12
Nick Stein says he has likely spent almost 75 percent of the last two years away from his home in California. A series producer for the hit show “Border Wars” on the National Geographic channel, he and Border Patrol agent Henry Mendiola visited a group of communication students on campus Wednesday afternoon in the Library Auditorium. With the National Geographic headquarters located in Washington and the television channel offices’ based in New York, much of the “Border Wars” crew spends considerable time away from their homes in Los Angeles, and along the 2,000-mile long U.S.- Mexico border. Now in its third season, 12 episodes deep and counting, the hit show follows agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection as they enforce U.S. regulations including immigration and drug laws. “Border Wars is really the first show to ever get embedded with these types of law enforcement and capture these incredible moments,” Stein said. “We’re very lucky to get a seat at the table.” Stein along with Mendiola, who is from the CBP Office of Public Affairs and Community Outreach, acknowledged the danger they face when intercepting illegal entrants out in the rural terrain. is is especially true considering current crisis conditions on the border. It is not uncommon for agents to come across drug smugglers along the border, often young teens. Many drug cartels will single out young people to get the job done for them because the U.S. system is less likely to convict a minor, Stein said. Many aspects of the job have changed, Mendiola acknowledged, from the increased number of agents, technology now used to track aliens, to the an even more evident danger factor. Mendiola recalled that when he first joined the Border Patrol in 1998, there were only 4,000 agents nationwide. Now there are nearly 17,000. On top of that technology has also changed. Sensors are now lined up underground and arrayed in unique patterns in heavy areas. “So much of their success is based on sensor activation,” Stein said of the agency’s apprehensions. “ey’re set up in certain patterns so you can figure out where or which direction someone attempting to cross is going.” is is where the film crew and agents “lay in” or stake the scene out, which requires time and patience. During one shoot Stein recalls an active interview with an agent by the name of Lopez in Nogales, Ariz. Before long the crew heard gunshots over their heads and quickly realized the gravity of the situation. In his 40 years in the media business as a writer, film editor and producer, the closest Stein has come to staring death in the eye happened recently in Nogales when he and the crew spun uncontrollably in a Huey helicopter between steep canyon walls. “ere were nine or 10 folks on the run below and we wanted to get someone on the ground to get a shot of the Huey landing so we ask the pilot if he can do this,” Stein recalled. “He says, ‘no problem!’ en before we know it we have something called LTE, loss of tail effectiveness. We’ve got no place to go except for somewhere bad!” is didn’t stop Stein and the gang from getting their shot, however. Soon after, they landed and immediately began filming and assessing the situation. ere was no time to think about what just occurred, he stressed. “Once it was all over we loaded up into the helicopter, put on our headphones and then it sunk in,” the producer said. “Of course then there were all these jokes about ‘soiling the seeds.’” Nonetheless both the guests to UTPA Wednesday believe awareness that the show has fostered has only benefited the agents and their families. “My wife had no idea what I did as far as being out there,” Mendiola commented. “Now she knows why I’m cranky, upset or down on a particular day.” During a clip from the show Stein brought along with him to let students watch, a Border Patrol agent expressed a different side most don’t get to see. “A lot of people ask me if I have compassion for these people,” the agent said. “But a lot of people mix up compassion and the legal aspects of my job.” WWW.PANAMERICANONLINE.COM Volume 67, No. 25 April 21, 2011 Tammy Ayala / THE PAN AMERICAN ‘Border Wars’ producer visits UTPA students By Roxann Garcia The Pan American SHEDDING LIGHT ON BOUNDARIES BORDERLINE — Nick Stein, producer of National Geographic’s series “Border Wars” speaks to a group of UTPA students Wednesday afternoon in the library auditorium. They are currently filming episodes for the series along the border.

April 21, 2011

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borderline — Nick Stein, producer of National Geographic’s series “Border Wars” speaks to a group of UTPA students Wednesday afternoon in the library auditorium. They are currently filming episodes for the series along the border. By Roxann Garcia The Pan American Tammy Ayala / T he P an a merican

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Page 1: April 21, 2011

Nick Stein says he has likely spent almost 75 percent of the last two years away from his home in California.

A series producer for the hit show “Border Wars” on the National Geographic channel, he and Border Patrol agent Henry Mendiola visited a group of communication students on campus Wednesday afternoon in the Library Auditorium.

With the National Geographic headquarters located in Washington and the television channel offices’ based in New York, much of the “Border Wars” crew spends considerable time away from their homes in Los Angeles, and along the 2,000-mile long U.S.-Mexico border.

Now in its third season, 12 episodes deep and counting, the hit show follows

agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection as they enforce U.S. regulations including immigration and drug laws.

“Border Wars is really the first show to ever get embedded with these types of law enforcement and capture these incredible moments,” Stein said. “We’re very lucky to get a seat at the table.”

Stein along with Mendiola, who is from the CBP Office of Public Affairs and Community Outreach, acknowledged the danger they face when intercepting illegal entrants out in the rural terrain.

This is especially true considering current crisis conditions on the border. It is not uncommon for agents to come across drug smugglers along the border, often young teens. Many drug cartels will single out young people to get the job done for them because the U.S. system is less likely to convict a minor, Stein said.

Many aspects of the job have changed, Mendiola acknowledged, from the increased number of agents, technology now used to track aliens, to the an even more evident danger factor.

Mendiola recalled that when he first joined the Border Patrol in 1998, there were only 4,000 agents nationwide. Now there are nearly 17,000. On top of that technology has also changed. Sensors are now lined up underground and arrayed in unique patterns in heavy areas.

“So much of their success is based on sensor activation,” Stein said of the agency’s apprehensions. “They’re set up in certain patterns so you can figure out where or which direction someone attempting to cross is going.”

This is where the film crew and agents “lay in” or stake the scene out, which requires time and patience.

During one shoot Stein recalls an active interview with an agent by the

name of Lopez in Nogales, Ariz. Before long the crew heard gunshots over their heads and quickly realized the gravity of the situation.

In his 40 years in the media business as a writer, film editor and producer, the closest Stein has come to staring death in the eye happened recently in Nogales when he and the crew spun uncontrollably in a Huey helicopter between steep canyon walls.

“There were nine or 10 folks on the run below and we wanted to get someone on the ground to get a shot of the Huey landing so we ask the pilot if he can do this,” Stein recalled. “He says, ‘no problem!’ Then before we know it we have something called LTE, loss of tail effectiveness. We’ve got no place to go except for somewhere bad!”

This didn’t stop Stein and the gang from getting their shot, however. Soon after, they landed and immediately began filming and assessing the

situation. There was no time to think about what just occurred, he stressed.

“Once it was all over we loaded up into the helicopter, put on our headphones and then it sunk in,” the producer said. “Of course then there were all these jokes about ‘soiling the seeds.’”

Nonetheless both the guests to UTPA Wednesday believe awareness that the show has fostered has only benefited the agents and their families.

“My wife had no idea what I did as far as being out there,” Mendiola commented. “Now she knows why I’m cranky, upset or down on a particular day.”

During a clip from the show Stein brought along with him to let students watch, a Border Patrol agent expressed a different side most don’t get to see.

“A lot of people ask me if I have compassion for these people,” the agent said. “But a lot of people mix up compassion and the legal aspects of my job.”

www.panamericanonline.comVolume 67, No. 25 April 21, 2011

Tammy Ayala / The Pan american

‘Border Wars’ producer visits UTPA students

By Roxann GarciaThe Pan American

Shedding lighton boundarieS

borderline — Nick Stein, producer of National Geographic’s series “Border Wars” speaks to a group of UTPA students Wednesday afternoon in the library auditorium. They are currently filming episodes for the series along the border.

Page 2: April 21, 2011

At the age of � ve my growing brain had already absorbed the notion of a green planet, thanks to the musical environmental lessons of my kindergarten teacher and inspiring words of � e Lorax.

What I learned in 1994 was littering is bad, recycling is good and the endangered species need to be saved. To this day I still believe in it.

My mother tells the story of how one day her 5-year-old kindergartner came home and scolded her for not recycling in a way only a child could do. “Mommy, you adults aren’t going to leave any earth for us kids!” From that day on we started recycling.

So I feel it is safe to say I am a recycling veteran full of green

knowledge and how to recycle. So in honor of Earth Day on Friday, here are a few tips:

Tip Number 1:When recycling cans treat them

as dirty glasses. Dump the excess contents down the drain and rinse out the can. � en, to save room, either invest in a handy wall can-crusher or simply use your feet and stomp on it. Use garbage bags to collect the cans and by the time it’s � lled you’ll have about $15 worth of future gas money.

Tip Number 2:Empty plastic water bottles have

many uses. Instead of immediately recycling them (hopefully not throwing them away into just any trash can) re-� ll the ones you already have with water or juices to take with you throughout the day instead of buying bottled water, juice or soft drinks. Plus, it saves you money!

Empty plastic bags are great to re-use as well! Especially for smaller bathroom trash bins or picking up park pet poop.

Tip Number 3:Organization is key to making

recycling easy and convenient. Grab some used moving boxes or buy some cute (or perhaps manly) bins and label them ‘Paper’, ‘Plastic’, ‘Aluminum’ (for your cans) and ‘Glass’ and place them next to or near your trashcan. � is way no recyclable stu� ends up mixed with your trash and there’s no excuse for not putting it where it belongs.

If you look around campus you’ll notice these labeled containers in the di� erent colleges, buildings and especially the Student Union right next to trashcans. Use them! � ere’s really no excuse to not walk to where there are recycling bins for an empty plastic bottle that was bought in the vending machines.

Tip Number 4:I know this is more on the

conserving side then the recycling side but this is something I think everyone should get into. Unplugging appliances and/or your phone charger when they are not in use. It is common knowledge that

plugged in appliances continuously use electricity from the wall outlet they are connected to. But what exactly is that power powering? Nothing! And although one source using that power isn’t too much of a big deal, if you really look around your place you’ll probably notice about 15 to 20 di� erent sources using this power and it can add up. Anything that uses a remote to turn on and o� , with a built-in clock or has a transformer should be unplugged when not in use.

Tip Number 5:Follow through. � e biggest

thing about recycling (or in anything really) is the follow through. It takes a certain amount of commitment to recycle, especially if your city doesn’t pick up your recyclables on the curb. A simple Google search of ‘recycling centers’ with your city name should generate acceptable locations to take your recyclables. Call ahead of time to see what type of materials the center accepts.

April 21, 20112Commentary

Recycling isn’t so bad

The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. We reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. We cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to [email protected].

Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.

The Pan American is the offi cial student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily refl ect those of the paper or university.

Letters to the Editor

Delivery:Thursday at noon

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539Phone: (956) 381-2541

Fax: (956) 316-7122

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Kristen Cabrera [email protected]

NEWS EDITOR: Roxann Garcia [email protected]

ONLINE/SPANISH EDITOR: Denisse Salinas [email protected]

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR: Benny [email protected]

SPORTS EDITOR: Sara Hernandez [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Alma E. Hernandez [email protected]

SENIOR DESIGNER: Jennifer Tate [email protected]

DESIGNER: Alexis [email protected]

ADVISER: Dr. Greg [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE: Anita Reyes [email protected]

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Mariel [email protected]

WEBMASTERS: Jose Villarreal [email protected]

Selvino [email protected]

THE PAN AMERICAN

Vol. 67, No. 25

Anthony Salinas/THE PAN AMERICAN

Kristen Cabrera Editor in Chief

In last week’s The Pan American, the Page 1 story on Sodexo neglected to mention that the food service company is eligible to bid for the new UTPA contract. There was also criticism about the headline, “Bye Bye Sodexo,” and The Pan American regrets

any misunderstanding or distress that may have resulted.

Correction

Page 3: April 21, 2011

A Residents Housing Association (RHA) meeting was held in the Unity TV lobby last week to discuss proposed changes to the sign-in, lobby, and overnight guest policies currently in effect at Unity, Troxel, and Heritage dorms.

The proposed changes came about from discussion among residents, Office Assistants and Resident Assistants, said Heritage RA Aaron Hunsaker, who came to UTPA after graduating from Ohio Northern University in 2009 and is currently a graduate student studying educational psychology.

“There were residents coming down and arguing with the OAs and complaining about things that they wouldn’t have to deal with if they were living off campus,” Hunsaker said. “So then you start to look at whether they really need these policies or not.”

The current policy states that guests of residents may sign in from any time after 10 a.m. with a valid ID and are expected to be in the lobby and out of rooms by 1 a.m. Non-residents are required to leave the lobbies of the dorms by 2 a.m. If a resident wishes to have an overnight guest stay in their dorm, the guest must be of the same gender, and the resident must pay a fee and get signed consent from their roommate as well as both of their suitemates. Additionally, overnight guests may only stay three days out of a seven-day period.

According to sophomore art major Nathaniel Alvarez, who presented the changes at the meeting, under the policy adjustments there would be no more sign-in sheet or overnight form, and the lobbies would stay open 24 hours. Guests would still need a resident to accompany them into the building and overnight guests would still only be allowed the three-day limit. The resident would need to get consent from their roommate and suitemates, but not on an official form. Also, the gender of the guest would not be a factor. If other residents found a problem with a guest, it would then be that resident’s responsibility to tell an RA on duty.

A majority of the discussion at the meeting centered on this increase in responsibility for the 800 dorm

residents, of which more than 450 are entering freshmen.

“This is college, where you learn to handle yourself in real life,” Alvarez said. “I need to step up. I need to be responsible. (Dorm life) is meant to encourage that kind of mentality, not a parental figure that’s saying what people you can have over and at what times.”

Other residents raised concerns that abolition of policies without properly informing the residents might create more work for the RAs and OAs.

“This is a very delicate issue, and as an RA, I think it’s great you’re trying to encourage responsibility during college and to own up to stuff,” said Erik Martinez to the attendees; a senior environmental science major. “Here (at the meeting) we’re all responsible, but some lack that judgment. If these policies get approved, you have to make sure to let residents know that they cannot come get RAs or OAs…if these policies get approved, you have to

let the residents know that it’s on them now.”

Other students raised questions about the safety of the dorms if changes were approved.

“Think about how Bronc Village works,” said Benjamin Peters, a senior manufacturing engineering major. “We don’t have OAs and the RA desk doesn’t protect anything except the RA suite. I don’t know how many problems they had as far as safety issues.”

Those in favor of the policy changes argued that the current system doesn’t provide safety, and a better system would be to challenge the dorm community to keep each building secure.

“At Bronc Village they have these things, they have community awareness,” Alvarez noted. “They let people know but here (the dorms) people don’t question anything. They assume it has been filtered. If you take out the OA system and make people aware that it’s up to residents to enforce the policies, it would work just as effectively.”

The RHA will hold another meeting on April 27 at 7 p.m. in the lobby of Troxel Hall to discuss more on the possible policy changes.

Then the organization will get a feel for what residents generally want and need, and then write a letter supporting or not supporting the changes to Eric Booth, director of Residence Life.

“Then what I do is take it to the Residence Hall Advisory Committee which is made of faculty, staff, and students; some

of which are RHA members, some of which are just residents,” Booth said. “I also use their input as well, including the police department, auxiliary services, and a number of other departments that could be affected, and get feedback from them. Based on all of that feedback, I will collect all that, and make recommendations to the dean of students and the assistant dean of students on what I feel is in the best interest and then as a group we would make that determination.”

April 21, 2011 3

Residents ponder freedom, maturity

By Karen Antonacci The Pan American

Plan to abolish sign-in sheets, overnight forms under serious consideration

Public IntoxicationCriminal MischiefBurglaryTheftUnlawful PossesionAssaultVehicle TheftTrespassingHarassmentDrug Related

Public IntoxicationCriminal MischiefBurglaryTheftAssaultReckless DamageSexual AssaultFraudDrug RelatedHarassmentMinor in PossessionEvading Arrest

Public IntoxicationBurglary

TheftDrug RelatedHarassment

Terroristic Threat

Public IntoxicationCriminal Mischief

BurglaryTheft

Drug RelatedBronc Village

UnityHerita

geTr

oxel

48.5%

Total Reported Crimes 2006 - Present

Erick Gonzalez/THE PAN AMERICAN

GRAPH - Data gathered from the UPTA Police Department crime log at www.utpa.edu/police

Follow the news on your smartphone!

Use a barcode app and scan

this QR code to stay up-to-date.

Page 4: April 21, 2011

NEWS April 21, 2011Page 4

Every year each UT System school organizes a community service event called United to Serve as part of National Volunteer Week. Last Saturday UTPA hosted its volunteer event, a � eld day at the Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg. 104 kids from the Boys and Girls Club and 100 UTPA students participated. � e � eld day included several stations, ranging from a sack race to a face- painting station.

Visit panamericanonline.com for a photo gallery of the event.

Antonio Ollis, 5, of Edinburg jumps rope in one of the relay stations.

Aiden Ollis, 6, of Edinburg takes the lead in the sack race. George Hernandez, 6, concentrates on not dropping his egg.Kids color pictures of Bucky the Bronc.

UNITED TO SERVE

Alma E. Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 5: April 21, 2011

AdvertisementsApril 21, 2011 Page 5

Page 6: April 21, 2011

THE PAN AMERICANTHE PAN AMERICAN 21 de abril del 2011 21 de abril del 2011 Página 7Página 6

Cientos de vacacionistas acuden a visitar la playa de la Isla del Padre durante Semana Santa

Enmarcada por el Golfo de México en territorio texano, la Isla del Padre ha sido por varios años el lugar de

relajación y diversión de turistas de diversas partes del mundo, pero en su mayoría habitantes del sur de Texas y el norte de México.

Ofreciendo atracciones para todas las edades, la Isla del Padre es la favorita para visitar durante las vacaciones de Semana Santa. Además de alejarte del bullicio de la ciudad y el ritmo de vida

ajetreado, ésta bella isla te permite disfrutar de momentos únicos como el pasear a caballo a la orilla de la playa, realizar paseos en lancha y motos acuáticas, disfrutar de lindos atar-

deceres en la playa, además de contar con diversos restaurantes y clubes nocturnos.

Este año no es la excepción, y una gran cantidad de turistas dejarán atrás las preocupaciones para partir a disfrutar de ésta playa. En su mayoría,

visitantes provenientes de México, en particular de la ciudad de Mon-terrey, y una gran cantidad de estudiantes del Valle de Texas.

“Cada año voy a la isla con mis amigos porque es la

playa más cercana y no necesito mucho dinero para pasarla bien”, dijo Jorge Cruz, 23, estu-

diante de arte de UTPA.

Para comenzar la diversión en ésta paradisiaca isla puedes comenzar por ir al parque acuático Schlitterbahn el cual ofrece ex-clusivos restaurantes, albercas y toboga-nes. Si te gustan las emociones fuertes y eres atrevido, puedes optar por el salto del bungee, el cual es el mas grande en todo Texas.

Si eres una persona más tranquila y sólo deseas disfrutar de una hermosa vista, puedes optar por hacer el recorrido de “Laguna Madre Trail”, localizado a 4 mil-las hacia el norte por la Calzada Queen Isabella. Es un recorrido que te lleva a través de un pan-tano en el que puedes observar miles de especies en su hábitat natural como tortugas, peces, aves, libélulas e incluso un cocodrilo.

Además puedes visitar la famosa pared de ballenas, creación de Wyland, artista de especies marinas conocido alrededor del mundo por sus obras de pintura, escultura y fotografía en las que retrata las maravillas de las profundidades del océano.

La oferta gastronómica es muy amplia y adaptable a todos los bolsillos. Puedes encontrar desde restaurantes especializados en mariscos hasta los famosos lugares de comida rápida. En cuanto a la hotelería, la Isla del Padre cuenta con variedad de hoteles, al igual que venta y renta de condominios localizados en la bahía o a las orillas de la playa.

Este paraíso natural tambien nos ofrece la oportunidad de disfrutar de grandes íconos de la música al serla cede de festivales como el UNIK Music Fe st que en ésta ocasión con-tará con los veteranos del rock mexicano El Tri y la inigualable banda regiomontana famosa por sus mezclas de hip-hop, pop y rock, Plastilina Mosh. También cuenta con el afamado Yuju Fest que cada año reúne a grandes de la música latinoamericana como Molotov e Instituto Mexicano del Sonido.

“Estoy muy contenta porque por fin tengo la oportunidad de ver a Molotov”, dijo Perla Chapa, estudiante de Comunicación en UTPA. “Me encanta que cada vez hay más apertura hacia bandas mexicanas y sudamericanas aquí en Estados Unidos”.Así es como muchos pasarán las vacaciones de Semana Santa, en un bello lugar, cerca de casa y con di-vertidas actividades para compartir con familiares y amigos.

En el Mar la Vida es Más Sabrosa

“Quiero distraerme antes de empezar los exámenes finales”Karen Cantú, 22, Relaciones Publicas

“Voy principalmente a descansar y obvio ya estando allá, a divertirme”.

Jorge Longoria, 22, CIS

“Vienen amigos de Monterrey y pues los voy a acompañar todo el fin allá”.

Bárbara Salas, 19, Ingeniería Mecánica

“Yo voy a festejar con mis amigos que ya en un mes termino la carrera”.Saul Ríos, 24, Historia

Historia: Karen VelázquezFotos: Tammy AyalaDiseño: Erick Gonzalez

Page 7: April 21, 2011

THE PAN AMERICANTHE PAN AMERICAN 21 de abril del 2011 21 de abril del 2011 Página 7Página 6

Cientos de vacacionistas acuden a visitar la playa de la Isla del Padre durante Semana Santa

Enmarcada por el Golfo de México en territorio texano, la Isla del Padre ha sido por varios años el lugar de

relajación y diversión de turistas de diversas partes del mundo, pero en su mayoría habitantes del sur de Texas y el norte de México.

Ofreciendo atracciones para todas las edades, la Isla del Padre es la favorita para visitar durante las vacaciones de Semana Santa. Además de alejarte del bullicio de la ciudad y el ritmo de vida

ajetreado, ésta bella isla te permite disfrutar de momentos únicos como el pasear a caballo a la orilla de la playa, realizar paseos en lancha y motos acuáticas, disfrutar de lindos atar-

deceres en la playa, además de contar con diversos restaurantes y clubes nocturnos.

Este año no es la excepción, y una gran cantidad de turistas dejarán atrás las preocupaciones para partir a disfrutar de ésta playa. En su mayoría,

visitantes provenientes de México, en particular de la ciudad de Mon-terrey, y una gran cantidad de estudiantes del Valle de Texas.

“Cada año voy a la isla con mis amigos porque es la

playa más cercana y no necesito mucho dinero para pasarla bien”, dijo Jorge Cruz, 23, estu-

diante de arte de UTPA.

Para comenzar la diversión en ésta paradisiaca isla puedes comenzar por ir al parque acuático Schlitterbahn el cual ofrece ex-clusivos restaurantes, albercas y toboga-nes. Si te gustan las emociones fuertes y eres atrevido, puedes optar por el salto del bungee, el cual es el mas grande en todo Texas.

Si eres una persona más tranquila y sólo deseas disfrutar de una hermosa vista, puedes optar por hacer el recorrido de “Laguna Madre Trail”, localizado a 4 mil-las hacia el norte por la Calzada Queen Isabella. Es un recorrido que te lleva a través de un pan-tano en el que puedes observar miles de especies en su hábitat natural como tortugas, peces, aves, libélulas e incluso un cocodrilo.

Además puedes visitar la famosa pared de ballenas, creación de Wyland, artista de especies marinas conocido alrededor del mundo por sus obras de pintura, escultura y fotografía en las que retrata las maravillas de las profundidades del océano.

La oferta gastronómica es muy amplia y adaptable a todos los bolsillos. Puedes encontrar desde restaurantes especializados en mariscos hasta los famosos lugares de comida rápida. En cuanto a la hotelería, la Isla del Padre cuenta con variedad de hoteles, al igual que venta y renta de condominios localizados en la bahía o a las orillas de la playa.

Este paraíso natural tambien nos ofrece la oportunidad de disfrutar de grandes íconos de la música al serla cede de festivales como el UNIK Music Fe st que en ésta ocasión con-tará con los veteranos del rock mexicano El Tri y la inigualable banda regiomontana famosa por sus mezclas de hip-hop, pop y rock, Plastilina Mosh. También cuenta con el afamado Yuju Fest que cada año reúne a grandes de la música latinoamericana como Molotov e Instituto Mexicano del Sonido.

“Estoy muy contenta porque por fin tengo la oportunidad de ver a Molotov”, dijo Perla Chapa, estudiante de Comunicación en UTPA. “Me encanta que cada vez hay más apertura hacia bandas mexicanas y sudamericanas aquí en Estados Unidos”.Así es como muchos pasarán las vacaciones de Semana Santa, en un bello lugar, cerca de casa y con di-vertidas actividades para compartir con familiares y amigos.

En el Mar la Vida es Más Sabrosa

“Quiero distraerme antes de empezar los exámenes finales”Karen Cantú, 22, Relaciones Publicas

“Voy principalmente a descansar y obvio ya estando allá, a divertirme”.

Jorge Longoria, 22, CIS

“Vienen amigos de Monterrey y pues los voy a acompañar todo el fin allá”.

Bárbara Salas, 19, Ingeniería Mecánica

“Yo voy a festejar con mis amigos que ya en un mes termino la carrera”.Saul Ríos, 24, Historia

Historia: Karen VelázquezFotos: Tammy AyalaDiseño: Erick Gonzalez

Page 8: April 21, 2011

Marissa Montoya doesn’t just wear her love of recycling on her sleeve. The nursing major turned it into a newspaper skirt, soda can belt and five complete outfits of recycled clothing for the Environmental Awareness Club’s eco-fashion show on Tuesday.

“‘We should have a fashion show using recycled material to show that this stuff is not trash,’” the 20-year-old recalled saying when EAC members began brainstorming ideas to celebrate Earth Day, which takes place tomorrow.

“A lot of the materials we donated for the show came from things that students would normally throw away,” said EAC President Jorge Trujillo, a senior biology major. “We make sure to have the right kind of philosophy, which is doing something green instead of just having a green message. Our message is more about the grassroots activism and grassroots community involvement.”

Club members gathered materials from recycling bins on campus and donated jewelry and fabric. Though she has no previous sewing or modeling experience, Montoya turned out her collection in a week.

“It’s hard because you have to shape everything to [the models’] body shape, but they came out good,” she said. “It was hard work, but it was fun, so hopefully we can do it again.”

Montoya first strutted down the

runway in a dress featuring a belt made from Sprite cans before taking a second turn in a black dress accented with a fringe made from plastic bottles. Another model sashayed in a blouse adored with pieces of an old mirror along the shoulders, while one girl walked out in a bulb skirt reconstructed from a trash bag.

“[We wanted] to show that recyclable materials can be used for more than taking to a recycling plant or something like that,” said Alexis Bay, a

sophomore political science major. “[They can] be used creatively

for fashion.EAC members

highlighted two issues that arise from fashion industry production practices: e n v i r o n m e n t a l pollution and garment worker rights.

“A lot of non-thrift, non-recycled fashions come from sweat shops [and are made] from harmful materials like cotton that’s been covered in pesticides and harmful dyes,” said Bay, who cited Los Angeles-based clothing company Forever 21 as one troublesome business. “There isn’t a lot of awareness about it.”

Forever 21, known for producing inexpensive trendy clothing, faced a lawsuit in 2001 filed by 19 of its garment workers who claimed they had been paid below minimum wage and forced to work in sweatshop conditions to produce the business’ clothing. The case

was settled out of court in 2004 and became the subject of the Emmy-winning

April 21, 20118

One green runwayBy Nadia Tamez-RobledoThe Pan American

‘Earth Day’ inspires theme for campus fashion show

Life has a way of leading you right where you need to be, even when that’s on a circus train looking after elephants. Such is the path taken in “Water for Elephants” which is to be released this Friday. The film stars Robert Pattinson.

Post-rock band Explosions in the Sky will release their sixth album on Tuesday. The Austin band continues making textured melodramatic music on their new album titled “Take Care, Take Care, Take Care” while exploring new instruments and cultures.

So Skynet went live on Tuesday. Well, at least according to the “Terminator” mythology. So what does that make today? It’s Judgment Day people. Board up your windows and prepare for the robot takeover. Have fun!

FX’s much loved comedy-drama “Rescue Me” will finally return for its seventh season on July 12 according to a press release from the cable network. The series starring Denis Leary will end after that season.

On the Catwalk — Marissa Montoya walks the runway in a fashion show Tuesday evening in the quad. The show promotes Earth Day by using recycled materials taken from the campus recycling center and turning them into fashionable clothes.

everybOdy was PillOw Fightin’ — Javi Gonzalez, left, and Francisco Medina participate in a pillow fight in the north quad Wednesday as part of Earth Week.

Freddie Martinez / The Pan american

Larissa Garza / The Pan american

• Recycling ONE aluminum can saves

enough energy to watch a TV for THREE

hours-that is equivalent to HALF a gallon of

gasoline. • The government estimated 206

million gallons of oil were spilled in the

Gulf of Mexico last year during the BP oil spill.

• It takes 50-70 gallons of water to take a 10-minute

shower.

The BIG Pillow Fight

documentary “Made in L.A.”“People will go to places like Forever

21 when you can get really ‘fashionable’ clothing for really cheap,” Bay said. “The reason it’s so cheap is that it’s made with materials that are not of a certain quality, and also it’s made with cheap labor from other countries.”

The fashion show was one of six events that will culminate with the Earth Day Festival starting today at 11 a.m. in the quad.

“Earth Day is every day, so just keep doing it,” said Montoya, who encourages students to experiment with revamping their old clothes before throwing them out. “Keep it green.”

Earth Day

Facts

Page 9: April 21, 2011

AdvertisementsApril 21, 2011 Page 9

Page 10: April 21, 2011

Con motivo de la cercana culminación del semestre y como parte del proyecto � nal de los diseñadores grá� cos de la Universidad de Texas-Pan Americana,

se realizó una exposición en la Galería Clark localizada en las instalaciones del departamento de Arte. La recepción comenzó en punto de las 18:00 horas y superó las 100 personas de audiencia, entre los que � guraron familiares, amigos, profesores y público en general.

Los futuros profesionales del diseño realizaron dos posters, uno que debía reflejar la cultura del Valle de Texas y otro que mostraría su esencia como diseñadores y los promoviera como ilustradores y comunicadores visuales.

“Pedí que realizaran un póster dedicado a la cultura del Valle, ya que en algún momento éste será su principal cliente”, dijo Robert Gilbert, profesor de diseño grá� co de UTPA. Fueron 28 las piezas las cuales variaban desde diseños minimalistas hasta diseños más elaborados y complejos. De acuerdo a Gilbert, ésta nueva generación de diseñadores está más enfocada al arte del diseño más que en lo comercial, lo cual le parece sensacional. “Ellos son muy individualistas, no son terriblemente comerciales, lo que resulta ser lo que yo buscaba”, comentó Gilbert.

Uno de los póster más destacados y elogiados tanto por profesores como público en general fue el de Sara Domínguez, futura diseñadora grá� ca y publicista, que se caracterizó como Durga, una de las muchas manifestaciones de Maha Devi o Gran Diosa madre de todo el universo. La joven diseñadora comentó que la idea surgió de una plática que tuvo con su roommate y al investigar sobre una diosa hindú, se encontró con Durga, la cual llamó mucho su atención porque ésta esta en una batalla constante con los demonios internos.

De acuerdo a Domínguez, el diseño grá� co tiene su propia voz. Ella considera que es muy importante utilizar el diseño para persuadir de una manera educadora

y no tanto comercial. “Yo creo que como diseñador grá� co tienes una responsabilidad porque sabes que las personas van a ser afectadas e in� uenciadas por tu trabajo” dijo Domínguez.

Paulette Valencia, otra estudiante de diseño, comentó que después de graduarse desea abrir su propio negocio de publicidad. Valencia está consiente de que la manera más fácil de obtener fuertes ingresos económicos es enfocarse al diseño comercial, sin embargo, cree que es de mayor importancia promover el diseño de mensaje social. El póster de Valencia que más le gustó fue el que hablaba de la cultura del Valle en el cual decidió plasmar la problemática de los inmigrantes en Estados Unidos, y de alguna manera crear conciencia sobre como es que éstas personas son desvalorizadas únicamente por el hecho de no ser ciudadanos norteamericanos. “Quiero usar el diseño grá� co para poder dar un mensaje a la gente y alertarlos sobre lo que pasa en la política y la sociedad”, dijo Valencia.

El evento concluyó alrededor de las 21:00 horas después de que todos expusieron sus piezas y los asistentes observaron los 14 portafolios de los futuros graduados. Muchos de ellos continuaron el festejo con familiares y amigos celebrando por haber terminado

Los encargados del Complejo Recreativo de Bienestar y Deporte de la Universidad de Texas-Pan Americana, simplemente conocido como “el gym” entre los estudiantes, se encuentran activamente innovando sus propuestas deportivas con el fin de atraer la atención de todos los estudiantes, staff y maestros.

Son muchas las clases que ya se ofrecen en las premisas del gimnasio de la universidad con el � n de hacer partícipes a entusiastas con diversos gustos; entre ellas se encuentran zumba, Pilates, clases de salsa y hasta artes marciales; pero una joven instructora quiso expandir aún más las oportunidades de entrenamiento físico y trajo al gimnasio una clase distinta y temática conocida como Bio Dance.

Itzel Mora, proveniente de Ciudad Del Carmen en México, lleva dos años enseñando diversas clases en el gimnasio y fue ella la encargada de traer a UTPA la clase de Bio dance. Mora, quien es estudiante

de ciencias ambientales, comentó sobre los que se puede esperar de su revolucionaria clase. “Bio dance es un programa físico que fusiona música, movimiento y emociones para reducir stress, liberar energía, promover la salud y reencontrar la alegría de vivir. El programa Bio dance integra ejercicios bioenergéticos, posturas de yoga, respiraciones, danza, sonidos y movimientos de expresión corporal,” comento Mora. “La mente y el cuerpo están íntimamente ligados, el cuerpo expresa lo que la mente guarda. La práctica de Bio dance nos lleva a descifrar el lenguaje del cuerpo, contactar con nuestras emociones y descubrir necesidades y deseos que muchas veces reprimimos”.

Mora, quien es una gran adepta al ejercicio y se encuentra permanentemente alentando a los estudiantes a vivir una vida más sana

“Los participantes son guiados a través de diferentes movimientos por el instructor. Cada danza tiene una diferente intención que se relaciona con una o más emociones. La danza

no tiene una coreografía fija no hay correcto o equivocado. A final de la clase el participante se integra a una meditación colectiva y retroalimenta al grupo con su ex-periencia adquirida durante la clase”, explicó Mora detal-ladamente sobre los pormenores de esta clase que se ofrece en el estudio 1 del WRSC los martes a las 20:30 horas. “El estudio donde se toma la clase tiene poca luz y no se uti-lizan los espejos. Yo creo que la música es muy importante para llegar a la gente. En mi clase de Bio dance (como en to-das mis clases) me gusta utilizar música que la gente pueda reconocer fácilmente, pero también me gusta utilizar música que sea poco común con sonidos natu-

rales o raros que te haga pensar más allá de las palabras”.

La clase de Bio dance ha atraído ya a varios estudiantes que buscan “jugar”

(como se le conoce entre los adeptos al Bio dance) por la noches de martes. Aproximadamente 20 personas han sido participes ya de las bondades de este tipo de ejercicio.

“La clase se me hizo súper padre la verdad. Me gustó mu-cho la variedad de música que tenía., la energía de Itzel quien es toda animada. Todo lo k hacemos es sencillo, pero sientes que funciona porque estas sudando mil y

las piernas duelen un chorro”, dijo Cyn-thya Cantú, quien agotada después de una sesión de media hora. “Me gustaron mucho algunos ejercicios que normal-

mente no haces en otras partes pero están divertidos y te ayudan a sacar el estrés sin importar lo k piensa la per-sona que está a tu lado”.

Mora quiso � nalmente apuntar que Bio dance es solo la punta del iceberg en cuanto a nuevas clases se re� ere, ya que advirtió sobre los nuevos programas que se ofrecerán en el futuro. “El grupo de instructores y nuestra coordinadora física Colette Cabot estamos trabajando fuertemente para ofrecer nuevas clases en el próximo horario (verano 1 y 2) durante el verano estaremos ofreciendo Aqua Fitness, entre otros cursos”.

Hay que recordar que el cuerpo humano requiere de ciertos factores para funcionar óptimamente y el ejercicio es una de las mejores herramientas con las que se puede contar para activamente mejorar el sistema inmunológico, el estado de ánimo y el metabolismo en general. El gimnasio de la universidad abre permanentemente sus puertas para que aquellos que son parte de UTPA gocen de las bondades de este moderno edi� cio donde todos podemos cuidar de nuestra salud y acrecentar nuestro ánimo.

Diseñadores presentan proyecto fi nal

Por Sergio GironThe Pan American

Bio Dance: La nueva tendencia del ejercicio

ORGULLOSAMENTE - Alumnos del último año de la carrera de diseño gráfi co expusieron sus proyectos en la Galería Clark en el edifi cio de arte el lunes 18 de abril a las 18:00 horas.

21 de abril del 201110

Itzel Mora Instructora de Bio Dance

“Es un programa

físico que fusiona

música, movimiento

y emociones para

reducir stress, liberar

energía, promover la

salud y reencontrar la

alegría de vivir”.

A punto de graduarse, estudiantes de UTPA exponen sus piezas en la Galería Clark.Por Karen VelazquezThe Pan American

Mayra Godinez / THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 11: April 21, 2011

April 21, 2011 11

Leading player wins last home match for UTPA as Broncs split weekend matches.

As the UTPA’s men’s tennis team sea-son neared an end they hoped to go out on a high note. Especially because it was senior Aswin Vijayaragavan’s � nal week-end as a Bronc, it was important to cap o� a season that hadn’t involved many victories on a good note. � ey faced the daunting task of hosting the University of Texas at San Antonio and St Mary’s University on consecutive days.

� e Broncs welcomed the Roadrun-ners on Saturday and the day started o� encouragingly when Vijayaragavan and Beau Bernstein knocked o� Mar-tin Ayala and Pedro Zanotelli in the � rst doubles matchup. However the Roadrunners weren’t fazed as they took the next two doubles matches and tal-lied the � rst point of the day. With the Broncs already down one point, it would prove to be that much harder to win the match.

UTPA quickly responded in the singles matchups when freshman Ricardo Hopker defeated his oppo-nent in straight sets. After losing his doubles match, the Brazilian native responded just as Coach Chris Taylor

wanted him to.“I was kind of upset after losing in

my doubles match and I knew I had to step up because we need all the victories we could get,” Hop-ker said. “I played really well and I felt really good out there today.”

With Hopker’s victory the Broncs tied up the score at one. Not to be out-done, the Roadrun-ners ended the day winning four out of the � nal � ve singles matches to secure the overall team win 5-2. � e only other bright spot for the Broncs that day was Vijayaragavan beat-ing Ayala in a hard-fought match. Bern-stein and Matt Teivans both lost in three sets to their opponents Saturday.

On Sunday the Broncs took on St. Mary’s University in its � nal match of the 2010-2011 season. � e second day of the back-to-back began with the team recognizing senior Vijayaragavan in his � nal match for the program. � e team

fed o� of the emotion and was deter-mined to win this one for “Winnie,” as he’s called by teammates.

� e Broncs swept the doubles matches and as well as the sin-gles. A 7-0 vic-tory on the � nal day of the season couldn’t have come at a better time.

“It was nice to see Winnie � nish his career with us with a win. It means a lot es-pecially with his match being the

last match that was on,” Taylor said. “Everyone got to see as he ended his last match. He has meant a lot to the program. He’s good enough to go play anywhere, but he chose to stay here with us. � at meant a lot to the program. I know it meant a lot to me personally.”

Vijayaragavan edged his opponent out in straight sets and was a bit emo-tional after the match ended.

“Well I have mixed feelings right

now, sad and happy,” he admitted. “Sad that I’m not going to be part of this team in the future and happy because I � nished o� with a win and the team won also, so I’m very hap-py. I have the best teammates who never left my side so I never really thought about leaving at any point. Each year we kept getting better and I’m sure these guys will do some-thing that I couldn’t do as a Bronc.”

Vijayaragavan ended his four-year career at UTPA as a 3-time All-Conference player and twice the Player of the Year.

� ough the Broncs didn’t accom-plish what they set out to gain this season, Taylor hasn’t changed his ex-pectations moving forward.

“Well our expectations are to win the Southland Conference regular season, win the tournament, and make the NCAA’s,” he said. “Every time we step on the court that’s the goal. � at was the goal at the be-ginning of this year and that didn’t happen. We’re going to make some changes and do better next year.”

� e Broncs ended the season with a 2-13 overall record and 1-4 mark in the Southland wars.

One last win for Aswin

Chris TaylorHead coach

“Heʼs good enough to go play anywhere, but he chose to stay here with us. That meant a lot to the program.”

UNFORGETTABLE - Aswin Vijayaragavan has been the number one player for the Broncs for the past three years; the senior won his last two regular-season matches against UTSA and St. Mary’s at UTPA’s Orville Cox Tennis Center.

Reynaldo Leal/THE PAN AMERICAN

By Michael Saenz The Pan American

ONLINE EXCLUSIVESAT

PANAMERICANONLINE.COM

RESULTS

Home series against NJIT

4/15 W 14-74/16 W 10-1 L 5-114/17 L 5-6

UTPA @ Texas

4/19 L 5-2

Broncs win two and lose two against conference

foe NJIT, fall short to Texas

Go to our website for the complete story.

Women’s tennis defeatsSt. Mary’s in season fi nale

Photo gallery online.

Go to our website for the complete story.

2011 UTPA Hall of Fame inductees:

LuAnn Alexander (tennis)

Tony Barbosa (baseball)

Tony Guerrero (golf)

1961 NAIA Championship tennis team.

Go to PANAMERICANONLINE.COM for a photo gallery of Aswin’s last match.

Page 12: April 21, 2011

the pan american April 21, 2011Page 12

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