years, and KutrovskyÕs definitely worked out the kinks; he is a two-time singles ITA All-American, a three-time All Big 12 singles and doubles player and has played at the top singles spot every year that heÕs been at Tex¥as. This season, he is ranked fifth in the ITA collegiate sin¥gles rankings and is No. 22 in the ITA doubles rankings, along with teammate Josh Zavala. There is still a long way to go in the season, but Kutrovsky said he has a few goals he would like to accomplish before he finishes at Texas. ÒMy personal goal is to get better and keep improving my game,Ó he said. ÒI think my best tennis is still ahead of me. For the team, the goal is to win the Big 12 and the NCAAs at the end of the year. Right now, weÕre close to achieving the two, but we still need work.Ó Looking back on his decision to come to college, he knows he made the right choice, both on and off the court. TENNIS continues on page 8 WOMENÕS BASKETBALL KANSAS STATE 41, TEXAS 62 Longhorns continue to roll Big 12 After slow start, Horns bounce back for sixth consecutive victory By Dan Hurwitz Daily Texan Staff A game of runs ended on the right step for the Long¥horns, who finished on a 27-7 run to tie their season-high win streak of six victories with a 62-41 win Wednesday night. Kansas StateÕs 41 points, a result of only converting four NashÕs huge half lifts Texas, moves her closer to scoring milestone By Sameer Bhuchar Daily Texan Staff Kathleen NashÕs 22 points against Kansas State bring her to within eight points of reach¥ing the coveted benchmark of 1,000 career points. But she couldnÕt care less. ÒI donÕt really focus on that,Ó Nash said. ÒWe just focus on winning. I mean, if the points will get us the win, then thatÕs good enough.Ó of 22, tied the fewest points allowed by the Longhorns this season. After a first half that near¥ly put 4,447 fans to sleep, both teams came storming out of the gate in the second. The Longhorns shot 73 percent in the second half behind Kat Nash, who did not miss a sin¥gle shot. ÒI donÕt think that IÕve ever seen a team shoot 73 percent from the floor in a half against Kansas State,Ó said Wildcats coach Deb Patterson. It is this team-first mentality that has helped Nash become the all-around explosive play¥er she is. Kansas State coach Deb Patterson witnessed first¥hand just how damaging Nash can be. ÒKathleen [Nash] is versa¥tile,Ó Patterson said. ÒShe can cause mismatches inside and out. She was aggressive. She can score from the three-point line, she can score at 15 feet, then the next possession she can post you up or slice-cut you to the rim. She made maximum impact. She played smart.Ó Nash shot a blistering 8-11 NashÕs 22 points paved the way for the short-handed Longhorns in WednesdayÕs matchup. Shooting guard Eri¥ka Arriaran tweaked her knee, which has already had two major surgeries, in SaturdayÕs double overtime win over Kansas, and sat out Wednes¥day night. ÒKat probably got some of ErikaÕs opportunities today,Ó said head coach Gail Goesten¥kors. ÒI was glad that every- WIN continues on page 8 from the field and went 5-5 on three-pointers. Her perfect performance from beyond the arc marks the best three-point shooting percentage by an indi¥vidual in a game for Texas. Her 22 points were a game high in Big 12 play this season. Before tip off, Texas coach Gail Goestenkors had a feeling Nash was poised for a big per¥formance. ÒJust before the game, I had come out a little early and Kat was already out shooting, and she was standing in the same KAT continues on page 8 SIDELINE Winter Olympic Medal Count G. S. B. USA 5 3 6 Germany 3 4 3 France 2 1 4 Canada 2 3 1 South Korea 3 2 0 Norway 1 2 2 Austria 1 2 2 Switzerland 3 0 1 China 2 1 1 Italy 0 1 3 Russia 1 1 1 Sweden 2 0 0 Slovakia 1 1 0 Czech Republic 1 0 1 Poland 0 2 0 Japan 0 1 1 Netherlands 1 0 0 Latvia 0 1 0 Finland 0 1 0 Estonia 0 1 0 Australia 0 1 0 Slovenia 0 0 1 Croatia 0 0 1 NCAA MenÕs Top 25 No. 4 Purdue 60 No. 12 Ohio State 57 No. 6 Duke 81 Miami 74 Nebraska 87 No. 7 Kansas State 91 No. 8 West Virginia 88 Providence 74 Illinois-Chicago 55 No. 13 Butler 73 No. 14 BYU 92 Colorado State 70 Wyoming 61 No. 15 New Mexico 83 No. 17 Texas 77 Missouri 82 Georgia 60 No. 18 Tennessee 69 No. 20 Temple 73 St. Bonaventure 55 NCAA WomenÕs Top 25 No. 12 Iowa State 50 No. 3 Nebraska 60 No. 6 Xavier 80 Dayton 79 South Florida 50 No. 12 Geogetown 54 Kansas State 41 No. 14 Texas 62 No. 15 Texas A&M 69 No. 17 Oklahoma State 52 NBA San Antonio 90 Indiana 87 Detroit 91 Orlando 116 Minnesota 99 Washington 108 Memphis 109 Toronto 102 F/OT Miami 87 New Jersey 84 Chicago 115 New York 109 Utah 98 New Orleans 90 Houston 127 Milwaukee 99 Phoenix 97 Dallas 107 Sacramento 98 Golden State 130 Atlanta 110 LA Clippers 92 SPORTS Thursday, February 18, 2010 WIN: Reed, Gayle dominate inside play tenkors said. ÒShe knows we need her and we need her scor¥ ing, and she believes that she can score on anybody.Ó Defensively, Reed and fellow post Ashley Gayle were forced to defend the WildcatsÕ guards after switching onball screens. This led to the Longhorns ad¥justing to Kansas StateÕs of¥fensive style, after having to focus on protecting the paint over the last couple games. ÒThis was about protecting the three, and we were will¥ing to give up some drives to the basket and some mis¥matches inside the paint,Ó Goestenkors said. ÒBut, we wanted to really do a great job protecting against the three-point shot.Ó The mismatches Texas gave up included a couple of 5-foot-7 point guards who got an extended amount of playing time due to Brittain¥ey Raven facing a small pun¥ishment. For the second time this season Raven, the Long¥hornsÕ leading scorer, was punished Ð this time for throwing an elbow during SaturdayÕs win in Lawrence. Like almost everyone else, Raven struggled in the first half, going scoreless and turning the ball over four times. ÒI told her at halftime, ÔIÕve already punished you by not starting you. You donÕt need to keep carrying this along with you and just let go,ÕÓ Goestenkors said. RavenÕs second half per¥formance did not start off on the right foot as she added two more turnovers, but she eventually got going, finish¥ing with seven points and five rebounds. TENNIS: Decision to attend college paying off From page 7 ÒComing to college was a good decision for me,Ó he said. ÒI be¥came very independent. Col¥lege was harder than I thought it would be, but I got great coaching. I am also coming out with a corpo¥rate communications degree, and I made a ton of friends.Ó However, it did take him a bit of time to adjust to living in the U.S., particularly when it came to his wardrobe. ÒWhen he first got here, he wore a white cutoff with white Capri shorts all the time,Ó said senior Jon Wiegand, laughing. ÒHis fashion sense has really matured as well, since now, he dresses a bit more like everyone else.Ó Now, heÕs the one helping new¥comers get adjusted. He convinced current freshman sensation Vasko Mladenov, a fel- LOSS: UT falls for sixth time in nine games From page 7 The second half began with the teams trading field goals and the Horns in much better position. They made six of their first sev¥en shots from the field and closed within one point of the Tigers. JÕCovan Brown gave Texas a short¥lived lead when he sank a long jumper with 18:28 left. But a 12-4 run by Missouri half¥way through the period gave the Tigers just enough breathing room, and confidence, to put Tex¥as away. The Longhorns answered with three quick layups, but min¥utes later, another streak gave Mis¥souri control for good. Texas was forced to foul as the fi¥nal minutes ticked off the clock, but Missouri hit 24 of 29 free throws and was never threatened late. low Bulgarian, that coming to col¥lege was a better option than go¥ing professional right away. The two have known each other since they were 10 and have formed a strong friendship despite playing in different age divisions. Kutrovsky opened MladenovÕs eyes to the benefit of joining the Longhorns. ÒI trusted him to come here,Ó Mladenov said. ÒDimi was also the guy that helped me a lot be¥cause he speaks my language, and I was struggling with my English the first semester, but he helped me and showed me around the school and Austin and I appreci¥ate it.Ó Kutrovsky has not just had an impact on Mladenov. Many of the other players look up to him be¥cause of what they see from him on the tennis court. ÒThe way he practices and how he is so focused all the time, the other players on the team see that,Ó Rubio said. ÒHe put in a lot of work and just got better. Four years later, Dimi is a totally dif¥ferent person off the court, but on the court, heÕs still the same hard worker.Ó After he graduates in May, Kutrovsky plans to play the ATP Pro Tour. He wants to live in Aus¥tin and hopes that in getting an ATP card, he can stay in the Unit¥ed States. Regardless of how he does professionally, Kutrovsky has silently left his mark at Texas. ÒThereÕs no doubt about it, heÕs going to make it professionally,Ó Rubio said. ÒHeÕs a really smart, quiet kid and whatÕs amazing is he could be the all-time winningest player at Texas when he leaves here. HeÕs tough as nails.Ó BATS: Despite death and injury, aluminum bats arenÕt going away From page 1 and out of respect for Brandon the complete athlete,Ó said Lance second difference Ñ one-fifth the and his parents,Ó said Matt Phil-Sewell, the LonghornsÕ strength time it takes to blink an eye Ñ re¥been used. lips, the MavericksÕ coach. and conditioning coach. ÒItÕs no ally improve a pitcherÕs ability to Leading the way are PatchÕs According to a study by Brown different now then when I got react? parents, Duane and Deb, who University researchers Joseph here six years ago.Ó According to Kevin Breen, who won $850,000 in a lawsuit in No-Crisco and R.M. Greenwald, met-Witnesses to PatchÕs accident spoke at the New York City Coun¥vember 2009 against Hillerich & al bats do produce bat velocities say he never had a chance to get cil meetings in 2006 and 2007, Bradsby (commonly known as 8 miles per hour quicker than out of the way and that unlike pitchers should be able to react Louisville Slugger) for failing to wooden bats. other sports, many players are the same to both bats if they fall warn customers about the poten-However, aluminum is not the unaware of the dangers of the into position. tial dangers of their products. only material at fault. game. ÒThe largest determining factor BrandonÕs old team, the Mav-Between 1991 and 2001, 17 play-ÒItÕs not like stock car racing is whether the pitcher puts him¥ericks, only use wooden bats and ers were killed by batted balls. Of or football where people under-self in a position to field the ball insist that other teams comply, those 17, eight were hit by metal stand the risk,Ó said Jack Mackay, after delivery,Ó Breen said. ÒThis even if itÕs meant forfeiting four bats, two with wood and seven who developed much of the high-is because a pitcher who improp¥games to other teams that refused were unknown. performance aluminum bat tech-erly positions himself can easily to use wooden bats. ÒItÕs definitely dangerous, and nology for Louisville Slugger in add well over a tenth of a second ÒEver since BrandonÕs death, as a pitcher, IÕd love to see hitters the 1990s. ÒI donÕt think the av-to his reaction time.Ó we only play games with wood use wood bats. But I donÕt think erage mom and dad realize that The Patches arenÕt buying it. bats, because itÕs safer Ñ I feel metal bats are any more danger-when they take their kid to a Lit-ÒWe just want to get the thereÕs no question about that Ñ ous,Ó said junior UT pitcher Bran-tle League game, he could wind truth out for more people to don Workman. ÒYou just have up dead.Ó see and hopefully save some- KAT: Nash unconcerned with mark From page 7 one found her.Ó Texas was much more effi¥cient from the field, making six of its eight three-point attempts, as well as getting 24 points in the paint. Those points under¥neath were contributed by the presence of Cokie Reed on the offensive end. ReedÕs game did not start coming along until the second half, though, when she scored nine of her 13 points. ÒSheÕs much more confident and her teammates are really looking for her as well,Ó Goes- From page 7 spot and she probably made about 30 threes in a row, and I just stood there and watched,Ó she said. ÒI pulled [Ashleigh Fontenette] aside and said if sheÕs open, please get her the ball, because sheÕs on fire.Ó Goestenkors was afraid that Texas was going to come into WednesdayÕs game flat, and for a while, they did. But Nash was clearly the catalyst in the Long¥horn offense Wednesday. Tex¥as shot a dismal 26.1 percent in the first half before following NashÕs lead in the second. She scored eight of the Longhorns first 10 points in the second half, and the team shot 73.7 percent in the second half. She said that she simply felt more self-assured in this game than in past ones. ÒI always hope that my shots will go in, but in the past few games, I donÕt think IÕve had as much confidence in my shot be¥cause IÕve missed quite a few, so itÕs nice to just have a game where I feel more confident,Ó Nash said. The Longhorns will travel to College Station on Saturday to take on their biggest rival, Tex¥as A&M. If NashÕs game against Kansas State is any indication of how she will fare against the Ag¥gies, the Longhorns will be wel¥coming a new member into the 1,000 point club, but Nash prob¥ably wonÕt even notice. Thursday, February 18, 2010 NEWS Ashes to ashes the bike racks located on the east Bad credit side of the dormitory after be- Brackenridge Apartments, 3300 Lake ing secured with a self-locking ca- Austin Blvd. ble lock. Loss value: $250.00. Oc- Burglary of Motor Vehicle: A UT curred between: 2-12-10 and 2-15¥ student reported an unknown sub¥10. ject had entered her secured vehi¥cle and removed her wallet, cred¥it cards, and personal identification Lost in a vortex from the glove box. During the in-Music Recital Hall, 2405 Trinity St. vestigation the officer learned the Theft: A red and black colored victimÕs credit cards had been used Vortex bicycle was reported sto¥at several areas businesses. Loss len after being secured with a self¥value: Unknown at this time. Oc-locking cable lock. During the in¥curred between: 2-14-10, at 10 p.m. vestigation, the officer learned the and 2-15-10, at 2:30 p.m. victim had not taken the time to register his property with Parking and Transportation nor had he re- Unauthorized hiding corded the bicycleÕs serial num- Garrison Hall, #3 E. Mall ber. Loss value: $50.00. Occurred Criminal Trespass Warning: A on: 2-15-10, between 11 a.m. and UT staff member reported find¥12:50 p.m. ing 4 to 5 unauthorized subjects inside a ground level classroom. The staff member reported the Let it go subjects were refusing to leave the Painter Hall, 103 W. 24th St. area. Upon the arrival of the offi-Harassment: A UT student re¥cers only two subjects were locat¥ ported another UT student has ed. Both subjects were unaware been sending her harassingthe building had closed and were emails, text messages, and mak¥issued verbal Criminal Trespass ing daily telephone calls since Warnings and were escorted from they ended their relationship over the building. Occurred on: 2-16¥ a year ago. During the investiga¥10, at 1:19 a.m. tion, the officer learned the sus¥pect had also been stalking the victim by showing up at her class- Giant theft es and place of work. Occurred Jester West Dormitory, 201 E. 21st St. since: 12-08 to 2-14-10. Theft: A grey Giant mountain bicycle was reported stolen from Compiled by UTPD Officer Darrell Halstead scheduled to announce its supply NEWS BRIEFLY report later Thursday. Crude has traded between $69 Demand for gasoline remains a barrel and $84 for most of the last six months as the global econ-Despite the initial small num-governor is close, and there are fi-Center on campus, one of the perma¥ low, oil price falls in Asia omy recovers from recession, but bers, more people are moving nally candidates I can vote for.Ó nent early voting locations in Austin, From page 6 SINGAPORE -Oil prices fell crude demand from developed tered voters participated in ear-toward voting early, the county Of the voters on Tuesday, 1,135 according to the county clerk. below $77 a barrel Thursday in countries remains weak. ly voting Tuesday for the Trav-clerkÕs office said. In the 2006 gu-Ñ or 0.19 percent of all registered ÒAround the same time Tues- Asia on signs gasoline and distil- Some analysts expect demand is County primary election on bernatorial general election, about voters Ñ were Democrats, and day, about 120 people had vot¥ late demand in the U.S. remain to soon pick up, and conspire March 2, according to a report 43 percent of registered voters vot-1,481 Ñ or 0.25 percent Ñ were ed,Ó said Harley Fisher, an elec¥ sluggish. with limited supplies to boost from the county clerk. ed early. In the 2008 party prima-Republicans. tion deputy of the county clerkÕs Benchmark crude for March prices. delivery was down 73 cents to ÒIn retrospect, it appears that $76.60 a barrel at late afternoon Fewer than 2,800 of the more ry elections, about 52 percent vot-ÒOn the Republican side, we office. ÒMostly students and pro¥ the global economic crisis has Singapore time in electronic trad¥ than 580,000 registered voters in fessors come here to vote, and itÕs postponed, but not canceled, a ing on the New York Mercan- Travis County voted on the first rare to find community members crunch which otherwise would day of early voting. Of those here because of parking difficul¥ tile Exchange. The contract add¥have been starting to bite pret¥ votes, more than 2,600 were cast ties around campus.Ó ed 32 cents to settle at $77.33 on ty much now,Ó Barclays Capi¥ in person while more than 100 ItÕs like nobody knows weÕre voting, then it The early voting period for the Wednesday. tal said in a report. ÒThe trading were mail-in ballots. The results March 2 primary lasts until Feb. Inventories of distillates, which gradually increases.Ó range should start to move up, of the March 2 primary will de- 26. Registered voters can vote at include heating oil and diesel fuel, ÔÔ with $80 per barrel transition¥ termine the party candidates who any of the 20 permanent early vot¥ rose 1.3 million barrels last week, ing from being an effective ceil¥ Ñ Dana DeBeauvoir, Travis County clerk run in the November general elec- ing locations around Austin or the American Petroleum Insti¥ing to instead becoming an effec¥ tion for offices including gover- at any mobile location listed on tute said late Wednesday. Ana¥tive floor.Ó nor, lieutenant governor and var- http://www.co.travis.tx.us/. Most lo¥ lysts, eyeing a cold weather spell In other Nymex trading in ious judicial seats. cations are open Monday through in much of the U.S. this month, March contracts, heating oil fell ÒThe trend is, itÕs always a trick-ed early, and in the 2008 presiden-have a hot gubernatorial race, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and had expected a drop of 1.6 million 1.82 cents to $1.9885 a gallon,le [of people] the first couple of tial general election, about 75 per-on the Democratic side, we have on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. barrels, according to a survey by and gasoline dropped 1.19 cent days,Ó Travis County clerk Dana cent voted early. many judgesÕ races right now,Ó On the day of an election, vot- Platts, the energy information arm to $1.9952 a gallon. Natural gasDeBeauvoir said. ÒItÕs like no-ÒI normally vote early because DeBeauvoir said. ÒBut thereÕs no ers must vote within their specif¥ of McGraw-Hill Cos. fell 0.6 cent to $5.38 per 1,000 cu¥body knows weÕre voting, then it itÕs more convenient,Ó govern-set trend of how many Republi-ic precinct between 7 a.m. and 7 Gasoline inventories also grew bic feet. gradually increases. Everybody ment senior Andrew Alter said. can and Democratic voters partic-p.m. The last day to send an ap¥ while crude supplies fell slightly, In London, Brent crude was comes out and votes, especially on ÒI donÕt always vote in the prima-ipate in early voting.Ó plication by mail to vote is Feb. 23, the API said. down 72 cents at $75.54 on the The Energy DepartmentÕs Ener- ICE futures exchange. gy Information Administration is the last two days. ItÕs human na-ries, especially on an off-year like By 6 p.m. Wednesday, 95 people and all votes must be received by ÑThe Associated Press ture to procrastinate.Ó this one. But this year, the race for had voted at the Flawn Academic 7 p.m. on March 2. 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CALL 512-452¥4366 CENTURY PLAZA APARTMENTS, 4210 RED RIVER Thursday, February 18, 2010 COMICS YesterdayÕs solution Thursday, February 18, 2010 LIFE&ARTS PHOTO: GirlÕs reaction exposes sense of fear, says Ransom curator From page 12 said. ÒI [wanted to] photograph the young girls because I wanted to in¥clude the female populationÕs story in my photos.Ó Walking into the campÕs class¥room, McCurry said Gula caught his eye right away. ÒWhen I entered the school, I saw this girl with amazing eyes,Ó McCurry said. ÒI knew she had this special, unusual, riveting look.Ó After the photograph came out in National Geographic, the Harry Ransom CenterÕs curator of pho¥tography David Coleman said he remembered the instantaneous fame it garnered. ÒI remember it being hugely popular,Ó Coleman said. ÒI think the power and profoundness be¥hind those eyes really caught the publicÕs eye. Her eyes have this sense of fear and weariness, but with such ambiguous emotion. It feels like you are sitting next to her, looking right into her eyes.Ó McCurryÕs photographs often in¥clude child soldiers, wars, death and many other devastating scenarios. ÒTragic scenes break your heart, but you have to marshal your emotions and come back and do your job again the next day,Ó McCurry said. ÒJust like a surgeon, I see terrible things, but [I] have to persevere because oth¥erwise, I canÕt tell [my] story.Ó As just one of the Magnum pho¥tographers, McCurry said he wants people who come to the exhibit to appreciate the work of all of the artists. ÒI want people to appreciate being alive and experience life in other parts of the world,Ó McCurry said. Ò[These people] are living the same life as them, but in a cultural¥ly different way.Ó Looking back on his photograph of the Afghan girl, McCurry ad¥mitted that he was never quite sure what she was saying with her piercing eyes. ÒI think the uncertainty is one of the great joys of working with pictures,Ó McCurry said. ÒEv¥eryone has their own interpre¥tations, but you get to make up your own way.Ó By Victoria Heckenlaible Daily Texan Staff Failure has a different meaning in Austin. The local graffiti artist with the ironic name capitalizes on the cult¥like following of brand names. With beginnings in Houston, Failure, the now Austin-based artist does not rely on the tra¥ditional tool of graffiti artists, spray paint, but instead uses silk screens, custom-mixed colors, Xe¥roxes and posters. He places these posters around Austin in high-traffic areas, espe¥cially on the Drag. The posters range from a commissioned piece outside Complete Clothing to the American Apparel look-alike ads that have been torn down. ÒMimicking what is already there just helps with the presenta¥tion more,Ó Failure said. ÒPeople donÕt know if itÕs an ad for some¥thing or if I put it there.Ó He mimics American Appar¥el ads because of their success in creating mainstream appeal and cult following. This has set a prec¥edent throughout his work of building off themes to add to his style and critique of the culture. ÒI feel like IÕve accomplished that when I look like something else enough to confuse people,Ó he said. ÒBut there is still a slight distinction [of style].Ó Failure said he feels this dis¥tinction subtly encourages an ac¥ceptance of oneself, adding how it doesnÕt bother him that people may accuse him of taking part in the culture he parodies because his intention is to critique. ÒI embrace that,Ó he said. ÒBe¥cause I am still taking part in mak¥ing art, whether selling a poster or designing for a T-shirt.Ó A store on the Drag, Complete Clothing, now hosts two of Fail¥ureÕs pieces Ñ a commissioned piece from December on the out¥side of the building and a version of MichelangeloÕs Pieta inside. The store chose the pieces be¥cause of how they strike the con¥sumer. ÒWhen you hire an artist like him, you do it because you like his style,Ó said Brandy Joy Smith, the assistant to the owner. The commissioned piece need¥ed to incorporate the store name, while being silly and sexy. Other¥wise, Failure was given free reign with the piece. He used his trade¥mark-style bubble letters as the background for an American Ap¥parel-style photograph of a wom¥an covering her face with her arms, wearing only a T-shirt. He says he feels this composition is recognizable as his own. ÒEverything starts out as want¥ing to convey a simple sensation,Ó Failure said. ÒOnce I have in mind what they want to receive from it, I bring the image to convey what I need to do.Ó The second piece, a version of MichelangeloÕs Pieta, came to the store when Zaul Zamora, the store owner, saw the piece around Aus¥tin and thought it coincided well with the storeÕs decor. ÒYou make a statement any time you use religion in art,Ó Smith said. ÒIt either rubs you the right way or the wrong way.Ó The Virgin Mary print also cov¥ers two double-doors on the back of the old Intellectual Property building facing the Starbucks on 24th Street. Acrylic paint high¥lights the black-and-white Xerox of the Virgin MaryÕs head with his signature Òf.Ó in the corner. ÒThis [piece] is coming to ac¥cept a balance between the beliefs I grew up with and now have,Ó Failure said. ÒI wanted something with a classic, sterile look, be¥cause [religious beliefs] are a very gray area.Ó The piece was supposed to be placed elsewhere until he had an overwhelming sense to place it over the double doors. ÒI consider myself guided by some sort of instinct,Ó he said. Since it does cover the doors and is considered graffiti, Ra¥chel Delanoix Salinas, the cus¥ UT graduate follows film dreams By Carlo Castillo Daily Texan Staff Eight months ago, Ryan James Yezak left Texas with a radio¥television-film degree from UT, support from friends and fami¥ly, a few personal belongings in a U-Haul, which was everything he needed to become the film¥maker he wanted to be. He moved to Los Angeles solely with the drive and opti¥mism it takes to face rejection one day and get up and move on the next. ÒIn order to make it here,Ó Yezak said, Òyou need to want to be here more than anyone else.Ó His story is many othersÕ sto¥ry Ñ itÕs the story of following oneÕs dreams. ÒIÕve known all my life that I belonged in L.A.,Ó Yezak said. ÒWhen I graduated, I decided to pack up and move to L.A. with a friend and look for jobs.Ó But following oneÕs dreams now is harder than ever, Yezak said. ÒIÕve never been through something like this,Ó he said. ÒIÕm willing to work harder than anybody, but itÕs so com¥petitive, and I think it has a lot to do with the economy.Ó The search for jobs proved to be tough. The first job he was able to secure was working for Central Casting. He appeared as an extra in a few films, but it wasnÕt what he came to L.A. to do. He found a paid internship with Roll International, a pub¥lic relations firm. There, he gained the skills necessary to tackle his next project: creat¥ing and marketing his version of a music video for Britney SpearsÕ song Ò3.Ó He posted his video to You-Tube weeks before the pop-star released hers and immediately gained national attention. Three days after the video was posted, one could read about YezakÕs Ò3Ó video on MSNnews, The Advocate and Manhunt. Since Ò3,Ó Yezak has posted a video for Lady Gaga and Be¥yonceÕs ÒTelephone.Ó Again, it was released before the pop¥starsÕ, and Yezak said thereÕs a reason for doing that. ÒWhen you post your vid¥eo before,Ó Yezak said, Òyou get an initial surge of viewers, then you also get a surge of view¥ers when the actual video is re¥leased because thatÕs when they start searching for the actual video and come across yours.Ó In addition to creating mu¥sic videos for pop songs, he also released 12 episodes of ÒIn the Loop,Ó a collaborative reality se¥ries project. ÒIÕve known the main charac¥ter, George Morales, since I was 16,Ó Yezak said, Òand I always thought he had the personality to have his own reality show.Ó He showed the pilot to ex¥ecutives at LOGO, a GLBT-tar¥geted cable channel in L.A. but was shot down by executives in New York. ÒThey said it was Ôtoo pop¥corn,ÕÓ Yezak said. ÒI donÕt even know what that means, but we shot 11 more episodes since then, and we plan to re-pitch it.Ó Yezak has also started a col¥laborative YouTube channel ti¥tled ÒGays of the WeekÓ with two close friends and two peo¥ple he met through YouTube. Each day, one of the Ògays of the weekÓ talks about what is happening in his life. Yezak encourages anyone to move across country, even in the face of considerable failure. ÒIf anybody asked me wheth¥er they should move across the country to follow a dream, IÕd tell them to do it, if they could,Ó Yezak said. ÒYou can make it a long, drawn-out process, or you could just do it and take what comes to you.Ó tomer service manager of the former Intellectual Property, UNIQUE: Pieces displayed said that she is surprised that the piece has not been painted over by the University Co-op. as artwork to show effort She thinks one reason may be because of its beauty. ÒThe fact that itÕs black and white on a white wall printed on pasted paper makes it so beauti¥ful,Ó she said. ÒIt doesnÕt come across as something crude or ma¥licious [like other graffiti]. ItÕs very peaceful and forlorn. It translates very well.Ó The emotional translation that Delanoix Salinas notes comes from FailureÕs process. ÒI pick the images for the feel¥ings they convey,Ó he said. ÒI use the associations that I gather from friends and put them together in one piece.Ó From page 12 An interesting aspect of the store is the way each of the designersÕ pieces is displayed. By ditching tra¥ditional cases and instead hanging the jewelry in frames, Sigel elevates what has often been labeled as a craft to the status of artwork. ÒThe amount of effort these people put in is no different than any artist,Ó Sigel said. ÒSome of these jewelers have even used the word excruciating as far as the amount of time it takes them to design these pieces. TheyÕre just total works of love for these designers.Ó ÒART on 5thÕsÓ approach to the concept of wearable art has resonated well with local design¥ers who sell their work in The Art of Jewelry. ÒThe Art of Jewelry is the only exclusive jewelry gallery in Austin that reflects AustinÕs funky style, and their shop adds a unique artistic flair to Aus¥tinÕs jewelry scene,Ó said Shale¥na White, a Texas State alumnus who frequently explores themes of nature through her pieces. Life&Arts Editor: Ben Wermund E-mail: lifeandarts@dailytexanonline.com Phone: (512) 232-2209 LIFE&ARTS Thursday, February 18, 2010 www.dailytexanonline.com THE DAILY TEXAN By Kate Ergenbright Daily Texan Staff To Joseph Sigel, owner of the ART on 5th Gallery, jewelry is not simply a decorative addi¥tion to an outfit. ItÕs a work of art Ñ wearable art, to be exact. With this idea in mind, Sigel, along with gallery director Jodi Brauner, opened The Art of Jewelry, a store aimed at high¥lighting the artistry of hand¥crafted jewelry. Sigel said he was inspired to open the store after noticing a void in the local jewelry mar¥ket. ÒI think that a lot of stores that I see around Ñ even some of the big name ones Ñ are do¥ing these lines which are, if not mass produced, theyÕre at least not totally unique with each piece,Ó Sigel said. Sigel and Brauner searched across the country for jewelers who crafted handmade, one-of¥a-kind pieces in order to avoid the mass-produced feel. ÒWeÕre really interested less in the fact that itÕs gold or pre¥cious stones than in really in¥teresting workmanship and the creative use of materi¥als,Ó Sigel said. ÒWe were go¥ing for a uniqueness factor Ñ handmade, unique and one of a kind, with that edgy Austin vibe.Ó Each piece in the store is an original design of the jewler and is unlikely to be replicated. Brauner noted how the jewel¥ers Òlike to keep their creative juices flowing,Ó to ensure that each customer can walk out with an original piece that is not a repeated design. The Art of Jewelry sells the work of 20 different jewelers, a handful of whom are Austin residents. The materials used to create the jewelry vary be¥tween designers and include everything from metals to dyed coconuts and volcanic rock. Sigel said affordability was also a concern when choos¥ing jewelers. The price range for the majority of the pieces is between $50 to $200, although some can run up to $1,000. Sigel and Brauner paid close attention to the purchas¥ing trends of Austin residents when choosing which design¥ers to showcase. ÒWell, I like to say that thereÕs this Austin vibe where everything can be a little edgier here,Ó Sigel added. ÒWhen we chose the jewelers, we decid¥ed to choose people that were doing something really unique in and of itself, but also some¥thing we thought would fit into the edgier feel of the peo¥ple here.Ó UNIQUE continues on page 11 Journalist recalls young subject in Õ80s refugee camp By Layne Lynch Daily Texan Staff In the midst of the Soviet UnionÕs invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, a beautiful orphan named Sharbat Gula was forced out of her country into a Pakistan refugee camp, becoming one of the three million displaced Afghans during the war. Steve McCurry, freelance pho¥tojournalist, was in the same ref¥ugee camp photographing at the school. As he photographed, Mc-Curry snapped a portrait of Gula in tattered, torn clothes that captured the emotional intensity behind the girlÕs sea-green eyes. Now, years after gracing the cov¥er of National Geographic in June 1985, ÒAfghan GirlÓ is just one of the almost 1,000 photos of McCur¥ryÕs work on exhibit at the Harry Ransom CenterÕs Magnum photo exhibit. McCurry said he jumped at the opportunity when he was offered the chance to photograph the refu¥gee girls in the school. ÒIn that culture, it is difficult to photograph women of an older age because they are usually covered, and it almost goes against their countryÕs code of ethics,Ó McCurry PHOTO continues on page 11 This photo is on display in the Magnum photo exhibit at the Harry Ransom Center. Steve McCurry Magnum Photos dtWeekend February 18, 2010 Austintatious (Keep Austin Batty) 11 Photo by Amanda Martin food & drink 4 Wine & Dine by BRENNAN LAWLER 5 Rage Against Minimum Wage by HAN PARK & MARLA SEGURA music 6 Imagine all the people by MELANIE GASMEN 8 Jazz singer woos Austin by CASSY DORFF 9 Fastball pays tribute to its roots by JOE HOLLOWAY lifestyles 10 Catch some rays with these free outdoor forays by RACHEL MEADOR & JESSICA BILLEAUD 6 characters 11 Cathedral of junk by TORI DAUGHTREY 12 This competition will be a hairy one by MICHELE PIERINI editorÕs note I was born and raised here in this great city, and I will defend it to the death. Fellow Austinites, I know you know what IÕm talk¥ing about. WeÕre born with a fiery passion for this place, and rightfully so. We have 300 days of sunshine a year, weÕre well-read and have superior musical taste thanks to all our live¥music venues (more per capita than anywhere else, thank you.) We are truly blessed. In my mere 21 years stomping around Aus¥tin, IÕve seen it transform,even beyond recogni¥tion in some places. I may not be happy about all the yuppies moving into new high-rises downtown that obstruct my view of an other¥wise flawless sky while floating on my back in Barton Springs Pool, but itÕs a great place, and sooner or later, I knew outsiders would catch on. But, itÕs really not fair for me to call dibs on an entire city, especially one that is so dope. This issue is by no means an all-inclusive guide to the city, but everything featured is unique to Austin. There are some places I love so much that I have to share, and there are other places that I love so much that I canÕt share. ThereÕs a lot more to discover, and the fun is in the chase, anyway. So,I welcome you, non-native, to take full ad¥vantage of all the things that my brilliant and resilient hometown has to offer, but please, donÕt litter. Love, editor associate editor art director cover artist photo editor copy editor writers photographers Rachel Meador Jessica Billeaud Shatha Hussein Giulio Yaquinto Lauren Gerson Nausheen Jivani Tori Daughtrey Cassy Dorff Joe Holloway Brennan Lawler Han Park Michele Pierini Marla Segura Mary Kang Shannon Kintner Amanda Martin Scott Squires contact us at dtweekend@gmail.com DTW OUT&ABOUT This WeekÕs Reccomendations By Rachel Meador and Jessica Billeaud The Explosives CD Release Party Thursday, 9 p.m. EmoÕs Tickets: $5, under 21: $8 The Austin band is locked and loaded with heavy artil¥lery, again. The Explosives lead-man Freddie, spent the late 70s and early 80s work¥ing the punk scenes in both Austin and San Francisco, ab¥sorbing and brainstorming. Help one of AustinÕs most ec¥centric and enduring bands celebrate the release of its new CD, Three Ring Circus. TheyÕre more than qualified to blow you away, so expect the best. Shawn Colvin Friday, 7 & 9:30 p.m. One World Theatre Tickets: $55 Okay, we know it is expen¥sive, but come on Ñ she sings ÒSunny Came Home.Ó We can just picture our little girl selves, Walkmen in tow, crooning the lyrics, ÒDays go by IÕm hypno¥tized. IÕm walking on a wire...Ó You know the rest. Go check out this fearless singer-song¥writer this weekend if youÕre still a die-hard fan. GovÕt Mule Friday, 7 p.m. StubbÕs Tickets: $20 Warren Haynes fans unite! The epic jam session will open with Carney, a rock/blues/trans outfit from Los Angeles. But as beard-loving Haynes fan know, and believe me, you can spot these dudes crying in their beers during the build-up of a jam, it is a real treat to be en¥tertained by the 23rd greatest guitarist of all time (as decided by Rolling Stone). Plus, the light show is sure to tickle your fan¥cy. (Enthusiasts should know that the band is signing its lat¥est album at Waterloo Records Friday at 5 p.m.). Soul Rebels Brass Band Imagine a seven-piece band that can pump music through the veins of several different genres, whether its blues or reggae. The Soul RebelsÕ funk is down and dirty while its R&B can be smooth as velvet. With wide smiles beaming on their faces, the Soul Rebels wield various brass instru¥ments and embody the spirit and sound of their hometown of New Orleans. Wild is the Wind: Second Annual Nina Simone Tribute Saturday, 6 p.m. The Independent at 501 Studios Tickets: $20 in advance, $30 at the door Celebrate The High Priestess of SoulÕs birthday (she would have been 77) with fans and carefully selected musicians at the Independent this Saturday. Local artists paying tribute to the inspiring singer-songwrit¥er-social activist include Blues Mafia and Kat Edmunson. The powerful songstress was styl¥ish too, so donÕt forget to dress to impress. Four Tet and Nathan Fake Saturday, 9 p.m. Mohawk Tickets: $12 Presented by internet radio station Woxy and the Austinist, this show is sure to please any¥one with an electronic, border¥line-trans, bent. UK sensations Four Tet and Nathan Fake will be gracing Austin with their musical stylings at an outside show at the Mohawk. And you know those Europeans know how to drop some dope elec¥tronic beats like none other. Real Tex-Mex at its best WINE&DINE A column by Brennan Lawler You donÕt have to look very farinAustin to find unique and exciting restaurants.There are new places popping up every week, but if youÕre looking for a place thatÕs uniquely Austin, you canÕt go wrong with great Mexican food. If youÕre looking for a quick meal and some great Austin culture, check out MariaÕs Taco Xpress on South Lamar Bou¥levard. What started as a taco trailer 14 years ago has grown into an Austin landmark. The patio outside is funky and fun Ñ home to live music and kitschy folk art. And if you vis¥it on a Sunday between noon and 2 p.m., gear up for Hippie Church, complete with gospel singing and dancing. The menu is foolproof, with tacos to appeal to everyoneÕs taste buds. The carne guisa¥da is tender, spiced perfectly and melts in your mouth. If youÕre looking for a vegetar¥ian-friendly option, try the verde taco, filled with sautŽed mushrooms, eggplant, zuc¥chini, tomato and even green beans Ñ topped off with just a little bit of garlic and cumin. If Delicious regional cuisine for any budget what: MARIAÕS TACO XPRESS where: 2529 LAMAR BLVD. what: MATTÕS EL RANCHO where: 2613 LAMAR BLVD. to exciting variations like the grilled vegetable chile rellenos ($9.75). For starters, try the Bob Armstrong ($5.95), a meaty concoction of chile con queso and guacamole. MattÕs has a large selection of Mexican seafood stocked from the Gulf Coast. The Shrimp a la Matt Martinez ($17.95) is a selection of spicy grilled jumbo shrimp served with bean and cheese flautas and great guacamole salad. The shrimp is fresh and juicy, and the plate is more than big enough to share. My waiter suggested tacos al carbon ($10.95) as another must-have for new comers. ItÕs another big dish featuring beef tenderloin tacos in warm youÕre looking for a new fish-so youÕll just have to try it If youÕre looking for some-flour tortillas. taco joint for Fridays this Lent, yourself. thing a little less casual, South And no trip to MattÕs would definitely give Taco Xpress a Join the Taco Xpress crowd Austin has another great of-be complete without a fro¥ shot. Their whitefish is mari-for happy hour everyday be-fering. MattÕs El Rancho has zen margarita on its beautiful nated lightly and then served tween 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. for been an Austin original since outdoor patio. Join them on a on a bed of shredded cabbage 99-cent taquitos and $3.50 1952. Thursday night, and youÕre in with a zesty sauce. The salsa margaritas. They also offer an The restaurantÕs menu for live music and a pretty big is a little too spicy for me, extensive beer menu and a ranges from classic Mexican crowd Ñ and a taste of what but IÕve heard mixed reviews, full bar. dishes like flautas and fajitas makes Austin great. Austin breweries deliver the finest RAGE ON MINIMUM WAGE A column by Han Park & Marla Segura ThereÕs nothing like a good beer. ItÕs just one of those things that just hits the spot, like a cup of coffee or that breakfast taco you just have to have before class. But beyond that, a truly good beer evokes something more. LetÕs step back and reflect on MarlaÕs re¥lationship with Beer. So, Beer and I have had a good thing going for quite some time. Sure, there are some nights when Beer decides to walk out on me or takes me for a ride, but Beer has been there for me through thick and thin, in good times and bad. After a night of visiting a few of AustinÕs local brewpubs and sampling some of this cityÕs finest house brews, I know that IÕm in it for the long-haul with Beer. I am committed to learning more about how truly perfect Beer can be and all that Beer has to offer. Sounds like a committed re¥lationship right? Well, it is. So if you like beer,you need to take it to the next level. Of our favorite beers, Lonestar reigns supreme Ñ deal with it. While we claim to be knowledgeable enough to qualify for a weekly column on drinking in Austin, our com¥bined knowledge on beer and its production could fit into a pint glass. All we really know is which beers taste good, and we drink what we like. (Home brews though Ñ different story, different league entirely). The freshness conveyed in each brew marks the special local quality of the draft. If brewing beer is an art (it is), then Austin houses some of the finest mas¥ters of the craft, and although we wonÕt cover every beer we tasted (we had all of them be- CONTINUES ON PAGE 5 FOOD & DRINK Beer: A local take on pilsners, stouts FROM PAGE 4 cause we love you that much) each pint offered something new in every sip, so we invite you to explore. Explore again and again. Seriously. Uncle BillyÕs Real quick, imagine a bar¥beque joint. ThatÕs Uncle BillyÕs, except they put the brewery on display behind museum glass. That sounds pretentious, but it really conveys the respect put into each beer. In our opinion, the vibe is fitting for a place you would go if a relative is in from out of town, and the tabÕs not on you. The beerÕs the type thatÕs worth the trip if you got the time and the means. Plus, they donÕt serve Bud Light. ThatÕs respect. The Pale Ale: The feelings that come out of this beer are the light, citrusy tones that could easily be paired with the food. ItÕs a solid beer, and itÕs no wonder why itÕs the most popular of the house drafts. Hell in Keller: When asked about his 2009 Great Ameri¥can Beer Festival first-place winning beer, Brian Peters said, ÒThe Hell in Keller is a Pilsner, and IÕm obsessed with making Pilsners. I worked on a recipe for years, and I real¥ized that trying to make it the simplest is the best. Basically itÕs very simple, and itÕs a clas¥sic, and itÕs delicious.Ó YouÕll agree that the quest for the perfect Pilsner was achieved in the Hell in Keller. The Draught House Pub and Brewery As soon as you walk in you feel like youÕve been miss¥ =DJH:H™6E6GIB:CIH We Put 8DC9DH™9JEA:M:H Students First IDLC=DJH:H AD;IH OUR SERVICES ARE COMPLETELY FREE! ing out. Everything Ñ from the packed house and the quintes¥sential pub ambiance, to the lack of TVs and overpowering music Ñ lets you know that this place is all about the beer. The Draught House makes The Flying Saucer feel like a mall. Something about the place brings out all of the right tones. Sidamo Milk Stout: I (Han) am lactose-intolerant and when I read the description of this beer, I couldnÕt help myself, despite clearly being labeled a Òmilk stout.Ó Silky smooth with a heavier feel, the milk stout was easily one of our favorites of the night. Century Stout: This beer was served to us in a 10-ounce glass, so it looked like a baby compared to the other big boy pints. This one packs a whallop at 10 percent ABV with its bold and rich flavors. Of the 13 beers we tried, this FREE PARKING IN THE DOBIE GARAGE /ZZAV]ea$EWbV1]ZZSUS72 eeeZO\R[O`YbVSOb`SaQ][ JULIA ROBERTS BRADLEY COOPER JESSICA ALBA JAMIE FOXX JESSICA BIEL PATRICK DEMPSEY ANNE HATHAWAY ASHTON KUTCHER JENNIFER GARNER Fri: (4:30) 7:15, 10:10 SatÐSun: (1:45, 4:30) 7:15, 10:10 MonÐThur: 7:15, 10:10 DIRECTED BY KATHRYN BIGELOW Fri: (4:15) 7:00, 9:50 SatÐSun: (1:30, 4:15) 7:00, 9:50 MonÐThur: 7:00, 9:50 From Nick Hornby, Writer of ABOUT A BOY and HIGH FIDELITY Fri, MonÐThur: 7:30 SatÐSun: (2:15) 7:30 HEATH LEDGER CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER A FILM BY TERRY GILLIAM FriÐSun: (4:45) 9:40 MonÐThur: 9:40 A FILM BY WES ANDERSON Fri: (5:15) 7:45, 10:00 SatÐSun: (2:45, 5:15) 7:45, 10:00 MonÐWed: 7:45, 10:00; Thur: 7:45 SHOWTIMES VALID FRI, FEB. 19 Ð THUR, FEB. 25 0O`UOW\AV]ebW[SaW\ JOIN OUR FILM CLUB AT FILMCLUB.LANDMARKTHEATRES.COM ž(&'&BJ9 one tops the charts. LovejoyÕs ThereÕs nothing like a good dive bar. The furniture is bust¥ed up, the lighting is dark, the walls are all painted black, and itÕs so noisy you have to lean in just to talk; LovejoyÕs fits the bill. Honestly, LovejoyÕs is a refreshing alternative to an otherwise dirty Sixth Street. You go to LovejoyÕs for a pint with your friends before drunkenly meeting someone to make out with in the dark corner of some gross club, of which you have your pick of the litter. You donÕt have any- Today, Feb. 18th! OFF TODAY 1303 South Congress Avenue 2900 West Anderson Lane 3423 North Guadalupe 5207 Brodie Lane INDUSTRIAL BLACK CAT PRIMITIVES TATTOO BODY PIERCING (512)Ð476Ð4007 (512)Ð476Ð6343 315 EAST 6TH thing to prove in a place like this. Just grab a beer, sit down, and relax. 604 Stout: Really, thereÕs just one thing to be said about the this stout: Òtastes of chocolate and roastiness.Ó That sounds good, doesnÕt it? It melts in your mouth. The Chronic: Todd Henry, brewer of this fine beer, said, ÒAs far as my beer goes, cleanliness is the most im¥portant thing in the process.Ó The clean water and the hops used give the Chronic its clean, bitter flavor. Every taste works well together and reminds you that youÕre drinking a handcrafted beer. what:UNCLE BILLYÕS where: 1530 BARTON SPRINGS RD. what:THE DRAUGHT HOUSE where: 4112 MEDICAL PARKWAY what:LOVEJOYÕS where: 604 NECHES ST. Courtesy of Studio Stence The Eggmen, backed by McCallum High SchoolÕs orchestra, performs for a packed house at the Paramount Theatre last year. The musicians hope to make their Beatles tribute an annual event. Imagine all the people Full orchestra backs Beatles cover band By Melanie Gasmen nedy Center in Washington, The trio consists of McCallum light more instrument-heavy what: THE EGGMEN PRES- Bring on the swooning har-D.C. Fine Arts Academy seniors Ol-songs, like ÒThe Long and ENTS: THE BEATLES monies, foot-tapping rhythms According to John Burgess, ivia Erwin and Caiti Coughlan Winding Road,Ó ÒEleanor Rig- CLASSICALLY WITH and signature Lennon spec-who is a vocalist, pianist and and BurgessÕ daughter, junior by,Ó and ÒAcross the Universe.Ó FULL ORCHESTRA tacles. After last yearÕs nearly guitarist for The Eggmen, Diana Burgess, who all play for The Eggmen also added three where: THE PARAMOUNT sold-out show, The Eggmen last yearÕs joint-performance the academyÕs orchestra. The more songs to the orchestra when: SUNDAY, 7 P.M., and McCallum Fine Arts Acad-raised $18,000 to benefit the AppleTrioplanstoreleaseand playlist. DOORS AT 6P.M. tickets: $27-32, $15 FOR emy orchestra are revving up orchestraÕs trip to Carnegie sell its debut, self-titled album Ò[ItÕs] so fun because IÕve STUDENTS to hit the Paramount Theatre Hall, where they were invited after the concert. heard all these Beatles songs stage for round two. to perform as part of the Mas-ÒIÕm used to performing at my whole life, and we play The Eggmen, AustinÕs own terworks Series. coffee shops, and the biggest how it sounds on the record,Ó put out a good sound.Ó Beatles tribute band, will Burgess explained how the venue we performed at was Diana Burgess said. The Eggmen, who have share the stage once again Paramount Theatre, at first, the Mexican restaurant, Jovi-This will be The Eggmen and been around since 1992,won with the McCallum orchestra wasnÕt Òtoo sureÓ about the tas,Ó Coughlan said. ÒSo, itÕs McCallum OrchestraÕs fourth The Austin ChronicleÕs ÒBest on Sunday at 7 p.m., perform-pairingÕs concert last February. exciting to play at the [Para-collaboration since 2005. They Cover BandÓ award seven ing a classical twist on some ÒBut we blew them away, mount].Ó have played together in the or-times. Roberts said he has of the Fab FourÕs famous bal-they loved it, and they wanted The EggmenÕs first set in-chestraÕs auditorium as well as seen a few Beatle cover bands lads. Proceeds from the con-us back,Ó Burgess said. ÒWe cludes sans-orchestra songs The Nutty Brown CafŽ. Ronn pop up around Austin, but cert will benefit the McCal-hope to make this an annual from The BeatlesÕ Òearly days,Ó Roberts, who is a vocalist and they have easily dropped off lum Orchestra Performance event.Ó or what Burgess called Òsongs bass guitarist in The Eggmen, the scene. Fund, which will help pay for Opening for the show is youÕd see on the Ed Sullivan said the orchestraÕs addition ÒWe have staying power, the student orchestraÕs 2011 the self-proclaimed, Òbaroque Show.ÓThe second set will fea-to the bandÕs music is Òvery and thereÕs no end in sight,Ó trip to perform at The Ken-popÓ group, The Apple Trio. ture the orchestra and spot-powerful and [the students] Roberts said. Jazz singer woos Austin By Cassy Dorff Something was going on. It was 35 degrees outside with icy winds, yet the line wrapped around Congress Avenue for hours as people waited to hear the music. It was one-in and one-out at the Elephant Room. The old jazz venue was at maximum capacity almost instantly af¥ter the doors opened at 8 p.m. Ñ and she didnÕt even go on stage until 9:30. Just how did the petite, blasŽ young lady with a cheerful yet careful person¥ality, Kat Edmonson, become so popular? She has been in Austin since 2002, and her first gig was at an open-mic night at The Alligator Grill. Eight years have passed and she has made quite a name for herself. The adoration she receives is largely because of her sincere efforts to make what she calls ÒgoodÓ (what others call great) music and from not being afraid to be a jazz musician. ÒJazz is my foundation for music. It was the first music I learned and listened to on a regular basis, so when I sing jazz, it is like being home,Ó Edmonson said. ÒEssentially, IÕm looking to make the best music I know how, and for the time being, this is what comes out.Ó Our nationÕs love for jazz has waned over the last sev¥eral decades with arguably less comprehensive forms of music taking the stage. Yet, Edmonson nicely infuses jazz with a variety of other music, including pop. She even tried out for ÒAmerican IdolÓ some years ago. ÒOn ÔAmerican IdolÕ, they told me I wasnÕt a pop singer,Ó Edmonson said. ÒWell, thatÕs not necessarily true, but they were right in that IÕm not cut out for what they are trying to mold on the show. Randy said, ÔYou just donÕt look like a star, dawg.ÕÓ How eloquent. Edmond¥sonÕs success is slowly prov¥ing the self-proclaimed experts of ÒAmerican IdolÓ what: WILD IS THE WIND: SECOND ANNUAL NINA SIMONE TRIBUTE where: THE INDEPENDENT AT son sings her smooth jazz tunes once a month at 501 STUDIOS when: SATURDAY, 6 P.M. tickets: $20 IN ADVANCE, $30 AT THE DOOR the Elephant Room. The artist hopes to boost interest in the musical wrong. Her current stage-set genre. is a traditional jazz collection of piano, bass, and drums ac¥ companied by soloists on ei¥ ther a tenor sax or trumpet. The jazz soloists are a hand¥ some complement to Ed¥ mondsonÕs smooth lyrics and lingering vibratos. The group chatters musically the entire performance, losing the au¥ dience in their continuum of sound. ÒThereÕs chemistry be¥ tween us that creates for a really exciting and seem¥ ingly magical time on the bandstand,Ó Edmonson said. ÒSometimes, when we are on the bandstand and everybody is connecting, we begin inter¥ acting so intuitively that we find ourselves finishing each otherÕs sentences. ItÕs like rid¥ ing a wave, and itÕs the ulti¥ mate thrill in a performance as a band.Ó Edmonson is amplifying the jazz scene in Austin, and she notes that Austin has a unique setting for jazz musi¥ cians largely because of UTÕs fine collection of jazz profes¥ sors. However, she suggests and as many would agree, it is clear that Austin could use a couple more jazz venues to complement the already bus¥tling Elephant Room. ÒAlthough a lot of restau¥rants and bars have jazz Courtesy of Kat Edmonson music, itÕs usually relegated ular and influential forms of that other countries appreci¥ ed answer. as background music. That music. Its magic often stems ate it more,Ó Edmonson said. ÒWell, I donÕt think itÕs just doesnÕt send a good mes¥ from the natural flexibility It is hard to see the influ¥ the responsibility of music lis¥ sage to young listeners who of the jazz mold: No compo¥ ence of jazz slip increasingly teners to bring jazz back into are unfamiliar with jazz. It sition is ever played exactly away in our culture. Why has the foreground,Ó she said. ÒIt leaves them equating the the same, and musiciansÕ im¥ its significance died down is equally the responsibility of genre as music that you talk provisational skills are what here but still buzzing else¥ jazz musicians, and if there are over and it gets written off,Ó drive the excitement. where in the world? An easy enough jazz musicians making Edmonson said. ÒI think, in general, there guess is that listeners have really good music, there will be Beginning with ragtime is less of an appreciation for become dull and simple¥ more listeners.Ó styles in the early 1900s, Jazz jazz all over the country. You minded, losing all apprecia- Austin is certainly lucky music has become an Ameri¥ go to Europe and Asia and tion for the great music of to have EdmondsonÕs music can staple and lasted for de¥ even South America and peo¥ earlier days, but Edmonson to catch peopleÕs attention cades as one of the most pop¥ ple flip out for jazz Ñ it seems supplies a more sophisticat¥ again. Soulful songstress aims to bring back jazz Kat Edmon¥ MUSIC Fastball plays tribute to its roots By Joe Holloway Think back to 1998. To many, it was a simpler time. Much like 2010, it was the Winter Olympics, and Dem¥ocrats were in the White House. Excessive amounts of hair gel were used. Though, unlike in ÒJersey Shore,Ó it was more likely used to sus¥pend some nice frosted tips than render jet-black hair water and wind (and bullet?) proof. Cher had just envoked the auto-tune technology in ÒBelieveÓ that would put T-Pain on the map almost a de¥cade later. Puka shell neck¥laces were cool. It was also the year that AustinÕs own Fastball re¥leased its second album, All the Pain Money Can Buy, which spawned chart-topping hits like ÒOut of My HeadÓ and ÒThe Way.Ó Those wanting to take a trip back to 1998, and even hear some of newer tracks that are just as catchy, are in luck. Fastball is playing at the Continental Club Thursday at 11:45 p.m. ÒWe havenÕt played togeth¥er in a while, so itÕll be good,Ó guitarist and lead singer Miles Zuniga said. ÒI guess itÕs been a couple weeks ago, we played in a church. That was our last gig in town.Ó Zuniga described the expe¥ what:FASTBALL where: CONTINENTAL CLUB when: THURSDAY, 11:45 P.M. tickets: $7 rience as Òbizarre.Ó ÒIt felt sacrilegious to be in a church playing Ôthe devils mu¥sic,ÕÓ he laughed. ÒI just think of church as a sacred place, not a place to be playing elec¥tric guitar.Ó The Continental Club sounds a lot more like FastballÕs scene. ÒThatÕs probably my favorite place to play in Austin,Ó Zuniga said. ÒI like everything about it. I like that part of town. I like South Austin, old school South Austin.Ó As far as the show itself, Zu¥niga said he tries not to hope for anything, but if he did, it would be for the unexpected. ÒI like to be inspired. I like for the shows to go wherever they want to go,Ó he said. ÒI try to let each performance be a brand new thing. I hope to make it the best performance I can, but part of that is not having expectations.Ó DonÕt expect to get another shot at seeing Fastball anytime soon, either. Zuniga indicated that this is probably the last show in Austin for a while. ÒI think if you want to see Fastball in 2010 you should come to this gig if you live in Austin,Ó he said. ÒRight now the band isnÕt doing anything per se but since we all live here, itÕs an opportunity to go out and play. We have a few gigs in August, but theyÕre in far away places.Ó With Fastball on the back burner, Zuniga says heÕs stay¥ing busy with other projects. ÒIÕve got my hand in a lot of things, so IÕm kind of busy,Ó he said. ÒIÕm producing. IÕm writ¥ing a lot of songs. IÕm playing in so many different things. IÕm actually playing as much music as I ever was. IÕve got these set gigs week in and week out. ItÕs a completely different experience than it is playing in this band.Ó In fact, Zuniga said he will probably release a solo album in the coming year, if he finds the time. ÒI have a lot of songs, and I just want to get them out of the way,Ó he said. ÒSome of Local band Fastball once topped the charts in the Ô90s with its catchy tunes, and the band members will share those beats with their home¥town tonight. Courtesy of Fastball them are like Fastball songs. ItÕs more just that IÕve never done one before. Every bandÕs a democracy and you have to work with the other people. Sometimes itÕs nice to have a dictatorship.Ó But thatÕs not to say there wonÕt be more Fastball to come someday. ÒWeÕve been doing it a long time,Ó Zuniga said. ÒI love play¥ing in this band. ItÕs a good lit¥tle unit.Ó Catch some rays with these By Rachel Meador & Jessica Billeaud The rain has finally granted a reprieve, at least for now. We urge you to take full advantage of the outdoor playground this city is famous for, and you can do it on foot and for free. Congress Avenue No matter which direction free outdoor forays you walk down the iconic avenue, you will find some¥thing uniquely Austin. Trav¥eling north will land you at the state Capitol, the tallest non-skyscraper capitol in the nation. On a pretty day you can feed squirrels un¥der the old trail of trees and one some nights would-be athletes gather for a game of pick-up flag football. Walk south on the bridge and you will hit the quirkiest row of shopping and sight-seeing the city has to offer. Even in the middle of the bridge you can catch the infamous performance of the Mexi¥ can freetail bats. TheyÕre en route right now, and begin¥ ning mid-March they will fly out like a screeching black curtain to eat mosquitoes for your viewing pleasure. Barton Creek Greenbelt While we may not ap¥preciate all this rain weÕve been getting, the greenbelt sure does, and, its waters are flowing. Its perfect for any level of sport or plea¥sure you seek. For the hiking enthusiast, the Greenbelt of¥fers nearly 8 miles of rocky, shaded trails with waters nearby for a quick cool-off. Pack a picnic and fill an ice chest with beverages in plastic containers and test out waterholes until you find the one that suits you best. CampbellÕs Hole and The Flats are popular desti¥nations for people and their dogs looking to relax. Mayfield Park A popular spot for wed¥dings and photo shoots, the small park and off-shooting trails down to a lakeside dock offers diverse scenery. Next to the small parking lot a luscious green field with volunteer-maintained gardens, ponds with huge coy fish and, hereÕs the best part, free-ranging peacocks create an ambiance un¥matched elsewhere in the city.Wander down the trails, and you will eventually find yourself at the lake. ItÕs es¥pecially beautiful at sunset. Plus, the park is next door to Laguna Gloria, an indoor¥outdoor art museum. If the winding outdoor walkways and larger-than-life sculp¥tures resonate with you, ask about art classes. CHARACTERS ! From trash to treasure Artist slowly builds his Cathedral of Junk By Tori Daughtrey South on Congress Avenue, right on Elmo Street and a left on Lareina Drive lives a man with the words ÒJUNK KINGÓ tattooed on his knuckles. Austin resident, Vincent Hanneman has spent the last 20 years assembling a cathe¥dral in his backyard made en¥tirely of junk. ÒStarting with a few hub¥caps on the fence in 1989, over 800 bikes and thousands of specially donated items have been puzzled and wired to¥gether.An ongoing project,the cathedral continues to evolve,Ó reads a welcome sign by the entranceway. When Hanneman started this project, it wasnÕt meant to be public. It was Òjust me playing in the backyard É I call it play,Ó says the Junk King. But with over 10,000 visi¥tors from all over the world each year, itÕs clear the cathe¥dral isnÕt HannemanÕs private playground any longer. The cathedralÕs collection grew from patronsÕ desires and spontaneous contribu¥tions. When visitors asked to climb to the top, Hanneman built stairways and balconies with junk donations people left lying in his yard. ÒEveryday is like Christmas,Ó Hanneman said. ÒIÕll wake up and find something new wait¥ing for me.Ó He is working on construct¥ing a ramp to the top of the towers to allow for handicap access. With this constant expansion, his commitment increases. Besides the occa¥sional odd job, Hanneman spends all his time working on the cathedral, depend¥ing almost completely on donations. Hanneman doesnÕt adver¥tise his masterpiece and relies on word-of-mouth to attract attention. In fact, the only vi¥ what: CATHEDRAL OF JUNK where: 4422 LAREINA DR. sual clue to the cathedralÕs ex¥istence is HannemanÕs unusu¥ally decorated house equipped with a streetcar on the roof. Yet Hanneman hasnÕt gone unnoticed, as major compa¥nies such as Bank of America, which asked him to star in a savings commercial, are al¥ways in contact. The cathe¥dral was even featured in the ÒSpy Kids 3DÓ movieÕs opening scenes and on major foreign TV networks. The Junk King is by far one of AustinÕs most treasured art¥ists and will be recognized by the Lady Bird Johnson Wild¥flower Center in September, as he creates another junk king¥dom for the center. All hail the Junk King, who continues to evolve with his project. Everyday is like Christmas. IÕll wake up and find something new waiting for me.Ó ÔÔ Ñ VINCENT HANNEMAN Junk King Photo by Amanda Martin Vincent Hanneman, a prominent Austin character, stands with his master¥piece made entirely of junk. Photos by Scott Squires Above, Members of the Austin Facial-Hair Club meet at Rio RitaÕs for drinks and hairy conversation about Satur¥dayÕs long-awaited contest. Right, SaturdayÕs competition isnÕt Bryan NelsonÕs first facial-hair contest. The founder of the Austin Facial-Hair Club has spent years growing out his trademark ginger beard. This competition will be a hairy one Enthusiasts compare facial hair By Michele Pierini ThisFridaynight,keepAustin beard, by celebrating the fourth year of the Misprint Magazine Beard and Moustache contest at the Mohawk. ÒHaving a beard is awesome,Ó said Anthony Moschella, co¥founder of Misprint. ÒItÕs like really, really awesome.Ó For many men, Austin is a place where they can wear their beards with pride. The creators of Misprint each have one. They said it feels great and it has a certain something special that separates it from more mundane body hair. Misprint Magazine was born from the idea that indepen¥dent printed media is a nec¥essary part of culture. The magazine printed it during a time of rampant Web devel¥opment. Content was more disposable online than it had ever been. Misprint reacted against that method of instant transmission. After having booked multiple music events along with issue release parties, Moschella and Bryan Keplesky (the other half of Misprint) were over it. That scene wasnÕt doing it for them anymore. ÒYou go to so many shows in Austin, inevitably that you hit a threshold where you just canÕt do it anymore,Ó said Moschella. ÒSo we started brainstorming for different kinds of events that would bring different peo¥ple together that would not fo¥cus around live music.Ó The duo used aspects of Aus¥tin culture for inspiration and decided that everybody loved beards. Several of their friends were bearded dudes, including Bryan Nelson, founder of the Austin Facial Hair Club. Nelson has been a competi¥tor in a few facial hair compe¥titions around the country, in¥cluding an international event in Alaska, and has concluded that the one in Austin is the very best. ÒItÕs real fun, itÕs real laid¥back, and itÕs real goofy,ÓNelson said. ÒThatÕs the way it should be: all about having fun.Ó He has never competed in the Misprint competition as his massive red moustache and beard combination would blow all others out of the run¥ning. The last time he shaved was August 2005. Instead, Nel¥son is one of four judges who check out the hair of would-be champs. Although there are six main categories Ñ including Gnar¥liest Beard, Sweetest ÔStache, Fiercest Chops, and Ladies Ñ the event is unpretentious. ÒThereÕs a focus on alcohol and loudness,Ó Moschella said. ÒI mean itÕs a beard-growing competition,you shouldnÕt take beard-growing so seriously.Ó ÒYou shouldnÕt take anything you do that seriously,Ó Keplesky said. A new addition to the con¥test this year is the category of the Six-Month Sprint. Last August Misprint had a party at the Shangri-La to roundup en¥tries. Men signed up who were clean-shaven and were willing to spend the next six months growing an excellent beard. So far,some entrants have cracked under the pressure, and their beards were sacrificed, but a handful has withstood time. One standout entry is Jeff Swanson. His dark beard is thick like a little storm cloud attached to his face. Appar¥ently, his Scandinavian descent has given Swanson a natural edge over the competition. Al¥though his beard makes him mad sometimes, he is all about the competition. ÒIÕm in it to win it,Ó Swanson said. Just in case his beard doesnÕt turn out to be up to snuff, it is fully acceptable to bribe the judges at this contest. Nelson says that all the judges get smashed from complimentary shots and beer offered by guys a little unsure of their facial¥hair prowess. DonÕt forget that the contest isnÕt just for dudes. Women are welcome in the Ladies catego¥ry. About eighty participants competed last year making it the longest-judged division in the event. The three female what: MISPRINT MAGAZINE BEARD AND MOUS-TACHE COMPETITION where: MOHAWK when: FRIDAY, 8 P.M. tickets: $5 winners were all disqualified due to each of them having re¥moved their beards before the end of the night. Alison Narro, official photog¥rapher of the contest, will be shooting the event for the third year. ÒI love Misprint, and they are like family to me and, I love dudes with facial hair, so itÕs a win-win situation,Ó Nar¥ro said. Another reason to go to the contest is a chance to appear at the Beard Team USA na¥tionals in Bend, Oregon. Your facial hair could become fa¥mous. Or at least noticed by the greater beard community and not just praised by your hip friends. You could even be part of the possible Texan team suc¥cession, adding a little needed comedic drama to the sobriety of beard nationals.