University of Texas Arlington

Video games and violence

The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) National Radio program, Counterpoint, interviewed Mike Ward, associate professor of economics at UT Arlington, about his research into video games and violence. The podcast may be found at: http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2012/05/cpt_20120507_1605.mp3.

Snakes prevalent in DFW

Jonathan Campbell, professor and chairperson of the Department of Biology at UT Arlington, was quoted in a Fort Worth Star-Telegram story about the prevalence of venomous snakes in Dallas-Fort Worth this year. The biggest reason for the resurgence of snakes has been the weather. "We're coming off a very dry year, and they like rain and humid conditions," Campbell said. "The rains that we've had recently tend to be conducive to snake activity."

Texas House District 94 race

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommends Diane Patrick in the Republican primary for Texas House District 94. She is seeking her fourth term and said her priorities include securing funding for the nursing school at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she was a faculty member.

Natural gas wells tax

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported two natural gas well trade organizations filed suit Monday in a District Court in Tarrant County to prevent Arlington from implementing what they deem an unnecessary and discriminatory new tax on gas wells. The story was accompanied by a photograph of a drilling rig at UT Arlington, where Carrizo Oil and Gas has 22 wells. The photo caption stated: the drilling rig is no longer there [at UT Arlington]. The city instituted a safety fee since wells are close to many people.

The Avengers

Ben Agger, sociology professor and director of the Center for Theory at UT Arlington, was quoted in a Christian Science Monitor story about the new movie, The Avengers, which earned $200.3 million at theaters this weekend. “The Avengers is doing huge box office [numbers] because it operates as myth,” Agger said. “A heterogeneous group of superheroes save the world from an alien other. We want someone larger than life to make us safe."

Dallas ISD Teacher of the Year

KDFW/Fox 4 reported that the Dallas Independent School District 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year is Meshonda Cole, a UT Arlington alumna. Cole teaches sixth grade math at Kennedy-Curry Middle School.

Broadcaster promoted

Steve Korioth, news director for WBRL-TV (Columbus, GA), has been named director of content for WBTW-TV, Media General’s CBS affiliate in Myrtle Beach, SC. He will oversee all aspects of WBTW news broadcasts and content for the station’s website, WRBL.com reported. Korioth is a graduate of UT Arlington.