Vol. 98, No. 8 - 03/02/2011

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Vol. 98 Issue 8

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March 2, 2011 •

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

GO GREEN WITH STMU

Students Didya Magaña, Miriam Cruz and Stefanie Ramirez — all of who participate on the university’s Recylcing Committee — are asking students to make efforts to live an environmentally aware lifestyle. Read about the efforts the university is currently making to be environmentally freindly and learn about how you can get involved.

Cont. on PG. 8, SEE “CENTERSPREAD”

4 NEWS

Guest speaker shows students how to weave.

10 FEATURES

Fraternity promotes club night for a cause.

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Explore downtown’s music scene.

14 SPORTS

Find out if power bracelets make a difference.

Photo by Sarah Mills

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925

Although some students find parking on campus inconvenient, the University Police Department says there is enough room. PAGE 8

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

STAFF Editor-in-Chief

Entertainment Editor

Managing Editor

Sports Editor

Copy Editor

Photo Editor

Layout/Design Editor

Assistant Photo Editor

Web Editor

Advertising Manager

News Editor

Staff Cartoonist

Commentary Editor

Faculty Adviser

Sarah Mills

Denice Hernandez Azhmir Acosta

Jasmine Garcia Sara Cornejo

Katherine Benavides Alex Salinas

Dania Pulido Diana Garcia Felix Arroyo

Jennifer Sims Leo Reyes Eric Vijil

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

Features Editor Amanda Cano

STAFF WRITERS Robin Johnson Alex Meyer Cesar Montalvo Selena Rangel Ari Rivera Matthew Rodriguez Lena Scalercio Jessica Valles Julie Losoya Mariah Villarreal

Carla Rodriguez Lynzee Villafranca Darlene Diaz Stephanie Flores Anthony De Jesus Chris Montemayor Carlos Rodriguez Marissa Rodriguez

Police Sergeant Ken Schmidtling wears a padded suit to teach female students how to defend themselves through scenarios in the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) program. The program, which started February 19 finished on February 26. Photo by Jennifer Sims

NEWS IN BRIEF >> >> >>

Military Hall Assocation hosts event to raise funds for local organization

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A Mardi Gras celebration for all

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Buy a ticket “Into the Woods”

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Mariam Cruz Alejandra Diaz Robin Johnson Jenny Wendover

Michelle Kafie Analicia Perez Emily Scruggs Fernando Armendariz

STANDARDS

Members of the Military Hall Association invite the university community to participate in the 5k walk and 10k run on Saturday, March 5. The event, which begins at 9 a.m., is organized to raise money for the Fisher House organization in San Antonio. For more information, contact Mark Poling at mark5poling@gmail.com or at (210) 338-1195.

Members of University Ministry and Marianist Brothers of Casa Maria will host a Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, March 8 at the Casa Maria Marianist Residence. The Bourbon Street-style celebration, beginning at 5:15 p.m., is for all members of the university community. It includes a festive prayer service, activities with prizes and a meal.

Members of the drama and music department joined together to create “Into the Woods”, a musical theatre production beginning on Thursday Mar. 24 at 7:30 p.m. to April 2 in Reinbolt Theatre. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for faculty/staff, senior citizens and military, and $10 for students with ID.

The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The Publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

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

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

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POLICE BLOTTER >>

Thursday, February 10

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Friday, February 11

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Monday, February 14

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Tuesday, February 15

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Dagger and bullets found in Chaminade Hall during fire drill. Items were confiscated and student referred to Judicial Affairs.

Unknown suspect etched crude messages on student’s dorm in Lourdes Hall. Director on duty was contacted. Physical Plant was notified for cleanup and repair.

Student driving into Lot O struck student vehicle backing out of parking space. Insurance was exchanged.

Laptop, GPS, stereo, computer hard drive, backpack, Fossil watch and jewelry stolen from truck in Lot O. Lock was punched out.

Wednesday, February 16

Unknown suspect broke into storage closet in Marian Hall and tampered with IT equipment. IT contacted for report and

March 2, 2011

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Chief of police confirms adequate parking on campus

By Katherine Benavides News Editor Students may be unhappy with parking availability on campus, but there is adequate parking space for everyone on campus, according to University Police.

Chief of Police David Ott said that at the beginning of every semester, a parking lot audit is done three times a day for a 10day period. According to Ott, the audit is performed to ensure that there is enough parking for faculty, staff and students at the university. Data from the audit shows there is currently no need to expand parking lots, but dynamics will change if a new residence hall is built, said Ott. “I know they [Residence Life] are all looking at another residence hall possibly in the future, so we are obviously going to have to look at more parking,” Ott said. “You would have to in order to create enough parking for the students.”

With about 80 percent of the student population issued a parking permit this year, according to UPD, many students feel limited in where they are able to park, especially near their designated residence hall. But based on the parking lot audit, there is enough parking availability according to Ott, but it is just “not convenient to where students want to park.”

Sophomore international business major Tim Paiz said that his freshman year he found parking difficult by Founders when he would return from golf practice in the evenings.

Paiz said he wants the university to invest in more parking space.

“There’s not enough parking around your designated dorm, and you’re forced to park away from your dorm. The parking is not bad, but it’s not convenient,” said Paiz.

Nina Owens, the campus recreation administrative assistant, said that since the

campus is relatively small, there is not much of an inconvenience to get from one place to another.

The 135-acre institution, compared to the 725 acres of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s main campus, allows faculty, staff, students and visitors to reach all areas by walking.

“The campus is small so it is not really a long distance to get anywhere from any parking lot,” said Owens.

Although the parking lots have signs with hours and group designations on them, faculty, staff, students and visitors still receive tickets for parking in the wrong lot or having no parking permit.

Sometimes, though, students receive tickets because of confusion about parking.

After his car was in the shop longer than expected, freshman biology major Stephen Piñeda had to borrow his dad’s truck to get to school.

Piñeda said that an officer had previously told him that Lot T and Lot V were visitor parking lots. Piñeda was issued a ticket for not having a parking permit.

“I got a parking ticket for parking my dad’s truck in Lot T from Sunday night through Monday afternoon,” said Piñeda.

Other students, like Piñeda, have faced this problem, but these situations can be avoided by calling the university Police Department even after office hours, according to the UPD. The call is transferred to the patrol officers, informing them of the student’s situation. The patrol officers let the office staff know of the situation and office staff prepares and provides a temporary parking permit for that student the next day. To avoid tickets, communication is key between students and officers.

To prevent the students from getting citations, UPD representatives offer students some opportunities to prepare themselves for parking situations. Students are issued

permits in the University Center during registration, and police staff comes in two weeks before the start of school to answer any questions or concerns anyone might have regarding parking. Students are also shown and informed of the lot hours and of where to park on a color-coded map, said June Cortez-Sanchez, the parking coordinator of University Police.

Staff also meets with the Resident Assistants to teach them how to inform residents about parking; plus, staff speaks to freshmen during ND101 classes.

Still, should a student or faculty member receive a citation, it can be appealed by filling out a parking appeals form at the UPD office.

The appeal goes to the parking coordinator and then goes to the Chief’s sergeants, where more than half get approved, Ott says. The denied appeals go in a separate stack and get reviewed by another committee which consists of representatives from the different departments at the university.

Another concern among students is the inconvenience of finding parking spots close to their residence hall when the campus hosts an event for visitors.

“We have a calendar of events that are happening on campus, so we share that with our officers. It is the events that are not on the calendar…where we may find problems,” Cortez-Sanchez said. “If it is on our calendar, if it’s coordinated with the managers, we disseminate the information and we tend to that problem.”

Security and safety of the students are of high importance and the main priority for the UPD. Informing the students of parking information and monitoring the lots helps keep unwanted individuals from roaming the campus.

“Parking is not just putting your vehicle on our property,” Cortez-Sanchez said.

“Parking is making sure that you are safe and to do that, we need to know who’s on our property.”

Graphic / Illustration by Sara Cornejo

Members of local community participate in day of prayer for colleges

By Marissa Rodriguez Staff Writer More than 300 students collaborated with local universities and churches for this year’s National Collegiate Day of Prayer and dedicated 24 hours to prayer for colleges around the U.S. Students from University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas Lutheran University, Trinity University and the University of Incarnate Word participated in the event, too.

Among the churches, colleges and ministries that were aware of the event, students of the university community also contacted the San Antonio Express-News; Guadalupe Radio Network, a catholic radio organization; K-Love, a Christian radio station; and Today’s Catholic, the official publication of the Archdiocese of San Antonio to spread the word.

Junior accounting major Sara Wilkinson was among the students who started “brainstorming ideas” after last year’s event.

This was the second time that the event took place. Last year, the National Collegiate Day of Prayer was celebrated at

the university as a prayer walk in which 20 students and faculty attended the celebration. According to Wilkinson, over 300 people attended this year.

“I think it was an awesome opportunity to be a united Christian community, especially with other college campuses,” Wilkinson said.

Director of Vital University Ministry Greg Richards said, “Students will grow in their own prayer life and know that they will grow in fellowship with each other.

They will know they are not the only ones praying for their campus.”

Junior biology Andrew Menezes, who is the president of the Catholic Student Group, said that he helped with the planning and logistics as well as advertising for the event.

“It will also be a time to join with other campuses and members of the greater San Antonio community, and the nation, to lift up all college campuses in prayer,” Menezes said.

On Feb. 24, several events were held for the day of prayer. Wilkinson said at the 8 a.m. gathering in the Quad, “about 15 students and faculty gathered to pray; after

From right to left, Katie Ruesewald, Sara Wilkinson and Marquielle Orwat worship aloud during a prayer service on Feb. 25 at Alumni Field. Photo by Robin Johnson the worship service, we had Adoration all night beginning at 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. At each hour, we had no less than 8 to 10 people in the chapel which was amazing to see.”

The National Collegiate Day of Prayer turned out to be a success, according to

students and faculty who participated in the event.

“When the students come together, we trust that God will do something amazing in San Antonio,” Richards said.

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Mayan weaver visits the campus to share her story

By Analicia Perez Contributing Writer A Mayan weaver visited the campus to teach university students about how she and other women have been able to make a living from an art handed down through generations.

Minita Santizo, director of the International Education Programs, helped organize the reception for Florinda Can Queché de Pocop on Feb. 23 in the Alkek Business building. Santizo believed it would be a great opportunity for university students, especially those majoring in entrepreneurial studies, to meet her and hear her story.

“I’m so honored, so privileged, I feel like this big,” said Santizo making a small pinching gesture with her fingers.

Pocop’s story is about her mission to empower the women in her hometown in the highlands of Guatemala. She began her mission with a $200 microcredit loan awarded to her by the Friendship Bridge, a non-profit organization that provides microcredit loans and education opportunities to women and their families to help them find their way out of poverty through their skills.

While most individuals would see Pocop’s limited sixth grade education as a setback, Pocop has proven otherwise through her determined spirit, inspiring 64 other women to join her cause.

Florinda Can Queche, a Mayan weaver, left, teaches sophomore international business major Celina Garcia how to weave, a skill she uses and shares to empower other women in her hometown. Photo by Analicia Perez When Guatemalan women come to Pocop wanting to learn how to weave items as she does, she organizes a meeting with them and asks to see samples of work they have previously done. Also, Pocop inquires about the types of projects they would enjoy most so that she can specify her teachings to them individually.

Most women come with some knowledge of weaving because

in Mayan culture weaving and knowing how to make tortillas means that women are ready for marriage.

For the projects, the women work in groups of eight with one leader for 8-9 hours a day in different towns throughout Guatemala. Most work from their homes and work together to complete various projects. The weaving materials used are all

cotton, mostly made by natural threads and dyed by hand — which is the most expensive type of thread. The colors are mostly organic, and survive trips to the washer just as any other fabric.

Santizo said she believes that what is so beautiful about indigenous cultures like that of Pocop’s is “their deep spirituality and the simplicity of their lives.

They are taught from a very young

age to respect nature and their environment and how to make the best of what they’ve been given.”

Pocop even allowed students to try their hand at the backstrap weaving she demonstrated, a technique of weaving that the Mayans have used since before the Spanish conquest.

“It was really cool, I was scared to make a mistake,” said sophomore international business major Celina Garcia. “The most amazing thing about her is she is able to make a business out of the uniqueness of other women and the fact that they are trying to preserve their culture.”

This is Pocop’s sixth visit to the U.S. and her first visit to a university campus.

Pocop said the most rewarding part of her journey is “muchas personas no entienden que es una mission.”

Pocop explained that this means that “many people do not understand that it is a mision,” and those who work with her believe theirs is a mission from God. Pocop said she feels blessed to be able to help other women accomplish their dreams.

For more information on Pocop, President of ComUnidad K’em Ajachel, visit her Facebook page www.facebook.com/ communidad.kem.ajachel.

To learn more about her mission and the Friendship Bridge, visit: www. friendshipbridge.org.

Rattler Enterprises’ staff celebrates one year anniversary of operation

By Ari Rivera Staff Writer In celebration of their one-year anniversary, members of Rattler Enterprises, which includes TLC Tees, plan to celebrate the organization’s progress and accomplishments since their grand opening in 2010.

The celebration, which will be held in the Alkek Business Building, will include a special guest speaker and refreshments.

The organization’s celebration will include achievements in processing and completing 32 orders, beginning a marketing campaign throughout campus and continuing to provide students with educational experience in a real life setting, said senior international relations major Vincent Astudillo, who is the current director of marketing and research for Rattler Enterprises.

Modeled after the University of Dayton’s Flyer Enterprise system, Rattler Enterprises started as way to give students a direct hands-on approach to what it is like to run a business.

“It provides the whole idea of experiential learning,” said junior accounting and information systems management major

Anosh Anthony who is the current director of operations for Rattler Enterprises. “You have to speak to your suppliers and your customers.”

Brought to the university by the late dean of the business school Keith Russell, the program provides ample prospects to those who participate.

“I thought this was a great opportunity,” said Astudillo. “We have all been able to learn a lot.”

Astudillo and Anthony said that in the past year, TLC Tees has accomplished more than they had expected. The organization faced many obstacles along the way, including malfunctioning machines during approaching deadlines, large volume orders, product expansion and even the hiring process.

But according to Anthony, personal benefits are gained from overcoming these challenges.

“You learn to manage your time, and communicate with different people,” said Anthony.

Senior accounting major Bret Peters, who is the director of finance for Rattler Enterprises, agrees that managing a business presents opportunities to perform better in the real world.

Rattler Enterprises’s director of operations Anosh Anthony, right, and director of finance Bret Peters, left, work together to design a shirt. Photo by Felix Arroyo “The experiences from managing the business has brought me the knowledge and confidence to perform in the real world,” Peters said. “Rattler Enterprises has provided us the opportunity to test the skills we’ve developed at St. Mary’s University.”

Rattler Enterprises’ TLC Tees will soon be hiring for the 2011 to 2012 school year.

All positions are open and even current members are required to interview again.

“We want to get our students more and more involved,” Anthony said.

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Commentary

March 2, 2011

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Texas legislation hopes to allow guns on campus Pens, paper, textbooks, laptop and a Beretta 92 handgun — all just standard materials for that Medieval Literature course.

Sound absurd?

Maybe not anymore in the Lone Star State. Texas lawmakers Alex Meyer are once again proving this state has to be different than the rest of the Union. State lawmakers are preparing to pass legislation for 38 public universities to allow concealed handguns on their campuses, according to a report from the Associated Press.

More than 200 state representatives have signed on as co-authors to the bill — a solid majority — likely ensuring passage. The Senate passed a similar measure in 2009 and is expected to do so again.

Allowing concealed handguns on campus has become the cause-célèbre of many gunrights activists. Although their attempts have been widely unsuccessful in recent years, with 23 states having rejected similar measures since 2007, victory seems imminent in Texas.

Texas, long known for its loose gun regulation, will join Utah, which passed a similar measure in 2004, and Colorado, which allows universities to dictate their own regulation, as the only states in the U.S. that allow concealed weapons on campuses of public colleges and universities.

The proponents of the legislation argue that incidents like those at Virginia Tech in 2007 and Northern Illinois in 2008 could have been prevented had students at those universities been allowed to have concealed handguns.

Instead of waiting for campus security or local authorities for protection, a student with a gun would have been able to put and end to those massacres more quickly, argue the advocates.

But this kind of asinine reasoning incites many of those who have first-hand experience in these situations, like Colin Goddard, who was shot four times while sitting in his French class at Virginia Tech.

“People tell me that if they would have been there, they would have shot that guy.

That offends me,” said Goddard according to the Associated Press. “People want to be the hero, I understand that. They play video games and they think they understand the reality. It’s nothing like that.”

College presidents across the nation almost unanimously oppose concealed handguns on campus. Even the President of the University of Texas at Austin, this state’s flagship university, voiced his concern about handguns on campus.

Regardless, it is not about potentially preventing violence. It is about creating a culture of guns. The U.S. is the most gunviolent industrialized nation on the planet.

And the solution to this problem: more guns.

The result will most likely be disastrous.

This isn’t the Wild West, and the notion of students engaging in saloon style shoot-outs is absurd. So too is the notion that students may feel the need to carry a gun to be safe. College campuses should be institutions where the works of William Faulkner and Walt Whitman are celebrated, not Winchester ammunition.

Cartoon by Eric Vijil

Eco-efforts: are they worth it?

Green movement brings testament to future life on earth.

For some time, there has been a green revolution. Everywhere you look, things are made of Briana Perez biodegradable this and recyclable that. Although some may contest the reliability of the information, we are bombarded with statistics about global warming, a hole in the ozone layer and the melting polar ice caps. It seems hard to escape the images of lonely polar bears wandering their melting habitat. As a result, there has been a popular movement toward environmentally friendly practices, especially in younger generations. Why has this generation emerged as global warriors?

Naysayers may say “Hey, it is not our problem. A human life is a short span relative to the age of the Earth. Before any of the problems posed before us can take real effect, everyone we know will be long gone. So why worry about it?

It is far easier to drop your cup on the side of the road than to look for a recycle bin.” Even if a doubter may accept the facts at hand, they claim it is part of the Earth’s natural process, a cycle.

While we may eventually find this to be true, it remains irrelevant. No matter if the climate change we see is part of a cycle, or completely man-made, it should be up to us, who inhabit the Earth, to try to leave it better than we found it. By doing so, we begin to take responsibility for

Environmental exploitation overwhelms efforts in going green.

I have our actions. Accountability always felt should not be a virtue, but a a need to common practice. Moving to help the more environmentally sound environment practices, on a personal level, in any way, or on the more expansive yet I feel that business or government level, the damage is our duty.

Malorie Garibay already done As the current caretakers to the earth of our world, we must do our is far greater best to “go green,” to make a than we can repair. The green conscientious decision to betmovement and reverting the ter our planet for the generaworld back to its former glory tions to come. If we took on seems like an impossible feat. the attitude of simply letting My environmental science bygones be bygones, of letteacher in high school ting our discretions rest as influenced me most on the they are, there would be little subject matter. She was an motivation to accomplish avid environmentalist, but anything. saw little hope in restoring the Besides our o w n world back to the immediate satisway it was. faction, it is imShe told my class portant to plan ahead beyond our existence POINT that even if we could to ensure future life COUNTER- change everything that has a world to live in. POINT harmed the planet at a specific moment in We must keep our time, it would not be eyes on the future enough to stop us from of our planet and suffering in the future because coming generations. We are a lot of environmental damage stewards of the earth, and it is has been done, to the point of our responsibility to care for it no return. She told us that the because we essentially would future may seem bleak, but have nowhere else to go if we we still have to try to hope for did not. something better. However, Going green isn’t a drastic her lectures gave me little move on the individual level; hope because our entire acts as small as recycling plasnation must change to make a tic bottles help tremendously. significant impact in addition With enough small acts like to the rest of the world. the one mentioned, we can This is especially hope to make one large imdiscouraging when many pact that will benefit the envicountries are not willing to ronment we live on. change the way they treat the Instead of belittling or environment. According to scaling back efforts to fight a program I watched on the global warming, we should Health Channel, China is one be escalating them. As people of the highest producers of of moral standards, we must pollution in the world, to such protect the world we live in at an extent that its population in all costs.

major cities has to wear masks before going out in public.

This is mainly because China is still catching up to the rest of the world. To make matters worse, their air pollution is travelling and hitting our nation’s coasts due to wind that carries it.

Even if we could influence China’s stance to change to a “green” country, the decision would not be agreed upon overnight. It could take months, or years, to reach an agreement, if one is ever made at all. And this is just one country, albeit the most populous one in the world.

This entire process would consume a lot of time and may create unwarranted conflict as well.

These obstacles can make us question whether it is worth trying to save the world. It seems almost impossible.

Creating a worldwide standard would be further problematic because there are already numerous standards established around the world, especially in Europe where many politicians are closely tied to protecting the environment. Perhaps the U.S. should keep up with other countries and their green practices.

Altogether, the U.S. has had a late start in the attempts to help the environment. We went for years neglecting the earth, mistreating and abusing it for our own gain. Then, through scientific research, data and some speculation, we have come to realize that the world does suffer from our practices. Unfortunately in the end, we are the ones paying the great price.

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Digital age provides multi-faceted inspiration for music Exactly 32 years ago, Phillips Electronics introduced the first compact disc prototype. Soon after, vinyl records became a sort of Emily Artalejo novelty as music lovers quickly embraced the new media. And on this anniversary of a landmark in the music industry, there is only one thing I can now say about CDs: they are so 20th century. Digital files are much easier to use, but most important-

ly, they have the power to change the world.

YouTube has significantly altered the world’s communication network by allowing us to constantly search for entertainment.

While I agree it is annoying to see my Yahoo News reeling with updates on the next 3-year-old who belts out a Justin Beiber jam, one must admit that music of the digital era can fulfill a form of the American dream. The parents of a talented youth who may have never had the funds to send the child to music academies or to auditions have the power to sim-

ply upload a video and wait for support from Ellen DeGeneres or other talk show hosts to grant recognition.

Even in the most recent and prominent revolution occurring in Egypt, the world has been influenced by the digital medium.

Constant videos of the protests and even “protest music” have circulated all around the globe.

According to NPR news, rapper Omar Offendum, who authored the protest song “Jan25” to mark the date of the revolution, claims that his music does not best represent the revolution. He states that

sional development videos. It has become the most effective spread of academic information superior to scholarly articles or a simple audio recording.

Although we do not have the hovercrafts and time machines that science fiction movies predicted, one couldn’t deny the technological achievements of video and music or the impact digital file sharing as had on spreading information. All one needs is the access to a wireless hot spot, and with a few clicks and typing of a string of letters, we have new information right under our fingertips.

Parents should reconsider negative impact of children owning cell phones

STAFF EDITORIAL

Cartoon by Eric Vijil

Family planning will take hit because of cuts Family planning organizations across the U.S. could possibly face smaller budgets thanks to a $300 million cut in federal funds that the U.S. House of Representatives passed on Feb. 18, if the Senate approves the cut.

Smaller budgets would negatively impact millions that turn to organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, and especially clients who rely on providers to offer partial service charges or none at all.

Indiana Rep. Mike Pence proposed the amendment, which was passed by a margin of 240 to 185 in the House, because he believes that “it is morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars of millions of pro-life Americans and use them to fund organizations that provide and promote abortions,” according to Pence’s website.

In 2008 to 2009, abortion only made up 3 percent of Planned Parenthood’s total services, according to the organization’s annual report.

Pence’s primary reason for wanting to cut Title X funds, which were established in 1970 by Richard Nixon to help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, is because

the on-the-spot songs authored during protests are what truly describe the situation in Egypt.

It is true that the ingenuity and passion behind the protest songs and chants is much more impressive than studio records. If a fellow youth watches and performs the music or chant at another protest, each group conveys the same message and the protestors share a sense of solidarity, a communication system completely unique from any other revolution.

In addition, Apple’s iTunesU has allowed students to access university lectures and other profes-

he is anti-abortion. He argues that his amendment “does not cut funding for women’s health services, but instead blocks funds that would subsidize America’s largest abortion provider,” according to his website. But the amendment would actually cut funding for the many health services.

Planned Parenthood provides contraception for free or at reduced prices to those who qualify. They offer sexually transmitted disease testing, women’s health services (breast cancer screenings, pelvic exams, etc.), prenatal care, men’s sexual health services (routine physical exams, testicular cancer screenings, etc.) and counseling and education on body image, relationships and sex. All of which will be effected by budget cuts.

Most of Planned Parenthood’s clients are low-income or have no health care. Women can always get an abortion at another clinic, or worse, turn to someone who is not certified to do so.

Pence’s proposal hurts an organization that largely works to prevent unwanted pregnancies. This is not an effective stance for Pence, or the U.S., to take on abortion.

When was the last time a child asked for a pony for Christmas?

Now, they all want cell phones. I often Anissa Bravo see children as young as seven years old asking for a cell phone. It strikes me that parents are more willing than ever to indulge their kids in this technology. I am not going to deny that the benefits of a child owning a cell phone do not exist, but it cannot be denied that cell phones can have a negative impact on children.

Cell phones have more recently become a disruption in

the classroom. Teachers today watch for the flashing light of a new message or listen for the sneaky clicking of keypad buttons, hindering the amount of attention they can give to teaching. Cell phones have also increased the ease for children to cheat on exams, a common occurrence in the classroom.

Not only have classroom problems increased, but cyber bullying has also become more prevalent among children. Malicious rumors about classmates can spread like wildfire among young people today, especially by forwarding a text. The rate at which these rumors can spread can be very damaging to a child, which can result in increased rate of suicide or mental

health problems In fact, several states have developed laws that establish strict punishment, such as jail time for the spread of this information according to cyberbullyalert.com.

Cell phones are also expensive when purchased. The additional costs of ringtones, messaging charges and internet fees all add up to a pretty penny and definitely impact parents’ wallets.

Parents should think about what children are learning from the act of receiving a cell phone. Parents must determine whether the benefits of children owning cell phones outweigh the risks and at what age a cell phone is truly a necessity, not just a privilege.

U.S. will benefit from supporting Pope’s challenge against relativism Pope Benedict XVI is challenging U.S. culture.

Upon formally replacing the late Venerable Pope Alex Salinas John Paul II, one of the most influential popes the Roman Catholic Church ever had, Paul’s first words spoken on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica were of humility and kindness; he was thankful for being an “insufficient” instrument of God, merely one of many of His laborers to fulfill His work.

However, Pope Benedict XVI’s stance that relativism,

the belief that there are no moral or objective truths, is a root detrimental to modern society, is a no-holds-barred claim, one that is certainly an uppercut to the U.S.’s proverbial jaw. This is exactly what we need though.

The Pope’s challenge on relativism promotes his want for a truly conscientious U.S. society.

Our everyday actions, in the scholarly spirit, should demonstrate and put into perspective our privilege to be a human being, rather than our privilege to be an American.

The challenge against relativism also encourages us to break the many constricting, artificial and self-serving barriers we have created. Technology, education and a close relation-

ship with money has hindered our potential to live only for our self. The Pope challenges us to live beyond the self and the secular.

Most importantly, the Pope’s stance challenges us to live with a sense of purpose. If truth is something relative to subjectivity and not universality, where is the motivation for us to better the world and each other? Community should be a necessity, not a commodity.

Pope Benedict XVI’s belief is not asking much from us; he is not asking for donations to support cause X or prayers to support cause Y. He is simply asking for a reexamination of the soul, and a closer look at how we ought to live.

GO GREEN

University pla

WHAT IS RECYCLABLE ON CAMPUS?

By Sarah Mills

DO: paper, plastic bottles, cardboard, aluminum cans, dry cell batteries, wood pallets, used furniture, and "e-waste"- old computers, printers, digital cameras, cell phones, and keyboards

The university currently recycles 12 to 15 p its trash — an amount that environmentally university members feel is way too low.

Physical plant collects 127.7 yards of t week, much of which could be recycled at higher than 15 percent, according to David R the superintendent of housekeeping. Ev Ramirez would like to see that percentage in 90 percent, but said that it would take years.

“What we are hoping for in the long run i more recycle bins around campus than we ha cans,” Ramirez said.

Currently, the university has 26 recycling b plans to purchase more soon, but that dep physical plant’s budget and space to place bi To save money, physical plant began pu 23-gallon trash containers that cost $100 t residence halls; the other style bin the univer is a larger rectangular container that costs $ slots for paper, plastic and aluminum cans.

Although it is not advertised heavily on physical plant does accept dry cell b wood pallets, used furniture and “e-waste computers, printers, digital cameras, cell pho keyboards — to recycle.

To recycle e-waste, students can drop off boxes located outside of the Student Activities the University Center, the housekeeping dep or the basement in St. Louis Hall. If student find the boxes, or have questions, they can physical plant at 210-436-3335 for help.

Physical plant cannot accept wet or dirty cardboard to prevent contamination. Wax-lin like the to-go cups sold in the Rattler Café accepted either because the wax can clog ma according to Ramirez. There's also no glass r on campus, but Ramirez is working to available.

To reach that goal — and many others a promoting an environmentally friendly life physical plant partners with university mem

DON'T: glass (on campus), wet cardboard, the wax-lined cups from the Rattler Café Compiled by Azhmir Acosta

HOW TO LIVE IN A GREEN ROOM: Make your own recycling bins. Label different containers and throw away all those water bottles you have piled high. Dump the container out in designated recycling bins around campus.

Buy reusable dinnerware. It is tempting to use utensils that you can throw away, but having a set of utensils and dishes will save water and materials. Make sure you buy a sponge, too.

Let there be light. Turn off all lights whenever you leave your room.

Open the blinds; appreciate the sunshine. On a gloomy day, if you like to do homework by lamplight, use compact fluorescent light bulbs. These little energy savers use 75 percent less energy than other light bulbs.

Release the charge. Even when not in use, all chargers for cell phones, game consoles and laptops drain electricity. Unplug the chargers when not in use.

Report leaks. The sooner these problems get fixed, the more water you can save.

Got plastic bags? Local H-E-B stores offer recycling stations for your drawer full of plastic bags.

Compiled by Denice Hernandez

RECYCLING COMMITTEE MEETINGS March 31st: 4 p.m. in Garni Science Hall Room 17 April 28th: 4 p.m. in Garni Science Hall Room 17 Compiled by Sarah Mills

Editor-in-chief

DISCOUNTS REUSABLE EVERYDAY CUP

TRADE IN YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

$4.99 at Walmart $3.99 at Walgreens $7.99 at Amazon.com

---> Best Buy stores offer gift cards for your gently used cell phone.

---> Target's NextWorth offers a trade-in program. Get a quote on your electronic devices and get paid.

---> Verizon Wireless stores offers recycling bins.

---> Starbucks stores offers a 10% discount on any beverage when customers bring in reusable cups.

"It's not easy being green."

- Kermit the Frog

ans to be more environmentally aware

percent of y-minded

trash per amounts Ramirez, ventually, ncrease to

is to have ave trash

bins with pends on ins. urchasing to use in rsity uses $600 with

campus, batteries, e” — old ones and

items in s office in partment, ts cannot n contact

paper or ned cups, é, are not achinery, recycling make it

aimed at estyle — mbers and

hosts monthly Recycling Committee meetings for anyone who would like to help.

RESIDENTS STRUGGLE TO RECYCLE

At February’s meeting, the group brainstormed ideas on how to increase the amount of students who recycle in the residence halls.

“Right now there’s only one bin in each hall,” Ramirez said. “They’re either too lazy to walk down to dump their recyclables, or they gather material, but forget to take it to the bin.”

The group proposed partnering with the Residence Hall Association to assign “floor captains” to each hall. Floor captains would help raise awareness about recycling and help maintain the hall’s recycling units. This system is already in use in many of the university’s departments and offices.

GO-GREEN MONTH TO RAISE AWARENESS

To help get the message of living green across to students, the Student Government Association will be hosting Go-Green Month during March.

Sophomore early education and political science major Stefanie Ramirez, the Student Government Association’s Environmental Affairs Committee Chair, handed out scented pencils and pens made from recycled paper on March 1 in the U.C. Atrium to help students realize how recycling is useful.

“We’re wasting so much; it’s absolutely ridiculous.

People throw away stuff like nobody’s business,” Ramirez said. “For example, people buy water bottles everyday and throw them away when they could just buy a reusable one.”

Smaller measures SGA will make during go-green month include placing printed posters with detailed information about what items can be recycled above containers around campus to clear up confusion.

BEING GREEN IS NOT JUST ABOUT RECYCLING

Director of Residence Life James Villarreal hopes to do something similar to raise awareness about energy use in the residence halls. Instead of posters, Villarreal would like to place stickers in each room reminding

students to turn off their lights, unplug unused appliances and to conserve water.

Total utility costs for the residence halls for the 2009 to 2010 academic school year was $388,564, Villarreal said. Students use electricity the most partly because of all the electronic gadgets students use, he said.

Anytime that Villarreal has the chance to make environmentally friendly decisions he does, as long as the Residence Life budget can support it.

The university no longer provides desk lamps with room desks to reduce electricity use. For Founders Hall, items were purchased from local companies to conserve the amount of fuel spent transporting items.

In Chaminade Hall, the air conditioning unit’s broken pipes were replaced with more efficient pipes.

In all residence halls, front-loading washers are now used instead of top-loading ones, which use more water. Other energy efficient moves include using compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of regular fluorescent light bulbs (which use more energy), purchasing low-flow toilets and setting the temperature for residence halls between 72 degrees and 78 degrees to save energy.

MAKING THE PLEDGE

Senior economics and philosophy major Didya Magaña, who is the university’s OnCampus EcoAmbassador, a position made possible through a program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, plans to meet with Villarreal often to brainstorm alternative energy sources, such as solar power.

Magaña plans to engage students in being environmentally aware by holding different events, such as the Energy Star pledge she recently organized.

By signing the pledge, students promised that they would make efforts to live an eco-friendly life. She plans to hold the event again in two weeks.

“It saves the school money by recycling,” Magaña said. “Not only that, but we all need to be responsible for what we’re dumping into the landfills and our water systems. It affects everyone.”

DO YOU RECYCLE?

“I recycle glass, paper, aluminum, old clothes, canned food and my ink cartridges.”

- Aaron Sepulveda, Sophomore, Biology/Pre-Med

“I recycle my ink cartridges back in the HP box that the company sends me.”

- Shemeka Woodson Junior, Nursing

“I recycle my paper, plastic, and cardboard in my dorm room every week.”

- Rachel Vallejo Sophomore, Psychology

Graphic / Illustration by Jasmine Garcia

RECYCLABLE BAGS $2.99 at Sun Harvest $0.99 at Target $0.99 at CVS ---> Whole Foods offers a 10 cent discount per bag.

---> Sun Harvest offers a 5 cent discount per bag.

---> Target offers a 5 cent discount per bag.

---> CVS rewards customers with a $1 bounceback for every fourth visit when using their "bag tag."

Compiled by Jasmine Garcia Courtesy of sxu.hu

“In my room, my roommate and I line up our bottles and at the end of the week, we take them down to the recycling bin.”

- Alice Yang Sophomore, Biology/Pre-Med

Compiled by Jennifer Sims

Features

10 The Rattler

March 2, 2011

www.stmurattlernews.com

SigEp hosts first "Club Night" to support YouthAIDS

By Julie Lozoya Staff Writer This semester, the men of the Sigma Phi Epsilon TX-Theta chapter are hosting an off-campus event that is sure to get students on their feet.

On March 10, the fraternity will be hosting a “Club Night” at Club Rio to raise money for YouthAIDS, a global organization with programs that target malaria, HIV and reproductive health.

Not only are the brothers of SigEp focusing on raising money, but they are also making sure that attendees will enjoy themselves.

One of their brothers, junior electric engineering and physics major Omar Magaña, will be the disk jockey for the night.

“Aside from spending hours searching for a variety of new music, I have always taken into consideration people’s feedback of the type of the music they like to listen to at certain events,” Magaña said.

Although Magaña does not have experience working as a DJ at clubs, he has mixed music for other events.

To increase the crowd size, the fraternity wants Club Night to be open to all the universities in the city, according to senior accounting Shane Loza, who is managing the event. Currently,

the group is working to motivate students from the University of Texas in San Antonio, the University of Incarnate Word and Trinity University to participate.

“This is something good to build relationships with other campuses and Greek organizations,” Loza said.

In addition to good music and a fun crowd, SigEp is using technology that has rarely been used by a registered student organizations to sell tickets for their events.

SigEp has set up an online ticketing system with Eventbrite, a website that allows users to purchase tickets online. By using this system, each ticket bought online, and printed out, will have a barcode that can be scanned by an iPhone or phones powered by Android. The group hopes this will prevent the use of counterfeit tickets, allowing the fraternity to raise more money without scams.

Regular tickets bought online cost $9 or you can purchase VIP tickets for $15.

For those who would rather pay at the door, tickets are $10 and $20 for VIP. VIP guests will have access to the club’s second level, which features lounging areas and is only accessible by those ages 21 and up.

Usually, the university’s chapter hosts only the Sorority

Senior Shane Loza and Junior Matthew Sisneros work together to design a creative flyer to promote Sigma Phi Epsilon's first Club Night. Photo by Felix Arroyo Bowl as a fundraiser, but SigEp will be holding both this semester.

Sorority Bowl is a flag football tournament in which RSOs can compete for a fee.

“We are still having Sorority Bowl, but that money will just be to add to what we have already

raised,” Loza said.

Sophomore marketing major Marquielle Orwat said she is excited to attend the event.

“All the boys are super sweet and I can’t wait to enjoy the evening for a great cause,” Orwat said.

All are welcome to join Sigma Phi Epsilon at Club Rio, located at Expressway 281 and Bitters Road.

Doors open at 9 p.m.; tickets can be bought at the door or at www. speclubnight.eventbrite.com.

iTunes University merges technology with education

By Jasmin Enriquez Contributing Writer Just because you are not a student at Harvard University or Massachusetts Institution of Technology does not mean that you cannot listen in on what is students there are learning.

Apple’s iTunes University makes it possible for users of iTunes, Apple’s digital media player, to have access to lectures, lessons, films, labs, audio books and virtual tours that participating universities upload.

According to the iTunesU homepage, there are currently more than 800 universities involved in the program, including St. Mary’s University.

St. Mary’s University’s profile is open to the public and includes law lectures, recordings from the Lin Great Speakers Series and the Jose Cimadevilla Memorial Seminar Series.

Director of Academic Technology Jeff Schomberg said the St.Mary’s iTunesU account was created in the Fall 2006.

“The St.Mary’s iTunesU account strictly focuses on university and educational content; this application brings the class activities to life and is able to answer questions by clarifying and explaining assignments

and other class content such as lectures,” Schomberg said.

Students can access different lectures and assignments through the program, said Schomberg.

“Instead of using the iTunes store for music albums, we create course albums and students are linked to it by blackboard,” Schomberg said.

Since many students are already using the iTunes application, it is simple to gain access to the content in iTunesU. With the iTunesU application, one is able to explore different institutions through their personally created site using any Mac, PC, iPod touch, iPad or iPhone.

“The benefits of this program include marketing for the University and creating a better way to connect the public with an immense variety of educational information without slowing the Black Board learning system down,” Schomberg said.

Lynette Rodriguez, who recently received acceptance into St. Mary’s, was introduced to the iTunesU system her junior year of high school and is now an active user.

“The iTunes University program has helped to strengthen my decision of choosing St. Mary’s University as my future school,” Rodriguez said.

“Because of this program, I became more informed of the different academic and social opportunities [at] St. Mary’s, as well as other universities, have to offer.”

Freshman English communication arts major Andrea Zamarron recently learned about iTunesU and found it to be a good resource to find out about what is being offered on campus and other universities.

“The program has a lot of information that is very helpful to not only us as current students, but also incoming freshmen and current faculty members,” she said.

“Anyone who is interested in any university or anything of educational or informative value would benefit from this program.”

Graphic / Illustration by Amanda Cano

Features

March 2, 2011

The Rattler 11

www.stmurattlernews.com

Students learn to balance a part-time job with school work

By Claire Etter Staff Writer College students face plenty of financial responsibilities, such as paying for tuition, housing, and of course finding money for entertainment and food. To handle these obligations, some students work part-time, but to do so requires careful consideration of whether having a job is more beneficial than the money.

Freshman finance risk management major Karl Kapustka sometimes works 10-hour shifts as a quality and control leader at the Wash Tub. Kapustka said his manager helped him make a schedule that was flexible around school, so he works mainly on the weekends.

The pay isn’t that bad either; Kapustka usually makes around $15 an hour, including tips.

“Having a job while in college is a good way to gain realworld experience while still in school,” said Kapustka.

Patrick Gonzales, a freshman business major, who works at Abercrombie, also said that his job does not get in the way of school because he was able to create his work schedule.

“I choose to only work weekends,” Gonzales said. “If I ever

need to miss work because of school, or anything else, the managers will help me find someone to cover or I’ll just do it [find someone else] myself.”

Gonzalez said he enjoys meeting new people while at work. Another perk is the employee discount. He said that most of the time he spends his paychecks on food and clothes.

However, earning those checks can come with a price.

Sophomore accounting major Mari Edwards, an employee at Pei Wei Asian Diner, earns $8 an hour and says that her job does have one downside.

“It makes me too tired to do homework,” Edwards said. “But they are very flexible with their hours.”

In addition to her job at Pei Wei, Edwards plays on the university’s soccer team and attends school full-time.

To maintain her grades, Edwards splits up her homework over a span of days so that she can do a little at a time. Since her job hasn’t negatively affected her school work, Edward chooses to keep working, mainly because she likes having the extra cash.

While Edwards manages to balance work and school, some students say they just do not have time to work.

Junior biology major Amy

Cameron said she has a full load with school and would not be able to have a part-time job.

“I want a job off campus, but due to class [and] lab, stress and my time commitments with other organizations on campus, I have decided that I can’t get one,” Cameron said.

While a job may require several sacrifices, the Associate Director of the Career Services Center Rebecca Rutledge points out that getting work experience can have many benefits.

Rutledge urges students to work because it provides a steady income, builds skills and helps with networking.

She also said that working part-time does not negatively affect a student’s school performance.

“Folks involved in activities, like work, make better grades and have better time management,” Rutledge said.

“Being active is the best way to build skills and avoiding work is one of the best ways to get ignored.”

Rutledge encourages students to work because it gives them experience that may enhance their resume. “[College] degrees only take up three lines on a resume,” Rutledge said. “The rest is your experience.”

How to: Pratt Knot

Whether it is for a job interview, first date, or an important class presentation, every guy should learn how to tie a tie.

1

Begin with the tie inside out. Place the wider end under the thinner end.

2

3

Pull and tighten the wide end and then bring it over to the right.

4

Pull the wider end under and over the thinner one.

Pull the wide end from under the tie loop.

Recycling: What you should know Recycling one aluminum beverage can save enough energy to run a 100-watt bulb for 20 hours, a computer for three hours or a television for two hours.

It takes approximately one million years for a glass bottle to break down in a landfill. In the U.S. today, 34% of all glass containers are recycled.

5

Bring the wide through the knot.

end

6

Adjust your tie and mingle with the ladies!

Photos by Amanda Cano

Helpful hint: Adjust the tie to your liking and tighten the knot between each step.

Battery acid can be recycled and converted to sodium sulfate for laundry detergent, glass and textile manufacturing.

Advice from the editor: Never wear a tie with a regular t-shirt.

It takes more than 500,000 trees to produce the newspapers that Americans read each Sunday.

Maintenance: Be aware of how to care for your ties. Silk ties do not hold up well in dryers.

Plastic requires 100 to 400 years to break down in a landfill. Producing new plastic from recycled material uses only two-thirds of the energy required to manufacture it from raw materials.

Bargain buy ties: Thrift stores have some of the best bargains if you take the time to look.

 VISIT US @

The average person throws away four pounds of garbage per day.

STMURATTLERNEWS[DOT]COM

to give us your own "how to" ideas. Let us know what you think.

Source: headwatersrecycle.com

Entertainment

12 The Rattler

March 2, 2011

www.stmurattlernews.com

Freebie of the Week Young American “11:11”

a night of rock

Download your free song at: www.youngamerican. bandcamp.com

IF YOU'RE A MUSIC LOVER IN SEARCH OF AN ADVENTURE, TAKE YOUR CUE FROM THIS TOUR OF DOWNTOWN'S UNDERGROUND MUSIC VENUES

By Karl Hayes Contributing Writer

Coming Soon ALBUMS Adam Lambert “Glam Nation Live” 3/22

Jennifer Hudson “I Remember Me” 3/22

The Strokes “Angles”

Chris Brown “F.A.M.E.” 3/22

3/22

Snoop Dogg “Doggumentary” 3/29

Wiz Khalifa “Rolling Papers” 3/29

Sources: justjaredbuzznet.com, ladyobama.com, collegedj.com, musicfreeloader.com, wizkhalifa.com, wizkhalifia.com

SHOWS “And Then There Were None” at Harlequin Dinner Theatre Until 2/19

Downtown San Antonio is full of music waiting to be discovered. I decided to embark upon an adventure to see what I could find. I began at the slamming’ Sam’s Burger Joint where Jim Coffin lead saxophone player for the Dave Matthew’s Band, performed with his side project group. Along with Coffin’s group was Joe Caploe, a student from the university, and his group “Neck and Neck.”

Both groups performed at a top notch level. It was a combination of ambient jazz and groovy funk. Not the typical concert that a college student would choose to watch on a Friday night, but it was definitely an interesting one.

Caploe’s group wowed the audience with fat bass lines and ambient piano playing, while Coffin broke every window out with the bursting noise of his sexy sax playing.

The crowd at Sam’s Burger Joint was obviously an older crowd, with the age group ranging from 21 to about 65. But despite that, I was able to mingle with some people at Sam’s Burger Joint, including Caploe, before he went on to perform. Wearing his jazz attire made him seem as if he had just come for a 60’s movie.

“Brotha, I hope you’re ready to hear something different tonight. We are going to knock your socks off,” he said on stage.

Basically, that is exactly what he did for the audience, including myself. I remember sitting there talking to my cousin thinking this is the weirdest

music, but for some reason I was attracted to it.

Joe’s group had members from all over the country including Los Angeles, New York, and from right here in San Antonio.

After the show ended, I journeyed down to a local music scene venue called The Ten Eleven, where music is played every weekend. The music selection varies and includes punk rock, metal and even indie.

That night the music varied with hipster bands, loud ambient rock and soft-spoken indie. Everyone in the venue was fired up for every band that was performing.

Every band wooed the crowd with all original pieces. One band had members ranging from 18 to 47 years old, and even they were able to capture the hearts of the enthused young crowd. Standing directly in front of them listening to every note and beat that hit my chest and rang my ears, I was drawn and captured in time with the music. In the mist of it all, the music created multiple emotions for each individual in the audience.

Not only did I encounter the brilliance of new and original music, but I also got to meet many new faces that night. After the night was over, the contact list in my phone was full of with new numbers of musicians and friendly faces alike.

That night really inspired me to support the city’s local music scene because despite its underground feel, it needs to be exposed to new light. So students, I encourage you to go out to find some local music on your down time. It is a good stress relief and a great way to meet new people.

Source: mysanantonio.com

MOVIES

“Battle: Los Angeles” 3/11

“Jane Eyre” 3/11

and Neck” nd “Neck a ” d n Ba Joint.

“Jim Coffin m's Bu rger play at Sa

tHE “The Lincoln Lawyer ” 3/18

Sources: rottentomatoes.com

“Limitless” 3/18

ten e leven m differe nt band usic venu e s every week.

plays

Entertainment

March 2, 2011

The Rattler 13

www.stmurattlernews.com

D.R.U.G.S. provides new pop sound with aggression

By Christopher Montemayor Staff Writer Let’s face it: when we hear the word “drugs” many different things might come to mind. Drugs are not only cherished by some for the euphoric effects they can create, but are also commonly at the forefront of controversy by others.

Taking this into consideration, it may make sense why front man Craig Owens decided to name his new musical group with the acronym of D.R.U.G.S (Destroy, Rebuild, Until God Shows).

Prior to the incarnation of D.R.U.G.S., Owens was the lead singer for the posthardcore group Chiodos. Chiodos had been formed for eight years and was known for their complex musical arrangements, as well as Owens’ high-pitched falsetto and demonic screams.

However, in 2009 Chiodos released a statement that they had decided to move forward without Owens. The reasons for Owens’ release were never given, but many speculated that it had to do with Owens’s involvement in several other projects.

Another issue that may have played a factor was Owen’s history with bipolar disorder, affecting his ability to be a cohesive part of the band.

But despite all this, Owens is back in

Newly formed super group D.R.U.G.S. has the potential to become a huge success with its mixture of pop-oriented songs and hardcore musical style. Photo courtesy of Skiddle.com action with D.R.U.G.S., which many are Good (Guitar, From First to Last), Aaron considering to be a “hardcore super group” Stern (Drums, Matchbook Romance), and because of the talent that fills out the band.

Adam Russell (Bass, Story of The Year).

Joining Owens (Vocals, ex-Chiodos) is The band recently released a new selfNick Martin (Guitar, Underminded), Matt titled album released on Feb. 22. After much

speculation about the route Owens and his fellow band mates would take for the overall sound of the album, it seems as though the group decided to keep their songs more pop-oriented then hardcore.

However, that doesn’t mean that the hardcore super group didn’t include any aggression in their effort.

The entire album is littered with various odes to the former post-hardcore sounds that Owens was known for in his previous band, Chiodos. The opening song “If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is” is a great example of the musical approach that D.R.U.G.S attempts to establish.

“Graveyard Dancing” sounds like it could have come from “The Nightmare before Christmas,” with its eerie use of electronics of melody. Another standout track is “I’m Here To Take The Sky” and it may remind listeners of Owen’s former side project Cinematic Sunrise with its overt pop sensibilities. Fortunately there are some great “heavy” moments as well, such as the brutal screaming of guitarist Nick Martin in “My Swagger Has A First Name.”

Overall, D.R.U.G.S debut album is a solid one that finds front man Craig Owens in top form along with his other band mates. The future looks great for this band, which can only get better as time passes.

Radiohead surprises fans with new song structures Radiohead “King of Limbs”



By Christopher Montemayor Staff Writer Listening to Radiohead is like finding your soul mate, spending every waking moment with them, then finding out that they have bipolar disorder, and realizing that to love them either way, you will have to change your understanding of who they are.

Radiohead’s recent album “King of Limbs” takes a more electronic approach versus their last critically-acclaimed album “In Rainbows.” Riddled with groovy bass lines, electronic flourishes and Thom Yorke’s cryptic lyrics, “King of Limbs” requires careful listening.

Tracks like “Bloom” display avant-garde rhythms and complex rhythms by drummer Phil Selway.

Yorke’s signature dreamy vocals are very evident throughout the album, providing a stark contrast to the complex instrumentation

shown by the rest of his band mates.

The first “single”is called “Lotus Flower.” This track was released on YouTube a few days prior to the album’s release and featured Thom Yorke performing a strange, yet highly entertaining, dance. This song is the most accessible on the album, providing a danceable drumbeat and a calm, serene electronic atmosphere.

Radiohead has looked beyond basic song structures and contemporary melodies and has crafted a dark, moody album that seems to push the listener away as much as it intrigues a deeper listen.

Ultimately, the “King of Limbs” is symbolic of Radiohead’s career.

They do what they want, when they want. They have no record label, no boss and no rules to follow.

All things considered, Radiohead’s disregard of normal standards may be what makes Radiohead an endearing band for many people. You really never know what you’re going to get. But one thing is for sure, whatever you receive from this band will change everything you thought you knew, and make you fall in love all over again.

Damon challenges destiny in an effort to keep his true love in his new film. Courtesy of rottentomatoes.com

Romance film takes a suspenseful spin

Matt Damon’s new action packed movie changes the definition of chick flick “The Adjustment Bureau”  Dir. by George Nolfi Starring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt

By Jessica Valles Staff Writer

Action film star Matt Damon and “star-of-tomorrow” Emily Blunt make “The Adjustment Bureau” a love story disguised as a puzzling thriller.

An unlikely incident of loveat-first-sight cleverly takes over the film’s plot, which is full of seemingly impossible to escape fate-changing forces, ultimatums and on-foot chases. A

young politician (Damon) and a contemporary ballet dancer (Blunt) struggle to overcome their strange predicament based in modern day, love-story-notorious, New York City.

Be ready to question man’s ability to control fate while seeing a passionate romance unfold.

A well-casted group of supporting actors and sophisticated humor make this a creative, lovely movie. The story line is generally easy to follow, but some scenes are confusing and never thoroughly explained.

The end is built up nicely but ultimately finished abruptly.

There was consistent positive

feedback from the audience during suspenseful and humorous scenes, which helps out the sharp plot.

I enjoyed the twisted love story, and the chemistry between the characters was genuine and added emotion to all the built-up suspense. The way it was filmed, especially during action scenes, was great and allowed the effects to blend into the film well.

“The Adjustment Bureau” is definitely a perfect date movie.

This fantasy-esque mystery leaves the audience anticipating the outcome, so find out for yourself if true love conquers all on March 4.

14

The Rattler

Sports

March 2, 2011

www.stmurattlernews.com

Power Balance bands affects: Fact or Fiction?

Students who own a band tell us about how it has affected them, if at all. field. It also maintains maximum energy flow so it functions as a generator. Thus “resulting in The idea of maximizing one’s immediate improved balance, athletic potential or having an increased core strength, greater edge over the competition can flexibility, increased range of seem attractive to any athlete. motion and overall well-being.”

The Power Balance wristbands Even professional athletes have been advertised to do just such as Lamar Odom, Shaquille this, even claiming to help out O’Neal and David Beckham athletes who have old or new sport the bands on the court injuries. It seems that these bands and field. Despite all of the are everywhere now, but do they hype surrounding these magical really work? bands, there has been harsh The controversial Power criticism on the credibility of Balance band is a product of their claims.

Performance Technology and Information Systems Manwas CNBC’s “Sports Product of agement, Senior Christopher the Year for 2010.” According to Rivas said he was immediately Keith Kato, president of Power skeptical about the power braceBalance, they “are based on the lets, and even after owning one idea of optimizing the body’s he still has mixed feelings about natural energy flow, similar to the product. concepts behind many holistic “At first I did feel a difference and Eastern philosophies.” These but then I realized the band had bands come in a sleek design in a nothing to do with my progress variety of colors. in the gym,” Rivas said. “It’s probably just a placebo effect.

The reason I wear it though is because it looks cool.”

Rivas said that he would “I do believe that it is a rather keep wearing the band in great conversation piece. hopes that it works rather than It’s amazing how people not having it on at all.

In December, the Australian recognize the bands and government cracked down on immediatley strike up a the Power Bands, ordering the conversation asking about company to give refunds to those seeking them because the its effects.”

Australian Competition and - Kelly Baker Consumer Commission proved there was no scientific evidence Senior, exercise and sport science behind the band’s claims, according to the australian.com.

Senior and exercise and sports science Kelly Baker said Tennis player and Sophmore she also isn’t sure about the Undecided Buisness Jake Wil- actual effects of the bands, but liams is unsure about the bands. she noticed how popular this “I first heard about the Power product is.

Bands from a TV commercial a “I do believe that it is a while ago, and it sparked my great conversation piece,” interest about whether it worked Baker said. ”It’s amazing how or not.” people recognize the bands Williams later received his and immediately strike up a band as a gift, but he does does conversation asking about its not recommend buying the effects.” “overpriced bracelets.” Power But, like other Power Band Bands cost $29.95 if purchased owners, Baker said she thinks from powerbalance.com. the results are all in the person’s “I honestly do not feel a mind. difference in any aspects of my athleticism, but I still wear it because I like to hope that it does something, even mentally,” said Places where you can purchase Williams.

Power Balance wristbands.

Vendor web sites describe the Power Balance band as a product www.Finishline.com that “contains two Mylar Holograms which are embedded www.Amazon.com with frequencies that react with your body’s electromagnetic www.Dickssportinggoods.com field.” Once the hologram comes into contact with the body’s www.Powerbalance.com energy field, it creates a harmonic loop to optimize your energy

By Angela Van Dyke Chapa Staff Writer

Christopher Rivas works out at the gym while wearing his Power Balance wristband, which he says hasn’t helped him much. Photo by Jennifer Sims

POWER B PRODUCTS

Looking into buying from one of these famous bands? Check out the different power products.

Silicone Wristband Durable wristband that stretches around the hand.

Comes in XS, S, M, L, XL $29.95

Neoprene Wristband.

Features a spandex lining. Comes in: S, M, L, XL $29.95

Sterling Silver Made of sterling silver from Bali. $79.95

Silicone Pendant Made of the same material as the silicone wristbands that extends easily over your head. $34.95

Zinc Alloy Pendants Built with materials that are designed to last. $29.95

Source: www.Powerbalance.com Courtesy Photos from Google

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UPCOMING GAMES

SPRING BREAK TIPS

Baseball March 4 at St. Edward’s University (Game 1) 12 p.m.

(Game 2) 2 p.m.

Courtesy Photo by Wiki Commons

1

If drinking alcohol is part of your break, remember that it can impair your judgment and actions. Alcoholrelated motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and nonfatal crashes injure someone every two minutes. Don’t drink and drive.

There are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives.

2

You’ve probably spent most of the year studying or in class. During the break, take the opportunity to a variety of healthy activities like walking, dancing, playing volleyball, swimming, and more. It doesn’t need to be hard to be beneficial. Avoid injury by starting any new activity slowly. Be active for at least 2 and a half hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates, and that strengthen your muscles.

3

If you are going on a vacation, be prepared. Are vaccinations required? Are there special food, accomodations, or other things you need to consider ahead of time? If you are taking medications, do you have enough for the trip? Know what’s happening en route or at your travel destination.

4

There may be temptations on your break that involve different or highrisk activity. Think twice before putting yourself at risk for injury. Be sure to use appropriate safety gear before venturing out, such as seat belts, life vests or knee pads. Remember that unintentional injuries kill more Americans in their first three decades of life than any other cause of death.

5

Having fun takes energy and fuel. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish and legumes to your diet. Drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol and saturated fat.

Source: Center for Disease Control Website

At All-Star game San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan dunks over Miami Heat LeBron James.

Courtesy Photo Wikimedia.com

SPORTS COMMENTARY

All-Star game needs change

By Alex Salinas Commentary Editor The 2011 NBA All-Star game and the events preceding it, including the dunk contest, were a spectacle. The events and the game had the right amount of lights, cameras and action worthy of the star-studded city of Los Angeles where All-Star weekend was held.

Just one year ago, I wrote a commentary on the selection process regarding the players who are selected and how it could be revamped. In accepting that fans should remain an integral part of the selection process, I propose something separate from the selection process, but equally confounding in impact: changing how the All-Star game should be played.

Similar to how the National Hockey League modified its AllStar game for 2011 to where two team captains were selected and chose their teams respectively, the NBA should follow suit.

Rightfully so, there will be objections. Most may despise a loss in the concept of the best players from the Eastern

Conference versus the best from the Western Conference. For most people, the purpose of the game is to see which conference is better, player for player.

Everything in the sports realm inevitably turns into a contest of bragging rights. However, is this what fans, players, and coaches should be celebrating?

An All-Star game where two team captains are selected, either from the fans or the two coaches that are selected to coach the game, would be refreshing. The team captains would then select from the pool of players who were selected, turn by turn. The team captain concept brings to mind the true spirit of basketball.

Seldom do children and adults who are introduced to basketball take their first dribble in an organized league. Rather, they learn to play basketball at parks or courts where pickup games are the norm. Even if a player is picked last at an All-Star game, it would be foolish to think they do not belong there.

Recent blockbuster trades have occurred in the NBA, especially those that involve marquee players switching

conferences, and have impacted perceptions regarding the players. No longer can fans confidently assert that the East or West Coast produce superior talent. The lines have been permanently blurred, for better or worse. A team captain system supports the new era of players who have not been tied down by their jerseys or their fans.

East versus West was an ideal selection we modeled decades ago, and one that is decades overdue for change.

The system, whichever way it is formulated, reiterates the nature of All-Star weekend in the NBA. Fans have an entire season to promote their favorite team. So, why should All-Star weekend promote a similar type of competitive sentiment?

The NBA might be better off with the possibility of being able to see East and West conference players intermixed and playing spontaneous, on-the-fly, fun basketball. Perhaps this type of basketball is one that we should preach and teach to the millions who join the sport every year and is the best kind of basketball to play and watch.

Men’s basketball March 4 Heartland Conference Tournament TBA

Women’s golf March 13 Texas A&M- Commerce TBA Pottsboro

Men’s golf March 6 St. Edwards Invitational Austin TBA

Women’s tennis March 4 at Schreiner University Kerrville 3 p.m.

Men’s tennis March 5 vs. Rollins College (Fla.) 1 p.m.

A “mecca for burger lovers.”

1900 Blanco Road , Phone: (210) 735-3552, www.chrismadrids.com

Softball March 4 at University of Nebraska 9:30 a.m. at Cameron University 4 p.m.

Photos Courtesy of stmarytx.edu

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THE

HOT

SEAT

Courtesy Photo by Matthew Vela

Hot seat: Matthew Vela Classification: Senior Major: Exercise and sports science Hometown: San Antonio Quick Facts: As Matthew Vela concludes his last year playing on the Rattler golf team, he averages a 73.55 stroke making him one of the top scoring golfers in the university’s history. Vela is ranked No. 3 among all Rattler golfers.

Aida Zorrilla, the owner of Studio A: Pilates and Co-founder of fitness without fat talk, teaches junior Rebecca Prada and other students how to do pilates. Photos by Robin Johnson

Students learn how to improve body image

During Health Awareness Week, Leah Bowen and Aida Zorrilla presented “Fat Talk” to teach students why it is important to appreciate their appearance.

By Robin Johnson Staff Writer To help students establish and maintain a healthy body image, Campus Recreation hosted “Fat Talk,” a workshop focused on the importance of eliminating degrading self-talk.

“Fat Talk” is any negative language about one’s physical appearance and weight. It is also the name of a growing international effort created in hopes of changing the attitudes of negative body image by creating a positive outlook without fat talk.

“Comparing yourself to what many consider to be the ideal image of beauty is not healthy and will ultimately end up harming you more,” said junior marketing major Rebecca Prada. “We should aim to eliminate fat talk all together.”

The “Fat Talk” workshop encouraged self-love and also included a Pilates workout to promote physical fitness. The workout was taught by Aida

Zorrilla, the owner of Studio A: Pilates and the co-founder of “Fitness without Fat Talk.”

The guest speaker and codeveloper of “Fat Talk” was associate professor of psychology at Trinity University Carolyn Black Becker, Ph.D. She spoke to the audience about the “ideal image” that society has created.

Then, she relayed an analogy that pulled the focus of the workshop together.

“In conjuction with Sigma Sigma Sigma for body image awareness week, the wellness committee brought Carolyn Becker and Aida Zorilla to campus to

talk to students.” said Intramural Coordinator Leah Bowen.

Becker said it is human nature to treat something poorly when we hate it, like a class or a job.

But when we love something, we instinctively treat it with care, like a significant other or a car.

This, she explained, is how everyone should treat his or her body. When a person dislikes his or her body, he or she will instinctively treat it poorly by engaging in unhealthy eating habits

and not being physically active.

Whereas if the person learns to love his or her body it is more likely that he or she will treat it with care by practicing better health habits and becoming active.

“I loved that we discussed different ways to talk about bettering our image without h a v i n g to refer t o t h e supermodel standard,” said junior accounting major Erika Rendon.

“Sometimes skinny isn’t always healthy. It’s important to take care of your body the best way you can.”

Freshman Biology major Hazel Hernandez practices pilates during “Fat Talk” which was held on Feb. 22. Photos by Robin Johnson

What are your goals for the season?

“The ultimate goal is to make it to Nationals and to just keep getting better and better with each practice.

Also, to get ready for after college. If I want to go professional, I have to improve.”

What inspires you? What pushes you to be better?

“It has a lot to do with family. I came to college to play golf and I want to make them proud. Having success in the past pushes me to want to do better and I try to set my goals high.”

When did you first become interested in playing golf?

“I started at age 3. My dad introduced the game to me. I grew up playing in Corpus where my mom would take me to [golf ] clinics. Back then, they didn’t have small clubs, so my parents broke one so I could use it.”

What is your most memorable moment playing for the Rattlers?

“Whenever we won conference two years ago and I was runner up. We all came out strong that day. It was a good feeling to finish strong and knowing we were going to regionals.

Freshman year was good, too, because I got conference player of the year and freshman player of the year. I guess no one really expected it from me.”

Compiled by Ivonne Aguilar