January 2010
Super Bowl Ad Prices Down for 2010
CBS’s own VP of Communications Robin Brendle revealed that there are still several spots left to sell, however was confident that the total ad revenue would exceed the $213 million mark set by NBC last year. There is hope yet for companies advertising during this year’s Super Bowl. A recent study by Neilsen found that 51% of Americans enjoy the commercials more than the game itself!
This time last year, gas prices in the Austin area were half as expensive, with a gallon of regular unleaded going for $1.739.
February 2010
While the Texas Exes organization reported no decrease in donations to the university, the Council for Aid to Education had donations to UT Austin in their 2008-2009 report as $284,864,572 and in their 2009-2010 report as $238,004,115 showing a significant decrease of $46,860,457. Also, the Alumni Giving for UT Austin was down roughly $3 million, from $67,886,430 in 2008 to $64,387,507 in 2009.
Senior Ankit Dalal said “The event was a huge success. It was meant to put students in touch with big name executives in America’s corporate world, and it did just that.”
“Many people remember March 6th in connection with the Battle for the Alamo, however the 23rd of February is important because it marks the beginning of a 13 day siege which led to that horrific battle,” Winders said.
Super Bowl Ad Prices Down for 2010
769-234-3025
By Chris Thomas
Daily Texan
1/27/2010
AUSTIN, Texas – For only the second time in its history, advertising prices for a 30-second spot during the Super Bowl will decrease from last years record price of $3 million. According to Kantar Media (formerly TNS media intelligence), the asking price for a 30-second in-game television commercial fell to between $2.5 and $2.8 million this year.
There are many different opinions on the reasons for this drop. Dr. Wei-Na Lee, a professor in the Texas Media program in the Department of Advertising here at UT Austin said that the main reason for the price decrease was the economic downturn. Big companies simply do not want to pay enormous prices for such an uncertain payback. “In the current economic climate, regulars in super bowl advertising like Pepsi Co and General Motors are hesitant to spend millions on a 30-second reminder of their availability. Such an activity might be perceived as extravagent by consumers affected by the recession. As such, by staying out of this year’s Super Bowl, said companies are protecting their image.” The absence of large corporations leaves room for smaller companies to advertise. It will be interesting to see if there is a noticeable increase in the number of first-time Super Bowl advertisers.
Dr. Neal Burns, a professor of advertising here at UT agreed with Dr. Lee, attributing the price dip to the recession. However, he is doubtful that this price decrease will have very much effect on the overall ad revenue for CBS. “This price decrease shows us that the economic climate is making it difficult for networks like CBS to attract advertisers. The flow of new companies taking advantage of the lower prices should ensure that the gross revenue experiences little change.” He commented further on a specific advertisement, a 30-second ad by Focus on the Family promoting a ban on abortion, staring former Florida State QB Tim Tebow; “CBS has refused to air advertisements deemed too ‘provocative’ before, the fact that they are allowing a blatantly controversial commercial like this on the air shows they are desperate.”
CBS’s own VP of Communications Robin Brendle revealed that there are still several spots left to sell, however was confident that the total ad revenue would exceed the $213 million mark set by NBC last year. There is hope yet for companies advertising during this year’s Super Bowl. A recent study by Neilsen found that 51% of Americans enjoy the commercials more than the game itself!
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
1/31/2010
Gas prices were on the decline this week all over Texas, as average prices for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline fell to $2.56.
The AAA Fuel Gauge Report showed that the price for a regular unleaded gallon in Austin averaged $2.56 as well, down from $2.60 last week. Gas cheaper than this average can be found at 5 different gas stations across Austin, with the least expensive being gas from the 7 Eleven at 5101N Lamar Blvd which goes for $2.49 per gallon.
Texas gas prices have long been between 10 to 20 cents below the national average which is currently $2.69 per gallon.
According to AAA Texas, the gas price drop could be attributed to the fact that Oil prices fell this week as well, down to $74 per barrel from $84 last week.
In a statement released last week, the Department of Energy said that demand is down in recent weeks, leading to the highest stockpile of oil the United States has had since March 2008. Gasoline reserves reportedly increased by 3.9 million barrels this January.
This time last year, gas prices in the Austin area were half as expensive, with a gallon of regular unleaded going for $1.739.
February 2010
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
2/1/2010
Land Grants of the Texas Revolution “A Hero’s Reward” is a special exhibition at the Capitol Visitors Center. The exhibition conveys the interesting story of the soldiers of the Texas War for Independence through a series of artifacts and documents convieniently displayed all along the second floor.
Opened in August of 2009, the year-long exhibit is open for business from 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and from Noon to 5pm on Sundays.
When asked to comment on the effectiveness of the exhibit, Program Supervisor Kyle Schlafer said “I believe ‘A Hero’s Reward’ is serving its purpose in educating the public about this important time in Texas history, however I don’t think that this exhibit has provided any special increase in attendence to the Visitors Center.”
The center hosts around 120,000 visitors annually, with 40,000 of those visitors coming in the form of school groups.
Visitors can learn about the process of Land Grants, the way in which the then newly created government of the Republic of Texas compensated veterans of the Texas War for Independence. There is a section about Bounty Warrants, documents issued by the Secretary of War to soldiers and families of soldiers who fought in the Texas War for Independence good for a certain amount of land. Theres another section on Donation Certificates, 640 acres of land donated to each combatant at the Siege of Bexar, the Alamo, the Goliad Massacre or the Battle of San Jacinto. One can also read about Muster Rolls, which were used to verify the elligibility of soldiers for the Land Grants.
The exhibit also has true life accounts of a diverse group of people who benefitted from the Land Grants. Tejanos, Europeans, Americans and Blacks are all represented.
While one can learn a lot from the exhibit, for more specific information you can visit the General Land Office archives which is located on the ground floor of the Seven F. Austin building on 17th and Congress. Once there you can talk to John Molleston, an Information Specialist and an expert on the Land Grant process. When asked why he thinks preserving these Land Grant deeds and patents is so important he replied “These documents humanize the soldiers so they become so much more than just a name. Davy Crocket, James Bowie, Steven Austin, behind all these names lie thrillingly real life stories.”
The archives currently house around 35 million original documents, and while they started to scan them in may of 2001, according to Scanning Specialist Davy Munsterman, they are not even a fraction of the way there in terms of making these documents available online. “Out of 35 million miscellaneos original documents, we have 2.8 million scanned and available online, so we still have a ways to go.” Over 85,000 maps are also available for viewing at the archives website www.glo.state.tx.us under the archives section.
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
2/8/2010
Donations to U.S. colleges are down, according to a survey released by the Council for Aid to Education.
College donations decreased by a full one percent, with only 10% of alumni giving to their colleges and universities last year. Compared to the previous year’s 11%, alumni giving to higher education is at its lowest since the Voluntary Support of Education Survey began to monitor alumni giving in 1969.
Total contributions to U.S. colleges and universities in 2009 dropped 11.9% to $27.85 billion from $31.60 billion in 2008.
This drop has been attributed to the recession, and is reported to have been expected in the current economic climate. The Director of the Voluntary Support of Education Survey Anne E. Kaplan agreed, “The reason for the decline was the economy. It’s that simple.”
UT Austin received the most donations in the state, with $238,004,155 in funds raised. This is down from the $282,864,572 it received last year.
The trend, while affecting most of the nations schools of higher education, has apparently not had any effect on UT. While there are no current statistics available on funds received by the Texas Exes, UT Austin’s Alumni organization, it appears that membership has actually increased this year.
Jim Boon, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Exes said “The current economic climate has not effected our alumni organization at all, in fact, membership for this year is up 1.5 – 2 percent.” He said further “There has been no decrease in funding here.”
The organization derives its funds almost exclusively from alumni donations, which are used for student scholarships, over $2 million a year, affecting 700+ students.
Texas Exes membership totals around 90,000, consisting of alumni and their spouses. However there is also a student chapter made up of future UT alums. Natalie Stanco, the Director of Student Relations for the Student Chapter of the Texas Exes emphasized that monetary donations are not as important for recent graduates “There are many other ways that young alumni can give back to UT including volunteering, participating in philanthropic activities, helping in career choices and being a mentor to current students.”
ALCALDE, a bi-monthly magazine for members of the Texas Exes, was apparently unaffected by the nationwide decrease in alumni donations as well. This is unsurprising considering ALCALDE is funded almost entirely by Texas Exes. Assistant Editor Lynn Freehill said “While there are no direct donations to ALCALDE, there a substantial gift of $1 million given in recent years to the communications department from John and Jane Barnhill.”
While the Texas Exes organization reported no decrease in donations to the university, the Council for Aid to Education had donations to UT Austin in their 2008-2009 report as $284,864,572 and in their 2009-2010 report as $238,004,115 showing a significant decrease of $46,860,457. Also, the Alumni Giving for UT Austin was down roughly $3 million, from $67,886,430 in 2008 to $64,387,507 in 2009.
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
02/10/2010
A new department has been created at the University of Texas at Austin in order to study the experiences of African Americans, Native Africans, and people of African Decent. Another center called the Institute of Critical Urban Policy has also come into effect.
The center, affiliated with the Department of African and African Diaspora studies, will focus on issues of African American life in Texas.
The Department of African and African Diaspora studies is the first of its kind in the entire state of Texas, according to Associate Professor of Anthropology Edmund T. Gordon. “This is a big deal, it’s the consummation of a long process for African Americans and those who study the experiences of people in Africa and the African Diaspora to be recognized. The creation of this department is a strong indication of the Universities recognition and validation of our field.”
Gordon, who will be the Chair of the department when it starts up this upcoming fall, spoke further on the matter “I believe this department will enrich the experience of blacks on this campus, that it will increase the demographic and intellectual diversity on campus, and ultimately increase black attendance at UT. In the past, the University has not been known for its friendliness towards blacks. Times are changing. This department is a sign of that change.”
There is also a Center for African American Studies located in the College of Liberal Arts. Created in 1973, this center was the only place where students could pursue a major in African American or African studies. Limited by its center status, the center was not allowed to hire its own faculty, leading to members of different departments working for the center, causing conflicts concerning the curriculum.
As a department, those in charge of African and African Diaspora studies can hire faculty dedicated to the department, develop graduate programs, and hopefully increase student enrollment.
According to AnnaLisa Plant, the Executive Assistant in the Department, the Department of African and African Diaspora studies technically already exists. It was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in November, but all of the courses will not be available until the fall semester.
The Department’s conception is the result of funding mostly from President William Powers Jr’s Office. There was also a $1million donation made by UT alum Joe Jamail for the purpose of getting the department an endowed chair.
“Its certainly exciting,” Plant said. “To be a part of something this important, its amazing to see it all become a reality.”
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
2/14/2010
The 2010 McCombs Executive Summit was held on Saturday, February 13th. The event was organized by students on the MES committee, and held in the McCombs Business School on the UT campus.
The event brought seven highly trained, executive professionals from different corporations around the US together with over 100 students of the Business School to talk about the government’s role in business in today’s economy.
The summit commenced with a discussion panel involving all seven of the speakers, including Director of Sales Operations for Ford Motor Company Mike Crowley, Manager of Investment Management at Northern Trust Cabanne Gilbreath, VP of HR Manufacturing at Shell Kelley Lang, President of Residential Services for Green Mountain Energy Company Paul Markovich, Assistant VP at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Jeffrey Gunther, McCombs School of Business Lecturer Pam Friedman, and North American Practice Head of Consulting for Tata Consultancy Services Srini Krishnaswamy. During the discussion panel, each executive was asked to speak on the government’s influence on their respective corporations.
The summit then split off into two different groups, with half of the students going to an Energy Breakout Session led by MES Committee member Alan Goldstein and the other half going to a Finance Breakout session led by Senior Finance Major Ankit Dalal. There was originally meant to be another breakout session with executives from the Health Industry, however the winter storm in Washington DC forced the committee to cancel, as several of the health care execs were unable to attend.
During the breakout sessions, students were allowed to ask each panel more specific questions and each speaker was requested to give a general overview of the companies they work for.
In the Energy Breakout Session, Mike Crowley of Ford Motor Company, Paul Markovich of Green Mountain Energy and Kelley Lang of Shell Oil gave their insights on what the government can do during this economic climate and how their own companies are responding.
The Finance Breakout Session featured Srinni Krishnaswamy of TCS, Pam Friedman a professor of investment management at UT, Jeffrey Gunther of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and Cabanne Gilbreath of Northern Trust.
Mike Crowley, who graduated from UT in 1983 said “It’s great to be back here, the students are very intelligent and motivated.”
Senior Ankit Dalal said “The event was a huge success. It was meant to put students in touch with big name executives in America’s corporate world, and it did just that.”
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
2/17/2010
“Today, the state of Texas is taking its challenge to the EPA,” Governor Perry said.
Yesterday, on the deadline to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency’s findings, the State of Texas sued the EPA in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Texas Governor Rick Perry filed the suit with the help of Attorney General Greg Abbott.
Perry explained the suit “This misguided plan paints a big target on the backs of Texas energy producers and the nearly 200,000 Texans that they employ.”
EPA Regional Administrator for Region 6 Al Armendariz voiced his opinion "Todays action is not surprising. Texas officials have repeatedly expressed opposition to the EPA's common sense approach to begin reducing harmful greenhouse gases," Armendariz continued "Texas, which contributes up to 35 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted by industrial sources in the United States, should be leading the way in this effort. Instead, Texas officials are attempting to slow progress with unnecessary litigation. EPA is confident the endangerment finding, which was issued as a result of a 2007 Supreme Court decision, will withstand legal challenge." (epa.gov)
The EPA published their Endangerment Findings on December 7th, 2009. In their findings, the administrator concluded that “the current and projected concentrations of the six key well-mixed greenhouse gases--carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)--in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.”
According to Director of Environment Texas Luke Metzger, Governer Perry’s main problem with the EPA’s Endangerment Findings is that the Inter Governmental body on Climate Change, an organization with a history of questionable findings, was used almost exclusively for the study. Metzger believes that this claim is unsubstantiated “These complaints are bogus, legally wrong and scientifically unsound,” Metzger said. “While the EPA did rely on the IGCC to develop their findings, they also used studies by the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, NASA and the US Navy.
Environment Texas is a statewide advocacy group that has been promoting clean, renewable energy in Texas since 2006.
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
2/22/2010
February 23rd marks the 174th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo.
Lasting until March 6th 1836, the battle claimed over 500 lives including all but two of the Texan defenders led by William Travis and James Bowie.
The Battle was the first step of the Mexican campaign under General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna to retake Texas.
During the battle, an army of 2400 Mexican soldiers met and defeated 180 – 260 Texans.
The event transformed the Alamo from a simple Spanish Mission into the most popular tourist destination in Texas today.
Tony Caridi, Director of Development and Marketing at the Alamo said “The Alamo is significant to not only Texans, but Americans everywhere.”
The Historian and Curator of the Alamo Richard Winders said that February 23rd, while often overshadowed by March 6th is still a day essential to the history of Texas.
“Many people remember March 6th in connection with the Battle for the Alamo, however the 23rd of February is important because it marks the beginning of a 13 day siege which led to that horrific battle,” Winders said.
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
2/22/2010
Members of the UT student organization Students for Debra Medina reported one of their campaign signs stolen.
Tyler Rosen, Co-president of Students for Debra Medina said “[the sign] was taken from its place in front of the FAC on Friday evening around 5pm.”
The sign was reportedly taken down by a University employee, as it was placed in violation of UT rules and regulations.
“The sign was inside legal limits, no law was being broken, there was no reason for it to be removed,” Rosen said. “Its very disappointing that the university would choose to ignore our right to free speech. Because of this incident, we have lost valuable early voting time and have not been able to campaign as effectively.”
The sign was pitched in the planter area in front of the FAC on campus. According to Jeff Graves, Associate Vice President of Legal Affairs, the removal of the sign was completely warranted.
“The sign was placed in violation of UT rules on signs, which are clearly laid out in the General Information Catalog Appendix C chapter 13 sub section 13.500, on the Registrars Website,” said Graves.
According to the rule, students are allowed to display a sign by carrying it or placing it on a table, kiosk, bulletin board or other designated location.
However, the University rule violates students right to free speech according to Rosen and other student organization leaders.
“I talked to lawyers at the Texas secretary of state office who assured me that by removing our sign, the university is currently violating unconstitutional prior restraints on free speech,” Rosen said.
Other student leaders said they thought the university was in the wrong as well.
“This is in direct violation of our first amendment rights,” said Melanie Schwartz, Co-Chair of Longhorn Students for Kay. “If this could happen to them, what about us? This will probably blow up into something bigger than the University intended.”
Lara Lapin, Campus Campaign Manager for Longhorn Students for Bill White said that it is difficult to get students involved and that the theft of a sign would not help the Students for Debra Medina in their campaign.
“The removal of their sign was a definite blow to the Students for Debra Medina,” Lapin said. “The fact that this could happen is disturbing, its infringing on our right to free speech.”
March 2010
March 2010
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
3/7/2010
Traveling to cities along the Texas/Mexico border increasingly dangerous, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Recent instances of violence attributed to drug cartel activities have been reported in Northern Mexican border cities.
A travel alert has been released by the U.S. State Department regarding travel to these border towns.
According to the alert, visitors to “cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, and Matamoros should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times.”
David Baker, assistant director of the Texas Highway Patrol said “We want spring break to be memorable, but in a good way.”
In response to this release, UTPD has issued its own warning to students regarding travel to Mexican cities on the border with Texas.
“We felt it was necessary to pass the warnings from the State Department and the Department of Public Safety on to students,” said Rhonda Weldon, the Public Information Officer at UTPD. “We are advising students to stay safe this spring break.”
Lea Wise, a UT sophomore who went to Mexico over spring break last year said that she recognized the presence of drug related violence throughout Mexico, however she was not worried about it effecting her or her family.
“Last year, I flew to Pan Pico, Mexico with my family. It was really calm and we didn't experience or even hear about any instances of violence in our area,” Lea said. “I don't think it really effects tourists, its just between the drug traffickers and the Mexican army.”
However, she said reports of ongoing violence in Mexico still make her cautious while traveling in the country.
“Border towns are definitely more dangerous, I never stay overnight, if I do visit, its just a day trip,” Lea said. “I'm going with my family again this year, going alone or even just with a group of friends would not be a good idea.”
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
3/8/2010
Public Hearing Summer transit Service Changes
Capitol Metro held a Public Hearing on Monday March 8 at their Administrative Office Building to present the proposed changes to their bus route schedules this coming summer.
The Public Hearing was organized in order for members of the public to meet the board members directly and voice their comments and concerns.
The only changes affecting UT students include a change to the Route 10 bus that runs from Red River to South 1st Street. The route will run along Robert Dedman instead of Red River.
Also, route 37 will run along Robert Dedman instead of Colony Park and the I – 35 Frontage Rd.
The Changes are scheduled to take effect on Sunday, June 6th, pending approval by the Board of Directors.
The Board will give their decision on the changes later this week.
The UT Shuttle System will also operate on a “Summer Weekday” schedule, which involves a decrease in the frequency of bus routes as there are fewer students on campus during this time.
The services of the 410 West Campus Ebus, 411 Riverside Ebus and 412 Main Campus Ebus will be suspended for the summer.
Erica Mckewen, a spokeswoman for Cap Metro said that this is normal, as the demand for public transportation among students greatly decreases as there are far less students at UT during the summer break.
“The Ebus routes that normally transport students [410 West Campus, 411 Riverside and 412 Main Campus] will be suspended this summer, as they are every summer,” McKewen said. “There are about ¼ to 13 fewer students on campus during the summer compared to the school year, so less coverage is needed.”
Five board members were present at the Public Hearing, at which at least one member of the public, a woman who lives in the North Eastern area of Austin wondered if the route changes would affect her being able to travel to Congress.
‘There were no problems, she was able to speak directly with the board and her questions were answered,” Roberto Gonzalez Jr. Principal Planner at Cap Metro Service Planning. “It all went very smoothly.”
There were very few changes proposed at this meeting. Minor Route and Schedule Adjustments and School Related Route Suspensions formed the majority of the points voiced at the hearing.
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
3/22/2010
Belo Center for New Media
Work is set to begin on the Belo Center for New Media, a building planned to house the School of Advertising, School of Journalism and the KUT Radio Station.
The groundbreaking will be this Thursday, March 25 at 4 p.m. at the northeast corner of Dean Keeton and Guadalupe, in parking lot F27.
The project, estimated at a cost of $50 million, has been partially funded by private donors.
The Belo Foundation of Dallas, Robert W. and Maureen H. Decherd, the estate of James M. Moroney Jr. and the Jim and Lynn Moroney Family Foundation altogether pledged $15 million towards the center’s construction.
The 5 story building will be 120,000 sq feet in size and will include a 20,000 sq ft wing for the KUT radio station.
Radio Television Film, Communications Studies and Communications Sciences and Disorders will remain in the current communications complex.
The main reason behind the buildings construction is overcrowding in the College of Communications.
The current communications buildings were built in 1974, when the enrollment for the College was around 1,000 students. Now in 2010, the College of Communications presently enrolls in excess of 4,200 students.
“The college is really spread out at present,” said Erin Geisler of the College of Communications. “It makes my job very challenging.”
The project involves introducing new technology to the students, as well as an upgrade to the current Communications buildings.
“The Center is a new chapter for the School,” said Tracy Dahlby, the Director of the School of Journalism. “The new technology in the Belo Center will give us an opportunity to sharply focus our program.”
The Center should be available for use by June 2012.
April 2010
“The purpose of Speak Week is to revolutionize the way that we, the City of Austin engage with the community,” said Larry Schooler, a Community Engagement Consultant who is in charge of the volunteer part of the event. “The idea is to go to where people already are, rather than have them come to us in traditional, town hall meetings.”
April 2010
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
4/19/2010
Speak Week, a series of events put on by the City of Austin and the Comprehensive Planning Citizens Advisory Task Force will take place starting today April 20 and ending on April 29.
The event involves informational kiosks set up around places where people usually gather, such as malls, stores, public parks and community centers in order to collect input from the public on how Austin needs to be improved.
The informational kiosks will be set up by volunteers who will provide questions to residents that are based on input that was received during Imagine Austin.
The questions are expected to take under 10 minutes to answer, with a shorter version for those in a hurry and a longer, more detailed version for those who want more information and have the time.
Speak Week is part of Imagine Austin, formally titled Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, an initiative orchestrated by the City of Austin to determine how best to improve the city over the next three decades.
The plan kicked off last October with an open house in which the public were asked 3 questions. What are Austin’s strengths? What are Austin’s weaknesses? And What is your vision for Austin 30 years from now?
“A draft vision statement was drawn up from the more than 5,600 people who responded,” said Garner Stoll, Assistant Director of the City of Austin Planning and Development Review Department. “Speak Week is meant to further ratify this.”
An informational kiosk will be set up on UT’s own west mall from noon till 2pm tomorrow and will remain until Friday. The kiosk will be down for the weekend then resume operation from Monday to Wednesday.
Besides taking a look at the info kiosk, people can take a look at ImagineAustin.net for more information, attend a Public forum event or run your own “Meeting in a box”.
“Meeting in a box” is an idea pioneered by City of Austin to engage the community in which a citizen can organize and run his own public forum meeting using instructions provided, in a box, by the City of Austin.
“The purpose of Speak Week is to revolutionize the way that we, the City of Austin engage with the community,” said Larry Schooler, a Community Engagement Consultant who is in charge of the volunteer part of the event. “The idea is to go to where people already are, rather than have them come to us in traditional, town hall meetings.”
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
4/19/2010
Demand for over-the-counter birth control pills is increasing, as American women frustrated with the need to obtain a prescription for the pills turn south of the border.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and at El Paso and Ibis Reproductive Health revealed that American women who live along the Mexico U.S. border regularly purchase over-the-counter oral contraceptives from pharmacies in Mexico because they don’t need a prescription and can send someone else to get them.
“One thing this study has shown us is the large amount of importance placed upon the ability for anyone to pick up the pills,” said Joseph Potter, a professor in the Sociology Department and Population Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin. “It’s a big deal for most of the women to be able to send someone else to get the pills, especially those who are undocumented and are unable to cross the border themselves.”
The main reason for this international demand seems to be convenience, as price and quality difference is almost negligible, Potter said.
According to the study, around 90 percent of the women who obtained their contraceptives on the U.S. side of the border said that they trusted their health clinic to give them good information and that they liked the other health services given there. This is in contrast to the 46 percent of women who purchased their contraceptives in Mexican pharmacies.
The study also showed that those with relatives in Mexico and those without health insurance were more likely to turn to Mexican pharmacies for their contraceptive needs.
“The study took a long time to set up,” said Jon Amastae, a researcher at The University of Texas at El Paso. “It was difficult to find a sample of people who obtain their oral contraceptives from Mexico.”
The five year study involved each of 1000 female residents of El Paso to be interviewed by the team of researchers 4 times over 9 months in order to determine several factors including if they had become pregnant, and/or were satisfied with their birth control.
“The study shows us that there is significant demand for an over-the-counter option in addition to the family planning clinics already available,” said Dr. Daniel Grossman, a senior associate at Ibis Reproductive Health.
Texas Round-Up is made up of three programs: Get Fit Texas, which works to promote exercise among citizens ages 13 and up, Fit Cities which works with mayors to organize events to raise awareness about the importance of keeping fit, and Fit Kids which strives to educate children ages 12 and under the importance of exercise and instill in them a desire to live healthy.
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
4/25/2010
Texas Round-Up
Texans took to the streets of Austin Saturday during the 7th Annual Texas Round-Up 10k-5k-Family Mile Run.
Over 6500 runners took part in the event sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield and put on by Texas Roundup, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a fit, healthy lifestyle among Texans.
The Organization was created by Governor Rick Perry in 2004.
“I think the race went very well,” said Meredith Garcia, Executive Director of Texas Round-Up. “People of all ages ran and had fun while raising funds to promote physical activity and healthy living.”
Texas Round-Up is made up of three programs: Get Fit Texas, which works to promote exercise among citizens ages 13 and up, Fit Cities which works with mayors to organize events to raise awareness about the importance of keeping fit, and Fit Kids which strives to educate children ages 12 and under the importance of exercise and instill in them a desire to live healthy.
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
04/26/2010
Liberal Arts Council – Foreign Language Fair
“Around the World: A Foreign Language Fair” was held by the Liberal Arts Council on the South Mall, Monday morning.
The fair showcased the 34 foreign languages that are currently offered at UT, allowing students to learn more about the world outside the United States from an informed perspective
Representatives from nearly every available foreign language tabled at some point during the fair, including Asian studies such as Hindi, Urdu, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, Middle Eastern Studies like Hebrew, Arabic, Turkish and Persian, and European Studies including French, Polish, Russian and Czech, as well as African Studies. The only languages not present were Spanish and Portuguese.
The event was organized by members of the Liberal Arts Council, a group made up entirely of students, as part of this years new member project. It was the first event of its kind at UT, but hopefully will not be the last said Isha Paul, a new member of the LAC.
“It was a really great event, budget cuts have been hard on languages,” Isha said. “It would be amazing if it could be turned into an annual event”.
The Foreign Language Fair was held in an attempt to generate interest in those languages that would otherwise be overlooked.
“Theres a lot of languages out there other than French and Spanish,” said Tim Moore, an Academic Advisor in the Classics (Latin and Greek) Department. “Thats something we are trying to get people to realize by coming out to this fair”.
Many students were unable to attend the event because of its timing Isha said.
“The turnout was excellent, but I think holding it on a Monday during the day made it so some students couldnt come,” Isha said.
Some thought that the event existence wasnt communicated strongly enough to students.
“The fair would have benefited from more advertising,” said Yuki Aida, a Japanese Professor in the Asian Studies Department. “I dont think many students knew about the event.”
The fair was held from 11:30am to 1:30pm on the south mall.
May 2010
769-234-3025
“Its very exciting to be part of this new field and know that they are contributing to the workforce.” Field said.
“We are here to stay,” said Facebook spokeswoman Kathleen Loughlin. “We didn’t come to Austin with the intention of leaving.”
May 2010
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
5/2/2010
Hundreds of comic book fans crowded comic book stores throughout Austin Saturday on Free Comic Book Day.
Free Comic Book Day is an annual event on which comic book companies issue special editions of fans favorite comics for comic book establishments to distribute for free.
The first Free Comic Book Day, or FCBD as it is known by comic book aficionados was in 2002. Since then it has grown, as more and more people turn out to pick up free issues of their favorite comics, from Superman and Batman to new ones like The Sixth Gun, a futuristic western thriller by writer Cullen Bunn and artist Bryan Hurtt.
The Sixth Gun creators were at Austin Books & Comics to sign copies of the first free issue of their comic.
“FCBD is definitely one of the biggest days of the year for comic books,” said Brandon Zuern, General Manager of Austin Books & Comics. “The free comics, the hype and the presence of Cullen Bunn and Bryan Hurtt all helped to make this one of the biggest sale days; FCBD really helps business.”
This year the store gave away 22,383 comics, to the more than 1,500 fans who turned up on saturday.
“Comics are great to get kids reading, yet still engage middle schoolers, teens and adults,” said Alan Rogers, Communications Coordinator at Dragons Lair Comics and Fantasy. “FCBD brings in a lot of new customers, its a great way to introduce a new series.”
Dragons Lair Comics and Fantasy also brought in several comic book artists and writers including Jason Newland, Rob Osbourne, John Lucas and Matt Franks to sign issues of their works.
“It [FCBD] is a fantastic event that does a lot for the industry,” said Rogers. “Comics are very culturally relevant, we in the comic book industry get to enjoy a spike in demand and interest every year on this day. The free issues that are released are great jumping on points for people and as a result, we get a lot of new customers on FCBD.”
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
5/4/2010
At least 49 students will particpate in a summer certification program in Health Informational Technology, an industry in dire need of trained professionals.
The 9-week program, headed by Dr. Leanne Field, a Lecturer and Faculty Advisor for Clinical Laboratory Science in the School of Biological Sciences at UT, is the first of four programs offered by UT.
Other programs to be offered in subsequent summers include Public informatics, Certificate in Health Information Privacy and Security, and Certificate in Health and Technology Sub Specialist.
This pilot program will take place at the Clinical Education Center at Brackenridge.
The instate students will attend with their tuition already payed and the out of staters will receive scholarships of up to $10,000, thanks to a $5.4 million grant awarded to a consortium including UT Austin, Texas State, and the UT School of Health Information Science in Houston.
In addition, Blue Cross Blue Shield is sponsoring 5 out-of-state students so that they only have to pay in-state tuition, which under the grant, is free.
The programs emphasize fast delivery, in order to get participants certificates and get them out into the workforce, said Field.
“Its very exciting to be part of this new field and know that they are contributing to the workforce.” Field said.
769-234-3025
Chris Thomas
Daily Texan Staff
5/4/2010
Facebook’s much anticipated Austin Office opened Monday, putting Austin on the map as a technology hotspot.
The office, located on West Sixth Street, is the first major expansion by Facebook outside of its native California.
Ever since late February, when Facebook confirmed their interest in opening an Austin office, people from all over the city have been eagerly awaiting its arrival, along with the employment opportunities it brings.
The office will start out staffed by 6 employees from their California office. However, Facebook plans to hire locally for positions including online sales, user operations, developer operations and risk management.
The social networking giant is starting out small in Austin, renting out 21,000 square feet of 300 West Sixth Street, a building owned by the Thomas Properties Group, as per a deal reached last week between the two companies.
“We are very excited about Facebook coming, they are going to be a great fit,” said Andy Smith, the managing director of leasing for Thomas Properties Group. “It’s a smart move renting space here, this is a very development friendly area.”
The company has committed to create 200 jobs over the next 4 years.
“We are here to stay,” said Facebook spokeswoman Kathleen Loughlin. “We didn’t come to Austin with the intention of leaving.”
September 2010
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
9/7/2010
Senate holds hearing on Municipal Jails and Forensics in Texas.
The hearing was chaired by Senator John Whitmire. A Democratic “Dean” of Texas Senate with over 27 years of service.
The hearing was held in order to gain insight into what Senator Whitmire described as a “broken system”, the forensics section of the Houston Police Department.
Held on Tuesday September 7, 2010 at 10am in the Texas Capitol building room E1.016, it focused on the poor state of Houston’s Forensic Crime Lab.
The number of untested or backlogged rape kits fluctuates wildly, recent estimates put the number at around 100,000, a statistic not lost on Senator Whitmire. “I find it unconscionable to ask women to carry rape kits, and then not have them tested” Whitmire said.
The first witness called to the stand was Harris County DA Patricia Lykos. In her testimony, Lykos stated her desire for the Harris County forensics lab to be used as a model for other crime labs to follow.
“Forensic Science Labs are imperative, valuable crime fighting tools that protect the innocent” said Lykos, “Harris County has no backlog in forensics testing cases.”
Lykos also spoke of plans to send new cases to the Harris County Forensics Laboratory from the Houston Police Department, citing HPD's poor record in timely completion of investigations.
“The Houston Police Department has been falling behind around 75 cases per month.” Lykos said.
Lykos also pushed for more funding. “The People of Houston are at risk, because we don't have the capacity to do the job we should be doing.” Lykos said, “It will take around $20million annually to bring the forensics department to an acceptable standard.”
Steven C McCraw, the Director of the Texas Department of Safety spoke in support of Lykos, while underscoring the need for more resources.
“There has been an 80% increase in the amount of forensics case requests since 2000.” McCraw said, “The goal is to get rid of these backlogged cases within 180 days to 6 months.”
However, he cautioned that a total elimination of backlogged cases would not be immediate after receiving further funding.
“Our objective is to get the conviction of the right subject, not just convict any subject” McCraw said, “You can’t force a forensic examiner to cut corners”
Dr. Jeff Boschwitz, Vice President of Orchid Cellmark offered another solution in his testimony.
“Use of existing public-private partnerships would help decrease the backlog of cases in forensic labs across Texas” Boschwitz said.
Orchid Cellmark, one of the largest worldwide providers of human DNA testing has contracts with the Houston Police Department, Harris County and Fort Worth Police Department to test forensic evidence.
Last year the company received approximately 300 cases, including sexual assault with Rape kit testing at $1000 per kit.
Tests are conducted just outside Dallas in nearby Farmers Branch, TX.
There are 6 other Crime Labs that are accredited by the Texas DPS that could be used to combat the backlog as well Boschwitz said.
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
9/15/2010
Austin students again have above average SAT scores.
The average SAT score for an Austin student was 1514, compared to the state average of 1462 and the national average of 1509.
Austin Independent school district leaders aren’t letting the success get to their heads however. According to communications spokeswoman Roxanne Evans, a new early college high school program will be implemented at the start of next school year.
The program, part of the Texas High School project, will be led by Gene Acuna, former director of communications and public information for the city of Austin.
The program aims to get students thinking about college early on, so they can make all the necessary preparations to get into the college of their choice, Evans said.
Evans attributed the students SAT score success to the proactive efforts of the Austin Independent School District staff.
“The scores are a reflection of the emphasis on strengthening our curriculum and creating a college-bound culture among our students” Evans said.
Briefs
Briefs
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
2/10/2010
A television camera and lens valued at $54,000 were stolen from a television studio on the 6th floor of the Jesse H. Jones Communications Center. The theft is reported to have occurred between 5:00PM on the 5th of February and 7:00pm on the 6th of February.
A 5’7’’ Hispanic male in his mid thirties was seen around the area during the time frame of the theft, asking staff members about where he could rent video camera equipment. He is now being considered as a suspect.
The Kegami HDK-720P camera and Canon lens together with a Free Market Value of $54,000 belonged to KLRU, a public television company that serves the Austin area.
While KLRU studios could not be reached for comment, UTPD officer William Piper was available to answer a few questions. Officer Piper explained that he would be able to say very little about the case since it is still an ongoing investigation.
“This was a burglary or a theft, not a robbery. There were no reports of violence being involved,” said Piper. “The crime is thought to have occurred between 5pm on February 5th and 7pm on February 6th, so a little more than a 24 hour period.”
Piper went on to say “Every effort is being made to solve this case by the officers assigned to this investigation.”
The case is still open, any information regarding the theft should be reported to UT Police at 471-4441.
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
The City of Austin utility discount program is now automatically enrolling any Austin utility customer who is already receiving benefits through Medicaid or Travis County Energy Assistance Program.
The company in charge of the program, Austin Energy reports that an average customer can receive utility bill discounts of up to $45 per month under the program.
According to Austin Energy Spokesman Carlos Cordova, the program could affect UT Austin students “If a student or family member is already receiving benefits from Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income or certain other assistance programs, they are now automatically eligible for the City of Austin utility discount program.”
The city of Austin is initiating this program in response to an increase in demand for aid. “The program almost doubled its enrollment last year,” said Cordova. “There was an 82 percent increase from 4,501 customers to 8,164 customers from 2008 to 2009.”
This increase in enrollment prompted the City of Austin to double the amount of money available each year for emergency utility bill financial assistance from $150,000 to $300,000.
Last summer, a new six-month payment plan was offered by the City of Austin in lieu of the 68 days of 100+ degree weather. “The plan allowed customers to work towards paying their utility bills without having to worry about their electricity being turned off when they needed it most,” said Cordova. “If you are behind on your bills, just call us. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
Chris Thomas
769-234-3025
Daily Texan Staff
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has set aside $30 million to assist veterans in purchasing homes. Each applicant is reported to receive up to $2,000 per year in mortgage discounts through the Texas Mortgage Credit Program.
An additional $120 million in mortgage loans are also available to veterans, helping approximately 772 families to purchase a home.
The program is targeted at first time home buyers. In order to be eligible for this discount, one must have not owned a home in the last three years. However, this first time home buyer requirement is waived for veterans of the US armed forces.
Gordon Anderson, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs said “This is a great time to buy a house. Housing and mortgage prices are down, homes are going up for sale left and right. We want to encourage people, especially from low to moderate income families to purchase a home while its still the right time to do so. The full availability of the discount is available to veterans as a way to thank them for the sacrifices they have made for our country.”
He went on further to say “You can make up to 115% of the median family income for your area and still be eligible for this discount. It’s a great deal.”
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