by Sarah Collins
Many, including the College of Arts & Humanities faculty, are very proud that TAMIU is one of the few universities, in south Texas to offer a women's studies program. Beginning in the Fall 1996 ,semester, students will be offered an introductory course called WOMN 2301. This course has, no prerequisites and will present a variety of perspectives, on women as Individuals and on their roles in society and culture.
WOMN 2301 will be taught by Dr. Jeraldine Kraver, who was recently appointed Chair of the Women's Studies Committee.
As Kraver explained, "Women's, Studies is an approach to knowledge that places, women at the center of analysis. The central goal of the program is to provide students of both genders and all ages, aces, ethnicities, religions, and sexual identities a context that examines the ideas of the past that enables them to consider their experiences now, that prepares them to participate in informed and creative ways in the future."
When asked why we need women's studies at the University level, Kraver replied, "Because, too often, historically accepted theories and explanations have been characterized by misinformation and misunderstandings about women."
An upper-division class, WOMN 4302, will be offered at a later date. WOMN 4302 will be a senior seminar where students will examine theoretical readings in women's studies and will develop interdisciplinary, independent projects. Prerequisites for this course will include WOMN 2301, plus twelve hours of women's studies course.
Students may work towards a minor in women's studies comprised of eighteen hours of course work: WOMN 2301, WOMN 4302, plus twelve hours of electives (no more than six from any one discipline). A list of electives can be obtained from administrative offices of the College of Arts & Humanities.
March is also Women's History Month. On Friday, March 29, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., there will be an event titled, "A Celebration of Women's History Month and Inauguration of The Women's Studies Program." The event is sponsored by the College of Arts & Humanities and by Las Mujeres, a local organization seeking to reestablish the tradition of Laredo women's activism, to educate its membership regarding women's issues, and recognizing women's contributions to society.
This event will take place in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library at Texas A&M International University. It is free and open to the public.
by Carlos, A. Guardiola
Editor-in-Chief
Five candidates have been selected for an on-campus interview to take place in late March and early April. The five men are vying for the presidency of Texas A&M International University.
All the candidates have a strong academic background, a doctorate, and experience as an executive administrator of a four-year university. Their academic areas of study are finance, education, psychology, engineering, and political science, respectively.
Each candidate will also address the University population on March 20, April 1, April 3, April 8, and April 10 in Bullock Hall, Room 101 at TAMIU. On these dates, students, administrators, faculty, and alumni will have thirty minutes each to question the candidates. Another thirty-minute increment has been reserved for any interested parties in general.
The five candidates are Dr. Larry Boyd from Laredo; Dr. Raymond T. Garza from San Antonio; Dr. Tito Guerrero, III, from Corpus Christi; Dr. J. Charles Jennett from Clemson, South Carolina; and Dr. Herman D. Lujan from Greeley, Colorado.
Dr. Larry Boyd earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of South Florida, a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University, and a Ph.D. in Finance from Texas A&M University College Station. His present position is Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for TAMIU; previously, he was a Professor and Department Head of Economics and Finance at Western Carolina University.
Dr. Raymond T. Garza earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University in Kingsville and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Purdue University. His present position is Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he has previously held positions as Interim Provost and Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research.
Dr. Tito Guerrero, III earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Biology from Texas A&M University College Station, a Master of Education in Secondary and Health Education from the University of North Texas, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration as well as an Ed.D. in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy, both from Harvard University. His present position is Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, ,here he previously served as Professor of Education and Vice President for Student Affair.
Dr. J. Charles Jennett earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Southern Methodist University and a Ph.D. in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from the University of New Mexico. His present position is Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Clemson University, where he previously served as Dean of Engineering.
Finally, Dr. Herman D. Lujan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Mary's College of California, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Idaho. His present position is President of the University of Northern Colorado; his previous position was Vice Provost at the University of Washington.
After the question-and-answer forums, the TAMIU Presidential Search Committee must send the names of its final three recommendations for University President to Dr. Barry Thompson, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System in College Station. Dr. Thompson will then submit the names to the Board of Regents for a final decision.
The TAMIU Presidential Search Committee is comprised of the following professors and University employees: Dr. Khosrow Fatemi, Chair; Dr. Janet Black; Dr. Stanley Green; Dr. Stephen Lunce; Dr. Thomas McGhee; Dr. Sanjay Rai; Dr. Rosa Maria Vida; John P. Hastings, Catalog Librarian; and Elizabeth N. Martinez, Director of Human Resources.
Representatives from the community at large who serve on the committee include: Nancy Blair, CPA; Mario Gonzalez of Gonzalez, Farias, and Guerra, P.C.; David Killam of Killam Oil, Inc.; Rachel Lopez, TAMIU Alumni Association, President; and Mr. Marvin Melson, President of NBC Bank.
Representing the student body on this committee is Laurie Trutsky.
Editorial
by Carlos A. Guardiola
The number of students and faculty at the open forum of the first candidate for university president, Dr. Larry Boyd, seemed paltry. Although the event started at 3:00 p.m. on March 18 inside Bullock, Hall, the seating barely reached half occupancy; some speculated that more people would show as the forum progressed, but this didn't happen, either. One attendee commented at the forum, "Take a look around this room. Apathy is not just for students anymore."
Outside Bullock Hall, meanwhile, students milled and joked and waited for the start of their classes. No one seemed to care or even be aware of the forum taking place inside.
Where were the representatives of the Student Government Association's Executive Branch and Student Senate? Where were the professors that were newly hired? The only group with good representation at the forum consisted of the University administrators, including the department directors, assistant directors, and librarians.
Indeed, should we admit that a mutually beneficial but otherwise apathetic relationship exists? Relationship may not even be a deserving description, since the process is more unto a transaction. Students receive their degrees and leave Laredo, while faculty leave campus by three o'clock to mull over why they moved to Laredo in the first place.
Yes, some faculty had a class scheduled at the time of the first open forum. Yes, some students had other commitments off campus that barred their attendance, such as work or child care needs. However, all worthwhile things require effort. One faculty member who taught a class at the same time as the forum made arrangements to have the class meet at another time. And any student who has complained in the past about the rising cost of tuition or the outrageous expense of textbooks should have scheduled a time to attend.
The current selection process for university president is the most open event of its kind compared to previous administrations. One need only consider the situation with the United Independent School District's ouster of Dr. David Barbosa to realize the impact relating to any inferred absence of such a participatory process.
Other faculty conjectured that most faculty did not attend the open forum because they already supported Dr. Larry Boyd, or because they already knew him. But showing support for a candidate by being absent is illogical, and people should at least be interested in the candidates' opening statements, which can be very insightful and revelatory of the direction that the University will take.
To be sure, student apathy is not a new development. Faculty apathy, however, seems on the rise. At the most recent faculty convocation, Dr. Larry Boyd, speaking as the Provost, -commented on the growing number of faculty who tried to avoid attending the University' s commencement exercises. Such open chastisement over this is uncommon; it is a measure of the epidemic of apathy already on campus.
Everyone -- faculty, staff, and students -- should demonstrate to these candidates that they are interested in -meeting and questioning the future president. The candidates who will not be chosen will return to their respective posts with an impression ultimately shared with other academic circles. Everyone should ensure that the impression be a positive one.
Complaints, gripes, and criticisms given to a group of friends alone will not bring about change. Some may even argue that these concerns fall on deaf ears. But active participation is essential to preserving fair representation, to ensuring that all involved have a voice. This is especially true of faculty. If they don't care enough to become involved in such an important decision as choosing a new University president, why should the students be different?
As things stand, the level of participation on campus is a microcosm of what happens in this country on larger scales. A select few diligently deploy their energies into active participation, while a much larger number allow themselves to be herded like sheep in whatever direction providence may choose. Henry Thoreau once alluded that principles without action benefitted no one; this is just as true today.
by Angelica Hinojosa
1) If you've fallen down and can't get up, someone will actually help you ... for a considerable sum of money.
2) If you miss a stop sign, someone will actually go out of his or her way to place himself or herself smack in front of you, car and all, to remind you that you were supposed to stop.
3) If you can't remember who came home with you last night, don't worry -- your neighbor does.
4) If you can't find your car after a long day shopping at the mall, don't worry -- someone has located it and is taking such good care of it that you'd never recognize it if you saw it.
5) If you get pulled over by a cop, relax. He's probably your Tia Panchita's neighbor's cousin's ex-boyfriend -- you know the guy!
6) If you go to hell when you die, it's all in good humor: You're already used to the weather.
by Carlos A. Guardiola
Students and employees of Texas A & M International University who must miss classes or work because of problems procuring a babysitter for their children may soon have an alternative, if one person's idea comes to fruition.
Dr. Michael S . Yoder, Assistant Professor of Geography at TAMIU, said he noticed numerous student absences related to day care needs when he first began teaching during the Fall 1995 semester. After he approached the Office of Student Development with the proposition of a day care center on campus to curb student absenteeism, he discovered enthusiastic support for such an endeavor. "Everyone I've talked to about this thinks it's a great idea, " said Dr. Yoder.
However, many details still need to be addressed. Chief among these is the type of funding source needed to install and operate and on campus day care center. Dr. Yoder speculated that its funding might require appropriation from TAMIU's Phase Three budget package, which is intended for continued construction of the still unfinished campus, although he had not spoken to the President's Office concerning this matter if a day care center receives final approval.
Additionally, such a center would need a licensed day care manager and a staff of supervised workers to operate it. Dr. Yoder stated that two competing ideas for running the center were on a nonprofit versus on a cooperative basis. The non-profit concept would entail that a fee for services be charged; the -.op concept would require that day care users volunteer to ran the center according to a work schedule with no fees involved. The latter Suggestion, although ideal, is less .likely to be chosen because, according to Dr. Yoder, "I've been told that it's a logistical nightmare trying to coordinate hours on a volunteer shift." Another alternative is a hybrid of these two concepts: a fee schedule for standard services, but with reduced rates for users who volunteer nominal hours toward helping to operate the center. "What we absolutely don't want," Dr. Yoder emphasized, "is having an outside, for-profit agency providing this service. It would make the whole idea too expensive." Dr. Yoder explained that the underlying aim of proposing such a center is to make it accessible for students and staff at TAMIU in terms of money as well as location.
Funding for the day care center may also materialize in the form of grant monies if the center is partially utilized as a classroom to advance academic learning objectives in line with an established curriculum. Dr. Yoder spoke to Dr. Linda Medearis and Dr. Miroslava Vargas of the College of Education about the possibility of starting an internship-styled setting at the day care enter for Early Childhood Education majors at TAMIU. This suggestion is especially promising, since it might result in lower costs for day care users, and it would benefit the College of Education as a practical course for 'its students.
Installing a day care center would benefit employees of TAMIU as well. Absenteeism from work was a collateral 'issue that surfaced unexpectedly when the 'idea for a center was first discussed. Dr. Yoder conducted a nonscientific, internal survey of faculty and staff at TAMIU through the University-wide e-mail program in early February; employees '@n particular expressed that a day care center would enhance their work environment if they could visit their children during their breaks and lunch hours.
The results of Dr. Yoder's survey further revealed that 27 of 33 faculty who responded felt that "...circumstances related to day care contributed to absenteeism in the classroom. " Dr. Yoder's day care survey yielded 60 responses, of which 33 were from faculty and 27 from staff employees.
Day care centers on university campuses are not a new concept. Texas A & M at Corpus Christi is creating a day care center as part of its Child Development Resource Center; Tarleton State University has augmented its Child Development Center with a playground facility; and College Station has installed a newly built day care center on its sprawling campus. Dr. Yoder stated that these three universities might be good sources after which to model such a center at TAMIU.
On March 6, 1996, Dr. Yoder participated in a round table brainstorming session with members of TAMIU's administration, including Dr. Janet Black, Vice-President in charge of the Office of Advancement and External Affairs; Dr. M. Stephen Brown, De- of de Office of Student Affairs; Dr. Linda Medearis and Dr. Miroslava Vargas of the College of Education; Mr. David Vermilyea, Director of the Office of Student Development; and representatives of the student body as well as of the employees at TAMIU.
Dr. Yoder said the members at this meeting agreed to establish a. ad hoc task force to guide the establishment of a day care :enter. They also identified the biggest problem to be the cost involved in setting up such - operation.
Additionally, the Student Government Association is expected to become involved in conducting a student survey on the proposal, and an open forum for students to discuss the prospect of on-campus day care will be planned. "Hopefully, we'll be able to get student feedback and organize our findings sometime this semester," Dr. Yoder said. He added, "Its no longer a question f 'if,' but m re a question of 'when."'
Persons interested in obtaining more information about the suggestion of on-campus day care at TAMIU may contact Dr. Michael at 326-2634.
by Anika Fasci
If TAMIU administration wishes to retain its new faculty in the long term, it needs to provide more support for incoming faculty and their families, according to a new professor who pointed out the need for a more adequate social and professional network to introduce and help integrate them into the Laredo community .
Dr. Fiona Neuendorf, Assistant Professor of English, and Dr. Michael Yoder, Assistant Professor of Geography, have pointed out the need to balance efforts to recruit and hire new faculty with funds to assist them in relocating. Dr. Yoder, for instance, found it extremely difficult to find affordable housing after covering moving expenses himself.
More comprehensive information about where to live would also be helpful, according to Dr. Neuendorf. She feels that if incoming professors had a better idea of the various neighborhoods in Laredo, a more effective academic community could develop. Without such knowledge, professors, especially single women or women living apart from their spouses, often have a difficult time finding safe and attractive housing.
Employment for spouses is also a critical issue. She feels that more programs need to be developed in order to ease the transition to the Laredo job market for faculty spouses, some of whom left lucrative and well-established careers to come to Laredo. The highly-qualified spouse of a new faculty member, for instance, was unable to get an interview in his career field despite the assistance of the faculty member's chairperson'
Commissioner Rick Reyes has recommended that members of the University petition State Senator Judith Zaffirini regarding a cost of living subsidy for our incoming professors. In addition to petitioning the state senator, a more inclusive social and professional network could be the key element to faculty retention, several faculty members claim. Such efforts as the tour of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo on March 29, led by Dr. Janet Black, are steps in the right direction, they believe.
As members of the Texas A&M international University community, we all must be concerned with what is happening at. our university.
Each person who is a member of the TAMIU community is here because of a conscious choice. If you are enrolled as a student, you have accepted the responsibilities that come with that enrollment. University educations re not a guaranteed entitlement. They are a precious privilege that must be treated as such. Being a student is not, and should not, be easy. It involves work, much of which is very difficult. When, as students, you rebel against this work, this potential knowledge, you cheat not only yourselves, but the entire university community.
While students are guilty of the whining, childish arguments against doing any real, challenging, meaningful work, the professors and administrators are guilty of bowing to the cries of a vocal student group. This bowing, this caving, has created an atmosphere of mediocrity which is unacceptable and intolerable. I know that if many of the professors and administrators were to honestly answer the question, "How do our course demands compare to other universities throughout the country? ", the answer would be they don't. I have heard professors say that they are forced to lower course demands and expectations because of student ability levels. However, This is counter-productive. When students continually see standards being lowered, they know that standards are flexible and can be lowered even more if additional complaints are voiced.
I urge all of you ho truly care about knowledge and the pursuit of excellence to take a stand against mediocrity by pledging to support the following:
1. High academic standards that compare with the paret university in College Station.
2. An honest, thorough investigation of what actually transpires in a particular course as compared to that same course catalog description.
3. A focus on content over form.
4. Automatic, one semester suspensions for any individuals knowingly inolvod in plagiarism.
I realize that this letter will do little to improve my popularity within the TAMIU community, but that is of little consequence to me. When I receive my degree fom TAMIU, I want it to symbolize more than, "I just put in my time and jumped through the appropriate hoops. "
Sincerely,
Judith A. Krommendyk
by Sarah Collins
Plans are currently being made for a communications degree program, tentatively !;et to begin in the Fall semester of 1997. This degree program may prepare students who are interested in the following professional fields: journalism, public relations, ad communication consulting.
A Communications Program Proposal Committee, consisting at present of Dr. Per Fjelstad and Dr. Michael Angulo, is working to draft the proposal. The committee plans to meet with the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Jerry Thompson, on April 3 and will notify this newspaper of further developments. One subject of the discussion at the April meeting will be how best to asses the level of student interest in this course of study.
from the Office of Career planing & Placement
Texas A&M International University's Office of Career Planning and Placement has announced that this spring's Teacher Fair '96 will be held on Tuesday, April 2, from 2: 00 p.m. to 6: 00 p.m., outside, under the breezeways at TAMIU.
Local, Regional, and Out-of State School Districts have registered to attend this fair in order to share not only information about possible jobs and careers, but also advice on career planning and successfully following chose. career paths.
Up to 60 recruiters from various school districts, are expected to converge on the TAMIU campus for Teacher Fair '96. The teacher fair setting provides university students, graduates, and community members an opportunity to meet prospective employers to discuss various career options in education, and to hear first-hand career success stories.
The fair is free to participating students, graduates, and community members. For more information call TAMIU's Office of Career Planning and Placement at (210) 326-2260.
ALSO....
Career Planning & Placement will be sponsoring a Job Fair in Corpus Christi on April 10th at the Memorial Coliseum from 1-6 p.m. We will be sponsoring a trip to Corpus Christi for that event. Please contact our office for more information. Thank you!
by Sarah Collins
A noted lecturer from Rice University initiated Texas A&M International University's College of Arts and Humanities, Spring Lecture, Series Monday, March 18, 1996. Dr. Robert L. Patten, Professor of English at Rice, University, presented his lecture, "Dickens, Invents Himself as Author: Plagiarism as a Capitalist Plot."
Dr. Patten hold, his, Ph.D. from Princeton University and the Bedford College, University of London. His M.A. is also from Princeton and his B.A. from Swarthmore College.
Dr.- Jerry Thompson, interim Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities, explained that the Spring Lecture Series was organized by the College's Department of English, Spanish and Fine Arts. He continued, "We are delighted to be able to offer a forum for learned exchange with presenters such as Dr. Patten. We encourage the public to attend future lectures and share in the presenters' research and insight."
by Sarah Collins
Plans are underway to begin a University Honors Program at TAMIU for the Fall 1996 semester.
Students applying to the honors program will have to meet various qualifications, including a strong science, mathematics, and English background (subject to review of the Office of Admissions); ranking in the upper part of their high school graduating class; a high SAT or ACT score; and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor. Applicants must also receive the approval of the Honors Supervisory Committee, comprised the Dean of the College of the College of Arts & Humanities, an Honors Coordinator, and selected department chairs and faculty.
Enrollment in the program will be kept low (no more than twenty students), and all classes will be taught by specially selected faculty. Honors classes scheduled for the Fall 1996 semester, include Introductory History and English.
The purpose is for students to enroll in and complete a full cycle of core disciplines in honors sections, resulting in certification and recognition as honors graduates.
by Tim Kennedy
The Jalapeño Festival, a local tradition in the making, was where 30 TAMIU students, all members of the International Business Association, volunteered their Saturday afternoon to support a major community event.
IBA's President, graduate student Marcus Moreno, coordinated IBA's involvement in the festival with Victor and Erica Garcia. According to Moreno, Mr. Garcia, an Assistant Vice-President at International Bank of Commerce , was instrumental in encouraging IBA students to participate. Several IBA members also expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the Jalapeiio Festival for providing the IBA an opportunity to contribute and have a great time as well.
The IBA volunteers worked the beverage area, where, according to several students, camaraderie was much in evidence and provided for an informal, yet informative, atmosphere.
Several aspects made the afternoon into a more practical exercise in running a small business: satisfying the customer's needs -- and the customer wanted ice cold beer -- and maintaining effective customer relations were the lessons of the day. Calls of "Get your Ice Cold Beer here!" (somewhat reminiscent of pro ballpark vendors) and "Hey, how come they're getting more customers than we are? What are they doing better?" were often heard. Efforts to attract customers with claims of faster service and more e.efficient (and more flattering) inspection of age identification appeared to work.
Other business aspects were the allocation of limited resources -- the best selling brands had more ice tubs -- inventory control, and creative marketing techniques (some brand names were not in popular demand with certain segments of the population). Product recycling demonstrated that there are peak demand, that may just exceed the capability to satisfy many customers at one tim (sometimes you just have to wait in line). Allocating the high-valued Jalapeiio Festival '96 t- shirts also provided IBA members an opportunity to put into effect crucial business practices.
New members are always welcome to join IBA, says Moreno. Consider this your personal invitation to our next meeting!
by Adan Maldonado
El escalofrio y el dolor siempre no entra por la punta de los pies. El ingrato dolor, parecido al reumatismo no deja totalmente imobil, ya que sentimos que las piernas se os caen del esqueleto! Y hay -que frio! Nos deja el cuerpo tan adolorido que queremos gritar. Nos da miedo. Pero sabemos que nadie nos puede ayudar. Es asi que sabemos que "LA MUERTE" finalmente viene por nosotros.
Do you have something to which you'd like to give voice? Submit your prose, poems, stories, essays, opinions and anything else you might have written while in a relatively creative state of mind The Bridge.
by Malcolm Patterson and Casey Marsalis
Dr. Malcolm Patterson, professor of Spanish and English at TAMIU, seems an unlikely candidate to break any American strength records. This tall grandfather of two did just that while training for the deadlift on Thursday, March 1st, at the TAMIU Barbell Club.
"Most people don't even know what a deadlift is. It is where the lifter picks up the barbell from the floor with both hands and attempts to stand erect, with his shoulders back. The bar can't stop on the way up. The bar is not lifted overhead, only about waist high. It is the supreme test of total back strength, even though the legs, shoulders, arms and hands are strongly tested. "
Patterson believes that most deadlifters find lifting the bar from the level of the knees until the lifter stands erect the most difficult. Many of the best deadlifters train for this half of the lift very hard. He says that if the lifter can complete this second half of the lift in training, he can eventually do the weight in official competition.
"That is what I did in my training on Thursday. Training the hardest half of the deadlift, I worked up to and exceeded the American Masters record (for lifters of 40 years of age or more) of 730 lbs. set on 11/12/95 by Larry Hasler. I then added 55 lbs. to the bar. " The current national American record of 788 lbs. was set on 10/29/95 by Chicago's J. Morton. Now with 790 lbs. on the bar, Patterson beat that record as well. Patterson is one of the sponsors of the TAMIU Barbell Club. "At present, until we have facilities on campus, the club meets in my garage. From the outside, it seems like any other. Step inside, and you are in one of the best hard-core home gyms in the state. We have tons of equipment. " He says that the other club members really help inspire him to do well. "When I made it, they cheered -d clapped. I couldn't have do.e it without them! "
Patterson is one of the sponsonrs of the TAMIU Barbell Club. "At present, until we have facilities on campus, the club meets in my garage. From outside, it seesms like any other. Step inside, and you are in one of the best hard-core home gyms in the state. We have tons of equipment." He says that the other club members really help inspire him to do well. "When I made it, they cheered and clapped. I couldn't have done it without them!"
Patterson compares weight training to a seed. " Like a seed, success in weight lifting is slow tedious process of cultivation, discipline, training year after year, and never giving up." He believes that the only way to break such a record is with weekly dedication and hard work.
"One ingredient that I am really proud of is that I am 100% drug free! I have never given in to the pressure to take steroids or other strength-enhancing chemicals," says Patterson. He believes that anyone can accomplish as much as he by following a sensible lifestyle and with the support of family and friends.
Will this grandfatherly gentleman return to power lifting competition to make his records official? Patterson says, "Maybe I'll leave that for after I retire from teaching at TAMIU!"
by Hugh Elmore
My father ad I sat high in the stands. This would allow me to view the spectacle in its entirety, he assured me. We bought a couple of Coronas and listened to the musician, tune and prepare their instruments. At this Point, I realized that I was familiar with the music Most of the tunes they played I recognized from Saturday morning cartoons.
My father, who is a philosophe of the old sort, explained to me that the time prior to the start of the bullfight starts is best used to look at pretty girls. He went on to inform me that this is polite enough if you don't use binoculars. Where would we be without parental guidance? I recently moved in with my father in Laredo after living on my own for Houston; I am in constant amazement at how much he has learned in the Past few years.
The spectacle began with a flurry of music and the Parade Of the matadores and their teams. They were followed by the team of ponies and the driver who would pull the bull from the ring. The bullfighters looked exquisite in their trajes de luces (suits of lights), with their long and confident strides. They looked as if they might do anything at all -- and they knew it.
Things happen pretty fast at this point. The matadores retired behind the barrera and girls in girls in bathing suits carried a sign to the middle of the ring displaying the bull's name and some other pertinent information written in a language I didn't understand. As soon as the girls were safely behind the barrera, the door to the pens swung open. The crowd quiet, the music crescended, and the eyes of the crowd turned to the swinging gate. Stripes of shadows and light racing through the dark tunnel exploded to reveal a black and magnificent bull, a bull with the speed and purpose of a bullet and the size of a car.
The bull carried his head high, looking at everything. A pink cape slung from behind one of the entrances to the barrera caught his eye and he charged. Fifteen hundred pounds of bull halted short the moment the cape disappeared. Another cape, further on, tormented the bull and again he charged like a thoroughbred from the gate. After one and a half circuits of the ring, the bull ceased to be amused. He stood in the center of the ring -- his bulk and horns daring anyone anything to enter his ring.
The bull was gratified by the appearance of a toreador from behind the red wooden wall. The bull charged, and the cape spread like the wings of a pink bird moments before the bull would have perforated the man. The bull lowered his head and dove at the center of this mass of cloth and man. A sharp jerk of the man's wrist and the cloth flew over and to one side of the bull's head, leaving the bull confused. The bull reacted instantly and whirled around like a cat and drove through the cape and man hitting empty air. The bull charged the next man as the crowd roared.
This man swung the cape in a beautiful arc, flattering it horizontally through the air. The crowd and the bull roared. Again the bull charged, only to miss this peculiar creature, as the cape swung faster than before, completely wrapping around the man, covering him from chest to knees in pink and gold cloth. It was more impressed by the man's grace or the bull's power and speed.
Several passes later the horse and the picador entered the ring. The matador occupied the bull with glorious passes while the horse was driven into position with its eyes and loins covered. The moment the bull discerned the horse, it charged with all the power of a truck. The horse was lifted off its feet as the picador earned his pay. Then the picador proceeded to earn the next, as well as half the audience's salaries to the booing and threats of the crowd. At this point I realized why bottles were not allowed in the ring: had they been this guy would have faced danger from the air as well as from the ground. At a burst of notes from the band, the picador gave a few more efforts and gave up. The fear in his smile was as evident as the yellow jacket he wore.
The spectacle proceeded without difficulty as they do every weekend in Latin America; I tried to collect my thoughts. I had just witnessed a horrible brutality against a poor, thought not defenseless, animal; and, I was almost hoarse from cheering. Why was I there and how could they do this and who enjoys this? We saw six bulls die that evening and no one was seriously hurt, though one matador almost went the way of the dodo.
After reflection and a few beers, I began to piece my thoughts and feelings together. The bullfight is not a sport at all. It is a spectacle and a tragedy. The bull is man, the bullfighter, fate. The bull, if he is good, displays qualities we respect in man: strength , speed, fearlessness, and power. The bullfighter, thought far less powerful and far slower, always wins. The bull always dies. Fate always prevails.
Through is seems to be an exercise in cruelty, I believe that is not. The bull is pierced and worn down but probably feels little real pain. Remember, this animal is fond of fighting with other bulls and most bear many scars from serious battles. He eats prickly pear for breakfast, lunch and dinner and he even enjoys it as a snack when he is fed grain. He puts up with Africanized bees and is truly afraid of nothing.
The most graceful matador we saw was Arturo Gilio. He is young, tall, quick and talented. I cannot wait to see him fight again. If you haven't seen a bullfight, you must go, if just for the experience and to see the people. See Arturo Gilio if you can -- but I warn you, if you take your girlfriend, she may fall in love with Arturo and you'll never see her again.
By Claudio Fox
What is entertainment? Well, it's many things to many people. This column will be The Bridge's attempt to review different forms of entertainment. We will be suggesying movies, plays, books, albums, and any other way to pass the time. You can also submit anything you find entertaining that you would like to share with our readers.
Our e-mail address is journalism@tamiu.edu, or leave a letter in our box in the Office of Student Development.
For this first issue, we were somewhat pressed for time (actually, I waited till the last minute, but since I've been using "we" so many times, I've subconsciously shared the blame with the rest of the staff), so I'll review an album I've heard a lot; somebody else might like it, too.
Boss Hog is the name of the band, album, and the magazine they got the name from (not the guy from "The Dukes of Hazard"). Some of the songs have a real hard rock sound, yet still flow into a nice groove instead of sticking to a certain riff and playing the same thing over and over like, some generic rock band. Cristina Martinez (lead singer) has a classic angry voice that blends in with the guitars, like milk with chocolate. Jonathan- Spencer, (guitar and vocals) provides the guitar sounds like coffee does caffeine, along with vocals that are rivaled only by Martinez's. Hollis Queens (drums) provides the beat, like Spam does pork. Jens Jurgensen is the bassist, he's good, too, but I ran out of similes.
You can look forward next month to either a movie review, a short story by yours truly, a book review, a recipe for leftover stew, my plans for world domination, net sites I didn't think existed, tips on gardening, or some last-minute thing resulting from my procrastination. (You can help prevent this tragedy by submitting your own ideas.)