The Rattler September 26, 2007 v. 95 #2

the
Rattler
St. Mary’s University
Vol. 95
Issue 2
9.26.2007
Students voice concern for after-hours campus security
Walkthrough scheduled later in year will judge safety.
By Eric-James Estrada
Features
pg. 7
Marianist Leadership
Program celebrates 10-year
anniversary.
Entertainment
pg. 10
Not just a muscle
Famous festival draws crowds
for its stellar 2007 line-up.
-Staff WriterAccording
to
the
U.S.
Department
of
Education,
approximately 43,000 crimes were
reported on college campuses
in 2005.
These
crimes
include
alleged homicides, sex offenses,
aggravated assaults, robberies,
motor
vehicle
theft,
arson
and burglaries.
Since the fall semester began,
there have been several vehicle
break-ins and acts of vandalism
on university property.
Many students have expressed
doubts about the effectiveness and
presence of campus police.
Senior speech communication
major Sonia Charbel said that
she would like to see a greater
police presence at night. “I would
feel more secure seeing police
cars in the middle of a parking
lot at night after night classes
are finished.”
St. Mary’s University is an open
campus, unlike other campuses
such as University of the Incarnate
Word, which becomes a controlled
access campus after 11 p.m.
A controlled access campus
monitors entrance and exit gates
and keeps track of visitors.
Administrative Sgt. Charles
Lopez of the St. Mary’s University
Police Department said that
converting to a controlled access
campus would not be feasible.
PHOTO BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
Police patrol parking lots to deter potential burglaries and vandalism, but students feel it is not enough.
Cont. on PG 3, SEE “CAMPUS”
Apple lawsuit calls fair play of MP3 market into question
Latest iPods resurface suspicion about Apple’s competitive practices.
By Jon Mike Hernandez
-Layout/Design Manager-
Sports
pg. 16
Aiming for the goal
U.S. women’s soccer team is on
track for world championship.
ON THE INSIDE:
News
1
Features
5
Entertainment
9
When Apple introduced the new iPod touch
earlier this month, the company attracted more
than just the desired consumer attention.
The company is accused of attempting to
monopolize the portable MP3 player and online
music markets. Lawyers are suing on grounds
that the new line of devices introduced tightens
the alleged stronghold that Apple
has on these markets.
The
controversy
that
surrounds the new generation of
iPods lies in the fact that the coding
of its programming only allows it
to read music from iTunes and
unprotected MP3 files.
Most online music Web
sites sell music that is encoded in Microsoft’s
Windows Media Audio (WMA) format, which
is not compatible with Apple’s iPods.
Apple’s iPods are only compatible with
music encoded in Apple’s own FairPlay
Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format.
They can upload WMA-formatted music,
but its software “cripples” the file, rendering it
unreadable and unplayable.
“[Apple]
created
the MP3 market.
B e f o r e
the first-
generation iPod, the MP3 player was a rarity
that the general public was just not tuned into.
The other players and services are playing
catch-up but are not being imaginative
enough. If we are talking about competition
that benefits the consumer, let’s make sure it’s
a good product we are talking about,” said
senior English/communication arts major and
Apple user Raul Tijerina.
This is not the first case brought
against Apple
that
involves
alleged
monopolistic practices.
BBC News reported a similar issue in 2005;
an avid iTunes user sued Apple on the basis
of having to own an iPod to listen to music
downloaded from iTunes.
The lawsuit stated that “Apple has turned
an open and interactive standard into an
artifice that prevents consumers from using
the portable hard drive digital music player of
their choice.”
Cont. on PG 4, SEE “CONFLICT”
Commentary
12
Sports
15
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
News
Rattler
9.26.2007
the
2
News in Brief
CAMPUS
Ice cream sale raises funds for local shelter
The Society of Physics sold ice cream made with liquid nitrogen
in the quadrangle on Sept. 21. All proceeds benefited the St. Peter’s
and St. Joseph’s Children’s Home, which serves as a home for abused
children and provides community and family counseling.
Student Government Association elects
new members for the 2007-2008 academic year
Contact the members at [email protected] or at 210-436-3403.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Cesar De Leon
Arturo Acosta
Floyd Contreras
Alejandra Garcia
President
Executive Vice President
Vice President of Internal Affairs
Vice President of Finance
SENATE
Senior Senators
Jenai Mehra
Jacob Martinez
Gabriel Hernandez
Freshman Senators
Alexandra McCoy
Joseph DeLeon
Valerie Mancias
Junior Senators
Annie Alejos
Daniel McCarthy
Bobby Baiza
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Speaker of the House
Representative at Large
Weston Elkins
Sophomore Senators
Amanda Osuna
Becky Lopez
Tania Ramirez
Bill Greehey School of Business
Karla Ramirez
Mariana Arellano
Michelle Vargas
PHOTO BY AMANDA GUERRA
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Victoria Oosterveen
Natalie Montelongo
James Escamia
Evelyn Azuela
VACANCY
Sept. 9—Information
The Dean of Students
reported seeing a University
mattress being moved to
Lot C from Treadaway Hall.
alcohol in Marian Hall.
Graffiti
Graffiti was found in
Treadaway Hall.
Theft
A digital camera was stolen
from the front desk in the
Student Life office.
Sept. 10—Graffiti
Gang signs were spray
painted inside the men’s
Alumni Restroom.
Sept. 16—Theft
A mobile phone was stolen
from the lobby of
Marian Hall.
Sept. 14—Information
Several minors were found
to be in possession of
Possession of
Prohibited Weapon
A hall director discovered
Former Peruvian
leader faces extradition
an illegal knife in
Marian Hall.
Sept. 18—
Damaged Property
A vehicle’s rear window
was broken by an unknown
person/object in Lot D.
Sept. 19—Suspicious Person
A non-student was
arrested in the University
Center Bookstore for
outstanding warrants.
Burglary of Motor Vehicle
A stereo and CD’s were
stolen out of a vehicle in
Lot D.
SOURCE: University Police
A corner of politics
Bush vows to veto CHIP expansion
By Dominique Vargas
-News EditorThe Children’s Health Insurance
Program (CHIP) is a federal program which
subsidizes families that earn too much
money to qualify for Medicaid, but make
too little to afford private insurance.
According to the official Web site, CHIP
was established in 1997 as a state-federal
program. This means that the state and
federal governments must work together in
order to manage and fund the program.
For instance, every dollar that the state
of Texas puts into the program, the federal
government gives $2.64.
Congress has recently passed a
bi-partisan bill that would expand the
number of insured children in the country
from six million to nine million.
The bill proposes the addition of $35
Graduate School
Adrian Martinez
JUSTICES
David Pena
Bennie Marquez
Christina Mares
Ruben Carrete
Alberto Campuzano
Adrian Perez
Derek Roberts
WORLD
POLICE BLOTTER
Sept. 5—Harrassing
Phone Calls
A student received up to 50
harrassing phone calls.
School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Daniel Araujo
Jonathan Morgan
VACANCY
billion over four years; it would be financed
by an increase in cigarette taxes from 61
cents per pack to $1 per pack.
However, President George W. Bush has
vowed to veto any bill that would expand
CHIP, stating that such a bill would lead to
the federalization of healthcare.
Instead, he favors a gradual expansion of
the program.
He also claimed that the raise in
taxes would be too costly to the
American people.
At a news conference on Saturday, Bush
accused Congress of risking the healthcare
of current CHIP members by promoting
expansion of the bill.
In Bexar County alone, there are 22,832
children insured through CHIP.
If CHIP it is not renewed, it will expire
on Sept. 30.
Early Sept 21. the Chilean
Supreme
Court
approved
the
extradition of former president of
Peru, Alberto Fujimori.
Fujimori’s presidency lasted from
1990 to 2000. During this time, he is
accused of committing two violations of human rights and five counts
of corruption.
The alleged violations of human
rights concern the alleged massacres
of civillians in Lima, Peru, and of
students and a faculty member of La
Cantuta University.
The corruption charges range from
embezzling to illegal wire tapping.
COURTESY OF WWW.IISD.CA/
In 2000, Fujimori fled to Japan as
his term ended. He went to Chile in 2005 in an attempt to return to Peru and run for a
second term of presidency.
SOURCE: BBC News
Last of the Jena 6 remains in prison
In accordance with a hearing on Sept. 21, Mychal Bell, the last of the six defendants
charged with in the alleged beating of Justin Barker, will not be released.
The hearing was ordered by Louisianna’s Third Circuit Court of Appeals as
major marches and demonstrations took place in Jena, Louisianna, against the alleged
unequal justice.
The alleged beating was preceded by what some consider a hate crime. According to
the federal government, the incident, which consisted of students hanging nooses in a
tree, does not fit the official definition of a hate crime, as the perpatrators were not legal
adults, had no prior record and had no racist organization backing them.
Bell and five other students were initially charged with second degree attempted
murder and conspiracy, but later the sentances were reduced.
Bell is the only defendant who remains in prison since the incident occured more
than nine months ago.
SOURCE: CNN.com
SAPD officer killed while pursuing suspect
Mario Moreno was killed Sept. 21 afternoon at a north side apartment complex.
Moreno was part of a group of police officers and detectives investigating a
shooting that had occurred the day before.
The group was informed that the shooter was still at the apartment complex. When
the suspect emerged, he was armed and began to shoot at the pursuing officers. Moreno
was wounded in pursuit and died later at University Hospital.
Moreno was an 11-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department. He is
survived by his wife and two children.
SOURCE: mysanantonio.com
COMPILED BY DOMINIQUE VARGAS
Visit us on the Web at www.stmarytx.edu/rattler.
3
Rattler
the
9.26.2007
News
Campus police dept. urges students to participate in safety precautions
Continued from page 1
“A controlled access campus is a
bad idea because too many people are
coming or going, and controlled access
would only cause more problems for the
students and faculty,” Lopez said.
Sophomore
biology
major
Nicholas Saenz lives in the Outback
and would like to see university police
patrol the Culebra Rd. side of campus
behind the Outback.
According to the San Antonio
Police Department Web site, 3,419 crimes
occurred in the west side of San Antonio
as of Jan. 31, 2007.
Lopez stressed the importance of
students taking part in the Rattler Eyes
organization in order to encourage and
enhance campus safety and security.
The program is designed to make
students
more
aware
of
their
surroundings by recognizing and
reporting suspicious persons, dangerous
situations and criminal activity.
Lopez said that students should
not wait to report suspicious persons
or activities.
“That doesn’t help us protect the
school,” Lopez said.
Dean
of
Students
Judy
M.
Deshotels, Ph.D. said that she believes the
university police are committed to
creating a safe community. She added,
“Students need to bring their concerns to
Student Government Association (SGA),
university police or myself. Everyone
needs to do [his/her] part to keep the
community safe.”
St. Mary’s adheres to the Jeanne
Clery Disclosure of Campus Security
Policy and Campus Crime Statistics
Act, which requires all colleges and
Criminal offenses reported between
campuses to report crime and security
statistics annually.
2003
All campus crime and security Criminal Offenses - On Campus
statistics can be viewed on the U.S. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter
0
Department of Education Web site.
Negligent manslaughter
0
“I think that campus security is Sex offenses - forcible
3
adequate, but I would like to see the
0
Sex offenses - Non-forcible
university police focus more on campus
0
Robbery
security rather than policing students,”
1
Aggravated assault
said sophomore business administration
Burglary
15
major Andrew Sorrel.
3
Junior
marketing
and
speech Motor vehicle theft
Arson
0
communication major Azalea Roman
agrees that university police have been Criminal Offenses - Residence Halls
doing a good job.
0
“Overall, the campus has good Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter
0
security, but more patrolling during the Negligent manslaughter
3
day would be better, especially since the Sex offenses - forcible
0
recent car break-ins and keying [of Sex offenses - Non-forcible
0
vehicles] at the beginning of the Robbery
semester.” she said.
1
Aggravated assault
A
safety
walkthrough
is Burglary
6
scheduled to take place, which will Motor vehicle theft
1
consider how well-lit certain areas Arson
0
are and if bushes are thick enough for
predators to hide in. The safety walk will Criminal Offenses - Public Property
be conducted by SGA and Student Bar
0
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter
Association representatives.
Negligent manslaughter
0
Also participating will be Deshotels;
0
Sex
offenses
forcible
Vice President of Administration and
0
Finance Rebeckah J. Day; Director of Sex offenses - Non-forcible
0
Residence Life James J. Villarreal; Vice Robbery
0
President for Student Development Aggravated assault
0
Katherine M. Sisoian; FBI National Burglary
0
Academy Associates Director and Chief Motor vehicle theft
Arson
0
of Police Paul F. Glowacki; and Facilities
Administrator William M. Tam.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education
2003 and 2005
2004
2005
0
0
1
0
0
2
10
4
1
0
0
2
0
0
2
8
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
GRAPHIC BY DOMINIQUE VARGAS
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, on this day in history: The first televised presidential debate was held between Richard M. Nixon and John F Kennedy.
News
Rattler
9.26.2007
the
4
Vegetarian Society serves students, community
By Gina Buffaloe
-Staff WriterThe Vegetarian Society commenced its first meeting on
Sept. 12 to welcome members and discuss the potential
events for the semester.
According to sophomore physics major and Vice
President Antonio Elizondo, the Society hopes to convey
a clear meaning of vegetarianism and also highlight the
motives behind the vegetarian lifestyle.
For example, sophomore biology major and President
Phillip Herrera said that he became a vegan four and a
half years ago because he was intrigued by an animal
testing speech.
Conversely, sophomore biology major Natalia León said
that she joined the Vegetarian Society not because she is a
vegetarian, but because she wanted to express “a love of
animals and caring about the environment.”
The Vegetarian Society plans to make the community
more aware of vegetarianism as well as “debunk some of
the misconceptions about it,” according to Elizondo.
The Vegetarian Society also hopes to reach out to the
resident vegetarians who are faced with challenges in
their diet.
According to Herrera, some vegetarians come to St.
Mary’s and go back to eating meat because of the limited
amount of options they have.
Herrera stated that John Finerghty, Director of Food
Services, has been great about incorporating vegetarian food
in the cafeteria.
So far, the Society has been exerting enough influence on
St. Mary’s food services to help spur results like the new
Field of Greens option in the Diamondback Café and the
Veggie Max available at Subway.
The Society was originally created to influence campus
food services to better accommodate vegetarians, but it has
evolved. For instance, the group plans to work with the
Humane Society and collaborate with Four Paws, which
takes care of the feral cats on campus by spaying/neutering
them in addition to giving them appropriate vaccinations.
Herrera said that the Society would also try to sponsor
seminars and host a campus debate between vegetarians
and non-vegetarians.
The
organization
accepts
membership
from
non-vegetarians as well.
“Anybody can join,” said Elizondo. “We want to try to
make that known.”
Despite the plans the Vegetarian Society has for the year,
it does not ignore the potential obstacles to its success.
The most pertinent issue the Society faces is membership.
Herrera said that it may be difficult to find more vegetarian
students to become members.
Interested students should be on the lookout for flyers in
the University Center indicating the next meeting date.
Habitat for Humanity sets new standards in housing
By Karina Villa
-Managing EditorThe CIA Factbook states that the
U.S. consumes approximately 20.5
million barrels of crude oil per day.
According to an article on
JSOnline.com, the nation’s dependency
on oil would decrease dramatically if
Americans started conserving energy.
Conserving resources through more
energy-efficient homes is an important
step in conservation.
Habitat
for
Humanity
International (HFHI), the non-profit
Christian organization and ministry
founded in 1976, has provided more
than 225,000 homes for families in need
around the world.
HFHI’s mission has expanded to
provide energy-efficient homes, which
will create more economically sound
energy bills.
The homes are now equipped
with many energy-efficient features
including insulation baffles along
eaves for complete roof ventilation,
whole house air sealing for a tight
building envelope and a 40-gallon gas
energy-efficient water heater.
These are only a few of the
products used to make them sound,
energy-conservative houses.
Vice President for Habitat for
Humanity of San Antonio (HFHSA) Stephanie C. Wiese said that
requirements for the purchase of a
home through the HFHSA include
need, the ability to make mortgage
payments and an applicant’s credit to
debt ration.
Currently, the HFHSA builds about
40-50 homes per year. All of which are
energy conservative.
The construction of environmentally friendly homes is a service that the
HFHI and the HFHSA are providing to
the families who purchase them.
“We make very cost- and energyefficient homes,” said Wiese. “They are
affordable for the life of the home.”
The
organization
has
set
a
higher
standard
for
homebuilders worldwide.
Conflict surrounds
the online music market
Continued from page 1
Wired magazine online stated in a Sept. 7 article that
Apple could license the use of the WMA format from
Microsoft for “… less than 2 cents per iPod … which
would make iPods and iPhones, old and new, compatible
with music purchased online from rivals like Wal-Mart,
Napster, Best Buy, Yahoo.com and others.”
In response to the grievances being brought up in the
lawsuit, Apple released an official statement to Wired,
which stated that using Apple’s own coding formats
make the iPods unique and set them apart from the rest
of the competition.
Tijerina also states that despite the differences in
coding, Apple sets a standard that is only topped by
Apple’s own ingenuity.
“I chose Apple years ago for very good reasons. The
fact that many other people have bought iPods since then
doesn’t change anything for me,” he said.
Senior biochemistry major Anna Wilson said that the
Apple controversy is a better example of unfair business
practices than an attempt at a monopoly.
“So long as there are other MP3 players on the
market, the consumer has the choice to buy from Apple
or another brand. MP3s have always been the universal
standard for music; iPods with iTunes may be popular now,
but MP3s will remain the dominating format on people’s
computers,” said Wilson. “Why re-buy the CD from
iTunes when you already bought the CD and ripped it
as a MP3? Besides, if it only plays iTunes, then it is not a
MP3 player,”
Mainstream record companies and online music stores
have started to experiment with selling unprotected
MP3s, which can function on virtually all MP3 players,
including iPods.
Apple continues to sell iPods with the AAC
software intact.
Files from iTunes
can be converted into
unprotected MP3 files by burning the songs onto a CD
and then ripping the CD, making the files playable on
other MP3 players.
As with previous lawsuits, the current suit is likely to
fail and not even phase the company’s ability to produce
the ever-evolving line of iPods.
“I am happy with that I have gotten from them (Apple).
In fact, I am getting an iPod touch. Eat that, Bill Gates,”
Tijerina said.
According to the Texas State Almanac, on March 2, 1861 Texas officially seceded from the Union.
Features
Rattler
5
the
9.26.2007
Students anticipate springtime campus events
By Jacob Martinez
-Staff WriterFall semester seems to be a time for new beginnings.
Students have new class schedules, and clubs and
organizations are recruiting new members while
freshmen adjust to college life.
Before we know it, finals will have come and gone,
the holidays will have passed and spring will be here in
full force. Spring semester offers plenty of opportunities
to get involved in the St. Mary’s community.
One of the more traditional events that students
and staff look forward to is Continuing the Heritage,
a service event organized every semester by the
Service Learning Center and Marianist Leadership
Program. It gives St. Mary’s the opportunity to give
back to the community. The next one will take place on
Jan. 26, 2008.
Other community service events are numerous and
scattered throughout the city. Participating students
can socialize and accumulate service hours for cocurricular transcripts.
Rattler Awakening is another tradition that allows
you to get involved with the Marianist community. As
the title suggests, it awakens faith and is intended for
students who wish to get in touch with their faith and
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY VIVIAN ESPARZA
further their relationships with God. Rattler Awakening Some of the more anticipated spring semester events include Oyster Bake, Rattler Awakening and athletic events.
is scheduled to take place from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2008.
Another great way to unwind, show your school and still others focus on the social aspect.
community while enjoying fine cuisine and a small festival in
“Spring is when you pick up more people because that’s Pecan Grove.
spirit and take advantage of college life is to attend an
athletic event.
when freshmen become eligible to rush,” said sophomore
“It’s about having fun with your friends and family,” said
Spring sports are just as prominent as fall sports, and English/communication arts major Stephanie Sanders.
junior psychology major Sarina Gamez. “It’s also important
Freshmen become eligible to join after they have taken because it brings large amounts of money into the school
spirit should be high the entire year. It is important to
support the athletic teams. Home games are free to students 12 hours of credit. The large size of the current freshmen for scholarships.”
who have a current student I.D.
Unlike Baby Bake, Oyster Bake is open to the entirety
class will make for promising spring recruitment. It is a
great
opportunity
for
them
to
find
their
place,
get
involved
Another way to interact with fellow students is to
of San Antonio and anyone else who wants to come. The
consider joining the Greek community. Social fraternities in campus activities and establish school spirit.
campus is transformed into a huge festival with concert
and sororities hold a recruitment week available to all
Other upcoming spring events are Baby Bake and venues, drinks, food and game booths as well as a carnival.
students in the spring.
Oyster Bake.
St. Mary’s is rich in tradition and offers several diverse
Greek organizations look forward to this spring
Fiesta is a large celebration in San Antonio, and Oyster opportunities to get involved in campus activities. It is up
recruitment; they hold activities and events to find those Bake is considered to be its official kickoff. Here at St. to the students to take full advantage of everything the
potential leaders and future brothers and sisters. Each Mary’s, we begin with Baby Bake, which will take place on university has to offer.
group has different goals and objectives, for some focus on March 29, 2008. It is a homecoming, so alumni are invited
community service while others focus on certain professions to come back to campus and mingle with the St. Mary’s
My Latest Addiction
Study abroad program offers more travel opportunities
China, Africa may be next target program.
By Selena San Miguel
-Entertainment Editor-
By Gladys Abieva
-Staff WriterRecently, I have found my new addiction: e-mail.
Like others who have addictions, I did not realize
mine right away.
I realize that I spend about seven hours checking
and replying to my e-mails. When I wake up
in the morning, the first thing I do is turn on my
laptop and check all six of my e-mail accounts. I
fall back into this routine as soon as my classes
are over.
I have created my own world made up of sent
and received messages, smiles and emoticons; my
e-mail life is gradually starting to replace my real
life offline.
I do not isolate myself from those who are
near me here at school, but I am not able to live
without those who are with me online. Some of
my online friends are those I left in Uzbekistan,
but there are others whom I have met only once or
twice. Thanks to e-mail, I still remain in touch with
these friends.
I question myself, asking why I have this addiction.
Maybe it is because I feel that I can be more sincere
with those whom I will never see. Perhaps the void
of missing my family and friends back home needs
to be filled, and e-mail is the one bond that keeps
us together.
If that is the case, my addiction is not too bad,
so long as I do not get to the point of feeling like I
cannot live without it.
Imagine that you have surrounded
yourself with amazing scenery or a
foreign metropolis while studying with
the personal attention expected from
the Marianist tradition. The St. Mary’s
program
Educational
International
provides students with a unique and safe
experience abroad.
After the passing of previous
London director James Sauer, Ph.D.,
Camille
professor
communications
Langston, Ph.D., was appointed as the
new director of the London Study Abroad
Program. Langston had previously
participated in the London 2005 program
as a field professor and brings energy
and enthusiasm.
“It’s important for our students to be
a part of international culture to learn to
[integrate] international experiences in
their lives,” said Langston. “I am excited
to be able to engage in a university-wide
program and be involved with students
outside the classroom.”
This semester, students from St. Mary’s
sister institution at the University of
Dayton were invited to participate in the
program along with 19 St. Mary’s students.
University of Dayton and other sister
school students are offered admission to
programs based on availability.
The Spain program is directed by
Rudy Vela, S.M., Ph.D., who brings the
Marianist spirit as well as two years of
experience as a field professor in previous
semesters. Students will study at the
Universidad de Alcala, one of the oldest
and most distinguished Marianist schools
in the hometown of Miguel de Cervantes,
author of “Don Quixote.” Additionally,
the Spanish Marianists help keep the
Marianist traditions with students
from overseas.
Every other year, the students in the
Southern Cone program study in Chile
or Brazil, two of the fastest-growing
economies in South America; the program
offers courses in language, cultural
awareness, political knowledge and
business training.
The 10-week summer program is
offered through the business school
during both summer sessions. Students
begin by participating in the first summer
session at St. Mary’s and then completing
the four-week study abroad portion in
Chile or Brazil. Students interested must
be fluent in Spanish or Portuguese in
order to function in business firms and
government agencies.
The business school is also currently
working to develop a new relationship
with China. St. Mary’s will be meeting
with Chinese delegates next Tuesday to
sign agreements. The program will be
open to graduate and undergraduate
students.
Although European programs are
popular, the International Education
staff hopes to offer programs that will
allow more students to venture out into
non-traditional locations.
is
program
international
“The
at an exciting time. Our next target
program location [is] Africa,” said
International Education Program director
Minita Sintizo.
Sintizo encourages students to look
into the programs early for financial aid.
possibilities
better
are
“There
for scholarships and other financial
resources,” said Sintizo. “There is funding
out there.”
Sintizo also serves as the scholarship
advisor for the Benjamin A. International
Gillman Scholarship since it was
founded five years ago. Each year, a St.
Mary’s student has received a Gillman
Scholarship for a study abroad program.
Students planning to study abroad are
encouraged to apply a year in advance
from the departure date. Applications
and eligibility requirements are offered
on the Web. Other scholarships include
the Paul Simon Scholarship, which has a
mission to have one million U.S. students
study abroad in the next decade. Rotary
International also offers scholarships for
international education.
Full semester financial aid packages
are applicable to the London and Spain
semester abroad programs, although
junior history major Melissa Chavez
advises to start saving money right away.
“Working two jobs in the summer
was hard, but my experience studying in
London was worth it,” said Chavez.
For more information about the Study
Abroad program, visit the International
Education office or surf the link on the St.
Mary’s Web site.
The cost of 2008 Oyster Bake tickets will be increasing from $15 to $20. Students get a limited amount of discount tickets.
Features
Rattler
9.26.2007
the
6
Students notice classroom distractions become routine
Meals, text messaging, Web surfing during class.
is now distracted by
the sounds of the tardy
student unzipping his/
her backpack and pulling
out books and papers,
followed by the muffled
sound of a bag of trail mix
being opened. Not only
does she distract the class
with her entrance, but she
also continues to distract
while clusters of almonds,
dried cranberries and
peanuts crunch in her
mouth.
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH PENA
Some students may
Junior general business major Alex Rattray checks his e-mail during a class.
have a snack in the
By Valerie Sanchez
classroom while others feel it is okay to dine on a three
-Staff Writercourse meal while taking notes in class.
“The only reason I go to class is because I need a place to
While sitting in class, listening to lecture and taking
notes is not as simple as it sounds. For some, the journey to eat,” said junior marketing major Shaun Michael Stewart.
“The best and biggest meal I ate in class was a salad
class is a difficult one.
Students are sometimes forced to circle the parking lot or with ranch dressing, chicken tenders and fish, broccoli,
stalk passersby in the hope that they will have the next best a chocolate chip cookie, ice cream and a bottle of [SoBe]
parking spot. Once the tedious task of parking has been Life Water.”
Meals like this do not go unnoticed by fellow students
completed, they make the journey from the parking lot to
the opposite end of campus; by the time class has started, and professors in class.
“I’m used to getting ugly looks. It’s just another day in
their seats are empty.
Roll call has passed, and the professor is well into his/ the office to me,” Stewart said.
her lecture. Now tardy and the center of attention, “Juanita”
Classroom dining is not the only non-academic deed that
enters and squeezes in between desks to get settled.
is deemed a distraction in St. Mary’s classrooms. Students
The lecture continues, and the previously silent classroom who text message or use their laptops to surf the Web also
create a disturbance.
“When I have my laptop in class, I usually check my email, and I try to respond to the messages that are in my
inbox,” said junior general business major Alex Rattray.
Like many other students in classrooms, Rattray appears
to be taking lecture notes on his laptop but finds himself
online during class time.
As for text messaging, it is a guaranteed way to stay in
touch with other people while remaining discreet.
“I have never been caught texting,” said senior
accounting major Elisa Vazquez. “Actually, I keep it on the
down-low.”
Inconspicuously sending text messages is not difficult;
cell phones can be programmed to be silent, and they are
usually compact enough in size so as not to be noticed by
the professors.
Eva Bueno, Ph.D., professor of Spanish, has never caught
anyone text messaging during her class and acknowledges
that whoever has sent and received messages would have
to be clever to do so in her class.
If caught in the act by professors, students may have to
pay the consequences of being outted in front of the entire
class; however, some fellow students do not seem to mind
classroom distractions.
“When other people send and receive messages in class,
it doesn’t bother me because, half the time, I’m not paying
attention to what they are doing,” Vazquez said.
Although students may not always mind discreet text
messages, the loud sound of keys being punched or the
smell of coffee and maple syrup in class, these disturbances
are not only distractions, but are also rude.
Benevolent Creations by Bro. Joseph Barrett
The Rattler sits with Bro. Joe and gets to know the man inside the walls of love.
Over 157 smiling faces and religious
experience he had on the airline, Bro. Joe sent
depictions bring life to the walls of Bro. Joseph
a letter of thanks to whoever would read his
Barrett’s, S.M., humble room in the Marianist
praise. Weeks later, he received a surprise in his
Residence. Upon entering his room, visitors
mailbox, a personal letter of appreciation from
can see that Bro. Barrett, known as Bro. Joe, has
Barrett. As they realized they shared more in
earned many friends with his kindness.
common than simply a surname, Barrett and
Bro. Joe’s friendship grew.
At 83 years old, he can captivate any
According to Bro. Joe, he still keeps in
audience with the hundreds of stories he can
pass on.
touch with her to this day.
For example, since before 2001, he has
Bro. Joe’s pen pal friendship with Barrett
been pen pals with Colleen Barrett, the
represents only one of his stories.
current President and Corporate Secretary for
The Rattler sat down with Bro. Joe to
Southwest Airlines Company.
Sparked
.
Q
a.
solely
because
discuss some of his stories, his inspirations and
of
a
of those pictures on your
walls?
They are the joys in
my life. Every person
I’ve met and known,
even the famous ones like
Bill Greehey and the coach
of the Notre Dame football
team. These are my friends.
(He says that he keeps
albums with over 10,000
photos of all the schools
that he has taught at.)
.
Q
In all of the places I have
taught, I have always told
students to appreciate
their faith and live by it. Christ
is your brother, and Mary is
your mother. Have a strong
relationship with them.
a.
Did you know...
a.
The Marianists taught me eighth
through twelfth grades. Everyone
had a sincere respect for them. My
classmates and team mates had a deep love
for them. When I expressed my plan to
join, my friends said, “Go for it, Joe.” I did.
And, after 65 years, I am quite happy that
I did. My life has been a consecration to
Mother Mary ministering in her mission to
do whatever her son asks, in communion
with priests, brothers, sisters and the laity
of the Marianist family.
they should take life?
Birthday: Oct. 3, 1924
Birthplace: Wilkes-Barre,Pa.
Grew up in: Detroit, Mich.
Joined the brotherhood in: 1943
Q. Why do you keep wall
Why did you want to become a
Marianist Brother?
advice would you
Q. What
give students on how
Brother Bio
the advice by which he lives his life.
good
a.
Who are your heroes?
Father Chaminade: I
know so much about
him. My own father
is also my hero. There are
many others, but those two
come to mind first.
Brother Joe taught at St.
Mary’s during the 19621963 academic school year?
PHOTO BY KIMBERLY VELA
Brother Joe sits in his office surrounded by over 157 photos. His collection includes more than 10,000 photos.
is your favorite
. Which
picture?
Q
Why?
[Bro. Joe points to the
picture of the Marianist
Generalate Rome.] This
picture answers all the questions
I have had on life and death.
What Jesus’ death meant to us.
What Mary’s sacrifice meant
to us.
a.
all the places you have taught at and been to your membership in
Q. Of
the Marianist brothers, where is the best place you have been?
a.
Every place has been just beautiful. I can’t choose which was the best,
but I would have to say my longest stay is perhaps the most unforgettable.
I spent 20 years at one school: Daniel Gross Catholic High School in
Omaha, Neb. I’ve never had a favorite place to be because I have felt at
home at every assignment, but this was the first co-ed school I ever taught
at.
My Walls of Love by Bro. Joe Barrett
Faces, hundreds of faces, and each a memory of death and life. A
sign of growth in my attempt to live for God in others and die to
self. To display as empty, cold, proud trophies would certainly be unChristlike. To share with others and remind myself of the joys of the
past and hopes for the future, allow me to review, reflect and even
contemplate on the gifts from God in my life.
Each face is a gift; some in this manner, some in another, but all in
God’s divine kindness and thoughtfulness. What a powerful influence
my displayed friends have had on me, and hopefully they have caught
a fleeting glimpse of Jesus in their contacts with me. May their lives be
more joyful because of my “stories” and more generous because of my
example, and more forgiving because of my many weaknesses.
I salute you, friends on my walls. You are loved by me. We shall
share an eternity – without walls.
Stop by the UC Atrium on Wednesday, Sept. 26 or Friday, Sept. 28 to get your $20 flu shot. Cash, check or student account will be accepted as payment.
9.26.2007
Features
7
the
Rattler
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Sizzling
PHOTO BY AMANDA GUERRA
The shrimp kabab with basmati rice is a house favorite at Cool Cafe.
Cool Cafe
12651 Vance Jackson
San Antonio, TX 78230
Monday through Wednesday
10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday through Sunday
10 a.m. through 12 a.m.
By Amanda Guerra
-Assistant Ad ManagerCool Café Pasta and Crepes
has a unique taste that is both
refreshing
and
delicious.
Offering a variety of crepes,
pastas, sandwiches and basmati
rice dishes, you are sure to find
something intriguing.
Regulars like to start with a
fresh smoothie such as the Sweet
Hayes, made with bananas,
honey, yogurt, papaya juice and
peach juice; it is just what you
need to cool off.
If smoothies are not your
kind of drink, hot coffee and
espresso drinks as well as
flavored iced teas are available.
I recommend the fresh mint tea,
which refreshes with a splash of
mint flavor.
Start your meal with a
wonderful
appetizer:
The
Masto-Khiyar is made with
cucumbers, mint and plain
yogurt and is served with
food found at Cool Cafe
pita bread. Though it may be
tempting, you should not fill up
on this tasty treat.
For a filling main course,
the crepes and basmati rice
dishes will do the trick, as will
the Greenwich, a delicious
rice plate with chicken breast,
cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and
pesto sauce. The Chicken Pesto
Crepe—a blend of charbroiled
chicken breast, feta cheese,
mushrooms, pesto and toasted
almonds—also
satisfies
a
large appetite.
For a lighter meal, the shrimp
kabob, served with basmati rice
and the house salad, is ideal. It
is marinated in a saffron butter
sauce for subtle flavor, though
the shrimp still keeps its natural
taste. If you want to add more
flavor, I suggest lightly dipping
it into the Masto-Khiyar.
If you have managed to save
room, check out the savory list
of sweet crepes and desserts.
The Cool Café Specialty Crepe
is a perfect mix of flavors; it is
made with mandarin oranges,
caramel sauce and whipped
cream topped with espresso.
Cool Café also has a breakfast
menu, which features selections
such as vegetarian omelets
and croissant sandwiches. Be
sure to ask the waitress about
daily specials.
Hookah is also available to
customers dining outside. The
prices for Shisha range from
$8.95 to $12.25, which drops
to the special price of $6 on
Mondays and Tuesdays.
Typically, the dishes range
in price from about $2.50 to
$12.95, but they are well worth
the price. For a comforting
atmosphere and wonderful
service, check out Cool Café;
discover a new dish.
Marianist Leadership Program celebrates 10 years of service
By Christopher Montemayor
-Staff WriterThis year, St. Mary’s own Marianist Leadership Program
(MLP) is celebrating its 10th anniversary; the program
currently has 78 members, bringing membership to an alltime high.
In 1997, MLP saw its first year at St. Mary’s University.
Many of the alumni involved in the program’s forming
years have very fond memories of the organization.
A few past members such as Professor Matthew Mangum
had such a memorable experience they even returned to the
St. Mary’s community as faculty and staff.
“Because of the Marianist Leadership Program, I was
able to meet and befriend many of the brothers. I learned
a great deal about dedication to education, true concern for
students and blending [these lessons] with Catholic faith.
Further, through community service activities, I learned
much about the world,” said Mangum. “This caused a
profound change in the way I saw social issues. I try to pass
this on to my students by giving them an opportunity to do
service in the community as part of my course.”
The event Continuing the Heritage has had the largest
impact on the community so far; of the 300 volunteers, 70
were members of MLP.
“Continuing the Heritage was great because I was able
to use my God-given gifts to help others with activities they
couldn’t do themselves,” said freshman engineering major
John Herman. “Cleaning up Seton Hall was a good feeling
because I saw the progress that we made and how happy
the director was with the work that we did.”
During Sept. 7 through Sept. 9, MLP had its annual
retreat at Camp Tecaboca; students got to know and form
relationships with each other through a series of icebreakers
such as the “human knot.”
However, the retreat was not simply fun and games.
The students also took time for group prayer and to listen
to personal testimonies from some of the upperclassmen;
these testimonies focused on what being a Marianist meant
and how it helped the speakers to develop as individuals
over the years.
Senior exercise and sports science major Jason Ibarra
spoke to the students about his experiences in life and how
the program helped him.
“When I was up there making my speech, I felt very
confident in what I was
saying,” said Ibarra. “My
goal was to inform and hopefully even enlighten about how
much being in the Marianist Leadership Program means
to me and how it has played a role in my journey of life
and faith.”
One of the goals of the program is to get involved with
the community and help with social issues like poverty
and health; getting involved with campus activities is
also encouraged.
The campers contributed their ideas on how they can
contribute to campus events such as Boo Bash, campus
clean-up and school spirit.
On the final day of the retreat, the students gathered
in the camp chapel, in which Brother Bill McCarthy and
Father Tim Dwyer spoke about their personal vocational
calling to God and how God had blessed them as
Marianist Brothers.
The students returned to school enthused from the
retreat and Continuing the Heritage.
The MLP stands at 78 members, which is the largest the
group has ever been. Unified in concept and resilient at
heart, the program looks toward the future to carry out its
mission of helping the community.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MONTEMAYOR
Members of the Marianist Leadership Program participate in the ice breaker known as the
“human knot.” The MLP celebrates its ten year anniversery this year.
Do you want to write or take photos for The Rattler? Come visit us at the Fall Festival on Thursday, Sept. 27 and sign up.
Features
Rattler
9.26.2007
the
8
OMG!
Digital media cre8z disconnection
Singles turn to online dating
By Elizabeth Pena
-Features Editor-
The last U.S. Census reported that over
44 million adult Americans are currently
single. MSN.com reports that over 40 million
of those single Americans use online dating
services.
Many users frequent these online
dating
Web
sites
because
they
accommodate the needs of single
adults
who
want
specific
things
from online dating. The sites are just
as individual and unique as the users
who sign up for memberships. Some
of them cater to specific social groups
such as wealthy singles, religious
dating, dating over 50, ethnic dating and
alternative lifestyles.
After signing up, users usually fill out a
compatibility profile, upload pictures and
browse through other user profiles to find
their perfect match. A survey by Match.com
revealed that profiles with photos had 15
times the response of those profiles that had
no photos.
Users of these sites are less likely to
be bashful and more likely to display
a confidence they may not have in the
real world.
“I think it’s good for shy people who
are afraid to approach people in person,”
said junior international relations major
Melody Sunju Flores. “Rejection is
easier online.”
For adults who are interested in dating, a
romantic relationship or a discreet encounter,
online dating is an option millions have
taken advantage of.
“Most of the time, people who want
to date online usually want a serious
relationship,” said sophomore psychology
major Rachel Valent. “The crowds you find
at bars and clubs are mostly people who just
want to date.”
However, the members who have online
dating accounts can be subject to the “Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” syndrome.
“The person you met online may not
be the same person you meet offline,” said
sophomore political science major Nicole
Wellington. “The meeting may be less
informal, the person you met online may
not be [himself/herself] and you may end up
getting disappointed.”
Although disappointment is definitely
a possibility, Valent and Wellington both
agreed that relationships which started
online have the potential to withstand
traditional relationships. The chances
of longevity in the relationship are just
the same.
“One of my friends met her fiancé on
a Christian dating Web site,” said Flores.
“He’s from Florida, and he’s moving here to
live with her.”
Some meetings are intentional, and some
are not. Freshman international business and
accounting major Gladys Abieva mentioned
“natural online dating.” Some people do not
get online with the intention of finding “The
One.”
According to Abieva, natural online
dating occurs when people visit the same
sites, chat in the same forums, have the
same friends and are visitors of the same fan
clubs.
Like traditional dating, online dating
poses the same risks: You can get hurt, lied
to and misled.
“You can lose faith in people, and it will
be hard to trust anybody even if that person
is worthy of trust,” said Abieva. “Online
dating is not necessarily a bad thing. We
should just remember that it is not always
a good thing.”
One of the noticeable differences between
online dating and traditional dating is
that one must take extra precautions in the
former; users must be aware of the dangers
to which they subject themselves. CNN
reports sinister activity by online predators,
who take advantage of simple information
like movie interests, birthdays, status
updates and photos.
Perhaps all the media coverage about
online sex predators and the abductions that
result from meetings and scams, the public
may become less naïve when approaching
the online dating scene.
Most can agree that online dating is just
as risky as any other form of dating, but risks
should be taken if happiness is a reward.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY ELENA GONZALEZ
Text Talk
?
Ever wonder what
those crazy text
abbreviations mean?
Here is a crash course
in Text Talk 101.
BTW- By the way
OMG!- Oh, my God!
TTYL- Talk to you later
IDK- I don’t know
B4- Before
CYA L8R- See you later
LOL- Laugh out loud
NP- No problem
OIC- Oh I see
JK- Just kidding
ORLY- Oh, really?
TMI-Too much information
SRY- Sorry
WU?- What’s up?
XOXO- Hugs and kisses
Reliance on media increases
By Elizabeth Pena
-Features Editor-
It is safe to say that handwritten
letters are a thing of the past; it is
rare to receive a little envelope in
the mail with the simple message:
“Hi, how are you?”
Maybe writing letters is now a
waste of time and energy. Slowly
but surely, phone calls and
conversations over coffee may
become extinct as well.
“Letters are more personal and
special,” said senior social science
and humanities major Janie
M. Morales. “But letters show
more intimacy, and they mean a
little more.”
Morales still writes letters to her
brother, who is currently in Iraq.
Like many Americans, however,
Morales has also relied on the
social Web site MySpace.com.
MySpace.com has evolved into
a modern communication hub for
users worldwide. Many people
use it to stay in touch with loved
ones who are away from home.
“I like to send updated pictures
of my nieces to my brother in
Iraq,” said Morales. “It’s a good
way to stay in touch with him.This
is not the case with other frequent
MySpace.com users.
“I use it to find out when the next
party is,” said junior psychology
major Manuel Vasquez. “I mostly
use it to keep in touch with my
friends back home in El Paso.
Vasquez also stated that he
checks his MySpace.com page
at least seven times a day. “It’s
addicting,” he said.
This is the situation for many
users, as they also reply on
MySpace.com as a daily form of
communication. Not only does the
Web site get messages to you from
other users, but it also has news
updates, movie trailers, bulletins
and event invitations.
“I’m in a Bible study group, and
it’s a good way to exchange bible
verses and stay informed about
upcoming events with the group,”
Morales said.
From Bible studies to parties,
MySpace.com
is
indeed
a
communication link among people
of all ages all over the world.
“I also use Facebook to stay in
touch with friends, and I check it
as much as I check my MySpace
page,” Vasquez said.
Facebook.com offers many of
the same features, but there are
certain distinctions that make
Facebook.com unique. It is also a
reliable form of communication
among students.
Although some people are
more likely to receive an e-mail
or MySpace.com message as
opposed to a letter in the mail, the
average number of phone calls is
dwindling as well.
With the new phenomena
of text messaging along with
the availability of messaging
services being offered by wireless
companies such as Cingular,
Sprint and Verizon Wireless, text
messaging is at an all-time high.
“I text more than I call people,”
said Vasquez. “I prefer to text.”
Vasquez also stated that text
messaging is a good idea if you
want to get a message to someone
without going in depth about it.
If you need to tell a classmate
that class is cancelled, for example,
a text message may be more
reasonable than a phone call. Text
messaging also offers conveniences
other than simple messages.
“It’s safe to use texts because
the person you send [them] to may
be too busy to talk,” said Morales.
“[S/he] could be in a meeting
or something.”
With e-mails, text messaging
and community Web sites like
Facebook.com and MySpace.com,
communication is changing.
People all over the world are
relying on media, electronics
and Web sites to deliver the most
casual or intimate messages.
As long as relationships
are maintained, the form of
communication should not be a
big issue. Whether it is send in the
form of an e-mail, letter or phone
call, the message should be clear.
According to CosumerResearch.com, Match.com is rated the best dating site overall and has over 15 million users.
Rattler
the
9.26.2007
Entertainment
Shoes, babies and million-dollar rings
C
I don’t deserve to be quoted then. And f--k shoes, by the way.
omedian Dane Cook and A-list celebrity chat
about everything, including new film “Good
Luck Chuck.”
By Selena San Miguel
-Entertainment Editor-
&
By Katie O’Donnell
-Staff Writer-
In the movie, Chuck is a good luck charm for every woman who he
sleeps with. What would you say is your good luck charm?
Dane Cook: What I’m really good at is getting dumped. I have the
power to be dumped by any woman.
If you date me, you will dump me.
Hopefully, I’m embellishing myself,
and that’s a bit of a joke. It’s always
something I have to fight to defend,
but I’m pretty shy. I’m actually
introverted in my regular life. I’m not a
guy like Chuck that can even really go
full-tilt boogie and just kind of get any
girl that he wants. I’m a little bit more
of a, you know, romantic type, and I
guess I believe in serendipity and things of that nature...
What is the funniest thing to you in the entire world?
DC: A baby making a really serious face. It gets me every time. A baby
that has a face that looks like it wants to talk about like, you know,
home equities, and the baby has that look like you think the baby’s just
going to speak. It would be like “I have something to say.”
You haven’t done a lot of comedy acting before. What was it like
working with an experienced comedian like Dane and what did you
learn from him?
Jessica Alba: I was freaked out big time because I knew he was so
good at what he does, and he does all physical stuff when he’s on
stage. I wanted to impress him. I wanted to
be inspired everyday. I wanted to not know
what was going to happen and just make
something out of nothing with him. And
we did. We created a lot of really organic
great moments that just were me and Dane
screwing around and really going with it and
having fun with these characters. And Dane
encouraged me to take everything a step
further; and I think if I didn’t work with him, I
probably wouldn’t have. I probably would’ve been a bit more reserved,
but he definitely gave me the freedom to go all the way ... so, it’s really
good. I feel very lucky.
“If I ever get sick of it...
punch me in the balls. I don’t
deserve to be quoted then.”
–Dane Cook
Your character seems to have a lot of women flocking towards him.
Do you have any stories of crazy fans that may have gotten a little
too close?
DC: Oh, sure. I have fans that [write] just beautiful, wonderful letters
[that] would send you away weeping. I have some crazy-ass Looney
Tune fans [too]. I’ve gotten photos of the girls doing the Sufi naked,
standing in a tub of tapioca pudding––just mental, mental craziness. I
have to go under aliases now at the hotels because last year, I had a girl
show up nude at my door at like two in the morning yelling my KoolAid bit in the hall. And I opened the door like slightly, and she was
literally naked screaming “Oh, yeah” in the hallway. But, you know–
hey, it keeps life entertaining, right?
Is there a quote from your routine that people repeat to you so much
that you’re now sick of it?
DC: I never [get] sick of it. I don’t think that I can take off my shoes
without somebody saying “F--k shoes” to me. I hear “F--k shoes” every
day. That would be the one that I definitely hear more than anything
[Am I] sick of it? No, I’m not sick of it. That is the most flattering thing
that you could possibly ever want as a live performer. I used to quote
Bill Cosby himself ... the fact that kids now walk up and down the
hallways of their schools and [say] things like, “Where’s the van?” or
whatever. Anytime somebody cries, they write me an e-mail and [say],
“In the middle of crying, Dane, I just start [saying] ‘I did my best.’” I
mean, that makes me feel awesome [...] that’s the shit right there. If I
ever get sick of it––and I tell you I’m sick of it––punch me in the balls.
Your character Cam is quirky and fun. What about her is most
like you?
JA: Definitely the clumsy and the not-cool part. I’m not cool at all, and
I’m super clumsy. And bad things happen. Today at lunch, I realized I
had been walking around all day with this big white hunk of cheese.
I’m wearing purple pants, [and] I sat on a huge piece of cheese. It was
like hanging off my ass for a good 20 minutes. It’s not even like a little
drink. It’s not liquid. It was a huge piece of f--king cheese.
What is the clumsiest thing you’ve ever done on the red carpet?
JA: In Mexico, recently––oh, this is embarrassing. I was doing
interviews in Mexico City for our premier for “Fantastic Four,” and I
had this huge like $1 million diamond on my finger. I talk with my
hands, and I was getting really excited or something, and it flew into
this crowd of people. [...] So everyone in the crowd then was like going
underneath the bleachers searching for this $1 million ring [...] And
the jeweler––I was staying at the jeweler’s house ... so it would’ve been
like “Hey. Yes, by the way, thanks for letting us stay at your house. I lost
your $1 million ring.”
Did you get it back?
JA: Yes. Someone found it. It was crushed––not the diamond, but the
ring part. Someone had stepped on it. But yes, we found it. And not to
mention the odd drool that comes out of the mouth while you’re talking
too much or spit in journalists’ faces. That’s always silly––becoming. ❦
Visit us on the Web at www.stmarytx.edu/rattler.
9
10
Blast
Fr o m T h e
PA S T
Sentime
ntal
Rattler
9.26.2007
the
Entertainment
No Limitations
Austin City Limits returns with stellar sounds.
for
By Dyana Garcia
-Staff WriterWith today’s state of the art technology and highresolution graphics, it is hard to believe that there was
a time when gamers were glued to a TV set, controlling
a chubby plumber as he made his way across extreme
climates to save a princess.
As ridiculous as this may sound, it is exactly what
gamers enjoyed in the early 1990s with the release
of “Super Mario World” for the Super Nintendo
Entertainment System (SNES). With a release price
of $200, this 16-bit system will forever leave a mark
on the gaming world as one of the greatest systems
ever made.
I remember waking up one Christmas morning
and seeing my very own SNES under the tree. My
dad set up the system, and in less than a minute, I
was hooked.
Nostalgia floods over me every time I think of the
countless hours I spent playing classic games such as
“Super Mario World,” “Donkey Kong Country” and
“Legend of Zelda.” Lying on the carpet in front of
the TV with that controller in my hands became my
greatest joy in life. Even when new systems began to
emerge, my loyalty to SNES remained.
As riveting as the system was, sales gradually
plummeted with the introduction of the Nintendo
64 (N64) in 1999. It was not until 2003 that Nintendo
stopped the production of all SNES games.
Somehow, even with a faster CPU and a higher
graphics system, the N64 and its predecessors just did
not feel the same.
In 2006, SNES games became available again
along with Nintendo’s fifth game console release
for the home, the Nintendo Wii. The makers knew
that SNES had remained in the hearts of millions of
gamers around the globe, so reviving the classics was
definitely a stroke of genius.
PHOTO BY AMANDA RODRIGUEZ
Joss Stone’s sexy, sultry voice impressed many on Friday night.
PHOTO BY AMANDA RODRIGUEZ
Newcomers and Colombian natives Aterciopelados performed Saturday night on the WaMu stage for Austin City Limit fans.
By Amanda Rodriguez
-Staff WriterIn its mere six years of existence, the Austin City
Limits Music Festival has established itself as a major
force in the realm of rock festivals. Among Lollapalooza
and Coachella, ACL attracts bands of all genres to its
multiple stages at Zilker Park. Want to see 130 bands on
eight stages in the course of 72 hours? No problem.
Unfortunately, before the festival itself had even
started, three of the major artists cancelled their
appearances. Amy Winehouse cancelled her tour until
further notice back in August, due to her speculated
rehab troubles. Ironic, no? A week before the festival was
to begin, Rodrigo y Gabriela backed out due to Gabriela
suffering from exhaustion. Then. four days before the
festival, The White Stripes cancelled due to Meg White’s
acute anxiety.
Friday started with Peter, Bjorn and John, a Swedish
trio best known for their single “Young Folks.” Their
interaction with the crowd during their hour-long set
showed that they were obviously having the time of their
lives while the crowd reciprocated their energy.
Joss Stone blew me away. With her seven-piece band
and back-up singers, Stone’s show was impeccable from
start to finish. She was truly into her music, commenting
often on how important her music is to her. The crowd
was in awe during the entirety of her show, which does
not happen often.
Spoon performed next. The Austin natives seemed
to have been replaced with lifelike robots programmed
to play their uniquely catchy tunes. At least, that is the
theory. The boys of Spoon simply had no energy. They
went through the motions onstage, failing to play their
crowd-pleasing songs.
The Kaiser Chiefs, all the way from Leeds, took my
breath away with its high-energy performance. The lead
singer hurt himself during the first song, but he limped
his heart out as he continued to perform. The band had
the entire crowd singing along, including those who had
never heard its songs.
Friday night began closing with the intoxicating
European flare of the Gotan Project. The band’s sound
was perfect for sitting on a blanket during the dusk of
a summer Austin day. Björk drew quite the crowd at
the end, lighting up most of the park with lasers from
the stage.
Cold War Kids started off Saturday with its bluesy,
acoustic sound. Its hour-long set was nothing short
of fantastic.
The next band Aterciopelados was by far the
biggest surprise to me. This Colombian group drew an
astonishingly large crowd to its small stage and performed
with possibly the most energy during the weekend.
The crowd sang along so loudly that the lead singer
often would let it take over.
Despite playing at the same time as Muse, Aracde Fire’s
PHOTO BY AMANDA RODRIGUEZ
Austin City Limit goers enjoy the live music in Zilker Park.
crowd was huge, and the group performed accordingly
without losing its signature sound.
Sunday began with Ben Kweller, now famous for last
year’s nosebleed, the tampon-in-nose cure and subsequent
cancellation of show. He performed crowd favorites and
a new song off the album he is currently recording.
The legendary Bob Dylan performed on a stage that
was badly lit and opted to wear one of his wide-brimmed
hats. He performed seemingly to the best of his ability,
but his old age has caught up with him; his voice became
scratchy and harsh.
Still, watching him live was awe-inspiring, and the
crowd sang along and danced to his music. With no other
bands playing at the same time, Bob Dylan truly had the
attention of everyone at the festival.
Many other bands including the Arctic Monkeys,
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! and The Decemberists also
participated in the festival. The ACL experience is about
making tough decisions to see artists play. This year’s
festival brought in some exciting artists with next year’s
guaranteed to be just as good. Look into going if you
missed out this year.
Not participating in class? Search “chacarron perro”via YouTube.com.
11
Rattler
the
9.26.2007
Entertainment
Artistic crowd hits the streets The Queen of All Media
First Friday culture offers art, music and shops free of charge.
By Stephanie Sanders
-Staff WriterExpect fun with minimal spending on the
first Friday of every month when San Antonio
presents its famous art walk from 6 p.m. to
10 p.m. downtown.
The Blue Star Art Space is dubbed “First Friday”
after providing space to over 70 shops, restaurants,
museums, galleries and performances in addition
to many street side vendors and acts for one special
night a month.
First Friday takes place on South Alamo Street,
starting from the South St. Mary’s Street intersection
to the Blue Star Arts Complex.
Located in “Southtown,” this artsy hangout and
cultural party is brought to the southern downtown
streets for people of all ages. First Friday is an
experience for many residents, students, tourists and
visiting artists from around the world.
The free admission and low-cost appeal is
inviting to the many college students, especially
those who are new to San Antonio and its nightlife.
The event is not just about art and alcohol; rather,
it is a way for youngsters and adults to bask
in the local flavor of entertainment and love
for culture.
San Antonio is not the only city in the country to
hold monthly art walks, but it is another interesting
bullet on the list of things that make this city one
of experiences.
The next First Friday is Oct. 5.
Stiller film breaks fans’ hearts
Heartbreak Kid
★★
Dir. by Bobby and
Peter Farrelly
Starring Ben Stiller
By Katie O’Donnell
-Staff WriterBen Stiller has had a string of comedic
hits like “Dodgeball” and “Meet the
Fockers.” Unfortunately, “Heartbreak
Kid” won’t land in this category. The
story line is boy meets girl, gets married
to girl, and then meets another girl on
his honeymoon.
Stiller does not feel guilty about straying
from his new bride because as soon as the
“I Do’s” are said, she becomes a different
woman and a complete nightmare.
Going from Stiller’s soul mate to the
bane of his existence in a quick second
seems over the top. From singing
obnoxiously to being overly dominate
in the sack, everything she does gets on
Stiller’s nerves. It is every newlywed’s
COURTESY PHOTO
worst nightmare.
The movie was a painful disappoinment, but not as bad as getting a
The plot has potential but falls flat. back rub when sunburned from head to toe.
There are scenes that seem to come from
another movie. During a portion of the film, Stiller works hard at evading border patrol through ridiculous
schemes. Scattered throughout the flick are crass words that do not enhance the comedy an R-rating. The sex
scenes are so graphic that seems like you are watching pornography on the big screen.
Some may feel inclined to check out this new release because it stars Ben Stiller; however, if you want to see
a funny movie, check out “There’s Something About Mary”.
Perez Hilton builds a fan empire from celebrity gossip blog.
Entertainment Editorial
By Elizabeth Peña
-Features EditorI must admit that I have a
new hero. He is not a caped
crusader; he has no super
powers; and he certainly cannot
fly. He is the “Queen of All
Media,” Perez Hilton.
Perez has power over me.
I frequent his online celebrity
blog so often that it has become
my homepage. I had no idea
that another person cared about
celebrity gossip the way I do.
As much as I would love
to sip martinis at Les Duex
in Hollywood, sport my
Marc Jacobs bag, bump
shoulders with Tara Reid
on the dance floor and
crash my Mercedes
Benz into a wall in
front of paparazzi,
I cannot.
However, reading about
celebrity life while gawking over
accompanying photos gives
me the chance to escape from
my reality and live vicariously
through the dramatic lives of
Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse
and Lauren Conrad.
I used to wait until the
evening to catch celebrity
Entertainment
news
show
Tonight, but after I discovered
PerezHilton.com, it did not take
too long to realize that most
network entertainment news
shows were posting censored,
biased coverage in regard
to celebrities.
I became bored with coverage
of Paris Hilton on a catwalk,
Lindsay Lohan in rehab or
Britney Spears surrounded
by hoards of paparazzi. I
needed
something
fresh,
shocking, funny, insane and
uncensored, all of which I found
at PerezHilton.com.
In his blog, Perez has the
latest, most exclusive pictures,
Let’s be friends. Visit www.myspace.com/rattlernews.
interviews and gossip before
any other media outlet. Celebrity
coverage is outdated on shows
like The Daily Ten, Entertainment
Tonight or Extra when compared
to the frequent updates of Perez’
blog.
What I appreciate most are
the sly, catty remarks of Perez in
addition to his no holds barred
approach to celebrity scandals
and the obnoxious little doodles
that he draws on the faces of
those on the A-list.
Not only does he get
exclusives, but he also makes
no apologies for his coverage
or his own opinions about
celebrities.
Maybe this is
why I consider him
a hero: He remains
unapologetic for who
he is, his lifestyle,
his
opinions
and
his blogs.
As a fellow blogger, I have
been brutally honest with my
opinions, and I strive to be a
writer who remains honest and
confident in what I write.
In the real world, however, I
cannot be as brutally honest as
Perez. My own personal blogs
have offended people who read
them, but unlike Perez’s blogs,
they are not making me wealthy
enough to stop caring.
In the mean time, I will
continue to walk on eggshells
with the blogs I write, but I will
love and appreciate my hero for
his approach to blogging.
So far, there are no other Web
sites that have covered celebrity
scandals like PerezHilton.com.
With ABC World News
reporting that PerezHilton.com
averages over 5 million hits per
day, the Queen of Media will not
be dethroned anytime soon.
ILLUSTRATION BY JON MIKE HERNANDEZ
Commentary
Rattler
9.26.2007
the
12
American terrorist from past lives today
An American terrorist seems implausible. Yet, at one time,
the U.S. government referred to our parents’ generation
and those involved in the social movements of the 1950s
and 1960s as terrorist.
Today, that word embodies a new
meaning. However, the members of the
generation before us were viewed as
revolutionaries, socialist commies and
even terrorists. Imagine your parents as
students burning their bras, chanting and
marching through the streets to the tune of
Xavier
social change.
Perez
These student-led movements were
happening all over the world at the time: The liberation
movement occurred in South America; students rose up
against the government in Iran; and tragedy unfolded as
demonstrating students were shot down in Mexico City.
Our parents fought to create a stable society for us in
order to ensure that we
had every opportunity
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
to succeed, but did
POLICY
they? For most of us,
The Rattler welcomes letters to the
a simple bachelor’s
editor. Letters should not exceed 300
words and must include writer’s name,
degree might land
classification, major and telephone
us a middle income
number.
job. However, what is
middle income today,
Editors reserve the right to edit
submissions for length,
spelling and content.
grammar,
Letters may be delivered to Room 258
in the University Center, faxed to (210)
431-4307, mailed to The Rattler, St.
Mary’s University, One Camino Santa
Maria, Box 83, San Antonio, TX 78228, or
e-mailed to [email protected].
For more information, call
newsroom at (210) 436-3401.
the
the
Rattler
Editor in Chief
Kimberly Vela
Managing Editor
Karina Villa
Layout/Design Manager
Jon Mike Hernandez
Copy Editor
Jacqueline Mendez
News Editor
Dominique Vargas
Features Editor
Elizabeth Pena
Commentary Editor
Gabriela Noriega
Entertainment Editor
Selena San Miguel
Sports Editor
Jonathan Trillo
Photo Editor
Vivian Esparza
Advertising Manager
Nancy Martinez
Assistant Ad Manager
Amanda Guerra
Faculty Advisor
Margaret Luevano
Staff Cartoonist
Elena Gonzalez
Standards
The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s
University. The publication follows the Canons of
Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook
and the Student Publication Policy.
The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press,
the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society
of Professional Journalists, and the Texas Intercollegiate
Press Association.
Contact Us
The Rattler l St. Mary’s University l One Camino
Santa Maria Box 83 l San Antonio, TX 78228
(210) 436-3401 l FAX : (210) 431-4307
[email protected]
considering the rising costs of cars, energy, healthcare,
homes, college tuition and every other feasible price.
Was our parents’ goal to ensure that we all had equal
opportunity as rats in a giant maze? Do you think they ever
intended for us to be in so much debt for the first few years
of our adult lives? Did they want us to work our entire lives,
only to hit 40 years of age and wonder what we have done
with them?
We have all been told by our parents to get an education
so that we can get a good job so that we can make good
money. We have also been told to lock our doors at night,
maintain good credit and trust no one. These common
teachings are a far cry from what our parents’ generation
stood for, so what happened? Did they forget to teach us
to stand up and fight the injustices of the world? Why
have we as students neglected to rise up in order to
demand change?
We all talk about the corruption of our government, about
what we would do if given the chance to make changes.
You would think we would know how to do that, given that
our parents were the “American Terrorists,” but what have
they taught us about making a difference in society?
Today, most of us do not believe in the system or our
politicians. We choose to elect the person who “looks” like
a good senator, representative or even president in the hope
that s/he will do what is right for the people.
Yet, we know that the elected persons tend to
serve those who have vested interests in them, so
why have students around the country not risen to
demand change?
The reason is not due to the lack of issues. Currently,
our generation faces more injustice around the world
than any other generation before us: planet meltdown;
two wars; depleting energy, water and food; corrupt,
slow governments; fraudulent corporations; terrorism;
and rising costs of goods. In addition, we will probably
have to take care of our parents, due to failing
social security.
What went wrong? Why do we talk about this corruption
rather than act to solve these problems?
Have our iPods, laptops, MySpace.com and Facebook.
com pages made us that lazy? Are we too obsessed with
entertainment, partying and material goods to take action,
or are we waiting until we officially become a part of the
government or business world? Do we lack courage, or are
we so hopeless that we have accepted the corruption of our
world?
Perhaps we are too busy trying to survive, or perhaps
we are too consumed with our lives to bother changing the
world. Maybe if an energy crisis or unfair military draft
occurred, our generation would flinch with urgency.
History is calling for a generation to rise up; I just hope it is
our generation.
Joe Zawinul leaves jazz-fussion behind
Keyboardist Joe Zawinul passed
away from Merkel cell carcinoma
at the age of 75 on
Sept. 11.
I heard the
sad news while
driving to school
and listening to
Benny
KRTU. “We’ll be
Marquez
playing Zawinul’s
music today during the Lunch
Feature in remembrance of him,”
announced the DJ.
I remember thinking, “The
people tuning in today are in for
something different.”
Zawinul was not your average
jazz musician; he was one of the
pioneers of jazz-fusion, a style
that goes beyond the barriers of
conventional jazz and should not
be confused with smooth jazz.
Anyone can find information
about
Zawinul’s
life
and
accomplishments on Google.com,
so I will instead share how his
music and character affected me.
Zawinul’s music showed me
what jazz could be. Honestly,
playing the head twice, soloing for
an infinite amount of choruses and
repeating the head again is boring.
Zawinul changed that for me when
I heard his band Weather Report,
a group that balanced the art of
composition with the freedom
of soloing.
One moment, you are listening
to a compositional journey, and
the next, you are floating off
into a region of free-form solo
before returning.
I also have to comment on how
open he was to different musical
styles. Call me crazy, but I think
that Zawinul was a metal head. If
you do not believe me, check out
the track “Badia/Boogie Woogie
Waltze” off the live Weather Report
album 8:30. At 7:27, you will hear
a “blast beat” in the drums.
For those of you who do not
know what a “blast beat” is,
picture sticking the barrel of an
automatic rifle in your ear and
squeezing the trigger.
While most jazz musicians sneer
at a drummer who uses double
pedal, Zawinul was pushing his to
drum like a madman.
Zawinul’s character is also
something to look up to. When he
was a young musician, he was not
simply backing up legends such
as Miles Davis and Cannonball
Adderly; he was also contributing
music to them. Half of the songs
on the landmark album Bitch’s
Brew were penned by Zawinul.
When he formed his own band,
PHOTO COURTESY OF www.klausmuempfer.de
Joe Zawinul died of cell carcinoma skin cancer September 11, 2007.
he gave other young musicians him seem, you cannot deny his
the same opportunity.
compassion when he stated, “I
Jaco Pastorius was at least will always love Jaco as a friend.”
10 years younger than Zawinul
To me, one of his most inspiring
when he joined Weather Report, accomplishments is the fact that he
and Zawinul was open to his got married to a Playboy Bunny.
compositions. When Jaco left, Never again will I be tempted to
Zawinul enlisted Victor Bailey, play lame music to get girls to
who was only 19 years old at notice me. In a world full of rock
the time.
and pop stars, Zawinul played
Also, Zawinul was not a kiss- a different kind of jazz and still
up. Around the same time that Jaco managed to land a hot wife.
became known as the “world’s
Thank you, Mr. Zawinul, for
greatest bass player,” Zawinul your wonderful music and life.
told him that his song “Liberty You will always be remembered,
City” sounded like “some high respected and loved. Have fun
school band shit.”
jamming up there with the rest of
As gruff as it may make the greats.
Women have forgotten essence of femininity, self-respect
Staff Editorial
-The RattlerToday’s women have submersed themselves in Victoria’s Secret catalogs, which they
have used as a model to transform their wardrobe. They no longer wear the long slim skirts
with button-up blouses and high heels; they
have forgotten about pearls and the “up-do,”
switching to extensions and bright
bulky jewelry.
What happened to the time in which women
were referred to as beautiful works of art and
had been classically imprinted by famous
painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Diego
Rivera? In art museums, we are able to admire
the fortitude and independence of women, but
most of the time in the real world, all that we
are left to admire is their lingerie.
From Britney Spears to Paris Hilton,
modern women are greatly misled. This is not
a competition to see who can wear the least
amount of clothes or who can best pull off
bedroom wear with jeans.
It is painstakingly obvious that women
have forgotten what it is to be a woman and the
power they possess as women. Honestly, it is
not impressing when every woman is walking
around looking like a “show girl.”
In reality, the women who are most
successful and most respected are the ones who
do not clothe themselves in ensembles straight
from Victoria’s Secret. Some of the biggest sex
icons are also among the most conservative.
Today, there is a terrible misunderstanding
of the word “sexy,” which is not about how
naked a woman is; rather, it should define her
demeanor. If this is not true, why is the Mona
Lisa one of the most famous portraits in the
world as opposed to a one depicting a modern
nude woman?
The Rattler encourages today’s women
to embrace it, to celebrate their gift of being
a woman.
One of our staff members dances Brazilian
Samba and is a working mother with a fouryear-old son. Another has taken two forms of
martial arts. Still another embraces it through
artistic means such as painting. Several of
us are members of sororities. And, although
journalism is a male-dominated field, The
Rattler is produced almost entirely by women,
the exception being two of our 13 editors.
This makes up only part of the legacy
of a woman. It is not what she puts on or, in
some cases, leaves off; it is how put together
she is and the value of her strength, wisdom
and loyalty.
A message to all women who read this:
Respect yourselves, for women are not meat
for everyone to sample.
“‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”- Alfred Lord Tennyson
13
Rattler
the
9.26.2007
Increased fee may discourage legalization
In the past years, President George Bush’s
administration has bombarded United States
citizens with supposed solutions to decreasing
illegal immigration.
These solutions have included
such dramatic actions as mass
deportation and building a barrier
nearly 2,000 miles in length along
the
Mexican-U.S.
border.
The
administration’s newest measure is
Nancy
an 80 percent increase in immigration
Martinez
application fees, which will affect
those immigrants who wish to apply for
permanent residence, naturalization, work permits
and more.
These fee increases are already in effect and are
listed in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) Web site.
The reasons given in support of the increase are
that the USCIS depends almost completely on the
fees it charges, and it is transitioning into a more
automated, modernized agency. Its approach to
processing applications will be changed to computer
databases from paper applications that can take years
to manage, and the increased fee will help alleviate
these costs.
This government agency also plans to build new
infrastructure and increase security measures.
Let us keep in mind that the people filing these
applications are on the right side of the law and are
attempting to gain legal status. They are not crossing
the border illegally and falsifying documents; rather,
they are willing to pay hundreds of dollars and fill
lengthy applications in the hope that the U.S. will
eventually accept them as legal residents.
These increases will have an adverse effect because
fewer immigrants will be able to pay these fees and
will be discouraged from the application process.
Heavy criticism follows this change, specifically
because the agency receives no money from Congress
to cover its rising costs. Congress needs to realize
that immigrants are an important part of the country
and that support for the agencies that help them
is necessary.
Illustration by Gabriela Noriega
Reading secrets inspires honesty
“PostSecret” is an ongoing community art
project that encourages people to mail their secrets
anonymously in an inspiring way. All you have to do
is present it creatively on one side of a postcard. No
one will ever know it was you.
“PostSecret” first began as an
art illustration, founded by Frank
Warren in 2004. Since then, it has been
recognized nationally. Three books
have already been published along
with a collection of “PostSecret”
Jasmine
Garcia
postcards; the fourth book, “A
Lifetime of Secrets: A ‘PostSecret’
Book,” is set to be released Oct. 9, 2007.
The project has become so well-known and
inspirational that some of the postcards were used
in the All-American Rejects’ music video, “Dirty
Little Secrets.”
People send postcards revealing secrets that have
to do with betrayal, crime, hope, fear, erotic desires
and funny experiences. Some even come from as far
as Hong Kong. You would be surprised to see how
much can be said in a simple sentence.
I first heard about this project one summer
afternoon while at the public library. I was in search
of a book to read, as I had no internet or cable and
needed to find some kind of entertainment. This book
interested me with its artwork.
It may seem awkward at first to read about
someone else’s secrets, but many find it inspiring. I
highly encourage others to look into “PostSecret,” for
you never know what it may lead to. You might even
want to send a postcard yourself.
“PostSecret” asks that you consider sending in a
story on how mailing or reading a secret has changed
your life.
Mail your postcard to:
PostSecrets
13345 Copper Ridge Road
Germantown, Maryland USA 20874-3454
Commentary
t
h
Lig
Works
Morning people...
During my high school years,
I spent many nights at a good
friend’s house. Mel and I shared
many of the same classes; the
time passed in her home was
filled with caffeine, chocolate
and gossip as we struggled
to finish assignments due the
following day.
Late nights and the occasional
all-nighter were the self-inflicted
evil of our high school years.
Although the nights of work
proved difficult and long,
the following mornings were
unbearable, for Mel was not a
morning person.
Aside from the usual teethand hair-brushing, our morning
routine included last-minute
print jobs, makeshift breakfasts
and a 20-minute drive to school,
during which I had to remain
silent; I did not speak to Mel,
smile at Mel or even breathe
near Mel until her mood was
made clear.
If, while on the way to school,
she said, “I like this song,” her
mood was a happy one. If, on
the other hand, she said, “If
I’d printed my paper first, it
wouldn’t be blue,” her mood
was less so.
While I would not wish
“Morning Mel” upon anyone,
she is still my good friend and
has taught me a valuable lesson:
Be a morning person.
According
to
Michael
Smolensky, Ph. D., professor of
environmental physiology at
the University of Texas School
of Public Health, about 30
percent of the population can be
By Sarah Linares
categorized as either early birds
or night owls. This 30 percent of
the population have little hope
of changing their ways due to
genetic makeup.
Hummingbirds
comprise
the remaining 70 percent of the
population and are able to adapt
when necessary. Chances are
that you will wear a silly grin
when claiming to be a part of the
30 percent.
A true morning person does
not require a full eight hours of
sleep or a cup of mocha-lottanada. Rather, the true essence
of “morning person-ness” rests
in one’s ability to be pleasant on
little to no sleep or caffeine.
Although I do not claim to be
a morning person, I am easily
amused. A few weeks ago, when
I faced a full day after a sleepless
night, I suddenly remembered
that my favorite chips had zero
trans fat. I smiled an exhausted
smile at the thought of this
genius development, which
started my day on the right side
of the bed.
The
wrong
side
does
occasionally rear its ugly bedhead, but when it does, I simply
recite my grandmother’s famous
morning phrase, “Time to bake
the doughnuts!” As a child,
hearing these five words meant
that morning had arrived, and I
was expected to be nothing less
than alert and positive.
So unless you are Morning
Mel, an owl or a nonhummingbird, be a morning
person. If you cannot, fake it,
and keep trying.
Parents deserve undivided love, attention
Recently, I had something happen
to me that made realize that though I
may be 20 years old, I am still as spoiled
by my parents as ever:
I woke up with a sore,
stiff neck.
The result of this
otherwise unimportantto-the-masses event was
my mother not only
Cristina
Gonzalez driving the 30- to 45minute distance from our
home to St. Mary’s in order to bring me
medication and massage out the tension
in my neck during the afternoon, but
also coming back later that evening after
a class to repeat the latter.
I suppose most parents would do
this for their child, but it took me back
to a memory from freshman year: My
father drove downtown in pajamas,
slippers and a bathrobe just to rescue
my roommate and me from spending a
night across the street from the Alamo.
What I remember most from that night
is how relieved he actually was that we
had called him for help.
Our parents do so much for us that
it is sometimes mind-boggling. Even as
we continue to make our way through
adulthood, they are not far behind us,
offering guidance and wisdom when we
need it.
Something that is equally mindboggling is how easily we forget them
in the daily grind of our lives. We put
off phone calls or visits home, reserving
them for that vague section of our mental
filing cabinet labeled as emergencies.
These emergencies range from harmless
to life-altering, from overflowing laundry
baskets to the death of a loved one.
We do not put off phone calls and
visits entirely on purpose; we are simply
young. We believe that we have all the
time in the world to take care of what is
truly important.
Of course, the truth of our collective
circumstance is like that age-old adage,
“No time like the present.” And even
if the immediate present is taken up by
a job or time spent in a classroom or a
lab, we can never forget to make time
for those who should matter most in
our lives, especially when we take into
consideration all of the little things they
have done for us.
Rest assured. Our parents understand
that this is the time for us to spread our
wings and gain our independence. They
would just like our phone calls to be
about something other than laundry
once in a while.
Commentary
Rattler
!
Government must consider draft carefully
Quiuuubole !
Asking for all citizens to serve may create support for Iraq or cause tension.
By Gabriela Noriega
Que onda con las madres...
Mi madre es mi motivación para seguir adelante. Ella
sembró una semilla de amor dentro de mi corazón. Sus
palabras penetraron en mis venas y fluyen por mi sangre.
Mi madre es una señora trabajadora como cualquiera otra,
que quiere sacar a su familia adelante. Ella trabaja de sol a
sol para mantener su casa intacta.
Hoy en día hay muchas madres trabajadoras como
mi madre. Hay mujeres que trabajan doce horas al
día para mantener a su familia y de pilón cuidar a sus
propias madres.
Conozco a mujeres que trabajan en dos trabajos, uno de
tiempo completo y uno de tiempo medio. No se como le
hacen pero es la única manera de rendir el dinero.
Hay madres que se pierden en el trabajo y se olvidan de
la familia. Piensan que tener dinero es lo más importante,
cuando en realidad es solamente necesario. Como quiera
admiro su entusiasmó de salir adelante.
Las madres solteras son las más fregonas. Ellas mantienen
la dignidad de la mujer en alto. Ellas son guerreras de la
vida, muestran lo que todas la mujeres somos capases de
hacer sin la ayuda de un hombre.
Las madres son la fundación de una familia, digan lo que
digan las madres son la ley. Son las que dicen que si o que
no. Ellas deciden si en realidad puedes salir con tu mejor
amiga. Ellas son las que deciden si te compran esa moto
que tanto quieres. Ellas saben cuando tú animo esta en los
pisos. Siempre tienen las palabras perfectas para hacerte
sentir mejor.
Las madres son como unos ángeles que no se van ni
aunque los hagas enojar. Son ángeles caídos del cielo que
mantiene este mundo en balance. Te dan de comer, te
limpian, te visten, te miman, te cuidan. Ellas lo hacen todo
pero no lo tiene todo como nosotros. Ellas sacrificaron sus
carreras, sus sueños, sus aspiraciones por nuestra felicidad.
Ellas pensaron en nosotros antes de nacer. Es justo que
nosotros hagamos lo mismo cuando ellas necesiten de
nuestra ayuda y comprensión.
Piensa en tu madre, ponte es sus zapatos y date cuenta
todo lo que tu madre te da para poder estar en esta
institución. Analiza su vida y la tuya para que aprecies lo
que es tener una madre. Ojala cuando tu seas madre o padre
puedes sentir el mismo amor que tu madre siente por ti.
Tu eres su razón de vivir, no es fácil para ella saber que
estas millones de millas lejos de ella. No es fácil decir te
quiero por teléfono, cuando en realidad quisiera darte
un abraso.
Nuestras madres son a toda madre! Cuando platiques
con ella dile la importancia de su presencia en tu vida.
Platícale cuanto la quieres y cuéntale como te sientes para
que de nuevo ponga sus manos sobre tu alma.
For translation of this article visit
www.stmarytx.edu/rattler.
9.26.2007
the
14
Recently, Gen. David Petraeus
returned from Iraq to report to the U.S.
Congress his analysis
of the ongoing war. He
indicated that progress
was being made and
recommended
that
troops be withdrawn
next
year
to
Xavier
pre-surge levels.
Perez
Many
analysts
believe that the U.S. will be involved
in the Iraqi war well into the
administration for 2008, perhaps even
longer. This raises the issue of how
long our military can sustain combat
operations. Currently, it is straining to
find people willing to volunteer their
service, which brings up yet another
issue: Do we need a military draft?
In the Sept. 10 issue of Newsweek,
an article written by Iraq war veteran
Cpl. Mark Finelli suggested that
the U.S. should enact a draft to
ensure that every American faces the
same sacrifice.
He made this suggestion after
watching private security contracts
arrive in Iraq in top of the line
equipment, which caused him to
wonder why he and his unit did not
receive the same quality equipment
from the U.S. government.
In the article, he also stated that if
the children of wealthy Americans,
the children of government officials
and the children of the average “Joes”
are fighting next to each other, the
government would be pressured
to provide the best strategy and
equipment to the military. Thus,
Finelli argued that a military draft
must be implemented in order to win
the way in Iraq and eventually the war
on terror.
As a U.S. Army veteran, I find it
difficult to agree completely. I thank all
my fellow brethren who have served
in addition to those such as our ROTC
students who will serve. However,
I could not imagine sitting at my
post with Paris Hilton or some of my
classmates who were forced to join
the military.
At the same time, I do agree that
national service should be required of
every American citizen.
Finelli did not imply a Vietnamstyle draft, in which rich or talented
citizens were able to opt out of their
national obligation; rather, he favored
a draft in which all would be eligible.
I agree with this idea because it
would include everyone, while the
Vietnam draft and its favoritism
caused discontent among the American
population, which finally led to its
abolishment by President Nixon
in 1973.
Would you agree? Imagine for a
second that you received a letter from
the Department of Defense stating
that you were to report to a reception
station at the end of the semester in
order to be weighed, measured and
given a job in the military.
I know that many of our parents
would be going crazy trying to get us
Night owls make due with time
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, a
night owl is a person who keeps late hours at night; I am
definitely one of those individuals who stays up late to study,
finish homework or hang out with other
night owls.
Some are night owls because they
procrastinate while others argue that they
work best under pressure. Every time I am
up, I always find the same people in the
Jonathan
study lounge.
Trillo
In my opinion, a freshman named
Alan Erwin has a legitimate
reason for being a
night owl; there is no other way for him to survive
in college.
This semester, he is taking 17 hours of credit and working
16 hours a week as a work study; in addition, he is your
local Circuit City computer sales associate for 14 to 30 hours
per week. He also works a second job to help pay for gas,
tuition and trips to the theater with his girlfriend.
Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to the king of
night owls; he averages three hours of sleep, while I have
trouble functioning on six hours.
How does he do it?
“Coffee, Java City and a lot of snacks and
food are what keep me running during the day,”
Erwin said.
On the other hand, you have my suitemate,
freshman John Clark. By the time his two
roommates go to sleep at around midnight, he has
yet to crack the books.
“I just procrastinate, that’s all,” said Clark. “The
latest I’ve ever stayed up is 4 a.m. It’s not like I pull
Can you see me?
all-nighters every day. I just put off my homework
until 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. sometimes.”
When you look into my eyes,
In comparison to Erwin, Clark does not seem
Can you see past this disguise?
to be as busy a student, but he explained why
Can you go beyond the shell,
he procrastinates.
Look into my inner hell?
“I’m
a
vampire,
so
the
day
Do you even realize?
doesn’t really work out for me,” said
Clark jokingly.
Does the silence in my talk
In my opinion, Erwin is the epitome of a
And the quiet way I walk
working college student, and I wish him the best
Make you wonder what’s within
of luck throughout the next four years. Clark, on
The prison underneath my skin,
the other hand, puts himself in a situation in which
Rage held back with chain and lock ... no? he has to stay up late to finish. I think that he is
intelligent, but lazy; however, he does perform
Perhaps I’ll keep my mask on then,
well under pressure.
Continue always to pretend.
I am a night owl because I put off my homework
What difference does it make to you?
for other tasks that are important to me such as
Your narrow mind just never knew.
working out or talking to my family and friends.
And yet, you call yourself my friend?
I am fortunate that my job as a work study gives
me ample time to do most of my homework, but
You can’t see me...
I usually do not go to sleep until 2 a.m. or, at the
Dyana Garcia
latest, 3 a.m.
Inspirational Moments
My life
The speed of my life overwhelms my soul,
It breaks me into pieces at once.
I feel alone in a world full of strangers,
That stomp my dreams away.
My loneliness is killing my strength,
I hide and pretend everything is fine,
While my body is desperate for some help,
I breakdown and cry by myself.
Even if I am surrounded by people,
Society does not appreciate my presence,
I am a shadow in a dark room.
But my life still goes on.
I feel homesick,
Ready to run to my mother’s arms,
But instead I just cheat my heart,
And live my life as nothing is going on.
Gabriela Noriega
out of it, as my mother did the day she
learned I was leaving for the military.
The longer the war lingers, the more
likely it is that a military draft will be
debated on the floor before Congress;
perhaps this should be an incentive to
rise up and demand that the war end.
It would be difficult for the draft
legislation to pass, considering that
many of those who currently hold
office already experienced a draft
firsthand. However, with the way that
American politics have been going,
who knows that the next law will be?
Perhaps if the ranks of the military
were filled with young men and
women from every part of our nation,
both rich and poor, politicians would
think twice about the decision to go
to war.
Would you agree with a draft? To
all students: Would you go if drafted?
To those who are serving, have already
served or will serve: Would you want
a grumbling Joe watching your back in
combat? To the parents of those who
support the war and those who do not:
Would you send your child? To all:
How much are we willing to sacrifice
in order to support our nation?
Draft or no draft, those who have
served deserve to be thanked because
we would not be studying here at St.
Mary’s without their service.
If a draft was enacted, I wonder
whether it would cause students to
finally rise up and answer history’s call
for a mighty generation. That thought
alone makes me smile.
Painting By Dyana Garcia
E-mail inspirational submissions such as poems, pictures and song lyrics to [email protected] for the commentary section.
“An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”- Mohandas Gandhi
Sports
Rattler
15
the
9.26.2007
Controversy strikes league
Poor choices plague NFL players, coaches.
College football not the same
Changes have fans guessing in the early season.
By Jonathan Trillo
-Sports Editor-
By Frank Vazquez
-Senior Staff WriterThe football season is only three weeks old and has already
provided football fans with memorable moments. Unfortunately,
most of these memorable moments have involved either cheating or
criminal activities.
The off season featured Adam “Pac Man” Jones making it rain at
the strip club while Michael Vick was in and out of court due to his
involvement in dog fighting. The image problem for the National
Football League (NFL) did not stop there.
Not to be outdone by the players, the coaches got into the action
as well. Cowboys QB Coach Wade Wilson was suspended for five
games and fined $100,000 for receiving Human Growth Hormone, a
performance-enhancing drug.
Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick was caught red-handed, as one
of the Patriots’ employees videotaped the opponent’s defensive signals,
which is illegal in the NFL.
The Patriots were stripped of either its first round pick in next year’s
draft if the team reached the playoffs or the second and third draft pick
if it did not make the playoffs. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also
fined the team $250,000 and Belichick $500,000.
Goodell has taken it upon himself to try to clean up the league; it is
no easy task, however.
The NFL has now lost two of the league’s best players, Jones and
Vick, to off the field’s legal issues. The legacy of the league’s best coach,
Belichick, is now tarnished as well.
Goodell’s attempts have been good thus far; since he took over,
numerous other players have been fined or suspended for issues off the
field. Coaches have also been punished for being involved in incidents
that hurt the league’s image.
Goodell will once again be put to the test as troubled players like
Jared Allen and Antonio Bryant come off suspension. The country’s
focus is once again on the NFL; however, it is for the wrong reasons.
For those of you who follow college football, you might
have noticed a great shift in the
young season.
Michigan lost to Appalachian
St. with a final score of 34-32, after
which it got trounced by Oregon
the following week.
First, let us give credit to a great
team; the Mountaineers have two
Division IAA National Football
Championships under its belt, and
there is still hope. The team has
defeated Notre Dame and Penn
State, which is ranked 10th in
the nation.
Notre Dame is currently at 0-4;
this is the first time in the school’s
119 seasons that it has begun the
season in this manner.
Texas did not have as strong a
start as I expected, but the team is
currently sitting at 4-0. Texas A&M
had a scare in a game against
Fresno, but it held on in overtime,
although it later suffered a loss
against Miami.
This season has held some
surprises, such as the close game
played by the University of Central Florida against Texas with a
final score of 35-32. I personally
have a lot of respect for UCF; the
team never gave up and kept play-
ing until the final whistle. I admire
that in a football program.
The University of South Florida shocked the Auburn Tigers,
who were ranked 17th at the time,
when its team defeated the Tigers.
These once small-time Florida
teams are looking for a larger part
of the college football pie.
Texas Tech had a scare from
my hometown team University
of Texas at El Paso. UTEP scored
on four consecutive possessions;
however, the team’s defense could
not keep up with the Red Raider’s
speedy, talented receiving corps.
The Red Raiders are 0-1 in conference play after playing Oklahoma
State University, losing the close
game at 49-45.
Southern California is 4-0 and
is sitting at the top of the poll.
Louisiana State University looks
promising this year and has the
talent to win the Southeastern
Conference (SEC) outright; the
team also has the opportunity to
make a Bowl Championship Series
(BCS) appearance.
LSU had an important conference clash against South Carolina,
ranked 12th, and came out victorious with a score of 28-16. This
game could determine the winner
of the SEC.
In my opinion, the SEC is one
Visit us on the Web at www.stmarytx.edu/rattler.
of the toughest, if not the toughest
conference in the nation. At one
point in the season, there were six
out of 12 teams that were ranked
in the top 25 in the SEC.
The Pacific-10 conference only
had three: USC, California and Oregon. The Big 12 conference had
five out of the 12 at this point in
the season.
Louisville was an early favorite of mine, but after suffering a loss to Kentucky and again
to Syracuse, which was at 0-3,
it seems to have dropped under
the radar.
Oklahoma is ranked fourth in
the nation and for good reason:
It has outscored its opponents
at 246-47. It looks like West Virginia University can make it to
a BCS game, maybe even to the
Title game. Ohio State has played
and won four games, in which
the team has scored 149 points
and have allowed 39 points to be
scored on itself.
Be sure to look for the Buckeyes
in a BCS game because that team
will be there. The University of
California at Berkeley, or Cal, has
the offense to go far, but its defense has not been playing at the
same level. This could be a major
problem down the road for Cal.
Sports
Rattler
9.26.2007
the
16
Calendars ready for The Rattler Challenge to begin in October
Start marking calendars, or clip this one out.
By Kimberly Vela
-Editor in ChiefReady for the games?
Dates have been set for The
Rattler Challenge for Registered
Student Organizations (RSO).
Remember, all organizations are
invited to show up to the chosen athletic
events. Also, The Rattler encourages
students to attend more games than
just those listed with this story.
The Rattler chose six dates
scattered
throughout
October
and
November
to
start
off
the challenge.
If attendance is good, the challenge
will continue in the spring semester
with six more dates.
Despite the lack of response to last
issue’s article entitled “The Rattler
challenges RSOs to increase sporting
attendance”, we editors and members
of the student newspaper will
attend the games regardless of other
RSO participation.
The Rattler promises to uphold
our part of the deal. The winning
organization will have a color photo
and a feature story posted in the
December issue.
If there are any questions,
comments or concerns regarding this
challenge, please e-mail The Rattler at
[email protected].
Clip out this calendar and post it for
the members of your organization.
10.3
7 p.m. Men’s Soccer
vs. Incarnate Word University, at Incarnate Word
10.12
vs. Dallas Baptist University, at Bill Grehey Arena
3 p.m. Women’s Soccer
11.16
vs. Incarnate Word University, at home fields
10.24
11.20
vs. Incarnate Word University, at Bill Grehey Arena
S
M
T
1
7
14
7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball
vs. Schreiner University, at Bill Grehey Arena
7 p.m. Volleyball
october
7 p.m. Volleyball
11.2
6 p.m. Women’s Basketball
vs. Abilene Christian University, at Bill Grehey Arena
november
W
T
F
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2
3
4
5
6
8
15
9
16
10
17
11
18
12
19
13
20
4
11
5
12
6
13
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
18
19
28
29
30
31
25
26
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
7
14
8
15
9
16
10
17
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
Media finally recognizes women’s national team
Mexico pierde 3-1, pero
Aguilar
enseña calidad y empeño By-StaffIvonne
WriterBy Ivonne Aguilar
-Staff WriterFOXBORO, MASS.- El juego
anticipado se dio lugar en el
estadio Gillette. Se daba mucho
de que hablar de parte do los
dos equipos. México venia de
hacer un buen papel en la Copa
América, incluyendo ganándole
al campeón, Brasil, en el primer
juego. También traía sus jugadores
“europeos” como Rafa Márquez,
Carlos Salcido, Andrés Guardado
y los jóvenes Giovanni Dos Santos
y Carlos Vela. Brasil venia por la
revancha con sus estrellas como
Ronaldinho, Kaka y Lucio.
El tricolor anoto el primer gol
por parte de Juan Carlos Cacho. El
gol era una jugada empezada de
atrás por Salcido para Guardado
y luego fue pasada a Cacho, que
supo aprovechar. Pero la victoria
no duro.
Dos minutos después, Brasil
respondió con un tiro de esquina
generado por Kaka que se
convirtió en gol por parte del
medió campista brasileño, Kleber.
Brasil se le gana a Mexico 3 a 1.
El siguiente gol fue un descuido de
la defensa y el ultimo fue un contra
ataque después de un tiro libre de
México. Con el gran esfuerzo del
portero “Memo” Ochoa, el Tricolor
se salvo de unas cuantas llegadas
peligrosas de Brasil.
Al final de cuenta, Brasil es
Brasil. Supieron aprovechar sus
oportunidades y definir. Aunque
esta vez México no pudo lograr la
victoria, vimos buenas intenciones
para jugadas también gran
actuaciones del “Memo” Ochoa y
Johnny Magallon.
La defensa supo mantener
presión pero a veces no es fácil
marcar los mejores jugadores del
mundo. La decisión de poner
alta presión en el mediocampo
fue una buena idea porque allí es
donde Brasil empieza el ataque.
Giovanni Dos Santos y Carlos Vela
solo jugaron treinta minutos pero
se les noto las ganas de jugar para
su país.
El próximo juego amistoso de
la selección mexicana será el 17 de
Octubre contra Guatemala.
PHOTO COURTESY www.fifa.com
“The Greatest Team You’ve
Never Heard Of.” You have
probably seen the Nike
commercial where an overly
enthusiastic man in a black
sports bra tries to show the U.S.
soccer team how to celebrate
a goal.
In effect, he reenacts the
memorable reaction of Brandy
Chastain (former U.S. women
soccer player) when she scored
the winning penalty kick
against China to win the 1999
World Cup tournament.
It is refreshing to see that
the U.S. media is finally
recognizing a team that is
ranked number one worldwide
in women’s soccer, according to
FIFA (Federation Internationale
de Football Association) and
a favorite alongside Germany
to win the 2007 tournament.
They also have two World Cup
championships (1991, 1999)
and two Olympic gold medals
PHOTO COURTESY www.fifa.com
(1996, 2004).
New commercials promoting the Women’s World Cup claim the women’s team is
When asked about his “The Greatest Team You’ve Never Heard Of.”
thoughts on the Women’s
World Cup and the U.S. national and the U.S. women’s team has goal from Lori Chalupny in the
first minute. The U.S. beat England
team, Lady Rattler’s soccer coach, been winning.”
This month, the U.S. will match decisvely 3-0 in Tianjin, China.
Corwyn Ritch said “If they [U.S
The Americans advance to
women’s national team] don’t up against 16 other countries to
make it to the finals, I will be very fight for the most prestigious cup the semifinals and will play
tommorrow in Hangzhou China.
surprised. U.S. is the most athletic in the soccer world.
The Americans debuted against The final will be played Shanghai
and diverse team on the field.”
When asked if he thought there Korea and ended up with a tie of on Sept. 30.
should be more support from the 2-2. In the second game, they beat
American people, he said, “Yeah. Sweden 2-0 with both goals by the
The only people that seem to know team’s top scorer and aggressive
about it [women’s world cup] are attacker, Abby Wombach.
On Sept. 17, they managed a
the people that play soccer.
Americans
love
winners win of 1-0 against Nigeria by a
Visit us on the Web at www.stmarytx.edu/rattler.