Vol. 98, No. 4 - 11/10/2010

rattler the

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925

•

Vol. 98 Issue 4

•

November 10, 2010 •

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Check out what the students studying abroad in London have been up to.

Photos are inside! pg. 8

SATISFIED?

After communicating with students, Aramark officials plan to continue making changes to respond to their concerns.

By Matthew Rodriguez Staff Writer Aramark, the university’s exclusive caterer, is making changes to its food services after a group of students voiced their dissatisfaction with the Diamondback Café.

Several students raised concerns about food quality, sanitation, pricing and hours of operation during a student forum hosted by the Student Government Association on Oct. 25.

John Finerghty, director of food services, attended

FEATURES

NEWS

Time for some good ol’ ethical debate

the forum to answer students’ questions, including pre-determined questions by SGA. “Things that were brought up were valid complaints,” Finerghty said. “They were issues that could easily be fixed.”

Finerghty said that changes are already being implemented and that there are signs of improvement.

Changes that have been made include assigning a salad bar attendant to the salad bar on the weekends, offering value meals at Home Zone, re-training staff to meet sanitation standards and extending the hours of Miso and Tortilla Fresca, according to Finerghty.

3

SGA organized the forum in response to a Facebook event titled “St. Mary’s Aramark Boycott,” scheduled for Oct. 27. On the event’s page, students made comments about services in the Café. Some defended Aramark, while others criticized it. The boycott was cancelled after the forum was held.

“What we did to be proactive was break down the Facebook page and took the valid comments and the issues that were out there,” Finerghty said. “Then we tried to find solutions to those complaints or situations that people have experienced.”

Students Tommy Woerner and Andrew Riley Cont. on PG. 4, SEE “Aramark”

ENTERTAINMENT

10

Students prep for the Rock-n-Roll Marathon

SPORTS

12

Looking for good sushi? Read our reviews.

14

O.J. Chavez shares his karate stories

News

2 The Rattler

November 10, 2010

www.stmurattlernews.com

INDEX news 1-5 commentary 6-7 features 8-11 entertainment 12-13 sports 14-16

STAFF Editor-in-Chief

Entertainment Editor

Managing Editor

Sports Editor

Copy Editor

Photo Editor

Layout/Design Editor

Assistant Photo Editor

Web Editor

Advertising Manager

News Editor

Staff Cartoonist

Commentary Editor

Faculty Adviser

Sarah Mills

Denice Hernandez Azhmir Acosta

Jasmine Garcia Sara Cornejo

Austin W. Newton Alex Salinas

Dania Pulido

Veronica Martinez Analicia Perez Felix Arroyo Leo Reyes

Oscar Maguregui

Brother Dennis, S.M., Ph.D.

Features Editor Amanda Cano

STAFF WRITERS Daniel Aguilar Jessica Carillo Jessica Corea Michael Cortez Chris Filoteo Robin Johnson Alex Meyer Cesar Montalvo Sean O’Kelley Selena Rangel

Brissa Renteria Ari Rivera Matthew Rodriguez Evan Santos Lena Scalercio Caitlin Skelton Danielle Torres Daniel Trejo

The Catholic Student Group recently held a dodgeball fundraiser on Nov. 6 to raise money for the The Children’s Shelter in San Antonio, a corporation established in 1901. Each teammate contributed $5 to play in the tournament. Photo by Makena Hamilton

NEWS IN BRIEF >> >> >>

Deans Cantú and Dizinno reappointed

>>

International Education Week to be held Nov. 15 to Nov. 19

>>

Box City to be held overnight on Nov. 12

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Nicholas Campana Adam Casiano Alejandra Diaz Liliana Espinosa Paulina Fernandez Caitlyn Geraci

Robin Johnson Jerry Mendez Guadalupe Molina Jenn Sims Jenny Wendover

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.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Rattler welcomes letters that do not exceed 500 words and include the writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number. Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling and content.

CONTACT US

OFFICE: 210.436.3401 FAX: 210.431.3407 EMAIL: rattlernews@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.stmurattlernews.com The Rattler St. Mary’s University One Camino Santa Maria Box 83 San Antonio, TX 78228

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!

for the latest news and updates.

@StMURattlerNews

President Charles L. Cotrell, Ph. D. announced the reappointment of the deans for two of the university’s major schools.

Charles Cantú has been dean of the School of Law since June 2007. Janet Dizinno has been dean of the largest school at St. Mary’s for 16 years, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Cantú is credited with achieving the law school’s re-accreditation. Dizinno has helped launch the new Four-Year Pledge. Source: Stmarytx.edu Brother Erick Otiende, S.M., will address how the Marianists work around the world on Nov. 15 in the University Center Conference Room B from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Historias de la vida Kahani is where international students participate in a book reading on Nov. 16 in the UC Conference Room A from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. International Trade in a Post-Lehman World is a panel lecture regarding the effects of international trade on Nov. 18 from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. in UC Conference Room B. Amnesty International and the Career Services Center hosts the annual Box City on Nov. 12. Students can set up their boxes with blankets, warm clothes, pillows and flashlights at 8 p.m. The event is held to raise awareness about homelessness in the community. Those who participate in Box City are invited to help serve breakfast to the homeless at Haven for Hope the next morning on Nov. 13. Please register by contacting Krystina Irvin by e-mail, kirvin1@stmartyx.edu

POLICE BLOTTER >>

10.18.10

>>

10.20.10

>>

10.20.10

>>

10.22.10

>>

10.31.10

Minor in possession of narcotic paraphernalia in Treadaway Hall. Two students found in possession of narcotic paraphernalia. Students were minors. Director on duty contacted, Bexar county citation issued, and referred to Judicial Affairs.

Fire alarm at Chaminade Hall. Building cleared and searched, director on duty notified. Burnt toast set off alarm.

Disturbance at Treadaway Hall. Two female students caught arguing by hall director. Students referred to Judicial Affairs.

Theft at University Center. Student stole books from University bookstore, then attempted to sell stolen books back for cash. Citation issued and referred to Judicial Affairs.

Student Handbook Violation at Lot R. Student found intoxicated after returning from an off-campus party. Student was a minor. Director on duty contacted, citation issued, and referred to Judicial Affairs.

News

November 10, 2010

The Rattler 3

www.stmurattlernews.com

Students learn about ethical theories for competition

By Austin W. Newton News Editor While the works of Plato, Kant and Aristotle are usually discussed in philosophy or ethics classes, nine students have been studying these philosophers for weeks in preparation for the 13th annual Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl.

Months before the regional Ethics Bowl, which will take place on Nov. 13 in the Albert B. Alkek Business Building, the students are given case studies involving ethical dilemmas. This years cases involve a pregnant college athlete on scholarship and animal rights in a Spanish matador match.

At the tournament, they will be expected to present a strong ethical argument representing their team’s position on a case.

However, Ethics Bowl is a bit different from a traditional debate, according to the teams’ coach, philosophy professor Matthew Mangum.

“You don’t have to disagree with your opponents, you can actually agree to their answer,” said Mangum, who has been coaching Ethics Bowl teams for five years.

“But you can give different reasons

or better reasons for the case, so you don’t have to take the opposite side.”

At the tournament, teams will only have one minute to prepare their argument in response to a judge’s random question. After the team presents their argument, the opposing team is allowed to give a rebuttal. The original team then responds to the rebuttal, and after the round has completed, the judges ask questions and make comments to the team that first presented their argument.

Mangum helps the teams prepare by asking them questions he thinks will be asked at the tournament during practices.

“Sometimes there are straightforward questions and sometimes there are off-the-wall questions, so I try to write a few of each,” Mangum said. “I just asked a question that they did not see coming, so I got to watch them squirm.”

There are certain attributes a student must have in order to compete in the ethics bowl, according to junior philosophy major Gabriel Torre.

“There are people who are smart, witty and can talk,” Torre said. “If you can’t do all three,

Ethics Bowl team members (left to right) Matthew Magliacane, Emily Artalejo and Gabriel Torre discuss how they will win the Nov. 13 regional ethics bowl at the Albert B. Alkek building. Photo by Austin W. Newton then you probably won’t be able to make it in Ethics Bowl.”

Mangum encourages all students who are interested in participating to join one of their practices.

“There are no prerequisites or requirements,” said Mangum. “If you have an interest in philosophy, ethics, public speaking, problem solving, those are skills that can be developed here.”

Most of the students that join the Ethics Bowl team, including junior philosophy major Jacob

Student receives scholarship from President’s prize funds

By Ari Rivera Senior Staff Writer Matthew Castro, a junior biochemistry major, is one of 12 students in the U.S. to be part of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s Obama Scholars.

The scholarMatthew Castro ship was made possible when President Barack Obama received the $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize, then distributed the prize to several scholarship funds including The United Negro College Fund, HSF, American Indian College Fund and the Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation.

Castro, an Air Force veteran, enrolled at the university in Fall 2009 after serving in the military for six-and-a-half years. He received the scholarship this year, which will give him $2,500 for his junior year and $2,500 for his senior year.

“It was an honor to be chosen for an award that came from the President,” said Castro. “[HSF] contacted me and asked if I would write an additional essay for this new award, and when I heard that I had been chosen I was very surprised.”

Although Castro’s family and friends

are proud and excited for him, some were not shocked that he won the scholarship.

“Of course my mom did not act surprised at all,” he said.

Castro joined the Air Force in 2002 and completed three tours in Iraq as a critical care medic. Since then, Castro has enjoyed his pursuit of higher education here.

“I made new friends,” he said. “The support St. Mary’s provides to veterans has made the transition back to school easy.”

Castro did not immediately inform his friends about the award he earned. Sophomore biology major Janet Chen recalls that Castro told her two weeks before he had to leave to New York to attend a dinner where he would accept his scholarship.

“I only realized that it was such a big deal after all of the Science Engineering Technology students received an e-mail about it,” said Chen. “That really demonstrated to me how humble Matt is, and I really admire him for that.”

Castro hopes to earn his doctorate so he can teach undergraduate courses in addition to performing research. He wants others to know how much a quality education means to him.

“After working in the military for six years, I think I can appreciate being in school more than some people,” he said. “I think it is important to make the most of your time in college. Take classes that are interesting to you, expand your horizons, get involved and don’t limit yourself.”

Hernandez, have future plans of attending law school. Hernandez said that Ethics Bowl has taught him how to make good, ethical arguments.

“Before I would just go off of what I know,” Hernandez said. “I want to go into law, but my end goal is to eradicate abortion. If I want to do that, then I need a good base. This is a way to prepare me for law school.”

In regard to the upcoming competition, some students are

confident about their team ability to win at regionals, which could led to some of the students competing at the National Ethics Bowl tournament in Cincinnati in Spring 2011. Torre said that he feels his arguments have been strengthened because Mangum has been helping him critique his arguments.

“Anything you are going to say, we already thought about,” Torre said. “We are going to let you enjoy San Antonio, and then make you go home crying.”

News

4 The Rattler

November 10, 2010

www.stmurattlernews.com

Journalist talks to community about youth immigration

By Diana Garcia Contributing Writer 48,000 illegal immigrant children came to the U.S. in 2000; today, that number has increased to 1 million, according to Sonia Nazario, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning book “Enrique’s Journey” that focuses on illegal immigration.

Nazario, a Los Angeles Times journalist, visited the university on Oct. 28 as the first speaker of the semester for the Lin Great Speakers Series. The Kansas native of Argentine descent has been writing about social issues for 20 years.

When asked what influenced her to write her novel, which tells of a young boy’s journey from Honduras to the U.S., she answered the audience with a personal story.

“There was a woman who would come to my house to clean once every three weeks. Her name was Carmen and she would sometimes bring her young son along,” Nazario said. “One day I asked her if she was thinking about ever having more children. Her face went white and then she answered, ‘I have four children besides this son, but I left them back home in Guatemala when I decided to cross into the U.S.’” Carmen said she made the decision to provide her children with a better life than she had, and that she had not seen her children for 12 years, according to Nazario.

Like Carmen, four out of every five nannies in the U.S. have left a child behind, according to Nazario.

Once these mother’s fail to keep their promise, these children, usually from Central America and Mexico make the dangerous journey to the U.S. to be reunited with them, according to Nazario. This revelation triggered Nazario’s research into the world of illegal immigration, which led her to meet the subject of her novel.

“I met Enrique in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. After hearing about his struggle to reach the United States for his desire to be reunited with his mother in North Carolina, I decided I wanted to write about his story,” said Nazario.

Nazario set off on two trips in three months to Central America with her “golden ticket” in hand — a letter from the President of Mexico giving her permission to travel through the country to recreate Enrique’s Journey.

To achieve the full experience, Nazario decided to travel on the freight trains, or what immigrants call El tren de la muerte (the train of death). Many immigrants ride these trains to get across Mexico.

Along the trip, there are shelters within Mexico’s borders designed to shelter those who have been mutilated by the train.

“I visited a shelter while in Mexico and it truly sad to see children

with missing arms and legs,” said Nazario.

Those immigrants coming from Central America not only struggle to cross the U.S. border undetected, but they first have to cross the many miles of Mexican territory that lies between them and the border.

Many of these children do not make it to their destination because they end up dying in train accidents; or they are robbed, killed, kidnapped or deported back to their home country.

“Through this experience, I came to realize that this cannot continue,” said Nazario.

“Enrique’s Journey” was written to raise awareness about illegal immigrant children making the dangerous trip to reach the U.S., said Nazario.

“Many of these illegals have made more than one trip through Mexico,” she said.

After Nazario’s speech, it was not an uncommon sight to see some audience members crying. Mimi Soy, a junior English and communication arts major, said that after attending the event, she became more aware of the situation that she feels the media keeps silenced.

“After listening to Sonia Nazario’s speech, I came to the realization that certain issues can impact any individual profoundly,” Soy said. “Sonia touched us all and left us appalled.”

ARAMARK prepares changes Cont. from PG. 1 created the Facebook event after sitting down with friends and discussing what they felt other students have complained about for several semesters.

“We were kind of disgusted about how dirty the cafeteria was. So we said, ‘Why don’t we do something about it?’” said Riley, a junior accounting major. “We decided to organize this Facebook event where we would do a ‘boycott.’ Then we could get attention...and make changes in the cafeteria by taking it to Aramark management.”

Woerner, a junior electrical engineering major, felt a boycott was necessary.

“Filling out surveys is one thing, but getting to speak to the people in charge face-toface is completely different,” Woerner said.

Finerghty hopes to hear from more students like Woerner and Riley so that he can continue making changes to the services.

“The forum was a good thing and I’m hoping we do more of these,” Finerghty said.

Riley said that he is impressed by Aramark’s response to the forum.

“I noticed several changes in the cafeteria. The forks and knives were beginning to get a lot cleaner,” Riley said. “After the meeting, I got a clean one for the first time.

They’ve been clean every time, so far.”

Although the forum did lead to some changes in food services, Woerner said that he is not completely satisfied with

the efforts.

“They basically told us that they did not have as much buying power as H-E-B, even though Aramark is a corporation and had $12.3 billion revenue in 2009, according to Fortune magazine. Basically they are lying to us big time,” said Woerner.

Aramark generates its prices for food items in the C-Store, the “convenience store” in the Diamondback Café, by comparing them to other convenience stores, according to Finerghty.

“It’s a convenience store. It’s there for students who can’t make it to Wal-Mart or H-E-B to buy particular things,” Finerghty said. “The products come from distributors that sell to convenience stores like Valero at certain prices for convenience.”

Livia Spilotro, a junior political science major, agrees with Woerner that there are still problems with the prices.

“Aramark has made definite improvements, but at a second glance it becomes evident that they are doing no more than they have done before,” Spilotro said.

The Home Zone combo meal is something that has always been done and is ineffective, she said.

“Students end up getting a surplus of food that they just end up wasting,” Spilotro said. “Also, the price of the fresh produce items hasn’t gone down at all and is still ridiculously overpriced.”

Sonia Nazario wrote the series “Enrique’s Journey” for the Los Angeles Times in 2003, which won her the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. Her depiction of Enrique has raised awareness about children immigrants trying to reunite with their mothers. Courtesy of Enriquesjourney.com

THANKS to the WORLD

a letter of

Students reflect on what they are most thankful for this Thanksgiving Dear World, I am thankful that I woke up this morning. I am thankful that God gave me one more day of

life, one more day to do His will. (1) I’m thankful for being invited to share Thanksgiving with friends who are my family. I’m blessed with so many second homes! (2) I am thankful for the

family I have with the Chapel Choir. I am thankful for the support, love, and acceptance they all give me. (3) I am thankful that when tribulations come into our lives, through God’s gift

of others, we are able to see his love and compassion. I am thankful God gave us one another.

(4) I am thankful for having the opportunity to attend St. Mary’s and for having such great

professors. (5) I am thankful for the 2010 Texas Rangers Season. (6) I am thankful for the people who bring love and inspiration to my life. Also, for my relationship with God and the faith

he provides. Doughnuts and Justin Bieber aren’t so bad either. (7) I’m thankful for the family

of close friends I’ve built away from home and all the support I have whether I’m at home in El Paso or at school in San Antonio. I feel blessed everyday that I have people I love around

me no matter where I am. (8) I am thankful for the time I have left with my grandmother, an

Alzheimer’s disease patient. I am also thankful for my parents, who live and take care of my grandmother every moment of the day and night. (9) I am thankful for the sun, sky, flowers,

stars, clouds, animals, grass, wind, moon, laughter and imagination. I’m thankful for everything that I am as opposed to what I could have been. I’m thankful for the time that I have, but more importantly I’m thankful for the life I have to live. (11) And finally, I am thankful for all the

smiles on campus, because they remind us how happy the world can be and for passionate

people, they are the ones who motivate the world to change. (12) Thanks for giving us all room to breathe, you rock, literally.

If you would like to meet the authors of this letter or

Yours Truly,

Humanity

post your own letter of thanks (3 sentences or less), check out our post at:

www.stmurattlernews.com

Compiled by: Analicia Perez

6 The Rattler

Commentary

November 10, 2010

www.stmurattlernews.com

GOP improves influence after mid-term results Republicans and members of the Tea Party alike cheered on John Boehner, the House Minority Leader from Ohio, as he ascended his new throne. Boehner will be the next Speaker of the House, as voters overwhelmingly Alex Meyer supported GOP candidates in last Tuesday’s mid-term elections. The Republicans acquired over 60 seats in the House of Representatives, securing control over that chamber and allowing Boehner his new position.

Voters on Tuesday went into the booth angry — angry at the barons of Wall Street and the immigrants crossing the borders and so on. And that anger was easily directed -— with the guide of such media heads as Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh — toward the unfamiliar.

What is more alien to these common American voters than a liberal woman from snobby San Francisco and a Harvard-educated African-American from corrupt Chicago?

Instead, these common voters found comfort in candidates they could relate to, not candidates they respected. They found reassurance in plain language and simple minds, from candidates like senator-elect Rand Paul in Kentucky and representative-elect Daniel Webster in Florida. And now Boehner claims he has a voter mandate to carry out his GOP policy.

But not all sanity was lost on Tuesday.

Harry Reid narrowly hung on to his senate seat in Nevada, defeating the media savvy Sharon Angle. Angle, after all, was the Tea Party favorite who refused to speak to the press.

The media in that state desperately wanted her to elaborate her views on everything from climate change to the separation of church and state. Angle, all the while, refused their requests. Maybe Angle learned a thing or two from Sarah Palin’s infamous interview with Katie Couric.

And in Delaware, Republican senate candidate Christine O’Donnell was soundly defeated by her Democratic challenger, Chris Coons. O’Donnell ran touting her expertise on the U.S. Constitution, boasting she had received a graduate fellowship, and had vowed to bring the United States back to those basic fundamentals upon which the country was founded. Yet in a recent debate, O’Donnell seemed confused about what exactly those fundamentals entailed.

Exit polls showed that O’Donnell and her Tea Party semantics did not fool Delaware voters. Instead, they chose the better-qualified candidate. What a novel idea.

So as the dust settles on this tumultuous election season, sights have already been set on 2012, when the White House is once again up for grabs. Will Obama be able to soothe all those angry Glenn Beck followers, or will this next election be once again be defined by illogical rhetoric?

Employing a Tea Party mantra, hopefully the country can be returned to what it once was — a country where intelligence and logic are qualities sought in elected officials.

Cartoon by Oscar Maguregui

“Big Brother” or Democracy?

Sacrifice of individual rights to privacy may prove to be U.S.’s best protection.

Tw e n t y year-old California c o l l e g e student Yasir Afifi was not expecting to find an Alex Salinas FBI-installed GPS tracking device when getting an oil change for his car. The FBI’s sole purpose for placing tracking devices is to monitor the movements of individuals wherever they travel, trying to catch suspicious activity.

As such, the FBI and the U.S. Federal Government is receiving backlash for what has happened to Afifi and many others, making this a potential case for the Supreme Court about the Fourth Amendment.

Consider this: over 35,000 people work for the FBI, as of Nov. 1 according to their website, and over 200,000 people work for the Department of Homeland Security, whose jurisdiction falls within what occurred with Afifi. This means that there are 235,000 people who have to monitor and protect within good faith a growing U.S. population of over 310 million people.

In the case of Afifi, it may be referred to as ethnic profiling or unethical action on behalf of our government, but ultimately our government acted upon something they felt may prove beneficial to protecting our country.

If Yasir Afifi is simply a college student supporting his family overseas in Egypt whilst trying to improve his

Installation of GPS without warrant is invasion of privacy and is unethical.

T h e life in the U.S., as reported G l o b a l by the Associated Press, then Positioning more power to him.

He System, also should pursue his American known as a dream regardless of who GPS, is often is watching. In fact, let the used by world watch. drivers who But, it is also important Steven Garcia need step-byto consider that the majority step driving of the U.S. population, albeit directions. aging, is accepting technology Onstar, a roadside assistance into their lives. Most people company, utilizes a GPS in are filed in a database, or cars equipped with its service. have shared information with Cell phone users can even use agencies and companies that a GPS on their phone to track make them easily traceable. their location and get where More so, it is often those they want to. All these systems people who refuse to give are authorized for location information on various tracking by the user. And occasions, like t h e y while the GPS may have some have something to hide, great advantages or those who for directions and come in and travelling, it also has out of the radar of watchful eyes who POINT its downfalls.

COUNTERThe U.S. government should worry us. allowing law While it is difficult POINT is enforcement agencies to gauge the in California to place ethicality of the tracking devices on FBI’s action in the undersides of vehicles the case of Afifi, their actions of potential “suspects” should reassure concerned without a warrant. This citizens that there are people act by the government is whose job is to prevent absurd and should not criminal activity within be allowed. our country. God willing, The list of “suspects” has their work can help prevent targeted minority ethnic another tragedy such as 9/11. groups, such as in the case Some are speculating that of 20-year-old California GPS installations are early college student Yasir Afifi, signs of an Orwellian society. according to a report by the This is not the case, and a Associated Press. Other main GPS will not stop one from minority groups that could be travelling as they please. potentially tracked are blacks If that means our and Hispanics. government must know Targeting these groups is where we go at all times, I immoral and contradictory would make that sacrifice, to the concept of “equality although there is not much to for all Americans.” The U.S. sacrifice to begin with. This is supposed to be a place for is a matter of keeping honest people of all ethnicities to live people honest.

freely, and the government is not practicing what it preaches by participating in their activities without notice.

Unauthorized GPS tracking goes beyond profiling.

Government tracking is a loophole in the search warrant process. Since prosecutors cannot obtain evidence against a defendant illegally, they must obtain a warrant to search the property of the defendant, but this process usually takes time.

Law enforcement agencies see these tracking devices as a way around the process of obtaining a warrant, which was established to ensure fair and ethical justice.

The government maintains its defense that vehicles parked in driveways are in public view, and owners should not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This defense is a weak, elementary assumption, and does not reasonably justify the government’s actions.

If a citizen were to place a tracking device on another citizen’s vehicle, the action would be illegal. Therefore, the government’s tracking of select American citizens should be considered illegal as well. If anything, we should hold our government to a higher standard.

GPS devices should not be used for illicit activities, but rather for assistance and navigation. They especially should not be used to keep track of individuals, as human beings have a right to their privacy. The government needs to iron out the inequalities it has against its citizens.

Commentary

November 10, 2010

The Rattler 7

www.stmurattlernews.com

Visual artists will help bolster U.S. foreign relations Language, culture and tradition separate people around the globe, but it can also bring them together.

Works of Briana Perez art including music, painting and dance seem to transcend these barriers. A painting may not lead to world peace or the resolution of an international conflict, but it can open the door for dialogue between citizens of different nations and

from different backgrounds.

Recently, President Barack Obama’s administration has decided to implement a $1 million dollar expansion to a program called smART power, where 15 artists chosen by the Bronx Museum of the Arts will be sent to various countries to create public art projects, according to the New York Times. Destinations include China, Egypt, Pakistan and a Somali refugee camp in Kenya.

For two decades after the culmination of World War II, cultural diplomacy was a major focus of the U.S. Since, 2001 efforts

to reinstate cultural diplomacy, boost the American image globally and to revitalize the program have been made.

For the past decade, dancers and musicians have been sent around the world to try to change the “ugly” American image other nations have about the U.S. because of substandard foreign relations.

One artist who has worked overseas believes the program has the potential to be successful if artists are not too restrained, reports the New York Times.

While the artists are being chosen

$11.75 million this year, which is an impressive improvement.

However, if you take into account the trillions of dollars our country is pouring into military interventions, including two current wars, that number seems insignificant in comparison.

Pouring our efforts into wars overseas should not control foreign relations.

A painting may not fix the American image, but an artist with a vision of camaraderie could open the door for better communication and dialogue that may result in a change to American policies.

Increased education on texting-whiledriving dangers would be more efficient

STAFF EDITORIAL

Cartoon by Oscar Maguregui

More parking space is needed to stop citations Included in the $22,576 undergraduate tuition for the 20102011 academic year at the university is the cost of a parking permit, required for both campus residents and commuters, according to the university’s website. But throughout the school year, many students have returned to their vehicles to find a paper tucked into their windshield wipers. This is no ordinary paper though; it is a $50 parking ticket.

Let us make it clear that those students who fail to obtain a parking sticker in the beginning of the semester and rack up a few parking citations deserve it. The university informs its students prior to classes starting that they need to stop by the police administration office to get a parking sticker.

Worrisome is the alarming number of students who receive parking citations who already have a valid parking sticker. So let’s face the problem.

Upon opening Founder’s Hall in fall of 2009, St. Mary’s increased student enrollment. There are 700 new freshmen, a 3 percent increase from last year. So for those living

by the Bronx Museum of Art, the State Department does have final oversee and approval of the candidates. To avoid controversy, they must not interject and interfere with the integrity and creative freedom of these artists.

Artists are notorious for causing conflict via artistic expression, but let’s face it, these days our politicians do the same.

While cultural diplomacy and smART power may seem a small and trivial way to conduct foreign policy, it could be an excellent step in the right direction. The budget for cultural diplomacy rose to

in the Outback, finding a parking spot near their residence hall can be difficult. Timing is the issue.

For students arriving back to campus for class, but are running late, some would rather park closer to their class than waste and extra 15 minutes searching for parking in the Outback — even if they do not have the correct parking permit for the lot.

Restricting Founder’s Hall and Outback residents to park anywhere outside of the Outback parking lots is costing students more money on top of a pricey education.

While the counterpoint is that students know and should take the responsibility of remaining within their designated parking lots, this is not always realistic. The ticket appeal process is proof that life happens.

Let’s also make it clear that campus police officers are not to blame.

Rather, it’s the system in which they do their job that is to blame.

By creating more parking lots near classrooms or expanding open lot times (especially during prime hours of class time) parking outside of the Outback lots will be cost-effective and convenient for students.

In 2001, the tragedy of 9/11 forced Americans to rethink security. In 2004, Massachusetts becomes Cesar Montalvo the first state to recognize same-sex unions, imploring citizens to reevaluate our puritanical belief system in the eyes of the law. It is 2010 and we are now met with a challenge on the roadways.

San Antonio implemented a ban on texting while driving, according to Mysanantonio.com on Oct. 15. The ban provides a number of benefits

to Texas, most importantly the driver’s ability to solely focus on the road while driving.

However, how practical is this new law?

According to the Washington Post, the texting ban requires police officers to observe texting activities that occur at the driver’s lap, while altogether ignoring the possibility of hands-free devices. Multiple studies suggest hands-free devices do not eliminate distractions on the road.

Infringement of rights presents another problem.

The police have limited methods to prove a driver was texting while driving without physically checking their phone.

Cell phones have become a source of storing our personal information. If we compromise our constitutional right to privacy, we could be making a mistake. While the ban’s intention is good, the means are not there. This campaign is seemingly inefficient as we are attempting to fix the superficial problem rather than the source of the problem.

Education is the solution.

Programs like Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have made formidable strides against drunk driving. Funds should be distributed to programs such as the National Safety Council in order to educate and advertise the perils of texting while driving.

On-campus Café service hours need extension for late-night convenience Life is full of little setbacks, and the dining hours in the Diamondback Café is among them.

Denice Hernandez At times, students’ e a t i n g schedules are thrown off by study sessions or physical training, so it is fair that students should have the option to walk to the café and refuel their bodies and minds later at night.

Once food at the Café is no longer accessible due to its hours, students are forced to go off campus to spend money

at a restaurant. This can be a problem for many students who are on a budget and depend on buying food through a meal plan or for students who do not have transportation.

A student venturing off in the middle of the night in search of a meal is not the safest choice either. Despite how hungry I may be, safety comes first. But growling stomachs sometimes get the best of us.

Later hours, however, means longer and later shifts for Café employees.

They too have other responsibilities outside of work, and many want to go home to their families, but would it be possible to implement a “night shift” or hire a different set of staff for

night hours?

I am also assuming that if Café hours are extended, the only option would be leftover pizza or Grille Works’ fried foods. This would probably harm students more than help them, but refrigerated sandwiches, wraps and fruits should be available. Even leaving the grocery section open later would make a big difference for students, and less cleanup work for staff.

Extended Café hours have been a demand from many students, but our administration should explore options and alternatives. If students are unhappy about services within the university, something needs to change.

{ Greetings from}

LONDON This fall semester, 20 students ventured to London with professors from the university to learn about a culture far away from home and to gain an unforgettable experience. The semester-long program allows students to complete their academic studies while giving them the opportunity to travel across Europe. Students will arrive back to the U.S. on Dec. 19 after an over 10-hour plane ride. Until then, here is a glimpse at what some of the students have been up to.

Dear St. Mary’s, My name is Julie Forbus, a junior international relations major. I am currently studying in London this fall semester and I have to admit that this has been one of the best experiences of my life.

I have experienced and done so much within the past two months that I could never have experienced while in San Antonio. We have been introduced to the English culture by seeing plays, attending concerts and even making a few English mates along the way. It is hard to believe that it will be over in a month and a few weeks.

London has become our home and I doubt that could ever change.

Currently, we are on our mid-semester break, travelling around Europe. On Nov. 2, for my British Life and Cultures class, our professor posed us with this question, “Do you feel as if you have been away from home or away from London?” The class hesitated and we answered in unison “away from home.” Just being away for a week had made everyone realize that London is truly where our hearts are now.

Whilst being here with the other 19 St. Mary’s students, we have truly become family. We have had our ups and downs, but mostly our moments are “rolling on the floor” laughing moments. We do so much together, traveling, shopping, walking through the park, and even having heart to heart conversations over McDonalds...only because it’s cheap. Some students have even met celebrities from the movie premieres at Leicester Square. This upcoming week, a group of us are planning to camp out for the Harry Potter movie, which obviously isn’t a big deal here. Weird.

But, this experience has forced me to grow and mature into a more independent person. Even when I felt homesick, I had to push through.

I couldn’t give up an opportunity that I could possibly never have again. Part of me wishes I could be back in San Antonio with my sorority sisters or even going to Happy Hour at Sonic with my close friends.

Sometimes I just wish that everyone would come here, so I wouldn’t have to leave this country that I have completely fallen in love with.

Soon, I will be back in Texas, with only my memories of this trip. But it is one that I will treasure. It is an experience that I encourage St. Mary’s students to participate in because it is truly life altering.

Sincerely, Julie Forbus Top photo: Emily Scruggs and Alice Meyer; Middle photo: Priscilla Ortega, Chrystalla Georghiou, political science professor and London Semester Director Steve Neihesel, Julie Forbus, and Liana Castro; Bottom photo: Emily Scruggs, Priscilla Ortega, Julie Forbus, Briana Perez, Alice Meyer, Andrea Chavez and Elvira Gonzalez. Photos

by Emily Scruggs

{WHERE WILL THEY BE ON THANKSGIVING DAY?} “

I want to travel but I’m having a Thanksgiving Skype date with my family in Houston. Dr. Hufford is planning a Thanksgiving dinner for whoever is still in the flat.

”

“

I want to be in London, hopefully enjoying turkey but it’s hard to buy here, so I guess I’ll settle for some pumpkin pie.

”

{Alice Meyer, Junior}

{Juls Forbus, Junior}

I’m going to be in Paris with my mom and sister.

”

{Priscilla Ortega, Junior}

“

“

I’m going to Rome or Istanbul.

”

{Chrystalla Georghiou, Junior}

I’m going to be in Naples.

”

{Andrea Chavez, Senior}

Map source: http://www.loovac.com/home-exchange/

STUDENTS’ LONDON FAVORITES...

Restaurants:

Stores:

Sayings:

Byron’s Di Mario’s Lebanese Food Pret a Manger Taqueria

Cath Kidston H&M Store Primark River Island Topshop

“Flat” Apartment “Pants” Underwear

Graphic / Illustration by Jasmine Garcia Photos by Emily Scruggs

“

Features

10 The Rattler

www.stmurattlernews.com

November 10, 2010

sweet escape A review of a new coffee/cake shop, Frosted Delights by Joyce.

By Emily Artalejo Staff Writer Stepping into downtown’s newest coffee shop, you may forget where you are. The oldfashioned wrap-around porch, Victorian windows and buttresses seem uncommon amidst some of the architecture in the developing Southtown area, the city’s downtown art district.

As I stepped inside I was greeted by a friendly barista, the co-owner.

Richard Sosa and his wife Joyce converted a Southtown home into a coffee shop, and named it Frosted Delights by Joyce.

Joyce is recently retired but has been catering and designing cakes and accessories for several years.

Though Frosted Delights opened a month ago, their grand opening was on Nov. 5, complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Of course we are looking for more exposure,” Joyce said. “A few people have come in thinking we cut and style hair. I tell them, ‘We frost desserts, not hair!’”

The coffee shop’s atmosphere is welcoming and surrounds customers with warm colors, comfy chairs and the hospitable nature of the owners and other employees.

The drink menu boasts flavored teas and traditional drinks, such as flavored espressos and brews.

With coffee flavors such as Vermont Maple Crunch, Swiss Chocolate Orange and Crème Brulee, it was Photo by Leo Reyes hard to choose just one.

Cupcakes are a specialty at Frosted Delights; each is topped with either a light mousse frosting or a unique cream cheese frosting.

As I ate my lemon cupcake and drank my Tiramisu brew surrounded by engaging conversation, it was hard not to feel like I was being spoiled at a relative’s house.

Frosted Delights, which also makes wedding cakes, has a bridal room displaying photographs of elegantly and intricately designed cakes and handmade jewelry for brides. As Frosted Delights’ exposure increases, Joyce hopes to be able to show different photographers’ portfolios to brides to possibly make the wedding planning process easier.

The other rooms of Frosted Delights were decorated with a handful of Joyce’s more colorful dessert creations. There were flower-adorned anniversary cakes, kids’ birthday cakes covered with favorite animals and a tiered Sweet Sixteen cake decorated as wrapped birthday presents stacked on one another — each cake unique and clearly reflecting the customer’s personality.

Richard and Joyce plan to expand as a deli host for special occasions on Sundays.

Overall, Frosted Delights

by Joyce provides a homey environment and delicious treats.

Frosted Delights by Joyce is located downtown at 926 S. Alamo.

Stop by to take a sweet break from a busy day.

26-mile marathon is no match for students and faculty

By Ari Rivera Staff Writer Claudia Ramirez, a senior chemistry major, never thought she would be running a marathon, but this year she will be among 3,000 runners participating in the Rock-and-Roll marathon and half marathon.

“Had you told me a few years ago I’d be running 13-26 miles, I would not have believed it,” she said.

The Rock-and-Roll marathon is held on Nov. 14 to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, an organization geared to support breast cancer research.

For Ramirez, the hardest part in last year’s half-marathon was running alone.

“You can build up endurance so quickly as long as you are

running consistently,” said senior chemistry major Claudia Ramirez.

This year, she started a small running club on campus to gather support and make the runs easier.

With 15 members, they call themselves the Fierce 52, in honor of the year St. Mary’s was founded.

Ramirez knows there are rewards of marathon running.

“It gives you the reality of the cliché that ‘you can do anything you set your mind to," Ramirez said. “It makes it easier to apply that idea to other aspects of your life.”

Students and faculty will run or walk for 26 or 13 miles in downtown San Antonio on Nov. 14.

“Students started talking about [the marathon] in the fall,” said the Director of the Public Administration program Arturo Vega.

“There were several public administration graduate students who did the half marathon, so in the fall we started to get organized,” said Vega.

This will be Vega’s ninth full marathon.

Several runners, including Vega and his daughter, have trained for about four months. The training has been a variation of crosstraining and speed training to help runners go the distance.

Those not participating can show their support as volunteers at water or medical stations or by cheering on their family and friends on the sidelines of the 26-mile course. Spectators often carry signs of encouragement for runners.

Both marathons start at S. Alamo Street and East Market Street and end at Cherry Street in front of the Alamodome Lot

Senior Anastasia Pemberton, Junior Aaron Martinez and Senior Claudia Ramirez train together to encourage each other and make the time go by faster. Photo by Analicia Perez C. Participants are taken by the Alamo, San Pedro Park, the Tower of the Americas and the King

William District. The event starts at 7:15 a.m. and runners have seven hours to complete the course.

Features

November 10, 2010

The Rattler 11

www.stmurattlernews.com

STUDENT ORGANIZATION FEATURE

Team practices fixing international problems

By Jessica Corea Staff Writer Students on the university’s Model of the Organization of American States team had the chance to practice the parliamentary process the OAS and United Nations follow last week at the 14th annual meet.

The OAS operates to promote peace and justice among its 35 member states through making decisions based on democracy, human rights, security and developments, according to the oas.org.

From Nov. 4 to Nov. 6, teams from colleges in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Mexico, Ohio and California came to the university to solve international problems similar to the ones the OAS may face through simulated sessions.

Political science professor Elizabeth Zamarripa, the university’s MOAS team advisor, said that the organization has taught diplomacy and speaking skills on a broader more international scale to more than 2,000 students since its start.

“Having organizations like this gives students a more practical

nature of understanding the world,” said Zamarripa, who teaches the class dedicated to the MOAS team. “Students often read about the United Nations and complain about how ineffective the rulings are. This gives them a hands-on understanding of what ideas go through before being ruled on or put into action.”

While, the OAS is similar to the U.N., there are slight differences between the two. OAS focuses on the western hemisphere, the Americas, while the UN is worldwide.

To act as though they are in the OAS, students are assigned countries to research and represent. This year, the university represented Jamaica, Argentina and El Salvador. Students created a resolution to issues in their assigned country, such as weapon trafficking, human trafficking and national disaster.

Mariah Villarreal, a sophomore international relations major, said, “The hardest part was preparing for it by researching and trying to understand the perspective of each country we represented.”

Student delegates create solid points on why their resolution is

season for

SERVICE

Gingerbread Assembly Noon to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 San Antonio Children’s Museum Help prepare Gingerbread cookies and icing for children.

Students from the university's MOAS team prepare to participate in the 14th annual model on Nov. 6. Photo by Analicia Perez the best solution to the proposed issue, so that other delegates will vote in favor of their proposition.

After the resolution is presented, there is a period of time when questions can be asked to clarify understanding of propositions.

The question and answer period is best used to diminish the doubts other delegates might have and sway them to vote for the legislation.

Kristine Brown, a sophomore

international relations major, said that heavy research is key to swaying delegates.

“The best way to prepare to persuade the other delegates into voting in favor of your resolution is to just have solid facts and situations that apply to your topic,” Brown said. “You have to also give an organized speech and just be friendly even to those countries who don’t traditionally agree with you."

Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 25 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Help out at the largest community Thanksgiving meal in the country.

The San Antonio Recruiting Battalion Various shifts available on Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 Volunteer to provide childcare for the annual training conference.

For more information on these volunteer initiatives and others, go to www.stmarytx.edu/ careerservices or call (210) 4363102.

Entertainment

12 The Rattler

November 10, 2010

www.stmurattlernews.com

Coming Soon

! s g

ALBUMS Nelly “5.0” 11/16

Keith Urban “Get Closer” 11/16

Kesha “Cannibal”

Nicki Minaj “Pink Friday” 11/22

11/22

n i v

a r

c i

My Chemical Romance “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys” 11/22

Kanye West “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” 11/22

r u

Sources: blogspot.com, countrymusictattletale.com, camloot.com, clizbeats. com, hiphopcube.com

SHOWS

y f is

“Homegrown Tomatoes” at San Pedro Playhouse 10/22-11/21

h s u

s

yo

t a

Source: sanpedroplayhouse.com

S

“Cheech and Chong: Get It Legal” at The Majestic 11/20

Top left photo by Robin Johnson, bottom right photo courtesy of facebook.com

Source: westword.com

“The Nutcracker” at The Majestic

Sushi Zushi provides a delicious presentation of sushi rolls at an affordable price.

Kumori’s first location in the Stone Oak area satisfies sushi lovers with many choices.

11/26-12/5

By Alex Meyer Staff Writer Source: nj.com

MOVIES

“Skyline” 11/12

“Tangled” 11/24

Sources: rottentomatoes.com

“Unstoppable” 11/12

“Love &Other Drugs” 11/24

Sushi can be hit or miss.

Finding quality sushi that is both fresh and delicious, yet still affordable can often be a stretch. Sushi Zushi provides just that; the growing popularity of this Texas-based chain is evidence.

The minimalist décor at the downtown location provides a clean, calming atmosphere, owing to the chain’s Asian themes. However, it does leave something to be desired, as the motif does feel somewhat bland.

Any apprehension over the décor is quickly displaced after first sight of the selection.

The menu is quite extensive, offering a choice for everyone.

Whether you are a sushi aficionado or a first-timer, finding a fit here should not be a problem.

The service was prompt and polite — always a positive in any dining experience.

Choosing the perfect sushi roll

can often be a challenge, but a little help from the servers always goes a long way.

For appetizers, the Crab Sunomono and Shrimp Tempura were delectable, with the fried flavors serving as the perfect contrast to the sushi.

The rolls were large and presented beautifully. The standard staple, the Classic California, was spot on.

The New York roll, which includes eel, was ambitious, but disappointing. The cream cheese overpowered the rest of the roll, and came across as heavy. The Spicy Shrimp roll was by far the best, with its perfect blend of all the right flavors. The best part — all of the rolls offered here are extremely affordable.

And while the downtown location provides a street-level, relaxed oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the Riverwalk, the other six San Antonio locations make getting these delectable dishes quite convenient for residents of the Alamo City. Sushi Zushi is a place not to be overlooked.

By Jessica Valles Staff Writer Located at the North Central side of town, Kumori offers an atmosphere that is clean and modern — great for a casual lunch or weekend dinner.

Although it took a 30-minute drive from campus, a “reasonable” wait time for a table and a necessary menu inquiry, the overall experience made it all well worth it by the end of the meal.

The recently opened sushi bar offers prompt service with sushi-savvy waiters willing to offer suggestions. Its new location is the first to open in San Antonio and is due to the great success it has had in the Rio Grande Valley. Kumori hopes to have the same positive response in a new part of Texas.

The menu, is a fusion of different varieties and flavors, including Jalapeno Firecracker appetizers, Calamari Teppanyaki and the widest variety of specialty rolls to choose from. There are over 70 options featuring

ingredients like eel, crab, salmon, shrimp and tuna. I took the opportunity to try the Fried Philly Roll and the Manhattan Roll, both served generously with a perfect ratio of meat to rice.

The classic Miso soup is also available for less than $2.

For those of you who can’t get enough rice, there are several Yakimeshi sides to choose from.

Tempura plates, which have either deep-fried mixed vegetables, calamari or shrimp are available for a fancy dinner with a date or a quick lunch with a friend.

The fresh salad options can accompany a meal without much more cost. The cost is reasonable, not exceeding $15 per person unless Teppanyaki is ordered. Large combo plates are ideal for large parties to share too.

And if you’re a dessert loving sushi eater, you’ll love Kumori because their Green Tea ice cream is like no other.

For those age 21 and up, mixed drinks are also available.

Entertainment

November 10, 2010

The Rattler 13

www.stmurattlernews.com

Alamo Quarry gets an urban taste

By Evan Santos Staff Writer When I first heard about Alamo Quarry’s newest restaurant, Urban Taco, I wondered, “What will set this taquería apart from the hundreds already in San Antonio?”

To distinguish itself from other Mexican restaurants, it is Urban Taco’s goal to create a unique atmosphere that draws people to socialize while enjoying some untraditional Mexican food. The restaurant is being stylishly designed by Kuzuu Designs, a well-known commercial designing company.

Urban Taco, located at Basse Road off of U.S. Highway 281, has entered a competitive market with nearby restaurants such as Chili’s, Joe’s Crab Shack and California Pizza Kitchen, but the eatery will be filling Alamo Heights’ void for a true Mexican food innovator.

This is the first Urban Taco to be opened in San Antonio, and is the fifth to be opened in Texas. Urban Taco’s manager explained that their menu was inspired by the flavors of Acapulco and Mexico City. With its variety of 13 tacos, as well as a wide selection of main dishes, salsas, and spices made from scratch, Urban Taco guarantees customers a unique twist on Mexican food.

UNEXPECTED

by IsraEl HorovITz

Mike Cortez Staff Writer Anberlin’s latest album release is one of those albums that will be received differently, depending on what type of Anberlin fan you are.

There will be fans that subscribe to the theory that signing with a major label makes a band lose its talent. Some former fans might criticize the band, citing a new sound that cries “sell-out.” As for indifferent fans, new fans and die-hard fans with accepting ears and minds, the band’s music has progressed and changed form, making this album a blessing.

“Dark is the Way, Light is a Place” begins with the signature Anberlin sound.

“We Owe This to Ourselves” is a guitarled assault accented by lead singer Stephen Christian’s noticeably improved vocals. At first, this song didn’t grab me.

Eventually, the song grew on me; now I can appreciate the nuances that make this song a perfect example of Anberlin’s growth. “We Owe This to Ourselves” keeps the guitar-driven sound that propelled Anberlin to indie fame, while it also focuses more on Christian’s voice, which

Directed by Daniella Garcia

Urban Taco hopes to fill the void of Mexican food eateries in the Alamo Heights area by providing a stylish atmosphere and diverse menu. Photo by Evan Santos The menu includes Mexico City tortas, such as La Clasica Azteca and Dos Equis Amber Barbacoa. The restaurant tries to debunk the myth that all Mexican food is unhealthy by offering their homemade Poblano Green Rice as a healthy alternative for their bread.

The tacos, available with corn or flour tortillas, include Chicken Tinga, al Pastor, Roast Corn and Lime Cream.

Some new twists, such as the Grilled Ahi Tuna are also on the menu. Soups and salads are another option, so are

the ceviche and empanadas.

For dessert, Urban Taco offers churros and Helado del Dia (Mexican ice cream of the day). For customers who are age 21 and older, Urban Taco sells margaritas, micheladas and sangrias for lunch or dinner.

Whether you are catching a movie at the Quarry Cinema or are in the Alamo Heights area, Urban Taco offers a unique experience of Mexican food with something for everyone to enjoy.

Singer’s voice perfects new album Dark is the Way, Light is a Place “Anberlin” 

Tenderness

T H E S T. M A R Y ’ S U N I V E R S I T Y T H E AT R E P R E S E N T S

is at the forefront of an album for the first time. His voice is known to Anberlin fans as one of the best modern voices in rock; with this album, Anberlin finally decided to let that voice shine.

The first single “Impossible” is, simply put, one of the best Anberlin songs. Right up there with “Paperthin Hymn,” “The Feel Good Drag,” “Naïve Orleans” and all of Anberlin’s “Cities” album, this track grabs you by the ears and takes you on a ride that is equal parts aggressive, catchy and retro with a U2-sounding delay on the guitar. Christian sounds better on only a few songs on this album.

“Closer,” “Art of War” and “Down” all showcase Christian’s talent and Anberlin’s new sound beautifully. “Art of War” shows Anberlin experimenting with percussion, with a South American-tinged sound to the drums.

This album does have a shortcoming though, which resides in the lyrics. Anberlin has had some great lyrics throughout its career, but on this album they are a little harder to find. Lots of choruses repeat lines over and over, while some of the lyrics are too simple, as if they could have been written by anyone.

This album, with a focus less on the guitar and more on Christian and the rest of the band, advances Anberlin’s sound while keeping what got them signed to a major label. This album deserves a music lover’s attention and that’s that.

Costume Design by Melissa lara

There are moments that redefine an afternoon, a life, an entire family.

NovEMbEr 11 - 13 and 16 - 20 at 7:30 p.m. sUNDay, NovEMbEr 14 at 2:30 p.m.

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.

Reinbolt Theatre is handicap accessible.

General Admission

$12

Faculty, staff, senior citizens and military with I.D. $10 Students with I.D. $5

For rEsErvaTIoNs, visit www.stmarytx.edu/humanities/drama or call (210) 436-3545

www.stmarytx.edu A Catholic and Marianist Liberal Arts Institution

Sports

14 The Rattler

November 10, 2010

www.stmurattlernews.com Highlight Reel

Calendar

The Rattler baseball team has taken this semester to practice for the upcoming season, which begins in February. Coaches and players are optimistic about their chances.

Men’s basketball 11/12 University of Central 5 p.m.

Missouri 11/13 Southwest Baptist University 7:30 p.m.

11/15 Sul Ross State University 7:30 p.m.

11/20 University of the Incarnate 4:30 p.m.

Word 11/22 Our Lady of Our Lake 7:30 p.m.

University 11/26 Southeastern Oklahoma 7:30 p.m.

State University 11/27 Texas A&M Commerce 7:30 p.m.

11/29 University of the Incarnate 7 p.m.

Word Women’s basketball 11/13 West Texas A&M

University 11/14 Texas A&M Kingsville

University 11/18 Northeastern State

University 11/20 Southeastern Oklahoma

State University 11/23 Abilene Christian

University 11/27 Bellarmine University 11/28 Southern Indiana

University 11/30 University of the

Incarnate Word Women’s volleyball 11/11 Heartland Conference

Tournament 11/18 NCAA South Central

Region Tournament Rugby football club 11/13 University of Houston

Game Results Women’s volleyball

Men’s soccer

Rugby football club

Oct. 30: West Texas A&M University LOST, score 0-3

Oct. 31: West Texas A&M University LOST, score 1-3

Nov. 5: University of Houston LOST, score 73-0

Nov. 4: St. Edward’s University LOST, score 1-3

Nov. 5: Truman State University LOST, score 0-4

6 p.m.

3 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA TBA 6 p.m.

TBA TBA Junior Chemistry major OJ Chavez has won four world title championships since the age of 12. Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Maldonado 2 p.m.

Home games in bold

Sports Around Campus Rugby The rugby football club traveled to Houston on Nov. 6 for their match against the University of Houston Cougars. The team lost with a score of 73-0. The team will meet up with the Cougars again at home on Nov. 13.

Volleyball The women’s volleyball team lost to the St. Edward’s Hilltoppers in the “Battle of the Saints” final game of the season. However, due to the loss of UT Permian Basin, the Rattlers made the cut for the Heartland Conference for the first time since 2006.

Men’s basketball The men’s basketball team has competed in three scrimmages and exhibition matches so far this season. The Rattlers will travel to Las Vegas on Nov. 12 for a tournament where they will play the University of Central Missouri and Southwest Baptist University.

Chavez aspires to teach children karate

By Veronica Martinez Sports Editor

is more than a sport, it is more like a culture.”

While most 12-year-old boys spent their time playing video games and trading Pokémon cards, Oscar Juan “OJ” Chavez spent a large part of his childhood training and competing in karate championships all over the United States.

“I won my first national karate championship when I was 12 years old competing as an advanced black belt.”

Chavez has won the state title at least 12 times and has won the world karate title four times, most recently this past summer. I was able to sit down with him to talk about his involvement in the world of karate.

Where do you practice?

“I trained for most of my life at Bear’s Karate Academy in Laredo. I am currently helping a teammate of mine develop a studio called Fighting Warrior Karate Dojo. I teach karate classes there every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and practice around the scheduled classes.”

When did you start learning karate and how long have you been participating in it?

“I started participating in karate when I was 5 years old. My dad decided at an early age to put me in karate because he believed it instilled a lot of moral values and good development for an individual. I think that karate

team called Texas Blitz, which includes myself and two other men. We usually attend at least one competition a month.”

Where have you traveled for your competitions?

“I really liked Savannah, Georgia because it was the first time I had been out of Texas. I was not used to colder weather. Visiting over there was a pretty cool experience.”

When is your next competition?

“I am currently training for a competition on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. It is the Amateur Organization of Karate State Championship, a pretty big tournament. After that, my long-term goal is the World Grand Super Games, which is the Karate world championship. This year it is going to be held in Sacramento, Calif. from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31. “

Have you gotten any injuries while competing?

“This past summer I had hand surgery because I tore ligaments in my right hand that connected to the tendons on my middle knuckle. I tore it by point-sparring which is a pretty popular form of fighting in the cage. It is a mixture of kickboxing and karate. I have also fractured my left ankle when I was younger, and I previously broke my right hand.”

How often do you go to competitions?

“I am currently sponsored by a group of doctors from Laredo.

I represent a national fighting

What is your favorite thing about karate?

“Now that I am competing as an adult, I feel that I have developed enough knowledge

to the point that I can teach younger kids what I was taught, how I grew up and what made me who I am today. I have been teaching karate for a while now. When I was still in high school I would teach kids over the summer at schools all over Laredo.”

Do you have a special diet or workout during your training?

“Yes. Point-sparring consists of weighted divisions, and I compete in the 162-172 pounds men’s black-belt division ages 18-35. I have to keep between the weight requirements so I try not to eat a lot of sugars and just follow up with daily workouts.”

What other activities are you involved in on campus?

“I am a member of the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon and the PreMed fraternity Beta Beta Beta.

I also play the bassoon for the orchestra and I compete in chess tournaments. I won 10th place in the state tournament when I was younger; back in Laredo I won a few city tournaments.”

Sports

November 10, 2010

The Rattler 15

www.stmurattlernews.com

Coach Migl gives predictions for upcoming baseball season

By Chris Filoteo Senior Staff Writer The baseball team is chasing another winning season after a long and successful off-season. For the past five seasons, the Rattlers have won 35 or more games — an admirable feat that included a trip to the NCAA Division II South Regional tournament last year.

The Rattler athletic department has flourished by recruiting baseball players from around the state, which is a contributing factor for their recent accomplishments, according to Charlie Migl, athletic director and baseball coach.

The Rattlers continue to sharpen hitting and fielding skills, but their agenda for the upcoming season is unmistakable — to win a national title. With the team’s sole NCAA Division II National Championship in 2001, the players look to relive the outstanding achievement in the spring.

“It’s always a senior’s wish to play your final game in a national title game and win,” said senior pitcher and English communication arts major Sammy Rivas.

Unfortunately, Rivas recently suffered a shoulder injury that will keep him from pitching until

January. Last season, Rivas was one save away from tying with the school record in only one year.

“Meredith Cockerell from the training staff has worked with me on muscle memory therapy and medicine ball drills to strengthen my shoulder,” Rivas said.

Just as in other sports, practicing the fundamentals is important to maintain success. Stealing bases are key pieces to winning a game along with hit-and-runs, bunts and many more.

“Our theme is, ‘I want to do all the little things better than everybody else: defense, base running, backing up the bases and

Members of the Delta Zeta sorority placed first in this semester’s Greek Week. Members of the Tug of War team were (from right to left) Claudia Areyzaga, Noel Shaheen, Vivian Canales, Alex Diaz, Gaby Chavez and Bethany Matocha. Photo by Veronica Martinez

not being afraid of taking a walk’,” said Migl.

For a team coming off a solid season last year, the team seeks another chance in advancing further in the NCAA Division II College World Series. With University of Incarnate Word leaving the Heartland and joining the Lone Star Conference, the Rattlers have formed other rivalries.

“St. Edward’s, which has been a long time rival, and UT at PermianBasin always have good programs.

Other teams are up and coming, but I would say it is between St. Edward’s and UT Permian-Basin,”

said Migl.

The Rattlers have worked hard in the off-season and look forward to winning a national championship next season. Rivas wants to show his ability to overcome an injury and contribute to the team.

“I feel I will be better, you learn from each season and I learned from the mistakes I made last year,” he said.

With only a few months before the season, the Rattlers are ready to step on the field and make a difference by bringing home a championship.

November 10, 2010

Sports

www.stmurattlernews.com

THE

HOT

SEAT

Photo by Robin Johnson Featuring: Kristin Williams Classification: Senior Position: Forward Major: English with teacher certification You ranked No. 2 in the nation for rebounding two seasons ago at Moberly Area Community College, how focused are you in contributing the same qualities this season? “[I am] very focused. Rebounding is my bread and butter — it sparks defense and offense. It is a big part of my game and our game.”

Why did you choose to study at St. Mary’s University?

“The academic quality and the opportunity to participate on a really good basketball team was something I wanted to do.”

How do you feel going into this season?

“I feel very confident. We have two exhibition games already under our belt. I know we can compete against these Division 1 teams.”

Is there any competition that worries you?

“Anybody can win on any given night, so you cannot really focus on one team. You just have to come out ready every night.”

How do you balance your schoolwork and basketball?

“It is hard. Sometimes I do not sleep, but you got to do what you got to do. You may be uncomfortable at times, but you will be rewarded.”

What have you learned from Coach Jason Martens so far?

“Being at St. Mary’s has taught me that defense can win games.”

Compiled by Robin Johnson

The Rattler 16