The Rattler St. Mary’s University
Vol. 96 Issue 1
09.10.08
Are you ready? Bills, tests, deadlines, elections; decisions plague the life of a Rattler.
Your Advocate Interim dean ready to fill role.
Page 4
Enhanced waters Are they worth it or worthless?
Page 17
Bring it on Rattlers look forward to strong competition. Page 28
News The Rattler
News in Brief Campus
World
Hope Not Hate: U.S. Muslim World Relations Conference
Bhutto widower Zardari elected Pakistan’s new president
Saturday, Sept. 13 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Moody Life Science Center Americans for Informed Democracy will host Hope Not Hate, a one-day leadership retreat that will include speakers and workshops focusing on U.S.Muslim world relations. Speakers will include Zahir Janmohamed, co-founder of the Qunoot Foundation; Mohamed Elibary, president and CEO of the Freedom and Justice Foundation; and Naomi Shihab Nye, a Palestinian-American poet.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, has won the election to become the country’s next president. The election was held to replace former president Pervez Musharraf, who was forced to resign last month. Zadari was elected by lawmakers in the two houses of the National Assembly and in the four provincial assemblies around the country. SOURCE: CNN News
Courtesy of aidemocracy.org
Hot Topic discussion about Banner Thursday, Sept. 11 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., University Center These Hot Topic events are school-wide forums that enlighten students about issues affecting them on campus. This forum, hosted by the Student Government Association, will also inform students about the new Banner system.
Mi San Antonio - Reflections Wednesday, Sept. 3 – Sunday, Sept. 28 Second Floor, Louis J. Blume Library The Art Program and the Louis J. Blume Academic Library present “Mi San Antonio - Reflections,” curated by art professor Brian St. John. The exhibit includes photographs from San Antonio College staff photographer Leonard Ziegler. It is held in conjunction with FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA-SAFOTO, an international photography festival, and features works with diverse subjects and representations of the community.
CareerZone Connect Job and Internship Fair Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., University Center The Career Services Center will be hosting its annual on-campus job fair in the University Center. Students are encouraged to attend the job fair with their résumés and be dressed professionally. Students can network with local and national employers and be recruited for part-time, full-time and internship positions.
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U.S.-India nuclear accord approved The Nuclear Suppliers Group has approved a U.S. proposal to lift restrictions on selling nuclear technology to India. Approval came only after India pledged to uphold a moratorium on testing atomic weapons. India also agreed to keep up its voluntary, non-proliferation commitments. Opponents of the deal criticize the approval of India’s nuclear expansion without signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Critics also state that the deal poses a threat to arguments for the isolation of Iran due to its nuclear program. Proponents cite the need for global use of clean and renewable energy. The deal cannot take effect before it is ratified by Congress. SOURCE: BBC News
Cellular telephone ban in 18 school zones The San Antonio Police Department has chosen 18 public and private schools to participate in a pilot program, which bans cellular telephone use in school zones. San Antonio City Council approved the ordinance last month. The ban makes it illegal for motorists to talk on a cell phone as well as send or read text messages in the school zone unless the phone call is emergency- or medical-related. Signs, which will show a cell phone with a red circle and a slash through it, will be posted near all the affected school zones. After a 60-day grace period, violations could result in fines up to $200. Full enforcement will not begin until Oct. 31. SOURCE: mysanantonio.com Graphic by Robin Johnson
Tropical Storm Hanna makes it to shore Tropical Storm Hanna reached shores in the Carolinas on Sept. 6. Hanna’s center reached land after 3 a.m. with winds close to hurricane strength. Once making it ashore, Hanna weakened to a less destructive force and moved northward. SOURCE: news.aol.com
The Rattler News
Freshmen show they are ready for SGA elections By San Juanita Moncada Staff Writer
Photo by Robin Johnson
Members of SGA work together to solve problems; they are our representatives to the administration.
Six first-year students stepped up to represent their class. “This year has shown the highest volume of campaigning we have seen,” said Vice President of Internal Affairs Valarie Cobos. Plans to make banners and promote the candidates started within the first week of August. Colorful posters and flyers were found taped up everywhere. Many posters urged students to pick one candidate over another. Several that the Student Government Association (SGA) posted simply encouraged students to go voice their opinions by voting. While not every freshman heeded the call, the posters did get the message across. This semester, SGA rallied and worked in the University Center (UC) promoting this fall’s freshman senator elections. “Seven SGA representatives worked the tables in the UC to pro-
mote the coming election time,” said Cobos. SGA even held two information sessions to make candidates fully aware of what the duties of the position would entail. In days prior to the election, e-mails were sent out informing students of the voting days and reminding them to bring their Rattler ID cards. J.B. Bolgren, junior accounting major, assisted in planning the elections and said that he was pleased to have such a good participation rate. The association had expected approximately 60 freshmen per day for the two days the voting was open. The elections had a record of 92 people showing up to vote on the first day alone. “The strong number of participants made an exceptional impression on the efforts made by SGA,” commented SGA President and senior political science major James Escamia.
A summer away from home prepares students with real world experience By Ari Rivera News Editor
Courtesy of Nicasagas.com
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. It has a tropical climate and universal sufferage at age 16.
Students involved in the International Relations (IR) program spent the summer semester abroad in Nicaragua, attempting to gain an understanding of sustainable human development. Both IR and students outside the program attended a two-week seminar in the South American country, observing issues and ideas ranging from security to sustainable development. Some participants said they found little difficulty in the accessibility of the program. “The application process was very easy and was conducted through Dr. Hufford’s office,” said graduate international relations student Philippe Nassif. There was also a little paperwork involved.
“The Center for Global Education had us fill out an application in which we outlined our intentions for the trip,” said St. Mary’s alumna Carla Aguilar. Students of other majors said they integrated into the program. “The trip was designed so that as you met with various speakers, you could build from their lectures and the pre-assigned readings to feel as though you fit in - even if you were not an IR major,” said Jennifer Butler, a graduate student with her focus of learning on interAmerican studies. Lectures and seminars were not the only events participants experienced on their trip. From checking out nongovernmental organizations and going through a factory to hiking miles to get to a coffee cooperative, students experienced many events. “We even interviewed a woman
who had been taken in the Contra War, swam in a crater lake, hiked in a forest and danced at a block party,” said Butler. “The trip was a great success,” said Nassif. “We toured a majority of the country, visiting slums, wealthy neighborhoods, some free trade zones, Sandinista strongholds and cooperatives.” Some of the participants said that they did not know what to anticipate from the experience. “I went on the trip not knowing very much about Nicaragua or what to expect,” said Aguilar. Butler added, “I honestly did not have very many expectations going into this trip. I just wanted to go in with my eyes open and try to learn as much as possible.” Different summer abroad programs are available every year and are open to many members of the St. Mary’s community.
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News The Rattler
Interim dean of students ready to fulfill his role By Kimberly Vela
Advertising Manager On a university campus, students need an advocate for their needs and concerns to be relayed to the administration. After serving for two semesters, former Dean of Students Judy Deshotels resigned her position on June 9. Student Life decided to offer the position to current Interim Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life James Villarreal. “After some thought, discussion with my family, knowing what that would mean and the commitment of time, I responded with a ‘Yes, I would,’” said Villarreal. “Dean of students serves as an advocate for students. When challenges come their way and when they find they are unable to get assistance from other entities, they should feel comfortable coming to the dean of student’s office.” Villarreal said that because of all the progress on the new residence hall that is scheduled to go up this year, he wanted to continue to hold the title of director of Residence Life in order to be involved in the process. Over the past three years, the position of dean has seen many changes. In the 2006-2007 academic year, no one specific individual served as the dean. Instead, the Student Life Department leaders shared the responsibilities. Vice President for Student Development Katherine Sisoian said that the department decided to hire an interim dean instead of sharing
the responsibilities. “In 2006-2007, everybody who was a director or assistant dean had been in [his/her] job for quite a while. We sort of shared the responsibility of the dean between me and that team [of people who had been here]. [Now,] we have had a lot of new hires coming into Student Activities, so it’s a different environment [this year],” Sisoian said. According to junior English major Sarai Ortega, the dean of students position is one that is essential to students and should always be occupied. “This is your home away from home, so if there’s no one responsible [for] that, how does that make the university look?” Ortega said. “Last year, I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel [Syndrome] in September, and you have to go to the dean of students to sign a special request. She has to give it out to all your teachers because you can’t do that on your own. “ The dean of students position is vital in students’ experience at St. Mary’s, according to Sisoian. “The dean of students’ role is to be the advocate of student body, and that’s essential in higher education because the group that is impacted by the quality of our program is the students,” she said. “So much of the student experience that’s related to living on campus and benefiting from the programs and services that exist comes out of that area. We have to have someone focused on that area 24/7.” Villarreal shares this sentiment.
Photo by Analicia Pérez
Interim Dean of Students Villarreal works hard in the Student Life Office. “[The dean of student’s office is a place for students to] try to find out where to go when they don’t seem to be able to get an answer from another staff member and try to get some assistance from that. At least we will be able to get [students] some answers, and if [those answers are] not in their favor, at least we will be able to get the students some rationale as to why it can’t be in their favor,” he said.
Ortega continued to explain that if there was no one in that position, students could have trouble finding someone to turn to for help. She also said that due to inconsistencies with deans over the past years, problems have arose. “I just recently found out that the [previous] dean of students is not here. I’ve been having trouble with [my financial aid}, and [Deshotels] guaranteed it would be
the same, but she’s not here. So, who am I supposed to take it up with?” Ortega said. Fortunately for Ortega, Villarreal said he would like to address such problems. “I want to bring some continuity. I have been here for the past four years, so [I want to bring] stability. Prior to this last June, we went a year without a dean, where we were all kind of rotating that responsibility, to a year with a dean. Hopefully, I will provide some continuity and some consistency [as well as] maintain the level of commitment to students and their needs,” Villarreal said. Villarreal’s interim position will last one year. According to Sisoian, a search for a full-time dean will begin in late October, early November. The university will work with the search firm Spelman and Johnson to launch a search for a dean of students. The notices and marketing will begin late fall, most likely after the holidays. Early in the spring semester, the university will start inviting finalists to campus with the hope that we will have a new dean in position by July 1. “We will involve students in the process; students will serve on the search committee, and others [will] participate in a forum where they can ask the finalists questions,” Sisoian said. “We obviously want the students’ input. And based on the search process, we hope to make an offer to somebody by next spring semester.”
StMU Dean of Students at a Glance What does a dean of students do? n
Acts as an advocate of students.
n Develops an on-campus environment. n Promotes community on our campus.
Recent years n For the 2006-2007 academic year, St. Marys operates without a dean of students. n Judy Deshotels, Ph.D., fills the void in our offices and acts as our dean for 2007-2008. n For the 2008-2009 school year, James Villarreal acts as interim dean of students while still working in his position as director of Residence Life.
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The Rattler News
Olympic Games creates tourism swell in China By Stephanie Hopkins Staff Writer Chinese tourism has dramatically increased after hosting the Olympics, according to recent reports from The Wall Street Journal. Even now in mid-September, China’s advertising features slogans and images with Olympic themes, beckoning tourists to Beijing. Since July, it was known that the country will continue to use the Olympics in its advertising up until the end of 2008. Hosting this year’s games brought China to the forefront of many people’s minds. Unfortunately, the Sichuan Earthquake and later restrictions put in place by government officials deterred leisure travel to the country before they hosted the Olympics. While the natural disaster couldn’t be helped, the restrictions were set up to increase security and ensure safer travel as the nation prepared to host the Olympics. Visa limitations were meant to discourage terrorists and demonstrators from interfering with China’s plans.
Some regulations are still in place despite the end of the Beijing Games. Attempting to add to the tourist attraction of the Great Wall, Beijing officials hope to bring people into their city by using the location of the Olympics as their main campaign. The capital acts as the gateway to the rest of China, getting tourists to visit other cities and travel across the nation. Thus, new tourism brought into Beijing allows wealth to spread to other parts of the country. In a July tele-interview with English People’s Daily, the chief representative in China for Switzerland Tourism, Zhang Wenjia, expressed enthusiasm for the coming Beijing Games. “It’s great that Beijing has won the right to host the 2008 Olympic Games. We can expect the city to become one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world,” Wenjia said. Global hotel companies have already jumped in on the plan too. Millions of dollars were invested in China along with plans to build more hotels in the hope that the Olympics
would spark more tourism and bring in more money. Such investments are putting pressure on the Chinese tourism administrations, which are always working to pull people in. During an interview by The Wall Street Journal with Xiong Yumei, the Beijing Tourism Administration’s deputy director, Yumei informed reporters that China is now focusing on Western tourists. Prior to the Olympics, most of the tourism into China came from Japan and the neighboring Koreas. Now, tourists from the West are encouraged to travel the distance. “We know what we have to offer, but we want to know what people outside of China are interested in [so that we can] show them what they want to see,” said Xiong. But the games haven’t transformed China in the eyes of everyone. “I had already wanted to travel to China, but with the Olympics, it was pictured too pretty. I know that’s not what China is really like,” said biology major Chris Munoz.
Courtesy of www.kjk.ca
Always a popular tourist attraction, China’s Great Wall floods with new tourists.
09.10.08 5
News The Rattler
Photo by Emily Scruggs
How many of you have stood in this line more than once?
Financial Aid works to be ready on Banner
bear the burden of the process.” The current economy has pushed the office to change and has had different effects During peak times, the Office of Financial on students on campus. Major moneylendAssistance may see up to 40 to 50 students ers have pulled out and no longer offer the loans they once did. The University of Texas per day. Students come in for reasons that include at San Antonio had its four top lenders drop expanding their student loans and inquiring over the summer. St. Mary’s has tried to dodge the adverse about the study abroad program. Most have effects by switching to the Direct Loan Proone goal in mind. “Most students come in to check on their gram. The economy also affects the situation financial aid status,” said Office of Financial for students with private loans. “The change didn’t affect me personally, Assistance Receptionist Dolores Marroquin. As part of St. Mary’s efforts to make fi- but a close friend of mine checked Gateway and saw that she didn’t nancial aid accessible owe any money. But she online, it was transcalled Financial Aid to ferred to Banner, be sure, and she was inaffecting many stu- “The second year of Banner is formed that she owed dents who received going to be incredible compared $9,000,” said Rebecca their award letters to the first year.” Lopez, junior criminal over the summer. - David Krause justice and psychology With no prior triDirector, Officie of Financial Assistance major. “She had to get al period, the system outside loans to cover was implemented. the cost.” “We were given According to Krause, credit criteria have very little opportunity to test,” said David Krause, director of the Office of Financial tightened up, and some returning students Assistance. “As a result, we’ve been spend- have discovered that their loans have either ing a lot more time reacting rather than be- higher interest rates or there was a decrease in the amount offered. ing able to be proactive.” “The second year of Banner is going to One of the university’s mottos is “personal attention,” and students acknowledge the be incredible compared to the first year,” Krause said. office’s efforts to fulfill it. Students can and should take initiative “Compared to financial aid offices at other schools, [St. Mary’s] makes you feel im- in their financial aid for next year. Suggesportant even if [the staff is] busy,” said Jaime tions include filling out the FAFSA as soon Dunlap, a graduate marriage and family as possible and applying for departmental and outside scholarships. therapy major. The Office of Financial Assistance is The process of switching systems has creworking on gathering links to be up on Banated challenges. “We appreciate students being patient,” ner in order to continue to assist students in said Krause “It is not the intent that students the scholarship application process.
By Ari Rivera News Editor
Photo by Emily Scruggs
Across One Camino Santa Maria stands the Office of Financial Assistance.
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The Rattler Commentary
Mappa Mundi
A Prayer for Zimbabwe By Alfonso de la Torre Commentary Editor
Photo Courtesy of www.abcnews.com
The coming election is expected to draw an increasing number of young voters.
A Post Primary Season Syndrome
As Election Day draws closer, a fierce uproar is beginning to rock the national political scene. Senators Barack Obama and John McCain are going head to head on what Miguel Angel is a historic presidenGarcia tial race, not to mention a very tight one. The daily national polls have consistently placed the candidates within the 3 percent marginal error range, and both of them have seen their fair share of pitfalls and gains in the fight to claim the country’s support. Yet, what has caught my attention is
the way in which both candidates have changed since the day they announced their candidacy. It is quite evident that both candidacies have matured and, little by little, have found their own voice. Yet, at the same time, both have bent under the constant pressure and different opinions of the American people. Obama, on one hand, is being blamed for moving towards the center on several key liberal issues, such as foreign policy and the death penalty. McCain, on the other hand, has tried to distance himself from President George Bush, though their agendas agree the majority of the time. Both candidates are experiencing what I like to call “Post Primary Season Syn-
drome,” in which their chief goal is usually to win their respective party’s most ideological voters. The mission is to win, and both candidates will strive to do whatever is required to achieve that goal. Do not be surprised if you see more shifting along the way–the so-called “flip flopping.” Both Obama and McCain will continue to bend according to the wishes and desires of the majority. And, to some extent, that is our fault as voters. Voters’ volatility has always been an issue, causing changes in what the candidates stand for. That is indeed the game of politics or, at least, the way the United States plays it.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history, the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Think of it—always.” These words by Mahatma Gandhi were pronounced more than 70 years ago. Today, however, I use them to pray for Zimbabwe. After more than 28 years, Robert Mugabe remains president of Zimbabwe and nothing, not even his hideous crimes, seem to be able to change that in the near future. Last March and June’s elections won by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), were stolen by Mugabe, who was once hailed as a hero of Zimbabwe’s independence. A negotiation process has begun between Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party and the MDC. Yet these negotiations are, as of today, deadlocked: Mugabe has not only made clear that he will not leave power, but also refuses to give Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the MDC, any role other than fourth vice-president. Nothing seems to be likely to change in the following months, and Mugabe continues to ignore his own people. The international community continues to fail in its attempts to effect change in the government. Thabo Mbeki, the infamous South African president and the key mediator in this issue, has been far too passive with Mugabe and has continuously overlooked the killing of more than 100 members of the opposition. The United Nations Security Council—together with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union—has remained idle while Zimbabwe becomes the new embarrassment of Africa. Despite the calls of prominent leaders such as Nelson Mandela, no concrete action has been taken on this issue. The situation of Zimbabwe is appalling: Inflation figures show four digits and are increasing at an unbelievable rate (A new note for 100 billion Zimbabwean dollars, which is worth less than one U.S. dollar, was introduced five weeks ago.); a teacher’s salary is not enough to buy a loaf of bread; humanitarian aid is often delayed by the government; and the ZANU-PF party of Mugabe continues to intimidate the opposition. Zimbabweans are fleeing to the neighboring countries in thousands, and Mugabe continues to rule a nation that has told him to go home. The country faces the darkest hour of its history; thus, I pray for Zimbabwe, mindful of the fact that now, the country needs more than prayers.
09.10.08 7
Commentary The Rattler
Service should be part of core curriculum
Illustration by Jaymee Baxley
What I am about to argue is simply what I believe to be St. Mary’s mission to form persons and leaders of integrity. Alfonso As has been de la Torre stated many times, the core curriculum is one of the characteristics of the liberal arts education that St. Mary’s provides. It is meant to fully educate the individual and develop him/ her as a critical-thinking person with an orientation towards leadership and a social consciousness that enables him/her to be an agent of positive change. Yet, a critical element of this formation is still missing in the curriculum: a service learning requirement. Service learning is an integral part of the mission of this institution. Furthermore, it is a key ele-
ment of the Marianist tradition on which St. Mary’s has been built. Thus, I believe that the core curriculum should include a service learning requirement, not as a way to force students to do service, but as an opportunity to expose them to the social issues that they will encounter once they finish college. Let me stress the idea of service learning. The point is not merely to do service, but to perform service to others that transforms us at emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels. The educational importance of this learning is hard to overestimate. Indeed, the purpose of our development as engineers, musicians, philosophers, entrepreneurs, etc. is to contribute to a better society, a society in which human dignity is recognized and people are allowed to develop their potential to the fullest. Granted, some people might not approach this requirement with the best attitude, but the same
applies to the fine arts, philosophy, theology or mathematics requirements in the core curriculum. Nevertheless, they are still considered important and rightly so. Again, a service learning requirement seeks to educate students, not just to make them do extra work. Probably the most important thing that St. Mary’s does for its students is to invite them to take an ethical stand with respect to contemporary problems. The experience at this university has taught us about our interdependence and the responsibility we have to each other. A service learning requirement simply moves in that direction and deepens the commitment of the university, both as an academic and service institution, to bring about a positive change in our world.
USA: Where the melting pot develops an identity crisis What it means to reflect on culture, heritage and the meaning of being an American.
Cristina Gonzalez
If the United States of America held a contest tomorrow to decide our national slogan, what would be the winning entry? There are the standard suggestions, such as “USA: Home of the brave!” The winning entry should be less greeting-
card friendly. It should be more something: “USA: Land of the identity crisis.” Let’s face facts. As a nation, we take pride in being known as a “melting pot.” From all over, people come for a chance at a better life for themselves, bringing with them the customs, language and beliefs of their homelands. Usually, one finds like-minded individuals, such as in the case of English war brides who formed social clubs to transition into America following World War II. Other times, sacrifices must be made in order to fit in with the “American way of life.” Generally, the first thing to go is culture. Culture is a constantly fluctuating thing, an intangible concept made tangible in bev-
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Photo Illustration by Robin Johnson
Many young Americans become integrated in their adopted culture but still ask, “Who am I?” liefs, languages and fashions. It can also serve as the source of constant conflict—the most obvious being between the parents of one country and their “Americanized” children. Amy Tan presented a good example of this with The Joy Luck Club and in the biopic Selena, in which Abraham Quintanilla said, “We gotta be more Mexican than
the Mexicans and more American than the Americans!” I was born and raised in the States. I speak, read and write English as my first language. I love rock music, going to the mall and spending time with my friends, and I secretly enjoy Dr. Phil. I am, based on that evidence, an “average” American girl.
However, I also speak Spanish fluently. My surname clearly has Spanish roots. I enjoy watching Caso Cerrado and listening to the music of Hector LaVoe, Ruben Blades and Celia Cruz. White rice and beans are soul food to me. I fiercely believe in el cuco and la chupacabra. Coming from a Puerto Rican household, the question of “Who am I?” is further complicated by the question of “How much am I one over the other?” By communicating mostly in English, I worry a lot about losing the ability to speak Spanish. Without it, I lose the ability to connect on some level with my relatives still living on the island. Conversely, in taking pride in my roots and in my name, I worry about being culturally stereotyped. A majority of my idols are “white” Americans. What does that say about the culture I live in versus the culture I came from? Furthermore, what do I do when the customs and beliefs of my ethnic culture begin to clash with the culture I’ve accepted as my own? Only by exploring do we find ourselves and our place within the larger fabric of any culture we choose to adopt.
The Rattler Commentary
Candidates examined through VP choices, inconsistencies
I used to admire John McCain because he represented another kind of politics. That is not true anymore. Republican presidential candidate John McCain is an honest Alfonso man who nevertheless de la Torre has changed to become another product of the politics of fear. He is profiting from myths and misconceptions that portray him as an expert in foreign policy, which he is not. McCain is supposed to be a foreign policy expert for two reasons: first, because he was a POW; second, because he has visited Iraq several times. John McCain is truly a hero and a man to admire. Yet, his personal story alone does not qualify him to be president. If it were, many others should have been elected president, not only in this country, but around the world. Handling international crises is not the same as surviving torture not because one is more important than the other, but simply because each is a different thing. Also, the idea that McCain knows about the situation in Iraq more than anyone else because he has been there several times is extremely misleading. It is the same as asserting that Neil Armstrong is an expert on the Moon simply because he has been there. Yes, that probably was a great and very instructional experience, but in no way does it equal expertise. Does that make Barack Obama, McCain’s adversary, an expert in foreign policy? Of course, it doesn’t. But it is important to realize that McCain’s expertise is little more than a myth.
McCain has referred more than once to the “common border between Iraq and Pakistan” when such a border does not exist. Indeed, Iraq and Pakistan are not neighbors– there is something called “Iran” in between. Such a mistake is not a minor one or a simple exchange of consonants. It is a serious mistake that denotes ignorance about the most important region in the global war on terror. But let us give Mr. McCain the benefit of the doubt. Let us suppose he wanted to say Iran, not Iraq. Even in that scenario, his ignorance of the situation is great, for he referred to that border as being unstable when it is not: Pakistan and Iran share a very peaceful border. McCain is not an expert in foreign affairs, he just simply talks a lot about Iraq. Just as Rudolph Giuliani’s speeches were composed of a noun, a verb and the phrase “9/11,” John McCain’s are made up of the word Iraq, a verb, and the name “General Petraeus.” Still, I am not disappointed in McCain for this. McCain stopped being the senator I admired when he attacked Obama by saying that he “would rather lose a war in order to win a political campaign” simply because Obama continued to disagree with him after the former’s trip to Iraq. That attack was below the dirty politics that McCain himself has fought against for years. Furthermore, McCain has no property over the truth, and disagreeing with him does not mean one does not care about the country. By that criterion, more than half of Americans are traitors to their country as well. I expected much more from McCain the candidate. Now, with the election of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who advocates the same oil drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge that Sen. McCain has always opposed, I simply feel uneasy about the possibility of McCain the president.
Like many others, I spent Friday waiting for a text message. Not the message from the Barack Obama campaign to inform me about whom the Democratic presidential nominee Chris chose as his running mate, Childree but instead from a friend, who had signed up with the campaign to obtain that memo. By 1:11 a.m. Saturday morning, I finally received the message as my friend notified me that Senator Joe Biden of Delaware was selected by Obama. I applauded the choice of Biden as he has served in the Senate since 1973 and acted as a ranking member and chairman of both the Judiciary and foreign relations committees. I had always felt he was the Democrat most qualified to be president. His impressive résumé includes a long record of legislative and diplomatic accolades including the authorship of the Violence Against Women Act and leadership in helping to resolve the conflict in the Balkans. It is this kind of experience that I felt Obama’s campaign was lacking, and it led me to realize that the ticket should be reversed. If by the selection, Obama is conceding that experience matters, then his whole message of “change” as an outsider is undermined. If experience matters, as Obama now seems to admit, then wouldn’t it have been more reasonable for the Democrats to nominate somebody with knowledge and accomplishments, such as Biden or Senator Hillary Clinton for president, instead of the first-term senator? Democrats including Senators Joe Lieberman, Clinton, and former president Bill Clinton have been quoted questioning Obama’s ability to be commander-in-chief. The candidate’s own running mate is on record as stating that he feels Obama is not ready to be president and would require “on the job training.” Hillary Clinton stated that all Obama has in his repertoire is a “speech he gave in 2002.” Nobody questions Biden’s ability to be president
yet, he is the vice-presidential nominee. This ticket is reminiscent of 1988, with a highly qualified nominee and a one term senator, but this time, Dan Quayle is the presidential nominee and George H.W. Bush is his running mate. With this selection and its concession, presumptive Republican nominee John McCain can now hammer Obama for his inexperience and make further inroads with Democrats and Independents who don’t want a president who needs “on the job training.” The McCain campaign is now able to criticize the Democratic nominees with quotes from Biden criticizing Obama in 2007 and stating in 2005 that he “would be honored to run with or against John McCain.” Another weakness left with this ticket is that it is now made up of two senators without any executive experience. Such a team hasn’t been elected since John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson in 1960. Furthermore, McCain has selected Sarah Palin, former mayor of Wasilla, AK and the current governor of Alaska as his running mate. Palin has executive experience in state government which neither Democratic nominee can lay claim to. I have an abundance of respect for Senator Biden, and I understand why Obama selected him as a running mate, but I don’t think that Biden or anybody else should have to “train” a president on how to run the country, especially in a time when we face high energy prices, a sagging economy, international disputes, threats of terrorism and other unimaginable obstacles. Biden is the ideal candidate for the democrats, and it’s a shame that his expertise will go to waste as he will spend valuable time teaching somebody else on how to be president rather than doing the job himself.
09.10.08 9
Commentary The Rattler
The Rattler Editor in Chief Elizabeth Ruiz Managing Editor Christine Le Layout/Design Manager Jon Mike Hernandez Copy Editor Jacqueline Mendez News Editor Ari Rivera Commentary Editor Alfonso de la Torre Features Editor Sarah Mills Entertainment Editor Stephanie Sanders Sports Editor Chris Filoteo
Photo courtesy of g.upload.wikimedia.org
Photo Editor Robin Johnson Assistant Photo Editor Analicia Perez Advertising Manager Kimberly Vela Assistant Ad Manager Katie O’Donnell Faculty Advisers Margaret Luevano Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.
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 St. Mary’s University One Camino Santa Maria Box 83 San Antonio, TX 78228 210.436.3401 / 210.431.4307 (fax) rattlernews@stmarytx.edu Letter to the Editor The Rattler welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number. Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling and content. 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 rattlernews@stmarytx.edu. For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401.
10 09.10.08
Photo courtesy of www.austinbike.com
Some of the places that San Antonio has to offer are Port Aransas, an ideal place for fishing and sun bathing or cathing some waves, and Brakenridge, where many people go bikeriding, fishing and camping.
More than just the Alamo
Students who are new to San Antonio can look further than the River Walk to find exciting destinations A new academic year at St. Mary’s is starting, and our school is welcoming many people, especially freshmen, Dana Traugott to San Antonio for the first time. Knowing this, I would like to introduce this city that has much more to offer than what you can imagine. As a San Antonio native, I know this city inside and out–everything from the sidewalks that line Southwest Military Drive and Somerset
Road on the Southside to the malls off Basse Road and San Pedro Avenue on the Northside. Within that expanse, one encounters many different cultures, opinions and customs that make up the cultural heritage of the city. Despite this, some may argue that San Antonio lacks the variety of activities other cities have to offer, but I beg to differ. If you have an active imagination, you can always find something new to partake in. What about rock climbing, roller skating or tubing? You could even go for a game of racquetball. San Antonio lies only a few gas tanks away from just about every-
thing: mountains, oceans, deserts, ranches and even islands. Still, I have also crossed paths with those who are indifferent to what this city has to offer. If I were them, I would definitely make a point to try something fun. If you have no choice but to stay here, you might as well live it to the fullest. How many cities do you know that house the Alamo or that sponsor the third largest illuminated parade in the world? This city is just the right size. It is neither too crammed, nor too spacious. What is unappealing about it? It is simply perfect.
Some people like the gigantic cities with overpopulated streets, others the small country towns, and there are those like me who have a love for just-the-rightamount. I am truly proud to be a San Antonio native. I guarantee that this city is quite unique to the traveler. You probably were not aware, but this city is one of the five most unique cities in North America due to its historic legacy and its cultural vitality. There is simply nothing like this place.
The Rattler Commentary
Service speaks of rich St. Mary’s Tradition
Photo Courtesy of www.religionnews.com
Pope Benedict XVI attracted 400,000 young adults, the greatest gathering of people in Australia’s history.
World Youth gather for annual pilgrimage, reflect on faith
For a few members of the community, the question, “What did you do this summer?” has been answered with a broad Angela smile and an Santana enthusiastic response about World Youth Day (WYD). WYD is a week-long Roman Catholic event that happens once every three years. Established by Pope John Paul II in 1986, it is an invitation from the pope to the youth of the world to join him in pilgrimage to a single destination. This past July, Pope Benedict XVI traveled to Sydney, Australia, for the event. There, youths from over 170
nations participated in catechism, worship and celebration of the Catholic faith. Some of the most memorable encounters of WYD happened among the participants themselves. “The event beat out the Sydney 2000 Olympics in the number of people who were there,” said St. Mary’s alumnus Anthony Noriega, a WYD pilgrim who currently works as Our Lady of Lourdes’ residence hall director. While Sydney’s 400,000 pilgrims were only 10 percent of the most populated WYD, the event went down as the largest gathering of people in Australia’s history. The excitement and energy of WYD was manifested differently within each national background present. Animated chants, vivacious
songs and spirited hymns of all sorts were commonplace throughout WYD, no matter the location. “It was a visual experience for me because I could actually see the Catholic church in its universal presence,” said Livia Spilotro. Every pilgrim of the church was eager to see Pope Benedict XVI. Pilgrims even wrote down his schedule and hatched plans to catch a closer glimpse. Ashley Ibarra said that she was particularly touched to see the pope turn to pilgrims with open arms. “It showed me that he just wants to embrace us all, especially the youth,” said Ibarra. The 81-year-old pope spoke to the youth of the world on reality, the need for unity and morality. Many people, including the pilgrims, said that they were sur-
prised to hear the relevance of the pope’s words. “I was amazed at how much wisdom he had and how everything he said had some kind of direct relation to us,” Spilotro said. Anthony expressed a similar amazement, stating with confidence that the Holy Father spoke to everyone and for everyone. The main topic of discussion for Pope Benedict XVI was the Holy Spirit, which was the 2008 WYD theme. For many pilgrims, the theme helped refresh the teachings of the church on the Holy Spirit. Ibarra summarized her experience by saying, “I learned that [the Holy Spirit] kind of worked behind the scenes and silently. By realizing that, I got a greater appreciation for how He works in my life.”
As we take our first steps into adulthood, we make the decisions that will influence the rest of our lives. We pick our Francesca future careers, Garcia friendships and relationships, and we make choices that will shape us forever. Yet, as students of a Marianist community, we are called to examine the ways in which our actions affect those around us. It doesn’t matter what profession or major we choose, for we will always be part of a community. We share this special call because we are students of a Marianist university. St. Mary’s is a community which fosters service to one another, as the Marianist brothers and sisters have shown us throughout its more than 150 years of rich history. There is nothing that compares to the wonderful gift you receive when helping your neighbor. Sophomore Monica Rincon expressed this gift in her own words: “When I help someone, there is a smile brought to my heart that is irreplaceable.” Rincon is a member of the St. Mary’s ROTC and also collaborates in the retreats organized by University Ministry. She hopes to continue her service well beyond her life at St. Mary’s University. Like Rincon, we should be encouraged by the Marianist brothers and sisters that live among us. Indeed, we stand on the shoulders of giants; we are part of a great tradition of civic engagement and commitment to those less favored by society. When the time comes for us to venture into our future careers, we will have the gift of the Marianist character to help carry us along our path of public service. Certainly, we should take Winston Churchill’s words to heart: “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.”
09.10.08 11
Features The Rattler
The Peanut Gallery
Greener campus a goal for students By Kimberly Vela
Advertising Manager
Celebrities are endorsing anything environmentally friendly, and some are even coming out with eco shoe lines. Is it:
Annoying or Effective? “It’s just extra face time for them; I don’t care what they have to say.” - Eric Rodriguez, senior political science major “I think it’s good. Everything we do harms the environment. I believe it brings awareness.” -Nora Martinez, freshman business major
“I don’t think it is effective. People who do care already recycle; those who don’t won’t.” -Andrew Yanez, sophomore business major
12 09.10.08
Pointing at a trash can in the University Center, senior biology major Sylvia De Sola said that there could easily be a bin for plastics, aluminum and paper right next to the garbage. “We need multiple bins; recycling needs to be accessible,” De Sola said. “People want to do things that are going to be easy.” De Sola cares about the campus’ carbon footprint. She serves as the president of the Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO), the only registered student organization dedicated to creating awareness about the environment among students. De Sola is also researching and writing her senior Honors Program thesis on the ways to reduce St. Mary’s carbon footprint through a greenhouse gas emissions inventory. She said she will do research on what kind of emissions St. Mary’s produces throughout the fall, then she hopes to create suggestions for the university to reduce this output. De Sola projects a proposal will be ready by the end of the academic year. “I could give the university some easy ideas that don’t cost anything and will save the campus money and reduce our carbon footprint,” she said. Over the past few years, the university has seen many recycling initiatives started by the Student Government Association (SGA). One idea, which has continued and prospered throughout this semester, is the addition of recycling boxes placed in the dormitories. While it was rumored that students would be fined if they did not return their recycling boxes, Residence Life Director and Interim Dean of Students James Villarreal confirmed that there would be no charge at the end of the year. “At first, we were thinking that we would try to hold students responsible for their recycling boxes, but we decided not to force students to recycle. We wanted this program to be completely voluntary,” Villarreal said. According to SGA President and senior political science major James Escamia, SGA started working with a task force made up of Villarreal and Facilities Administrator of Physical Plant William Tam, who are focusing on conservation and recycling on campus. Escamia says plans are in order to start plastic recycling by the 2009-2010
academic school year. “SGA is sending two representatives to the task force, which includes Tania Ramirez and Amanda Osuna,” Escamia said. “The more green our campus goes, the better. We need an energy conservation method to better the environment for our children.” Students on campus support the idea of recycling plastics as well as other materials. Junior biology major Jaymee Baxley said that recycling should be more apparent on campus and believes that students would be willing to take on the responsibility. “We are a liberal arts school; can you imagine what we could do if we changed everything to recycling? It’s not that hard. I really want us to up our game on it,” she said. “I recycle all the time because my family recycles at home. I have the paper one, which I recycle here because it’s local. And I have plastics, which I put in another box, and I drive home every weekend to visit my family and recycle it.” Other students are not quite as confident in the attitudes among Americans in general, much less students on campus. “I think it’s possible [to start recycling], but we need to do a lot more. I lived in Europe for three years, and the difference between recycling [in Europe] versus here is huge,” said junior psychology major Monica Lackups. “I know a lot of people are like ‘Oh, I’ll recycle,’ but they’re lazy. They don’t want to take it all over there. In Europe, they have little boxes for glass and plastic, but they don’t have that over here. [Americans] need that.” Escamia remains positive on the issue. Despite the nation starting to come down with Green Fever, Escamia does not believe this to be a passing fad. “It’s not a trend. We’ve seen [recycling and energy conservation] throughout time; people see that it is important to recycle. It’s because of the education that we have received; that’s what is preventing it from becoming a trend. It can be a way of life,” Escamia said. De Sola agrees. While recycling and going green may seem like a trend to some, De Sola said that energy conservation is a relevant issue that has permeated life and that this campus should embrace. “It has become apparent that we need to do something. Look at the upcoming election. This is becoming an important issue for Americans; it
should be an important issue for St. Mary’s,” De Sola said. ECO as well as SGA plan to sponsor many events within the next school year to encourage students to lower their energy consumption. Events include Green Week in the spring semester, which is a week of energy-saving tips and activities, and the Basura Bash, when students help to clean up the San Antonio River. This year’s Lin Great Speaker Series will feature sustainability journalist and writer Alan Weisman who will talk about environmental issues on Jan. 2, 2009. “We are going in the right direction. This year’s Lin Speaker Series is all about becoming green. The campus is finally realizing that we need to get this done,” De Sola said. Escamia said that the most important thing for students to do is remember that they have the power to change the environment and the world. “I hope students will keep in mind that we are the voice of the future. We have to be extremely cautious in what we do because it will be important down the line. That is a good mindset to have,” Escamia said. “That’s how we get things done.”
Get Trashy Although they are some of the most populated cities, these six cities recycle the least. Percentage of garbage collected for recycling:
Houston 2.6%
Denver 10.3%
Ok lahoma City 3%
Detroit 10.5%
San Antonio 4%
Charlotte 10.6%
Source: USA Today
Graphic by Jon Mike Hernandez
The Rattler Features
Toast to Talk
Students and activists react to efforts from college presidents to lower the drinking age. By Jaime Perez Staff writer
The new season of Gossip Girl premiered with a strong reception on Sept. 1. The show, which appears on the CW Television Network, garnered big ratings and criticism for its use of adult themes, one being underage drinking. Stirring up more controversy than the popular TV show, a petition called the Amethyst Initiative has emerged with over 100 national college presidents backing it. The petition calls for a debate to discuss whether or not the current drinking age of 21 is effective enough to mirror reality. Jill Johnstone, a Central Texas program specialist for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization, believes that this kind of debate is necessary, although she does not support it. “I do think that these comments do open the conversation of underage drinking. It allows people to learn and evaluate what the consequences of drinking are while they are younger and form their own opinion,” Johnstone said. MADD and similar organizations campaign to the public about the consequences of irresponsible drinking and have recently began to reach out to a younger audience due to the growing influence of television and other forces, such as the Amethyst Initiative. According to Johnstone, early education is the key to preventing alcohol abuse later in life. “People under the age of 21 are still developing physically. Biologically, brains don’t stop developing until the age of 21 or 22, according to all scientific studies. Introducing a substance like alcohol can damage that,” she said. “We need to open this dialogue.” However, the college presidents supporting the
Amethyst Initiative believes the current drinking age is leading teens to resort to binge drinking, using fake IDs and choosing to drink illegally rather than abstaining. The age limit, which was raised from 18 to 21 in 1984, is believed to have “saved over 25,000 lives,” according to Johnstone. Senior political science major James Escamia, president of the Student Government Association, believes that some statistics may be “skewed and inaccurate.” “The amount of deaths recorded caused by underage drinking and driving before the year 1984 may have contributed to each state having its own specific drinking laws. For example, if an 18 year old wanted to buy a beer but was unable to because the age limit in his state was 21, he may have had to drive to the neighboring state to buy it,” said Escamia. “Consequently, he was at a greater risk to be in an accident. If the age limit was 18 in his state, then it might be a different story.” Escamia, who is in full support of a U.S.-wide drinking age limit, does agree that education is needed for responsible drinking. “I understand why the age limit is 21, and I believe it should be. However, if people are campaigning to have the age limit lowered, then I believe it should be a gradual thing,” said Escamia. “We need to be able to slowly teach the public about the consequences.” Paul Glowacki, chief of police of St. Mary’s University Police Department, shares a similar sentiment. “I believe that when students under the age of 21 or otherwise abuse alcohol, they often use that as an excuse for their behavior,” said Glowacki. “Students need to understand the responsibility and consequences when deciding to consume alcohol.” Though Glowacki believes that it is hard
to predict what will happen if the age limit is returned to 18, he does believe that the key to combat the abuse of alcohol would be more education on campus. “I think that students are aware of what could happen to them if they drink irresponsibly, but I also think there is a lot of immaturity. They need to obey the law and understand the mental and physical ramifications of drinking,” Glowacki said. However, freshman criminology major Savannah Morrow feels that lowering the drinking age will make it less appealing and less of a spontaneous activity. “This will make drinking more relaxed instead of [turning it into] a crazy party beverage,” she said. Morrow believes that controversy is an important stepping stone in talking about important issues. “It’s better if we confront the problems or the issues we think are wrong,” said Morrow. “Not everyone may agree, but it’s better to debate than to secretly judge someone else without getting to know [his/her] point. That’s how gossip starts, right?”
Drinking Around the World Think you know your drinking laws? Test yourknowedge. What is the legal drinking age in China?
3
The United Kingdom allows minors to drink at home with parental consent. What age must the minors be in order to do so? Source: Funtrivia.com
2
What is the legal drinking age in Italy and Spain?
4
What country has the highest legal drinking age, and what age is it?
Photo courtesy of www.abc.com
1. There is no legal drinking age in China. 2. Sixteen. 3.Five. 4. The United States; the legal drinking age is 21.
1
Compiled by Sarah Mills
09.10.08 13
The Rattler
s i s i r C r Majo
y h p o s o Phil
Are you ready to make the switch?
Engl Commu ish nicati
ons
y g o l o i B By Jacqueline Mendez Copy Editor
Accou
nting ogy
l Psycho
Marketing
14 09.10.08
With the cost of tuition, transportation and textbooks on the rise, a college education is far from cheap for today’s students. According to the St. Mary’s Web site, the estimated overall cost to attend this institution for the 2008-2009 academic year is $30,000 for commuters and $34,042 for on-campus students. Multiply these numbers by four, and the cost of a St. Mary’s degree is approximately $136,168 for on-campus students and $120,000 for commuters. These final amounts, however, may skyrocket even more if a student decides to change his/her major. As stated on Youngmoney.com, 60 percent of students will have changed their majors at least once by the time they walk across the stage. More often than not, these switches will have an effect on a student’s time and finances. Senior marketing major Monica Saldana has changed her major twice; the first time, she switched from biology to theology, and the second, from theology to marketing, her current major. Saldana stated that her decision had added an extra year onto her undergraduate career. “Now, I need to figure out how I’m going to pay for it,” she said. Senior education major Michelle Salazar began her undergraduate career as an accounting major; however, she felt that her time would be better spent as an English teacher for high school students. “I wanted to work around people,” said Salazar. “And my love for literature was more than my love for math.” The resulting change set her back two years and, in turn, added the cost of those years onto the price tag of her degree.
Both students, however, believe the pros of their decision far outweigh the cons. “It took a lot of soul-searching to be sure it’s what I wanted,” said Saldana. “I know that I want to be an event planner, so I’m going to stick with this one. If, for some reason, I’m not happy as an event planner, there are many jobs out there that I can do with a marketing degree.” For the undecided, Saldana suggests a visit to the Career Services Center. “I went a few times when I didn’t know where to start, and [the Career Services Center] gave me a lot of resources online and on paper. They also offer job shadowing so that you can see what it’ll be like on the job.” Choosing a Major/Career, a pamphlet available at the Career Services Center, states that most students pick a major based on their belief that certain majors can only lead to employment in a certain industry. In truth, however, majors are designed to prepare students for a variety of careers. And while some positions may, indeed, require specialized training, most do not. Rebecca Rutledge, associate director of the Career Services and Service Learning Centers, advises that students make sure imagination and ideas strike a balance with reality when selecting a major. “If it doesn’t work, it’s OK,” said Rutledge. “You’re not using a whole lot of time in the broad spectrum of life, and the learning you do along the way can be very helpful and can complement what you do later on.” Rutledge also recommends that students volunteer, tutor, intern, conduct research, etc. to gain knowledge and experience. “Do what you need to do to make sure that those ideas are really sinking in,” she said. Finally, Rutledge urges students to remember that their education will only take up three lines on their résumés. “The rest of it is all experience,” she said.
The Rattler
Englis h Litera ture
Math
Steady Jobs Even though technology continues to erase many jobs, these jobs will stand the test of time. Religious Leader Reason: Religion plays a role in many people’s lives and a majority of these religions rely on a leader to assist. Tax collector Reason: Taxes show no sign of disappearing. Morticians Reason: Since immortality has not been discovered, there will be a need for people to care for the deceased for a long time.
Don’t know what to do?
Fastest Declining Occupations With technology improvements, machines that can perform faster are replacing people. Grocery Store Cashier Reason: Jobs that handle paper money are declining as more rely on credit and digital forms of payment. Call Center Representatives Reason: Technology improvements. Credit and File Clerks Reason: Technology improvements.
Politician Reason: Politics will be around as long as any form of government exists.
Film Processors Reason: Less people are using film as more people choose to use digital photos.
Doctor Reason: People will always get sick or injured no matter how hard they try.
Telemarketers Reason: More people are using call-blocking equipment and are opting out of sales calls
Teacher Reason: There is always a need for education.
Radio and Television Announcers Reason: There are more job seekers than jobs available in the field and there is also a growth of other media sources.
Scientist Reason: There is always a need for scientific solutions as the world changes. Computer Software and Software Engineers Reason: With new Internet applications and demand for system safety, there is a steady demand in these fields. Source www.forbes.com
Postal Service Mail Sorters and Processors Reason: Sorting devices and optical readers are now available and can perform the same tasks. Pharmacy Aids Reason: Pharmacy technicians now do many of the responsibilities of pharmacy aides, such as answering phones and stocking shelves. Source www.forbes.com
International Relations
Engine
ering
By Rebecca Rutledge Associate Director Career Services and Service Learning Center Raise your hand if you are sure your major will qualify you for that great job you hope to land. Wait, are you one of those few and far between lucky students who already know exactly how to secure that job? Did your extensive career research prior to your major choice provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in today’s job market? If these questions are causing you to bite your fingernails with anxiety about your major and career choice, have no fear. Your friendly career advisors in the Career Services Center are ready to assist you in determining which majors and careers will best express your personality, interests, values and skills. Based on your schedule, you have access to individual career advising sessions with a career advisor. Your career advisor will partner with you in your journey towards career decision by listening to you, showcasing the variety of career exploration materials at your disposal, teaching you the ropes of career research and suggesting options that fit based on your professional preferences. In addition to individual sessions, your career advisor will offer strategies to help you obtain exposure to and experience related to your field of interest. Visit with an advisor to learn about informational interviews, interacting with recruiters through mixers and career fairs and job shadowing. The Career Services Center Fall 2008 event lineup includes employer and alumni mixers, information sessions, job shadowing opportunities and job fairs. We want you to be involved. The Fall 2008 CareerZone Connect Job and Internship Career Fair is Sept. 17 while the Job Shadow Program is Oct. 16 – 17.
09.010.08 15
Features The Rattler
ATTENTION Interested in being a part of the journalistic community at St. Mary’s University?
The Rattler is looking for
amiable and energetic journalists interested in becoming the next Editor in Chief and leading the publication to future success.
AND Creative individuals with fresh and artistic ideas wanting to be involved in the competitive field of newspaper layout and graphic design as the new Layout and Design Manager. For more info: Contact The Rattler at (210) 436-3401 or stop by the newsroom located at UC 258.
16 09.10.08
Photo by Analicia Perez
Participants of the New Student Retreat hold up Annie Alejos, lead coordinator and ministerial assistant, during a trust building activity.
Retreat readies students By Analicia Perez
Assistant Photo Editor What better way to get to know someone than by franticly chasing after them in a human version of cat and mouse? This is where we found the anxious participants of the New Student Retreat on Sept. 5 and 6. Hosted by the University Ministry, this event has established itself as a St. Mary’s tradition. Making the transition from high school to college life or even transferring from another university can be difficult for many students, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the hot Texas sun and the inevitable humidity—which never allows for a good hair day. This is where the New Student Retreat comes in. Open to new students and transfer students of all faiths, this weekend sets the path for developing true and lasting friendships. Students shared many laughs as they tried to untangle themselves from the infamous “Human Knot,” got in some caloriebusting sprints from chasing one another across the Pecan Grove, and learned how to build trust as they fell into the arms of
their peers, hoping to be caught in time. Among the many icebreakers, students also took a night tour of the campus, learning more about the history and founders of our beloved university. “We believe that it is important to expose students to the Marianist culture so that they can better understand how those values have shaped our school and our traditions,” said senior interdisciplinary reading major Annie Alejos, one of the lead coordinators for the retreat. Culminating the many sights and sounds of this weekend was a formal ceremony to welcome the retreat participants into the St. Mary’s community. Students reflected on their experiences from the past two days as they were invited to be renewed in mind, body and soul through a hand-washing ceremony in the fountain at the front of the historic St. Louis Hall. The theme and inspiration for this year’s retreat was “Traditions, Transitions, and Time.” Looking back on his own experience, freshman biology major Ramon Benavides notes, “When people get together and laugh with one another, I find God listens more closely. It’s like He’s laughing right along with us.”
The Rattler Features
5
Bad Habits to Kick
Pumping up the jams Experiencing early hearing loss? Keep yourself from having to use a hearing aid while you’re still in your prime by using headphones that cover your entire ear rather than earphones that shoot sound straight into your ear canal.
Photo by Analicia Perez
All of these drinks can be found amongst other varieties and flavors in the Diamondback Café. Most run for $1.99, but there are also more expensive options.
The skinny on the newest health trend By Christine Le Managing Editor
Looking for an alternative to fulfill that daily requirement of eight to 10 glasses of water? With drink companies striving to appeal to a more healthconscious public, bottled waters with added vitamins, fruit flavors and sweeteners have proliferated store shelves, replacing regular “boring water” with the seemingly healthier and more flavorful vitamin water. Vitamin-supplemented bever-
Testing the Waters
ages are often fortified with additional minerals and can also contain antioxidants like vitamin C and stimulants like ginseng and caffeine. With the increasing popularity of these nutrient-laced drinks that indicate positive health benefits, many question their actual effectiveness. Does vitamin water really offer greater nutritional support than regular water? Can its consumption without maintaining an active lifestyle lead to weight gain? Are the drinks worth their
hefty prices? According to registered dietician Beverly Meyer from the public information source Diet & Health Center, vitamin drinks are not a good alternative to water and should simply be seen as “the better bad choice” when considering the drinks as replacements for sodas. “They are sweetened, and some contain caffeine,” explained Meyer. “I would only recommend that people drink vitamin water if they are drinking too much soda or coffee, as it is a good replacement to
those unhealthier habits—hence, the better bad choice.” While debates continue on whether vitamin water is beneficial for one’s diet or worth the cost, there is no doubt that the beverage companies are quenching the public’s thirst and cashing in on this health food craze. Nevertheless, consider one’s lifestyle, dietary needs and budget to determine if these enhanced drinks are a necessity or an indulgence.
Get to know some of these popular beverages personally before you gulp them down.
PROPEL INVIGORATING WATER STRAWBERRY
FUNCTION ENERGY WATER TANGERINE YUZU
AQUAFINA ALIVE ENERGIZE WATER ORANGE LIME
SOBE LIFE WATER YUZU BLACK CURRANT
INGREDIENTS: The 20-oz. bottle has 50 calories, approximately the same amount of caffeine as a cup of tea, and B vitamins.
INGREDIENTS: The 16.9-oz. bottle has 126 calories and a variety of exotic herbs including muira pauma, catuaba and yerba mate.
INGREDIENTS: The 20oz. bottle is calorie-free and sugar-free, contains as much caffeine as an average cup of coffee, and has B vitamins.
INGREDIENTS: The 20-oz. bottle has 100 calories, natural herbs and antioxidants, and has high levels of vitamins C and E.
STAFF SAYS: Its “bubblegummy” flavor tastes like “watered-down Kool-Aid” and has a strong fruity aftertaste.
STAFF SAYS: This drink has a strong “tart” flavor and tastes oily. It is like drinking disgusting medicine. “Yuck.”
STAFF SAYS: most natural lime part of detectable.
This drink is “the tasting,” yet the the flavor is un“Flavor country.”
STAFF SAYS: It’s a “liquefied Starburst” with a “medicinal” flavor that is “really syrupy” and tastes “almost like candy.”
Sources: www.bevnet.com, www.calorielab.com, www.energyfiend.com, www.theimpulsivebuy.com
Catching up on sleep If you stay up really late one night, making up for it by sleeping in the next day is not recommended. This instead leaves you cranky and can create an artificial jet lag.
Chomping on pens Even though chewing on pencils or pens won’t cause a person to make a visit to the ER, chewing on hard objects can cause serious damage and can even crack teeth.
Always wearing flip-flops They may be a college fashion staple, but flip-flops lack arch support, which can leave you with achy feet. Also, your toes are completely uncovered, which exposes them to some serious harm.
Staring at the screen Looking at the computer for long periods of time can create a variety of discomfort. Everything from dry, red eyes to headaches can plague a computer nerd, so remember to look away every 20 minutes or so.
Sources: www.Mayoclinic.com, www.thetruthaboutsleep.com, www.dentalcare.com, www. ourhealthcoop.com, www.public.iastate.edu Compiled by Sarah Mills and Jaime Perez
09.10.08 17
Features The Rattler
The Same Ol’ Story Liked that movie you just saw? It’s probably because you saw it before. Elizabeth Ruiz Editor in chief
How do The House Bunny and Pineapple Express tap into the movie-going psyche? The reason is that we’ve most likely seen them both before. The House Bunny could be the cinematic love child of Legally Blonde and She’s All That. (The same team that presented us with the cinematic triumph Legally Blonde scribed The House Bunny.) Pineapple Express is the next evolutionary step from Judd Apatow: guy-flick architect of the aughts. (Please refer to the visual aide on the right.) Why do we watch films we already know by heart? “People like variety but they also like things to be familiar,” said Jeremy Martin, a film critic for the San Antonio Current who gave a favorable review of Pineapple Express. “Hollywood would release different takes on an old formula and even different takes on an old film.” Movie fans can reflect on the debate a couple of years ago in which the seemingly endless stream of cinematic remakes were pointed as a cause for one of the lowest summer box office grosses in decades. Yet, every year, the highest grossing movies have consistent themes, genres, characters and story arcs amongst each other.
“People want to go to a movie and want to be entertained,“ said Patricia Owen, Ph. D., who has taught psychopathology in film. “It helps in escaping because there are no surprises.” A common recurrence is the ugly duckling story. “There is a common fantasy these movies tap into,” said Owen. There is no logical assessment of what accounts for what movies people like. However, there is an existing approach to assess what’s good and what’s bad. “There are courses in high school and college that teach students how to be media literate,” said Owen. “They learn to accept a message or to challenge it.” Seemingly light movies may have a dark undercurrent. “Are they simply fluff, or can they reinforce stereotypes? Many studies have shown that [they can reinforce stereotypes],” said Owen. She isn’t kidding. A Google Scholar search on “film” and “stereotype” will pull up about 28,200 articles with areas of focus that include the portrayal of Latinos and the continuing practice of films portraying beauty as goodness. Further research can uncover literature dedicated to the topic. In the collection of essays titled Sleaze Artists: Cinema at the Margins of Taste, Style, and Politics, editor Jeffery Sconce says sleazy cinema has “a tone that is a function of attitude as much as content.”
Though the focus of Sleaze Artists is on filmmakers like Doris Wishman, whose lowbrow cinema has garnered her the title of “the female Ed Wood,” Sconce’s designation can translate into the modern mainstream fare. The “attitude as much as content” influence can be felt in slapstick comedies that attempt to add a valuable lesson at the end, despite any moral ambiguity for comedy’s sake throughout the film. “Things are definitely getting raunchier, themes are getting coarser, partially in films aimed at teenagers,” said Owen. Apatow’s recent works tout protagonists whose illegal habits are employed for a humorous effect. They aren’t exactly an updated Cheech and Chong, but not all moviegoers consider such characters likeable or realistic outside the realm of film. “I think in real life you have to clean up their mess,” said Allison Vande Hey, senior speech communication major. “It doesn’t affect the viewers until they have to take care of [someone like that].” However, Martin said that it’s OK to laugh at their foibles. He also notes that while Seth Rogen plays similarly pot-addled lead characters in each film, “You can argue that Jack Nicholson plays similar characters every time.” A burgeoning priority for moviegoers is economic practicality. The film ticket has to be worth the money spent, which probably costs as much as the gas used to drive to the theatre. “It’s kind of like you wasted two hours because you’ve already seen the highlights,” said Vande Hey.
Photo illustration by Robin Johnson
Library gets Foto-fied with exhibit By Sarah Mills Features Editor
Photo by Analicia Perez
A student draws his favorite photo from the “Mi San Antonio - Reflections” exhibit for Brian St. John’s fine arts class. Students in the class must write a paper on their favorite photograph.
18 09.10.08
On a 20-year quest to prove a former art teacher wrong, San Antonio photographer Leonard Ziegler feels he has succeeded in proving digital photography as art. “A librarian walked up to my large print, and she declared, ‘You truly are an artist,” Ziegler said. “I knew I had succeeded, although that was the first time someone had said it to me directly.” His exhibit “Mi San Antonio - Reflections” is showing through Sept. 28 on the main floor of the Louis J. Blume Academic Library and is being held in conjunction with Fotoseptiembre, a national month-long photography festival. This is the university’s fourth year participating in Fotoseptiembre. The exhibit highlights various historic sites of San Antonio and San
Antonio’s culture. “We’re not the most famous town in the world, but we have a lot of neat stuff to show off,” Ziegler said. Ziegler does a fresh take on presenting the city by editing his photos to create reflections and patterns to emphasize certain aspects. A popular piece among students includes different pictures of graffiti tiled together. “I love how he brought graffiti into his exhibit since graffiti is not usually seen as art. He brought all these pictures of graffiti together to make it art,” said junior international relations major Therese Kenner. Nostalgia is also a dominant theme in Ziegler’s exhibit. Photos of neighborhood favorites, such as Woodlawn Lake, hot rods and carnivals, bring back memories for some. “Leonard and I both grew up in
Southside San Antonio in the ‘70s, and it was just cars, cars, cars. Cruising and looking at those cars was a major deal,” said Brian St. John, professor and curator of the exhibit. Ziegler said he wanted to photograph these items because he feels that they are often forgotten as a key part of San Antonio’s culture. “I hope they get a little joy, a little giggle, a little nostalgia out of it; I’m hoping they won’t take any of these treasures in San Antonio for granted,” Ziegler said. Although some of his photos include familiar sights like the San Antonio missions and the cityscape, the bulk of them feature unique, rarely seen images. “They are not the pictures you would see on postcards; however, I think it would be quite popular,” said Janet Dizinno, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. “It’s a more intimate look at San Antonio.”
The Rattler Entertainment
Fall into Entertainment
Photos Courtesy of dmitrylinkov.com, tech2.com, secondcitystyle.typepad.com, sx.hu.com, burnposter.com, flashflashrevolutio.com, celebritywonder.com, telstarlogistics.com, photofinishrecords.com
09.10.08 19
Entertainment The Rattler
Photo by Ashley Hopper
A full house at The Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar prepares fans with more to come in its fall lineup.
Large turnout shows success in solo project By Ashley Hopper Staff Writer
Photo by Ashley Hopper
After Anthony Green visited South Texas with a new sound, a new album and a new outlook on life, fans stand by ready for his next big move.
To start a new semester off on the right foot, audiences rushed to The Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar on Aug. 28 to listen to the captivating voice of Anthony Green, best known for his vocals in the bands Circa Survive, Saosin and The Sound of Animals Fighting. Endurance for insect bites separated the dedicated Green fan standing in line from the ordinary person catching a show. The sold-out crowd was proof that the night would be remembered for quite a long time. People flooded in as Green took the stage; the crowd became even more packed than it had been during openers Lydia, Person L and Good Old War. Green’s eyes literally rolled to the back of his head as he performed, and his voice seemed to echo throughout the room. The piercing lyrics followed you everywhere, giving the soloist full control over the crowd. Previously warming up the stage were artists Lydia and Person L. Lydia’s perfor-
mance was lacking without the rest of the band. For reasons unknown, lead vocalist Leighton Antelman and lead guitarist Steve McGraw were the only members of the band to perform . Person L rocked the stage as the side project of The Starting Line lead singer Kenny Vasoli. The band’s debut album Initial dropped in early August. Giving the audience a break in between Vasoli’s project and Green, Good Old War (GOW) gave a good old acoustic performance. Even with the band’s slower, more melodic sounds, GOW still had the crowd ready for headlining performer Green. Green’s newly released solo project Avalon has been on shelves since Aug. 5 and is available at local retailers. Keep up to date with all the upcoming shows happening at The Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar by visiting www.myspace.com/rockbottomtattoobar. Anthony Green experiments with a multi-ranged voice with light acoustics and takes a serious turn toward the blues while toying with the beats of an electronic hipster. Check him out on the Rattler Podcast, coming soon.
Really, YouTube? By Elizabeth Ruiz Editor in Chief
The Internet savvy already know about Kelly, the “Let Me Borrow That Top” and “Shoes” guy-girl; the Star Wars kid who battles non-existent enemies in his homemade studio; and other pseudo-celebrities that are lampooned weekly on Best Week Ever. We will venture to uncover the YouTube.com gems that are to be found in
20 09.10.08
the prestigious “Videos being watched now…” area of the home page. Here, you will find what mind-numbing works of amateur cinema are being viewed somewhere around the world by a YouTuber just like you. Friday, Sept. 5, 7:45 p.m. FRED ThrowDown #1 - “Peace Around the World for Generations” Apparently, this Fred person has already become a viral Internet sensation. And why not? Fred has all the
credentials of a star in the making. Unbearable helium voice? Check. A vehicle for a nonsensical premise? Check. Lampooning an existing disease suffered by children all over the world? Double check. If you follow the link, you will either host the Fred virus and love every bit of it, or you will subject yourself to the longest hyperactive 57 seconds of your life.
The Rattler Entertainment
THE TOUR GUIDE By Stephanie Sanders Entertainment Editor
Have you heard an artist or band lately and want to know if they have come through the San Antonio/Austin area yet? A new CD just came out; does that mean a concert soon? These musicians were just on TV; do they have any interesting stories about being on tour? “The Tour Guide” shares stories and/or gives previews about anything dealing with being on tour. 2008 is The Year of The Cab The Vegas natives from The Cab are no longer “newbies” to the business and have acquired a quickly growing fan base. Next, stop off the “Why So Serious?” tour bus: San Antonio, Texas. The five-man band kicks off its first headlining tour at The Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar tomorrow night. Of its many recent tours, San Antonio had yet to be a date. And the band is bringing label buddies This Providence, A Rocket to the Moon and Hey Monday. Hopefully ,The Cab will make it in one piece. The band’s last Texas visit in August on The Hush Sound’s “Dance Across the Country Tour” was an unplanned acoustic set with only front man Alex DeLeon and guitarist Ian Crawford. A small bus accident at their previous show in Arizona left Austin with half a band and a choppy set list. Photos courtesy of (from left to right): entimg.msn.com, 2.z.about.com, bbc.co.uk, z.about.com and z.about.com
Want to be a rockstar without picking up an instrument? The model to the far right rocks the skinny jeans, spikey hair, flowy top and excessive jewelry; these are all styles of different genres.
Does musical taste dictate your fashion sense? By Kristin Johnson Staff Writer
It’s safe to say that fashion and its musical counterpart have come a long way since the days of the cavemen. However, it is really a matter of culture that also defines the population’s fashion sense. Recently in the United States, there has been a revival of earlier fashion styles, albeit with a modern twist. The ‘20s were known for its zoot suits, flapper dresses and pixie cuts, all of which are seen on the youth of today. Even ‘50s poodle skirts are being seen at the rockabilly shows downtown. And the grunge trend from the ‘90s can still be seen on college campuses nationwide; to imagine this style, just think of how a student with early morning classes and no time to actually wake up for them might look. Lately, we have seen a comeback of many of these styles. What is most interesting is the accompaniment of their musical sidekicks. However, correlation does not equal causation. For example, the recent comeback of the “skinny jean” look can be associated with many different genres of music. The look first became popular in the ‘50s with the eruption of rock ‘n’ roll and Elvis. Now, we can pair the look with a few new partners, such as the punk movement, some
thrash music and revival rock garage bands as they all sport the tight jeans stolen from their sisters’ closets. Once, we could associate the current looks with only one particular style of music, but we can now link them to many styles. The Jackie-O sunglasses are everywhere now, and they are not limited to one particular music group. This brings a thought to mind: “What if we are all finding even ground?” Our generation’s music is no longer so restrictive; sounds can be shared, meshed and celebrated with everyone. We also see this on the streets everyday as people sport their fashionable gear. What was once a medium of defining an individual is now something that we as individuals can define. Look at ourselves; look at our fashion. Skinny jeans are sported by punks and pop stars. “Jackie O” sunglasses are being found at bars with the ‘50s rockabilly girls. Perhaps this is the dawn of a union between our generations. No matter how tight those jeans are on that boy or how outrageously large those shades are on that face frame, what stands out most is our ability to accept one another’s tastes and how that common understanding is translated into our music and our fashion.
Once the tour ends in September, the band will jump on the “Rock Band Live Tour” with Dashboard Confessional and its discoverers Panic! At the Disco. Austin is as close as they’ll get to San Antonio. Expect that one to be ‘Sold Out.’ The Cab has come a long way. After “The Really Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour” with Cobra Starship and the “Long Hair We Don’t Care Tour” with We The Kings, followed by a headlining tour and then closing out the year with icons Dashboard Confessional, The Cab is going to want to take a vacation! For our sake, let’s hope it isn’t a long one!
Graphic by Robin Johnson
09.10.08 21
Entertainment The Rattler
FRIDAY FLICKS The Women
Photo Courtesy of yimp.com
By Megan Foster Staff Writer
Hitting theaters this Friday, The Women is the typical story of a group of women living in Manhattan amidst the fashion, publishing and finance worlds. The film centers on the life of Mary Haines (Meg Ryan). Haines seems to lead the perfect life. She has a successful career as a clothing designer, a Connecticut home, an attractive 12-year-old
daughter and an equally successful husband. Her best friend, Sylvie Fowler (Annette Bening), enjoys another desirable lifestyle as the happily single editor of a prominent fashion magazine and owner of a walk-in closet with endless rows of designer clothes. The circle of friends also includes Edie Cohen (Debra Messing), the mother figure to the group as well as to her increasing number of children, and Alex Fisher (Jada
Pinkett Smith), the humorous essayist with a knack for saying the wrong things at the wrong time. The longtime friends encounter trouble when Fowler sits down in SAKS Fifth Avenue for a manicure. Within moments, the chatty manicurist casually tells her about her co-worker’s (Eva Mendes) affair with Wall Street tycoon Stephen Haines. A series of unfortunate events follow, leaving Mary to turn to her mother (Candice Bergen), who encourages her to flee from life. It seems like it is one thing after another for Mary, and before she knows it, a split has occurred in her friendships. Mary will have to reconnect with herself and with the people she left behind. She will discover what she wants out of life, and with the help of her friends, she is determined to get it. Written, directed and produced by Diane English, The Women is based off Clare Boothe Luce’s 1936 play and George Cukor’s 1939 film, both with the same name. For more information on the film and cast, visit www.thewomenthemovie.com.
Photo Courtesy of accesshollywood.nbcunifiles.com
Burn After Reading By Megan Foster Staff Writer
Analyst Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) arrives at the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for a top-secret meeting, unknowingly making an appearance for his own humiliating termination. Cox does not take the news well and retreats to his Georgetown home to supposedly work on his memoirs. Witnessing his alcohol abuse, Cox’s wife Katie (Tilda Swinton) feels the effects of his job loss. Katie prepares to leave her husband for married federal marshall Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney). In other areas of Washington D.C., Linda Litzke (Frances Mc-
Dormand), employee for Hardbodies Fitness Centers, has expensive plans for cosmetic surgery and confides in colleague Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt). As she encounters men over the Internet, Linda is ignorant to her manager, Ted Treffon (Richard Jenkins), who yearns for her. Meanwhile, Cox saves his memoirs to a computer disc, which accidentally comes into Linda and Chad’s possession. The two make it their mission to exploit the exCIA agent. All parties involved have lost control of the situation in a series of misadventures. Ethan and Joel Coen’s new comedy thriller hits theaters on Friday. For more info, visit www.burnafterreading.com.
Entertain Yourself SUNDAY
7
MONDAY
8
TUESDAY
9
WEDNESDAY
10 Do Not Disturb
14
15
The Color Purple
Oprah Winfrey Presents: The Color Purple 2 and 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theater
21
Diez y Seis de Septiembre
22
Heroes
23
Break Up the Concrete The Pretenders CD Release
11 Why So Serious?
TV Series Premiere 8:30 p.m., FOX
Concert Tour The Cab, This Providence 7 p.m., The Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar
17
18
Jazz Band
FRIDAY
12
SATURDAY
13
Burn After Reading Movie Premiere
19
20
26
27
St. Mary’s University Band Jazz orchestra/combos concert 7:30 p.m., Treadway Recital Hall
Live music and street parties Time TBA, Market Square
TV Season Premiere 8 p.m., NBC
22 09.10.08
16
THURSDAY
24
25
Jerry Seinfeld Comedy tour 7 and 9:30 p.m., Majestic Theater
Sports The Rattler
Manu Ginobili:
Achilles heel or man of steel? By Christine Le Managing Editor Drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, Argentina native Emanuel Ginobili quickly won the hearts of fans nationwide, averaging 17 points per game and earning league MVP honors within months of playing for the National Basketball Association (NBA). After several years in his professional basketball career, Ginobili “emerged as one of the NBA’s premier players,” according to the NBA Web site, with his “numbers in points, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, assists and rebounds” proving his value to the Spurs. Playing alongside two-time NBA MVP Tim Duncan, Ginobili is known for serving as the team’s
24 09.10.08
secondary scoring threat; his fastpaced style never ceases to amaze opponents, coaches and even his own teammates. However, his impressive statistics and court presence were put at risk when he injured his ankle during last season’s NBA Western Conference playoffs. The injury was originally inflicted upon him during a game against the Phoenix Suns; however, it was during the finals against the Los Angeles Lakers when his “signature explosiveness was visibly absent,” according to an article by The Houston Chronicle. After first hurting his heel in the playoffs, Ginobili was urged by Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich not to participate in the Olympics this summer if the injury didn’t get better. Despite concerns shown by
his coach and teammates, Ginobili committed to competing in the Beijing Olympics for Argentina, where he re-aggravated the injury during the semi-final game against the United States. It wasn’t until late in August that the Spur announced he needed arthroscopic surgery to repair the ligament injury in this left heel. “My plan was to be part of the Olympic Games, and I knew that if I suffered from pain, they would have to operate,” said Ginobili in an interview with ESPN. “This isn’t something that took me by surprise.” Although his decision to participate in the 2008 Summer Olympics may have upset those who were concerned about his recovery for the next NBA season, Ginobili maintains that it was an honor to be asked to play for his country. “Winning an NBA championship is the biggest thing that can happen professionally,” said Ginobili in an interview with ESPN. “But representing your country with more than 30 million people cheering for you and then seeing you up there on top of the podium…it’s hard to find any words for that.” Early September, the Spurs guard had undergone successful surgery performed in Los Angeles by Richard Ferkel, M.D., to correct a posterior impingement of his left ankle. The operation will put Ginobili in a splint and on crutches for three weeks with a rehabilitation schedule recommending that he be sidelined for six to eight weeks, according to reports on the official Web site of the San Antonio Spurs. While recovery will last up to two months, Ginobili’s long-term absence is a legitimate concern for Spurs fans. Although the injury may affect his later performance, supporters remain optimistic as they review the Spur’s impressive player history of winning a Euroleague title, Olympic gold medal and NBA championship and realize that there is only so much an injury can do to hinder Ginobili’s continual road to NBA success.
Courtesy of nbaloud.com
Ginobili re-injures his ankle during an Olympic semifinal match against the U.S.A
MANU GINOBILI STATS 2002-2003
Appeared in 69 games, averaging 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.39 steals in 20.7 minutes. Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
2003-2004
Had 38 starts in 77 games.
2004-2005
Appeared in 74 games, missed eight games due to injury: one with a strained neck (12/30), one with a right quadriceps contusion (1/17), five with right groin tightness (3/9-3/18). Named a reserve for the 2005 All-Star Game.
2005-2006
Missed a total of 16 games due to a variety of injuries.
2006-2007
Appeared in 75 games, missing seven games. Only player in the NBA in the Courtesy of z.about.com 2006-07 season to average over * Manu Ginobili along with the San Antonio Spurs won the championship in 2003, 15 points per game while play2005 and 2007 ing under 30 minutes Compiled by Jaime Perez SOURCE: www.nba.com/spurs per contest.
The Rattler Sports
COURTESY OF katzfeyranches.com
Mourning and whitewing doves migrate through Texas every year. Many hunters spend all day to get away from city life.
Texas preps for autumn hunting
IT’S HUNTING TIME Supply list:
By Chris Filoteo
1. Hunting license*
8. Cleaning materials
2. Shotgun
9. Bird vest
3. Shotgun shells
10. Plastic bag (for trash, empty shells)
4. Ice chest 5. Sunscreen
11. Dove decoys: stationary or motion
6. Bug spray
12. Hunting knife
7. Comfy chair
13. Bottled water
Hunters with birthdates on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must take and pass a Hunter Education Training Course for certification. They must be at least nine years of age in order to do so. In lieu of this certification, hunters ages nine through 16 must be accompanied; those 17 and over must complete the course or purchase a “Hunter’s Education Deferral” and be accompanied.
Places to buy hunting goods: 1. Academy 2. Bass Pro Shop 3. Dick’s Sporting Goods For more information as well as the locations of these public areas, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us.
4. Sportsmans Warehouse SOURCE: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
Sports Editor and
Christine Le Managing Editor News for the outdoor enthusiast: hunting season for migratory birds has begun, and what better way to open than with a good dove shoot? Central Texas, which includes the areas of San Antonio, Houston and Del Rio, kicked off its regular dove season earlier this month. Although it’s seen as one of the simplest forms of outdoor recreation available to wingshooters, those getting started can see it as immensely challenging. “Getting started can seem complicated for beginners, but it shouldn’t be,” says professional hunting guide and outfitter Charles F. Doria. “Besides your hunting license and permit, all you really need to enjoy the sport is a shotgun.” Doria is a licensed hunter’s education instructor at Bass Pro Shops as well as an official associate scorer for the Boone & Crockett Club, which an organization committed to the preservation of the nation’s hunting heritage, the scoring and keeping of big game records and the maintaining hunter ethics.
Haven’t got a hunting license and don’t know where to start? “First and foremost, I would advise all beginners to attend a Hunting Education Training Course, which is generally a two-day class that covers the skills, responsibilities and regulations of hunting, the outdoors and wildlife conservation,” explained Doria. Although there is a law stating that hunters born before Sept. 2, 1971, are not required to take Texas Hunter Education, Doria believes its completion to be the most important responsibility of any hunter. And that seems to be the general consensus from hunters of all ages. In fact, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Web site, “every year, over 30,000 youth and adults in Texas become certified in hunter education.” In Doria’s opinion, hunter’s education is a necessary experience and undoubtedly a valuable one as you will be gaining a certification that “lasts a lifetime and is recognized by all states and provinces requiring it.” An ideal way to escape from the stresses of everyday life, dove hunting is a perfect trip that can be made and enjoyed with friends and family. It is also ideal for beginners in that equipment needs
are minimal. “Essentials are pretty much a shotgun, ammunition, and a bird bag or container for carrying your game,” provided Doria. “I would also suggest that hunters wear hearing and eye protection, good boots and camouflage.” And for when you’re on the hunt, the Bass Pro Shops Web site suggests scouting sites prior to each expedition “before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. when birds are more likely to be moving.” According to Doria, potential hunting areas are mainly feeding and water sites like fields where there are harvested grain crops and still water at lakes and ponds. When deciding upon a specific locale, there are many hunting facilities in the Texas area for public use, but if you would really like to make the most of your wingshooting trip and have enough in your budget, consider booking a hunt at a private site with a guide to help prepare you. Don’t hunt? Doria advises others that “the outdoors is a privilege that most don’t realize can be easily taken away” and that no matter if you’re out to go shooting or just to take pictures; it is something that “definitely can and needs to be enjoyed by everyone.”
09.10.08 25
Sports The Rattler
Decade-old pressure leads America’s team into upcoming season By Chris Filoteo Sports Editor
and Jaime Perez Staff Writer
With the addition of rookie running back Felix Jones, the Cowboys seek to overcome the problem of last season: not finishing. They completed last season with a 13-3 record, but they were not able to win in the playoffs. Now that Coach Wade Phillips has his first season behind him, he can concentrate on finishing this season solidly. Haunted by the team from the mid-1990s, a team that won three Super Bowl championships, the current Cowboys lineup is determined to prove many people wrong. Being the most recognized team in the National Football League (NFL) puts a lot of pressure on a team. The Cowboys look sluggish early in the preseason, but many of
the players won’t be on the opening day roster. A true test for the Cowboys will be winning in the playoffs. They are tied for the record of most Super Bowl championships, but a decade seems like a long time for a storied franchise. It is strongly believed, according to the Vancouver Sun, that quarterback Tony Romo’s performance— specifically the fourth down pass interception by New York Giants’ cornerback R.W. McQuarters— led to the team’s loss against archrival Giants. Given the Cowboys’ 2-0 record against the Giants that reason, the loss was unexpected and knocked them out of the Super Bowl contention. According to ESPB contributor A. J. Mass, the Cowboys are the undisputed Super Bowl favorites for the 2008 season. Going into their first game against the Cleveland Browns, the
Cowboys lead in passing, rushing and receiving. According to an NFL standing report, Romo and fellow quarterback Brad Johnson had a 64.4 and 63.7 completion rate of play, respectively; Cleveland quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, on the other hand, had a 56.5 and 37.5 completion rate.
Cowboys Football Game Schedule Sun, Sept. 11
@ Cleveland
4:15 p.m.
Mon, Sept. 15 vs. Philadelphia 8:30 p.m. Sun, Sept. 21
@ Green Bay 8:15 p.m.
Sun, Sept. 28 vs. Washington 4:15 p.m. Sun, Oct. 5
vs. Cincinnati
4:15 p.m.
Sun, Oct. 12
@ Arizona
4:15 p.m. Courtesy of bcsfrenzy.com
Top right: Tony Romo is ready to show he can lead his team. Above: The Cowboys look to improve their performance from last year and win in the playoffs.
26 09.10.08
Courtesy of planetpooks.files.wordpress.com
The Rattler Sports
St. Mary’s Athletics: New season, new experiences By Ivonne Aguilar
Staff Writer It’s that time of the year; after a summer of training and conditioning, the men and women’s soccer, volleyball and cross-country teams are gearing up to take on the Heartland Conference. St. Mary’s men’s soccer team aims to keep its strong play with the arrival of five new freshmen: Jesus De Luna, D, Eagle Pass, TX; Joseph Diaz, MF, San Antonio, TX; Michael Hasbach, MF/F, Colleyville, TX; Daniel Kelly, F, Tucson, AZ; Leonel Nunez, MF, El Paso. In the 2007-2008 season, the Rattlers finished 5-5 in the Heartland Conference, and the team hopes to create a winning streak and improve its skills. The Lady Rattlers have added eight new freshmen to their team’s roster: Elizabeth Rubi, MF/F, Fort Worth, TX; Rebekah Rubio, MF, New Braunfels, TX; Emili Snelson, MF, Fairview, TX; Brittany Sullivan, G, San Antonio, TX; Jordan Alvarado, D/MF. San Antonio, TX; Roxana Carrasco, G, El Paso, TX; Ashley Condin, MF, Trophy Club, TX; and Andrea Gregg, D/ MF, Austin, TX. Their 2007-2008 season was plagued with the injuries of key players. Photo by Robin Johnson
Cont. on PG 28, SEE “READY”
Fall 2008 Upcoming Women’s Schedule
Volleyball: 9/10 at Texas A&M- Kingsville 9/12 vs. West Texas A&M 9/13 vs. Cameron 9/13 vs. Abilene Christian 9/18 *at Oklahoma Panhandle State Soccer: 9/11 *at Dallas Baptist 9/13 at Texas A&M- Commerce 9/18 vs. West Texas A&M 9/19 vs. Northeastern State 9/26 * at Newman *signifies Heartland Conferene event
Top: Men’s team practices defensive drills . Bottom: Lady Rattlers prepare for their next opponent.
Photo by Davilin Hamel
09.10.08 27
Sports The Rattler
Photo of Davilin Hamel
Lady Rattlers prepare for the next match, and work on fundamentals.
Rattlers are ready for a challenge
Continued from page 27
With a group that demonstrates high skill levels and athleticism, the team is ready to take on opponents and any other challenges this season will bring. From the grassy field to the court, the Lady Rattlers’ volleyball team has proven itself to be composed of well-rounded athletes who excel in both their sport and in their academics. The American Volleyball Coaches Association recently recognized the Lady Rattlers for excellence in the classroom in the 2007-2008 academic years, in which they collectively maintained a GPA of 3.46. With an list of accolades and promising seasons ahead, the Rattlers’ and Lady Rattlers’ athletic teams need the support of the entire community. Courtesy of Derek Smolik
Kori McCarver finds an opening to smash down a spike.
28 09.10.08
Fall 2008 Schedule Men’s Season at a Glance Men’s Soccer: Thu, Sept. 11
3:00 p.m.
Sun, Sept. 14
vs. Hardin Simmons vs. West Texas A&M
1:00 p.m.
Fri, Sept. 19
* vs. Incarnate Word
3:30 p.m.
Sun, Sept. 21 Sun, Sept. 28 Fri, Oct. 03 Sun, Oct. 05 Thu, Oct. 09
* vs. St. Edward’s vs. Northeastern State at Eastern New Mexico at West Texas A&M * vs. Texas A&M-International
1:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct. 19 Fri, Oct. 24 Sun, Oct. 26
* vs. Texas A&M-International * vs. Texas-Permian Basin * vs. Newman
7:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Wed, Oct. 29 Sun, Nov. 02 Fri, Nov. 07 Sun, Nov. 09
at Midwestern State vs. Eastern New Mexico * at St. Edward’s * at Incarnate Word
* signifies Heartland Confernce event
7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
